Sunday, September 30, 2012

Imani Winds starts season abroad



Imani Winds began the 2012-13 season where it left off last year -- abroad. Early September concerts in Germany and France set the tone for a big year of travel for Imani Winds, with trips to Macau, Singapore and two longer tours in France. This is in addition to the usual very full U.S. tour schedule as well as putting the finishing touches on a new recording. As ever, the group's programming is lively and eclectic. Front and center this season is a particular focus on the notion of East meeting West. Works by Derek Bermel, Mohammed Fairouz, Imani Winds' own Valerie Coleman, Manuel de Falla, along with Klezmer dances and more celebrate this idea of worlds colliding and interacting. 

Tour Schedule

Oct 9 - Macau, China
Oct 12 - Singapore   info
Oct 17 - New York, NY [with Daniel Schnyder]   info
Oct 19 - Wallingford, CT   info
Oct 21 - Syracuse, NY   info
Oct 28 - Cedar Falls, IA   info
Oct 30 - Brookings, SD   info
Nov 4 - Pasadena, CA   info
Nov 7 - New London, CT   info
Nov 8 - Waterford, CT   info
Nov 9 - New London, CT   info
Nov 11 - Philadelphia, PA   info
Nov 14 - Conway, SC   info

Brandon Keith Brown: 'I am thrilled to share that on September 23, 2012, I won 3rd Prize at the 2012 Sir Georg Solti International Conducting Competition'



Brandon Keith Brown 

On July 22, 2012 AfriClassical posted: "Sergio Mims: Brandon Keith Brown competes in Malko Conducting Competition in Denmark." 

Brandon Keith Brown sends this news:

Hello Everyone!

I am thrilled to share that on September 23, 2012, I won 3rd Prize at the 2012 Sir Georg Solti International Conducting Competition in Frankfurt Germany! Chosen as “…the stand-out audience favorite…” over 7 days, I competed against 22 candidates chosen from 405 applicants and 70 countries and received a cash prize of 5000 Euros. The level was exceptionally high and I am honored to be counted among such great colleagues. The performance was critically acclaimed at the Alte Oper with the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra. The finals repertoire included Ravel’s Daphnes and Chloe Suite No. 2 and Wagner’s Reinzi Overture. Please see my website for video of the complete concert (click on the picture of Solti) available for a limited time. 

Recently, I signed with William Reinert and Associates for worldwide management. Bill Reinert brings over 20 years of experience in supporting artist and I am thrilled to be working with him while I am based in Chicago this year.

Thank you all for your interest and support as I travel the never-ending road of music and I look forward to hearing from you!

Most sincerely,

Brandon Keith Brown

"The American Brandon Keith Brown succeeded with the most convincing reproduction of Ravel's work...[Daphnes and Chloe Suite No. 2] His interpretation of... Wagner's opera overture to Rienzi was with him an exciting affair full of spirit and creativity, he avoided any factual-cool approach. Here a young conductor was on the podium, who knew how to create their own musical language and to breathe with the orchestra." www.klassik.com--Midou Grossmann


Roy Eaton half price CD sale


Pianist Roy F. Eaton, http://www.royeaton.net/, writes:

After getting this and similar e mails from many friends:
I missed your last concert, which my friend Susan, who did attend, said was beyond heaven.”
“I know that you understand...and I look froward to the time when once again I can partake and enjoy all that you have to offer.”


I decided to make this offer:

Dear friends,
For those of you who were unable to attend my "I Play for Peace" concert last Sunday, I thought of a special way you can still share the special experience that was created there. As my contribution to the expansion of Peace in our individual and collective worlds I would like to make this special gift offer.

50% off the CD price of "I Play for Peace" when you buy it on CDBaby before October 5. Only $10 each. This is a special limited time offer. One week only. Take advantage of this opportunity to share this experience with family and friends (perhaps early Xmas shopping?). Just log in to www.CDBaby.com/royeaton5 to purchase as many copies as you would like at this special limited time price offer.

Peace begins with you. Peace begins with me. Peace begins with music.
Love,
Roy


Saturday, September 29, 2012

John Malveaux: "Latonia Moore as 'Bess' with Philharmonie, Berlin on Saturday, September 15th, 2012"

[Latonia Moore (Dallas Kilponen)]

John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com writes:
It was a very well cast show.  Latonia Moore was a late replacement for new mother Measha Brueggergosman and she is an excellent singer.  I have heard very good things about Moore and so it proved tonight.  She has a wonderful instrument, even throughout the range and a fabulous technique that allows her to do anything she wants with it.  She is also a beautiful lady.  I see that her website essentially lists her engagements for the next year as Bess and Aida.  It would be a real shame if she were typecast in those roles.  I really hope that Moore gets picked up very soon by the leading houses – she is an outstanding Verdi soprano and I think would also make a magnificent Tosca too. 
 
http://operatraveller.wordpress.com/author/operatraveller/ 

Milwaukee Public Library Observes Hispanic Heritage Month: Tania León

[Tania Justina León (b. 1943)]

Now@MPL

Hispanic Heritage Month: Tania Leon

Tania León (b. May 14, 1943) is a Cuban-born conductor, composer, pianist and teacher. She was the first music director of the Dance Theater of Harlem, staying with the company from 1968-1980 and music director for the Broadway hit The Wiz. A guest conductor for orchestras across the United States and Europe, her work has been performed by China National Symphony, and the North German Radio Symphony Orchestra.  In 1994 León wrote Scourge of the Hyacinths, an opera based off of a play by Nobel Prize winnerWole Soyinka León has taught at Harvard and Yale, and is an advisor to numerous arts organizations.

[The website of the Afro-Cuban composer and conductor Tania León (b. 1943) is http://www.tanialeon.com/; she is also profiled at AfriClassical.com.] 

Friday, September 28, 2012

Victoria & Albert Museum Presents 'Death of a Musical Genius: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Remembered,' Friday 5 October, 18.30 – 20.30


[H Beard Print Collection, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor]

Victoria & Albert Museum
Death of a Musical Genius: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Remembered
Friday 5 October, 18.30 – 20.30

Mark the centenary of the death of musician Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. Born in London to an English mother and a doctor from Sierra Leone he epitomised the ‘pop idol’ of today.

Hear newly commissioned poetry by Malika Booker and Dorothea Smartt and original music composed and performed by ensemble Music Off Canvas. Plus listen to excerpts of Coleridge-Taylor's music and hear acclaimed artists, scholars and historians pay tribute to this great musician.

TALKS:
Writing 'From an English Point of View': Coleridge-Taylor at the Royal College of Music
Dr Katy Hamilton, Junior Research Fellow in Performance History at the Royal College of Music

Shaping the Genius: Influences and Evolution of Coleridge-Taylor's Music
H Beard Print Collection, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Richard Gordon-Smith, Composer, Conductor and Music Educator and Hilary Burrage, Executive Chair of the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Foundation
To Know Thy Self, Looking Beyond - Coleridge-Taylor from a Composer's Perspective
Errollyn Wallen MBE, Composer

LIVE PERFORMANCE: An Original Collective Laudation to the genius that was Samuel Coleridge-Taylor with poets Malika Booker and Dorothea Smartt and ensemble Music Off Canvas Introduced by Nkechi Ebite, The Books Project and Diana Roberts, Woodhouse Professional Development Centre Manager (RCM)

PANEL DISCUSSION:
Insight on Coleridge-Taylor
Featuring the musicians, poets, speakers from the evening, with audience Q&A.
£9, £6 concessions Book online or call 020 7942 2211

Jointly organised with the Royal College of Music, The Books Project and the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Foundation. With special thanks to Black Cultural Archive and Historian Jeffrey Green

[Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List and a Bibliography by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com. We are collaborating with the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Foundation of the U.K., www.SCTF.org.uk]

Comment by email:
Thank you, Bill!  It will I think be a good opportunity for various of us in the UK ‘SCT community’ to meet up.  Hope so, anyway!  [Hilary Burrage]

OperaCréole Cast After Performing Scenes from Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's 'Thelma'

OperaCréole

Centennial of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

Post concert at Trinity Episcopal Church. Scenes from Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's "Thelma". A Nordic tale......Costumes and props designed and created by Givonna Joseph,and Aria Mason.

[Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List and a Bibliography by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com. We are collaborating with the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Foundation of the U.K., www.SCTF.org.uk] 

Comment by email:
Oh WOW! I was just about to send it to you! "Thelma" was so well received! The music just floored everyone! Thank you so much for posting!  Givonna  [Givonna Joseph]     

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Ritz Chamber Players: 'On Stage' Season Preview & Mixer Featuring Pianist Terrence Wilson, 5:30 PM Monday October 1, 2012

ACA: Countertenor Darryl Taylor & Pianist Maria Corley Perform 'Nightsongs' by H. Leslie Adams at Smithsonian in D.C., October 21, 2012

[Love Rejoices: Songs of H. Leslie Adams; Darryl Taylor, tenor; Albany Records Troy 428]

H. Leslie Adams, African American composer, pianist and professor (b. 1932) is featured at AfriClassical.com:

American Composers AllianceSunday, October 21, 2012 - 2:00pm
The countertenor and recording artist Darryl Taylor will perform ACA's bestselling "Nightsongs" a cycle of art song settings composed by H. Leslie Adams, to poetry of African-American poets, with Maria Corley, pianist, Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in Baird Auditorium at the Smithsonian Institution; 10th Street & Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC. Concert is presented by the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Naxos CD of Baritone Leon Williams Not Listed Among New Releases at Frederick Delius Website


[Leon Williams and Naxos 8.572764]

The following is the text of an email to The Delius Society in the United Kingdom:

On September 25, 2012 AfriClassical posted: “Baritone Leon Williams on Naxos CD of Music of Delius, With The Florida Orchestra, Released September 25, 2012.”



We note that the website of The Delius Society and The Delius Trust at http://www.delius.org.uk/ features an extensive list of recordings issued during the 150th Anniversary Year of Frederick Delius (1862-1934). Henry Adams of the Florida Orchestra writes in a press release of September 25, 2012:

The Florida Orchestra (TFO) releases a recording of music by Frederick Delius, their first on the Naxos label (Catalog No. 8572764). The music includes English composer Frederick Delius’ Sea Drift and Appalachia: Variations on an Old Slave Song both of which feature baritone Leon Williams and The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay conducted by Stefan Sanderling.”

The New Releases page of the Delius website, http://www.delius.org.uk/newreleases.htm lists a great number of recordings devoted entirely or in part to compositions of Frederick Delius. Several CDs on the list have been issued on Naxos, the leading classical music label which also released The Florida Orchestra's disc.

We respectfully suggest that the Naxos CD which features baritone Leon Williams, Naxos 8.572764 (2012), be added to the New Releases page promptly.

Sincerely,
William J. Zick

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Neapolitan Connection Concert Series Starts 2012-2013 Season With Violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins in 'Brahms, Schumann & Song' October 6, 2012


Ronée Boyce, Artistic Director of the Toronto concert series Neapolitan Connection, sends this announcement:

The Neapolitan Connection Concert Series kicks off 2012-2013 classical concert season with Brahms & Schumann Masterworks / Violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins, New York Chamber Orchestra Concertmaster makes Toronto Debut with Neapolitan Connection

Toronto, Canada. - On Saturday, October 6th, The Neapolitan Connection Concert Series will launch their brand new 2012-2013 classical concert season with Brahms, Schumann & Song, a landmark concert production dedicated entirely to music of the Romantic Music giants Johannes Brahms and Robert Schumann.

Among other classical artists, this special concert production features New York Chamber Orchestra concertmaster, Violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins. Kelly Hall-Tompkins is one of New York City’s most in-demand violinists who has given performances around the world, and makes her Canadian debut with Neapolitan Connection. Regarding coming to Toronto and the Brahms/Schumann concert, Kelly Hall-Tompkins had this to say:

"I always enjoy performing with great new artists, so I'm very much looking forward to performing on The Neapolitan Connection Concert Series. Plus I'm excited to perform not only in Canada, but for the first time as a guest artist in the vibrant, diverse, culturally rich city of Toronto. Brahms is my favorite composer for chamber music, so playing this program will be pure joy."

Also featured in this special concert production are the Mercer-Park duo - pianist Angela Park and cellist Rachel Mercer. These acclaimed chamber musicians will collaborate with Kelly Hall-Tompkins for the Brahms Piano Trio in B major in this dynamic performance.

On the vocal spectrum, New York-based Soprano Katherine Whyte, returns to the Toronto stage for this performance, after playing the role of “Isis” in Canadian Opera Company’s May 2012 production of Semele. To round out the entire event, 13-year old precocious Toronto pianist Anastasia Rizikov also makes a special appearance. Rizikov was featured on Classical 96.3FM radio earlier in June 2012 in a live solo performance, where she captured the hearts of many listeners.

The chosen concert repertoire pays certain tribute to Brahms and Schumann with performances of Brahms’ exciting Violin Sonata no. 3 in D minor, the whimsical Capriccio in B minor for piano and also a lesser-performed gem, the 2 Gesange Op. 91. On the Schumann spectrum, Katherine Whyte will present nothing less to the audience than a complete performance of the Liederkreis songs Op. 39.

Leading up to the performance, selections from Kelly Hall-Tompkins' new CD release, "In My Own Voice", can be heard live on Toronto's Classical 96.3FM radio station.. On Thursday Oct 4 at 1:20pm, Kelly and these other marvelous performing artists will also be heard and interviewed live on the air at Classical 96.3FM radio station. This radio appearance can be watched live online at www.classical963fm.com/

You can read more about the rest of The Neapolitan Connection Concert Series 2012-2013 concert season at their website, www.neapolitanconnection.com.
Facebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Neapolitan-Connection-Concert-Series/111079852303623

Tickets to Brahms Schumann & Song are available online at neapolitanconnection.com, at the door or by calling the box office at
(647) 955-2108.

Brahms and Schumann have met their musical match, and unite in this concert!
WHEN: Saturday, October 6th, 7:00 pm
WHERE: CBC Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front Street W., Toronto Canada
TICKETS: $25 General Admission Group rates available
BOX OFFICE: 647 955 2108 BUY TICKETS ONLINE: www.neapolitanconnection.com


William Levi Dawson, Composer of 'Negro Folk Symphony' Born September 26, 1899



[ABOVE: The Spirituals of William L. Dawson; The St. Olaf Choir; Anton Armstrong, conductor; Marvis Martin, soprano; St. Olaf Records 2159 (1997) BELOW: William Levi Dawson: Negro Folk Symphony; American Symphony Orchestra; Leopold Stokowski. Conductor (Cover of original LP: American Decca DL 10077)]

Since the last anniversary of the birth of the African American composer and choral director William Levi Dawson on September 26, a YouTube posting has made his only symphony available in its entirety online.  The Negro Folk Symphony (35:44) was posted on YouTube May 23, 2012:


William Levi Dawson: Negro Folk Symphony (1934)

Published on May 23, 2012 by robt0007

Composer: William Levi Dawson (September 26, 1899 -- May 2, 1990) was an African-American composer, choir director and professor.
Composition: Negro Folk Symphony (1934)
I. The Bond of Africa 
II. Hope in the Night 
III. O Let Me Shine! 
Orchestra: The American Symphony Orchestra, Leopold Stokowski conductor
Cover Art: 
1a. Bond of Arfica: African Elephant
1b. African Sunset by Abglanz
2 Hope in the Night: African Night Jungle Landscape by Abhidhanbad
3 O Let Me Shine!...African Sunset”


William Levi Dawson (1899-1990) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com The Dawson page discusses the recording by Leopold Stokowski:

Leopold Stokowski conducted the first performance of Dawson's Negro Folk Symphony in 1934. He also recorded the work for Decca Records in 1963. The LP recording has since been  reissued on CD by Deutsche Grammophon as DG 477 6502 (2007). Alan Newcombe says in the liner notes that the work was important to the evolution of the American symphony:  

“His Negro Folk Symphony was first performed by Leopold Stokowski with the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1934. After making a study of indigenous African music, in 1952 Dawson revised his work to give it a more 'African' rhythmic underpinning. While recalling the idiom of Dvorak's 'New World' Symphony and the cyclic principles of the César Franck school, not to mention Bruckner's Fourth at the opening of the last movement, the work's individuality of texture and rhythmic energy make it a significant, albeit largely unacknowledged, contribution to the development of the American symphony.”

George Shirley Voice Scholarship & George Shirley African American Art Song and Operatic Aria Competition


[George I. Shirley]

Professor Emeritus George I. Shirley performed at the 150th Anniversary Emancipation Proclamation Concert co-produced by John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com and held in Long Beach, California on September 22, 2012.  Prof. Shirley made a comment which has been posted on AfriClassical.  He also brought to our attention some links involving other events:

Please consider supporting aspiring young singers with tax-deductible donations to the following:


The George Shirley African American Art Song and Operatic Aria Competition at www.videmus.org/index.php?fwa=georgeShirley


George I. Shirley
The J. Edgar Maddy Distinguished
University Emeritus Professor of Music (Voice)
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance

Famed Tenor George I. Shirley: 'Detroit's historic Art Center Music School is in process of being reborn.'


George I. Shirley

University of Michigan Professor Emeritus George I. Shirley, a legendary operatic tenor, sends us a link to a YouTube video made in support of the revival of the Art Center Music School in Detroit.  He writes:

Detroit's historic Art Center Music School is in process of being reborn. Check out the following webpage: www.friendsofartcentermusicschool.net 

George I. Shirley
The J. Edgar Maddy Distinguished
University Emeritus Professor of Music (Voice)
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Darryl E. Harris, Sr., DMA, Assistant Professor of Music and Head Director of Bands at Mississippi Valley State University, Itta Bena, Mississippi

Darryl E. Harris, Sr., D.M.A.

Darryl E. Harris, Sr. was last featured by AfriClassical on November 19, 2009:


Dr. Darryl E. Harris, Sr. writes on September 25, 2012:
 
Forgive me, Forgive Me, Forgive Me!!!  I totally forgot to inform all of my friends about this great news.

Dr. Darryl E. Harris, Sr., DMA, is now Assistant Professor of Music and Head Director of Bands at: Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS
 
I am so honored and BLESSED!!!
 
Musically yours,
Darryl

Baritone Leon Williams on Naxos CD of Music of Delius, With The Florida Orchestra, Released September 25, 2012



Henry Adams of The Florida Orchestra writes: 

(St. Petersburg, FL) – September, 25, 2012  Today, The Florida Orchestra (TFO) releases a recording of music by Frederick Delius, their first on the Naxos label (Catalog No. 8572764). The music includes English composer Frederick Delius’ Sea Drift and Appalachia: Variations on an Old Slave Song both of which feature baritone Leon Williams and The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay conducted by Stefan Sanderling. Both works were recorded live and in concert during last season’s Tampa Bay Times Masterworks program “Celebrate Delius” at the two performances at the Progress Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater on January 6 and 7, 2012. In his review in today's Tampa Bay Times, Performing Arts Critic John Fleming calls the recording "exquisite" and gives it an overall A grade, nodding to Sanderling's well-paced performances and Leon Williams's "lyrical smoothness and rich sonority." 

TFO Board Chair Thomas Farquhar said, “Securing a recording contract with such a well-respected and established company as Naxos is an honor for all of us, and making this recording is another important artistic initiative for our wonderful orchestra.” Farquhar continued, “Although Frederick Delius was English, the recording of his music has added significance for The Florida Orchestra.   Delius lived in Florida, along the St. John’s River some 35 miles south of Jacksonville in an area called Solano Grove. It was there that he first heard American plantation songs, which both inspired him as a composer and left such a unique musical signature on many of his works.” Orchestra President and CEO Michael Pastreich went on to say, “We hope this recording will help to raise the awareness and enjoyment of Delius’ music, in particularly his major works, which are so rich in musical and emotional nuances.”

 
Appalachia is Delius's 40-minute “variations on an old slave song with final chorus.”  "When Dvořák returned to Prague in 1895," writes Joseph Horowitz, author of Classical Music in America: A History, "he dropped his American style, but for Delius, the American influence was formative and permanent.  His frequent elegiac tone, his way of oscillating between sorrow and exaltation may be traced back to plantation song, as can be his frequent recourse to the vernacular.  Appalachia is Delius’s New World Symphony, composed less than a decade after Dvořák’s.  The title appropriates a Native American word for the whole of North America."   
 
"In later life," Horowitz continues, "Delius absorbed a further American influence in the nature mysticism of Walt Whitman –and in 1904 (just after Appalachia) composed Sea Drift, for baritone, chorus, and orchestra. Delius wrote: 'The shape of it was taken out of my hands ... and was bred easily of my particular musical ideas, and the nature and sequence of the particular poetical ideas of Whitman that appealed to me.' The outcome is considered by many as Delius’s masterpiece. Whitman’s poem, from Leaves of Grass, begins with the poet observing mated birds – and the sudden disappearance of the female, no longer daily tending her nest. The he-bird’s bewildered loss transmutes into human loss. The poet imagines the voice of his beloved – 'This gentle call is for you' – only to be disabused by the commenting chorus. The permanence of loss erases cherished memories: 'O darkness! O in vain!' Whitman’s imagery is of love, death, and the sea – and a tidal ebb and flow informs Delius’s setting. Though solo woodwinds evoke birdsong, and a solo harp the glitter of stars, the nature music of Sea Drift is wondrously interior. Its high arc peaks with the ecstasy of apotheosis, then descends to plumb the heartbreak of personal pain.  Identifying with the grieving bird, the human sings: 'Yes, my brother, I know,' a passage ushering distant memories of childhood – and also a distinct memory of a plantation song, wafted from a Florida orange grove long, long ago." 
 
Frederick Delius, Composer (1862-1934)
Two major European composers were so smitten by American plantation song that their own music was instantly stamped by “Negro melodies.” One – as many Americans know – was Antonín Dvořák, who during his American sojourn of 1892-95 predicted that the songs and dances of African-Americans would spawn “a great and noble school” of American music. The other – a story much less well-known – was Frederick Delius.  Born in England in 1862 to German parents, Delius was sent by his father to Florida to manage an orange grove at the age of 22. He showed no skill in that department. But he did encounter in Thomas Ward, an organist from Brooklyn, a formidable musical mentor. And the songs of the plantation workers that he heard were an epiphany in which he discovered “a truly wonderful sense of musicianship and harmonic resource.” Hearing this singing “in such romantic surroundings,” he later told his disciple Eric Fenby, “I first felt the urge to express myself in music.” A few years later, after Delius had resettled in Danville, Virginia, as a fledgling musician, his father finally agreed to allow him to study composition formally – in Leipzig.  Eventually, Delius went on to compose four works which explicitly evoke the sounds of the American South: the Florida Suite (1887, revised 1889), the operas The Magic Fountain (1895) and Koanga (1897), and the present Appalachia (1896-1903).  Coming last, Appalachia is music on the cusp of Delius’s mature chromatic idiom, which translates the harmonic world of late Wagner into a voice unlike any other, a voice whose central application would be the expression of loss of self in rapturous, solitary communion with Nature.  [Courtesy of Joseph Horowitz, author of Classical Music in America: A History.]
 
Leon Williams, Baritone
Hailed by The Houston Chronicle as a “splendid soloist” and The Honolulu Star-Bulletin “as powerful as the entire chorus,” American baritone Leon Williams enjoys a fine reputation on several continents for his distinctive voice, charismatic personality and superb musicianship.  His repertoire covers art song, opera, Broadway and spirituals.  A sampling of his performances includes Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Orff’s Carmina Burana , Britten’s War Requiem, Vaughan-Williams’ A Sea Symphony, Walton's Belshazzar's Feast, Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Puccini's La Boheme , and Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess.  He has performed Fauré’s Requiem with Raymond Leppard and the Kansas City Symphony, Weill’s Lindberghflug with Dennis Russell Davies and the American Composers Orchestra, Mahler’s Rückertlieder with Christoph Eschenbach at Japan’s Sapporo Festival, Mozart’s Requiem with Joseph Flummerfelt at the Westminster Festival and Beethoven’s Mass in C at France’s Colmar Festival, among many other engagements.  The winner of top prizes at the Naumburg, Joy-in-Singing and Lola Wilson Hayes competitions, Williams’ most recent performances with The Florida Orchestra include Mendelssohn’s Elijah on the 2009/2010 season and Haydn’s The Creation on the 2010/2011 season.   He was also the baritone soloist with The Florida Orchestra and The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay in performances of Delius’ Sea Drift and Appalachia on the 2011/12 season, which the Naxos label is releasing on CD and other digital media in September of 2012.


Monday, September 24, 2012

John Malveaux: 'Photos taken during 150th Anniversary Emancipation Proclamation Concert' at MusicUNTOLD.com


John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com writes:

Please see www.MusicUNTOLD.com and find photos taken during 150th Anniversary Emancipation Proclamation Concert. When a rotating picture on homepage is incomplete (full body and head not shown), click on the incomplete picture and you will be redirected to corrected view.

Comment by email:
This was wonderful!! Thanks soooooo much for sharing the photos!!!! I wish I could have been there!!!! George you look especially wonderful to me.  
François Clemmons

John Malveaux: '150th Anniversary Emancipation Proclamation Concert revised program'


John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com writes:

John Malveaux did not deliver the pre-concert lecture as previously blogged to Africlassical. However, copies of the lecture were printed and available to all attendees. Danyel Johnson, MusicUNTOLD production manager, provided brief comments to set up playing the entire five movements of Roy Harris "Bicentennial Symphony" over the Theater's audio system. Due to length of progam, all artist walked on stage together for several collective bows to close the program in lieu of performing the Copland finale "Simple Gifts".

John Malveaux: '150th Anniversary EPC artist collective bow at program end'




John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com writes:

Program host Gail Eichenthal announced each artist name before the group walked on stage for recognition and end 150th Anniversary Emancipation Proclamation Concert.

Comment by email:
Great head shots!

It was a pleasure to be included in this inspiring performance, and I thank you, John, for making it all happen.

Best,
George

George I. Shirley
The J. Edgar Maddy Distinguished
University Emeritus Professor of Music (Voice)
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance

John Malveaux: 'Eric De Weese, Gail Eichenthal and I shared a dinner evening with traveling artists'


John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com, Co-Producer of the 150th Anniversary Emancipation Proclamation Concert, writes:

Donnie Ray Albert, George Shirley, Latonia Moore, Sanford Allen, Jammieca Mott and Nokuthual Ngwenyama arrived  at LAX on Thursday Sept 20th and were transported to Millennium Biltmore Hotel. Richard Thompson and Annelle Gregory drove to Los Angeles and joined them at the Hotel until all departed on September 23rd. 

Eric De Weese (General Manager KUSC), Gail Eichenthal (Executive Producer KUSC-Los Angeles and KDFC-San Francisco, and I shared a dinner evening with traveling artists. Friday rehearsals and performances required shuttling between AT&T Center Theater and Hotel. 

A sound shell (reflected) was erected on the AT&T Center Theater to benefit audio recording for future broadcast before Saturday's soundcheck. Rehearsals and performances also included Los Angeles area pianist Althea Waites and Polli Chambers-Salazar. The spirit of artist cooperation was contagious. 

Gail Eichenthal and I joined Donnie Ray Albert, Sanford Allen, Annelle Gregory, Latonia Moore, Jammieca Mott, Nokuthula Ngweyama, George Shirley, Richard Thompson and guest of artist for post concert drinks and appetizers at the hotel. I overhead Sanford Allen's guest Bob Watt speaking about challenges of finding a publisher or self publishing. Bob Watt was LA Phil's first black musician. Donnie Ray Albert left to begin rehearsals with Edmonton Opera and Latonia Moore left to begin rehearsals with Dallas Opera.

IV Leo Brouwer Festival of Chamber Music Brings 150 Musicians from 8 Countries to Havana October 3-13, 2012


Isabelle Hernàndes writes:

Dear friends:

The Office of Leo Brouwer invites you to the IV Leo Brouwer Festival of Chamber Music, to be held October 3-13, 2012.

Concerts, conferences, forums, exhibitions, presentation of records, books and sheet music.

Musicians from eight countries: France, Bosnia, Spain, Italy, Holland, Mexico, Venezuela and Cuba.

Over one hundred and fifty participants.

IV Leo Brouwer Festival of Chamber Music

The fourth edition of the Leo Brouwer Festival of Chamber Music will take place in Havana between October 3rd and 13th 2012. 

Named after the renowned Cuban musician, conductor and composer Leo Brouwer, this year’s elaborate event features a diverse program of eight concerts, which will take place in eight venues across Havana. The theoretical part of the festival consists of a series of lectures, meetings and conferences. 

Audiences will be treated to a variety of musical styles originating from all over the world. Each concert, featuring performances by musicians from Cuba and abroad, is structured around a theme with more or less revealing titles such as North America and its Music, Perpetual Tango, From Valencia to Havana and Sketches of Life - to name a few. 

For a detailed overview of the concerts, programs and a complete listing of participating artists, venues and more we suggest you visit http://www.festivaleobrouwer.cult.cu (Spanish language site). 

[Leo Brouwer (b. 1939) is an Afro-Cuban classical guitarist, composer and conductor who is featured at AfriClassical.com]