The African American conductor Raymond Harvey is Music Director and Conductor of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. He will conduct two concerts during The Gilmore Keyboard Festival, which calls itself: “The largest gathering of keyboard artists in North America...”. It will take place in West Michigan April 24-May 13, 2008. Maestro Harvey's website relates: “With an immediately noticeable style that has been described as 'elegant, but suffused with energy,' Raymond Harvey has garnered critical acclaim on symphonic podiums throughout the United States.
Now in his ninth season as Music Director of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Harvey was previously Music Director of the Springfield Symphony in Massachusetts and the Fresno Philharmonic in California. He has appeared as guest conductor with many of the country's leading orchestras, including those of Philadelphia, Atlanta, St. Louis, Utah, Indianapolis, Rochester, Buffalo, Detroit, Louisville, New Orleans and Minnesota, as well as the New York Philharmonic's Young People's Concerts and the Boston Pops.
Equally at home in the world of opera, Mr. Harvey serves as Artistic Director of the El Paso Opera in Texas. Recognized as an outstanding pianist, choral conductor and teacher, Raymond Harvey holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Oberlin Conservatory of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Yale School of Music.”
Gilmore Festival Chamber Orchestra (Grand Rapids) Saturday May 3, 8:00 pm, Royce Auditorium, St. Cecilia Music Center - Grand Rapids
Poulenc: Aubade, Concerto chorégraphique
Messiaen: Coleurs de la cité céleste (Colors of the Celestial City)
Janácek: Capriccio
Copland: Appalachian Spring (original instrumentation)
Members of the Grand Rapids Symphony, David Lockington, conductor, and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Raymond Harvey, conductor, unite to form this fantastic chamber orchestra. Pianists performing are Lori Sims, Gilbert Kalish and Jeremy Denk. The Poulenc work is for solo piano and 18 instruments. The Janácek work is for piano left hand and winds.
Gala - Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra with Ingrid Fliter Saturday May 10, 8:00 pm, Chenery Auditorium
Liadov: Eight Russian Folk Songs, Op. 58
Mozart: Piano Concerto in A, No. 23, K. 488
Chopin: Piano Concerto in F Minor, No. 2, Op. 21
Gilmore Keyboard Festival
Maestro Raymond Harvey
Kalamazoo Symphony
African American Conductor
El Paso Opera Conductor
Piano Competition
What a privilege it is to hear Dr. Raymond Harvey play. I find myself mesmerized by the sensitive interpretations that infuse his rich technique. He is a brilliant pianist and a wonderfully gifted artist. When listening to Dr. Harvey, there is a sense of being lifted out of oneself and into a realm of purity. It is a glorious experience!
ReplyDeleteMarsha Hansen
Marsha Hansen