Thursday, August 31, 2017

OperaCréole: Bringing history to life! Fall 2017 Events: Scott Joplin's "Treemonisha" October 21-22 with Cripple Creek Theater & New Resonance Orchestra


Thank you all for your support!

Many Blessings,

          Givonna Joseph,
          Founder and Director, OperaCréole

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Sergio A. Mims: The Guardian: RSPO/Oramo/Chineke!/Edusei review – rounded, exquisite, played to perfection 4 / 5 stars

 
 
 Double-bassist Chi-chi Nwanoku, founder of the black and minority ethnic orchestra Chineke! 
Photograph: Christian Sinibaldi for the Guardian

Sergio A. Mims forwards this article:


Martin Kettle

Thursday 31 August 2017


Royal Albert Hall, LondonA stellar performance by Renée Fleming and the first appearance at the Albert Hall by the BAME Chineke! Orchestra made Proms 61 and 62 a privilege to attend 

Inevitably, the Proms that always command most critical attention and shift most tickets are those that involve premieres, rarities, outsize pieces and, of course, stars. That’s the way of the world. But such special occasions shouldn’t be permitted to eclipse the others. As Esa-Pekka Salonen once wisely said in an interview, it can be just as rewarding simply to give – and to listen to – a really good concert, too.
Salonen’s fellow Finnish conductor Sakari Oramo can always be relied on for really good concerts – it’s partly why he is making four appearances in this year’s Proms, including the last night. And Renée Fleming is of course, by any measure, a star. But the most striking thing about Wednesday’s early evening Prom by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra was not just Fleming’s excellence but the fact that Oramo and the Swedes had arrived with a really imaginative programme and delivered an exceptionally well made concert.

*** 
An hour and a bit later, a very different orchestra and a very different audience assembled for arguably one of the most important concerts that the Proms have ever hosted. Founded by the double-bass player Chi-Chi Nwanoku, Chineke! is an orchestra that aims to create opportunities for mainly black and minority ethnic professional musicians.
There was a palpable sense of occasion as well as excitement. Given the late-night billing and an audience needing to get late buses and tubes home, Chineke! and conductor Kevin John Edusei opted for a programme of miniatures. The most important of these was Hannah Kendall’s BBC-commissioned world premiere The Spark Catchers, rhythmically incisive, the score dancing above a solemn chorale played by the horns. Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, winner of the 2016 BBC Young Musician prize, was supple and fluent on his lovely Amati instrument in Dvorak’s G minor Rondo and David Popper’s Lisztian pastiche Hungarian Rhapsody. Jeanine de Bique threw off two Handel arias and one by the Chevalier de Saint-Georges with winning panache.
Debuting less than two years ago, Chineke! now plays in many countries, but this was the orchestra’s first Prom, with all the exposure that entails. It was disappointing that such an important event for classical music in the UK was relegated to a late-night slot. In future years, they should surely get a mainstream date and the chance to play an extended programme. But at least this concert will be televised on BBC Four on 8 September.

 

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BSCKids: The Muppets Take the Bowl [Thomas Wilkins, Conductor, Hollywood Bowl, September 8, 9 & 10]

Disney/The Muppets

Thomas Wilkins


The Muppets Take the Bowl tickets are now available for Friday September 8th and 8:00 PM, Saturday September 9th at 8:00 PM, and Sunday September 10th at 7:30 PM and they will be the Fireworks Finale to the Weekend Spectaculars. Other highlights of the Weekend Spectaculars will have the Los Angeles Philharmonic performing the complete score of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as well as many other guests (https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/tickets/series-detail/weekend-spectaculars-friday-1-1) performing. The Fireworks Finale: The Muppets Take the Bowl will feature The Muppets (duh), Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Thomas Wilkins, conductor, and Bobby Moynihan as the host of the finale. Moynihan has wrapped his final season on Saturday Night Live and has also been on The Secret Lift of Pets, Inside Out, Monsters University, Duck Tales and many more.

 

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John Malveaux: Annelle Gregory Solo Violin Recital at Edendale Branch Library, Free Admission, Saturday, September 9, 2017, Noon to 1 pm

Annelle K. Gregory

John Malveaux of 
www.MusicUNTOLD.com  
writes:


ANNELLE GREGORY Solo Violin Recital
COMMUNITY CONCERTS
at the Edendale Branch Library (LAPL)
2011 W. Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026
info (213) 207-3000
FREE ADMISSION
Saturday, SEPTEMBER  9, 2017
Time: Noon to 1 pm.

ANNELLE GREGORY -violinAward-winning violinist Annelle Kazumi Gregory is a laureate of international competitions, virtuoso violinist, and recording artist. She is 1st Prize & Audience Choice Award winner of the 2017 National Sphinx Competition. 
http://www.annelleviolin.com/ 
 
Program: 
S. Prokofiev: Sonata for solo violin, Op.115
E. Ysaye: Sonata No. 4 for solo violin, Op.27
J. Rudman: A Dark Gaze Bathed in Light
H. Ernst: The Last Rose of Summer
V. Barkauskas: Partita for solo violin, Op.12
N. Milstein: Paganiniana
E. Ysaye: Sonata No. 3 for solo violin "Ballade", Op.27 

The Edendale Library Friends Society will provide refreshments following the concert.

Comment by email:
Many thanks to both of you!  I greatly appreciate the publicity! ~ Annelle  [Annelle K. Gregory]
 

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Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Opera Noire of New York presents a concert in honor of composer Ricky Ian Gordon September 18, 2017, 7 pm, Manhattan School of Music, Greenfield Hall


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Artslink.co.za: At 60th Birthday Gala, Sibongile Khumalo will sing operatic selections "composed or arranged by Professor Mzilikazi Khumalo"

Sibongile Khumalo

James Stephen Mzilikazi Khumalo (b. 1932)
is featured at AfriClassical.com


Celebrating Sibongile Khumalo’s 60th birthday

Market Theatre Foundation
08/29/2017 15:09:31

What better way can there be to honour Sibongile Khumalo on her 60th birthday than by documenting and celebrating her musical heritage, legacy and contribution with a culturally rich musical chronicle tribute. One that is as diverse as our country’s heritage and Khumalo’s considerable talents.

Sibongile Khumalo is an esteemed member of a musical dynasty that spans generations and is widely regarded as a living legend and national treasure. To honour her standing and celebrate her 60th birthday on 24 September 2017, Magnolia Vision Records in association with the Market Theatre and Kaya FM, will be hosting an unparalleled 3-day concert titled “Sibongile Khumalo - More Than 3 Faces” from 22 – 24 September 2017 at the Market Theatre in Newtown.

The “More Than 3 Faces” Concert Triune draws inspiration from the singular narrative of “the passing on of the proverbial baton”. This narrative is as vital to Sibongile Khumalo’s own growth as it is central to her contribution to the cultural industries as an arts educator and administrator, singer-songwriter, composer, performer and mentor.

Each of the three concerts will tell a different part of Khumalo’s story, tracking the baton through her lineage and legacy and each night the chronicle continues. The “More Than 3 Faces Concert Triune” is an allegory and metaphor of the Circle of Life, Creation and our Inter-connectedness brought to life.

“Through the “More Than 3 Faces” concert triune, we aim to celebrate Sibongile Khumalo’s life and give thanks for the music that has, over the years been an inspiration to audiences the world over.” says Ayanda Khumalo, executive producer.


Sibongile Khumalo - More Than 3 Faces Concert Schedule


Friday, 22 September 2017: Haya Khongisa, Haya

As the first chapter of three, we journey back to where it all began. Sibongile Khumalo will be accompanied by a youthful chamber orchestra and vocal ensemble. In this instalment, we explore the rich musical heritage from our past that deeply impacted the artist Sibongile Khumalo has become as she symbolically passes on the baton to a new crop of young singers.

She will perform selections from the Haya Mtwan’Omkhulu (Sing Princess) song cycle, taken from Princess Magogo’s vast repertoire, which she recorded in 2005; selections from The Princess Magogo ka Dinuzulu Opera; and selections from uShaka ka Senzangakhona - The Epic Poem, all composed or arranged by Professor Mzilikazi Khumalo.

The programme will also include compositions by Motsumi Makhene, Bongani Ndodana, Isak Roux, and Phillip Miller, as well as arrangements of her favorite choral pieces.
 
 

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Tuesday, August 29, 2017

ArkansasOnline: UCA to preview scene in Central High opera [Music by composer Tania León]

Tania  León (b. 1943)
www.TaniaLeon.com

Entire production set for July debut

By Debra Hale-Shelton

CONWAY -- With the help of Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s historical knowledge and Tania Leon's musical talent, the University of Central Arkansas' dream of an opera commemorating the 1957 desegregation of Little Rock Central High School is closer to reality.
Gates, a Harvard University professor and host of the PBS program Finding Your Roots, is serving as a historical consultant on the opera. The Cuban-born Leon, a highly regarded composer and conductor, is the opera's composer. Author and playwright Thulani Davis is the librettist, or writer.
The public will get a preview of one scene from the two-hour opera Sept. 25 at UCA's Reynolds Performance Hall. Gates and Leon also will address the audience and participate in a discussion moderated by UCA journalism professor Donna Lampkin Stephens.
Among the performers will be four UCA graduates singing the arias of four Little Rock Nine students: Nisheedah Golden as Elizabeth Eckford, Ronald W. Jensen-McDaniel as Jefferson Thomas, Candace Harris as Minnijean Brown and Kendra Thomas as Melba Pattillo.
UCA "dared to dream" of commissioning such an opera in 2011, and now that dream is "coming to fruition," Gayle Seymour, associate dean of UCA's College of Fine Arts and Communication, recalled during an on-campus news conference Monday. "We anticipate the opera's July 2018 completion."
Details on a production date and location have not been announced.
 
 

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iNews.co.uk: ‘When we colonise opera, it’s going to be like Tiger Woods and the Williams sisters…’

 
Chineke! orchestra offers a commitment to programming black composers and a playing style reviewers have described as “sublime”. Photo: Zen Grizdale

Read more at: https://inews.co.uk/essentials/colonise-opera-going-like-tiger-woods-williams-sisters/
Chineke!
(Zen Grisdale)
iNews

The pioneering black and ethnic minority orchestra Chineke! will be darlings of the Albert Hall at their first Prom tomorrow night (30 August). Yet, as their charismatic artistic director Chi-chi Nwanoku points out, their mission to increase diversity in orchestral music has a long way to go. Nwanoku can count on one hand the number of Chineke! players with permanent positions in the symphony orchestras they usually play in. In Gender, Subjectivity, and Cultural Work: The Classical Music Profession, published this month, sociologist Dr Christina Scharff highlights that out of 629 players in 17 UK orchestras, only 11 individuals – just 1.7% – are identifiably from a BAME background. This compares to 8% BAME students at five leading conservatoires. A separate study by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors last year calculated that 6% of commissioned UK composers are BAME, less than half the BAME make-up of the population.

Read more at: https://inews.co.uk/essentials/colonise-opera-going-like-tiger-woods-williams-sisters/
The pioneering black and ethnic minority orchestra Chineke! will be darlings of the Albert Hall at their first Prom tomorrow night (30 August). Yet, as their charismatic artistic director Chi-chi Nwanoku points out, their mission to increase diversity in orchestral music has a long way to go. Nwanoku can count on one hand the number of Chineke! players with permanent positions in the symphony orchestras they usually play in.

Read more at: https://inews.co.uk/essentials/colonise-opera-going-like-tiger-woods-williams-sisters/
by Joshua Neicho

29th August 2017

The pioneering black and ethnic minority orchestra Chineke! will be darlings of the Albert Hall tomorrow night (30 August).

***

Nwanoku can count on one hand the number of Chineke! players with permanent positions in the symphony orchestras they usually play in.

Comment by email: 
She is right on the money there! Soon come, soon come...


The pioneering black and ethnic minority orchestra Chineke! will be darlings of the Albert Hall at their first Prom tomorrow night (30 August). Yet, as their charismatic artistic director Chi-chi Nwanoku points out, their mission to increase diversity in orchestral music has a long way to go. Nwanoku can count on one hand the number of Chineke! players with permanent positions in the symphony orchestras they usually play in.

Read more at: https://inews.co.uk/essentials/colonise-opera-going-like-tiger-woods-williams-sisters/
 
The pioneering black and ethnic minority orchestra Chineke! will be darlings of the Albert Hall at their first Prom tomorrow night (30 August). Yet, as their charismatic artistic director Chi-chi Nwanoku points out, their mission to increase diversity in orchestral music has a long way to go. Nwanoku can count on one hand the number of Chineke! players with permanent positions in the symphony orchestras they usually play in. In Gender, Subjectivity, and Cultural Work: The Classical Music Profession, published this month, sociologist Dr Christina Scharff highlights that out of 629 players in 17 UK orchestras, only 11 individuals – just 1.7% – are identifiably from a BAME background. This compares to 8% BAME students at five leading conservatoires. A separate study by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors last year calculated that 6% of commissioned UK composers are BAME, less than half the BAME make-up of the population.

Read more at: https://inews.co.uk/essentials/colonise-opera-going-like-tiger-woods-williams-sisters/
The pioneering black and ethnic minority orchestra Chineke! will be darlings of the Albert Hall at their first Prom tomorrow night (30 August). Yet, as their charismatic artistic director Chi-chi Nwanoku points out, their mission to increase diversity in orchestral music has a long way to go. Nwanoku can count on one hand the number of Chineke! players with permanent positions in the symphony orchestras they usually play in. In Gender, Subjectivity, and Cultural Work: The Classical Music Profession, published this month, sociologist Dr Christina Scharff highlights that out of 629 players in 17 UK orchestras, only 11 individuals – just 1.7% – are identifiably from a BAME background. This compares to 8% BAME students at five leading conservatoires. A separate study by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors last year calculated that 6% of commissioned UK composers are BAME, less than half the BAME make-up of the population.

Read more at: https://inews.co.uk/essentials/colonise-opera-going-like-tiger-woods-williams-sisters/
Chineke! orchestra offers a commitment to programming black composers and a playing style reviewers have described as “sublime”. Photo: Zen Grizdale

Read more at: https://inews.co.uk/essentials/colonise-opera-going-like-tiger-woods-williams-sisters/

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Monday, August 28, 2017

Henley Standard: Syrinx Trio played "...enchanting miniatures for flute, oboe and piano by the African-American composer William Grant Still" Aug. 19

Syrinx Trio | Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Hambleden | Saturday, August 19

William Grant Still (1895-1978) is featured at AfriClassical.com



Amanda Sadler

 28 August 2017

HOW fortunate we are to have such excellent musicians living in this area. 

A good crowd enjoyed an evening with the Syrinx Trio on Saturday as part of the Hambleden Summer Concerts series at the Church of St Mary the Virgin.

Michael Cox and Richard Simpson, respectively the principal flute and oboe of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, were joined by Janet Simpson, pianist and former principal keyboard of the Halle Orchestra.

***
We heard some lesser known works too, including a selection of the enchanting miniatures for flute, oboe and piano by the African-American composer William Grant Still.

The quirky “cowboy tune” and lively Mexican melody Adolondo contrasted with Yaravi, a haunting Incan lament. 

The melody passing back and forth from the oboe to the flute was simple but beautiful. This was all such good playing and really enjoyable.
 

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Sergio Mims: BBC Radio 3: Wednesday BBC Proms late night concert with the Chineke! Orchestra can be heard in the US and around the world live streamed

Chineke! Orchestra

Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Sergio Mims writes:

This Wednesday BBC Proms late night concert with the Chineke! Orchestra can be heard in the US and around the world live streamed on BBC Radio 3. 

The concert in the U.K. starts at 10:15PM London time so check when it will be on where you live (on the US East Coast that will be 5:15PM and in the Midwest 4:15PM)
 
BBC Proms
Royal Albert Hall
The UK’s first majority BME orchestra, Chineke!, makes its Proms debut. 2016 BBC Young Musician winner, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, is the soloist, and the concert also includes works by composers George Walker and Hannah Kendall.

Programme

 

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