Hampson Sisler's CD 'Phoenix Forever' by Praga Sinfonietta, Conducted by Marlon Daniel, on MSR Classics

[TOP: Hampson Sisler: Phoenix Forever; Lori-Kaye Miller, mezzo-soprano; Darnell Ishmel, baritone; Melissa Cintron, soprano; Praga Sinfonietta; Marlon Daniel, conductor; MSR Classics MS1389 (2011) (45:00) BOTTOM: Marlon Daniel, left; Hampson Sisler, right]

On August 13, 2011 AfriClassical posted: “Hampson Sisler: 'Phoenix Forever,' 'In the Wake of the Storm,' 'Music in the Soul' & 'Prayer of St. Francis,' MSR Classics.” Conductor Marlon Daniel announced the release of Hampson Sisler: Phoenix Forever, MSR Classics MS1389 (2011) (45:00). The CD is available from the record label and online music retailers. Maestro Daniel conducts the Praga Sinfonietta in four works of the contemporary composer Hampson Sisler:

Works

Phoenix Forever (19:51)

In the Wake of the Storm (10:24)

Music in the Soul (10:26)

Prayer of St. Francis (4:08)

Hampson Sisler

“Born in New York in 1932, Sisler's exceptional talent was evident when, at age five, he was already playing piano and reed organ by ear without any training, and composing.” “Later he received a more advanced musical education and by age eleven, he, having chosen the organ as his main instrument, was playing professionally in churches.” The composer has four other recordings on the MSR Classics label.

Performers

“Critically acclaimed mezzo-soprano Lori-Kaye Miller has performed with numerous opera companies.” “Baritone Darnell Ishmel made his professional debut with Cincinnati Opera in 2007 and since then has become highly in demand.” Together they perform MUSIC IN THE SOUL – Duo Cantata (10:26).

“Lyric coloratura soprano Melissa Cintron has performed throughout the United States, gaining praise for her virtuosity, sensitivity and engaging stage presence.” She performs PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS (4:08).

“One of the leading orchestras in the Czech Republic, the Praga Sinfonietta was founded in 1990 by its Music Director Miriam Nemcová. Its members include many of the leading musicians from the Czech Republic's foremost symphonic orchestras...”

“One of the most dynamic conductors of his generation, Marlon Daniel has been described as 'a natural and enormous talent' by the Chicago Sun-Times and 'fabulous and exceptional' by Pravda-Moscow.”

Disclosure: A review copy of this CD was provided by the composer.

Maestro Marlon Daniel Releases Trailers for June 6 Concert of Praga Sinfonietta

[Marlon Daniel, Conductor and Pianist]

On April 29, 2009 AfriClassical posted: “African American Conductor Marlon Daniel Leads Praga Sinfonietta June 6, 2009”. Maestro Daniel has since provided three YouTube trailers for the concert, including the world premiere of Hampson Sisler's composition, Phoenix Forever:

“Here are the trailers for the concert in Prague. This should be also be on my website as an embedded movie file” (The website is http://www.MarlonDaniel.com)

Mahler:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsoVq7XW-5w

Brahms:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk1wYpB7V1Q

Sisler:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mx4M_LSBDc

MarlonDaniel.com:

"This past February 2009 Maestro Daniel was appointed Principal Conductor of the International Festival of African and African American Music in Saint Louis Missouri. He is also the Music Director and Conductor of Ensemble du Monde and Manhattan Virtuosi chamber orchestras in New York and a former member of the New York Philharmonic Conductor's Round Table. Upcoming concerts include performances with the Ensemble Orchestra of Prague, Opera Ebony, Sofia Philharmonic, National Symphony of Ghana and solo appearances in London, Italy, Paris, and New York. His first CD with the Praga Sinfonietta of works of Sisler and Stravinsky will be released in October 2009 and his second CD of Mahler Symphony No. 4 in early 2010."

African American Conductor Marlon Daniel Leads Praga Sinfonietta June 6, 2009

“AFRICAN AMERICAN MAESTRO STEPS UP TO RUDOLFINUM PODIUM TO CONDUCT CONCERT ON THE FRINGE OF THE PRAGUE SPRING FESTIVAL
June 6, 2009 7:30PM Artist World Concert Promotion will present Czech trained African American conductor Marlon Daniel, winner of the 2009 Foncannon Conducting Award, in a concert at Prague's historic Rudolfinum. One of the brightest new stars of classical music today he will lead the Praga Sinfonietta in a concert of music by Mahler, Brahms and a world premiere work by Hampson Sisler. He has been described as '…one of the leading conductors in this new age of African American classical musicians'. He is Principal Conductor of the Festival of African and African Music in Saint Louis, MO (FESAAM.ORG) and Music Director of the New York City based chamber orchestra ‘Ensemble du Monde’. In 2007 he worked with Maestro Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic as the winner of the James and Lola Faust Fellowship and in 2008 was the recipient the 'Voice of the Artist' Award from the United Nations.”

“This concert will be one of the highlights of Prague Classical Music Season. It will begin with a performance of Phoenix Forever, a new world premiere work by composer Hampson Sisler and Johannes Brahms’ popular Double Concerto with Bulgarian virtuosi Hristo Popov (violinist) and Kalin Ivanov (cellist). The concert will conclude with Gustav Mahler’s beloved Symphony No. 4 in G Major. The soprano soloist in the final movement of the symphony will be lyric coloratura soprano, Melissa Cintron. There will also be a special guest appearance by composer Hampson Sisler.” “Rudolfínum, Dvořák Hall, Saturday June 6, 2009 7:30pm”  http://www.artistworld.org