A post on WQXR reports that First Lady Michelle Obama will host an event at the White House on Friday to advocate extra-curricular arts programs. The event will feature world class musicians Joshua Bell, Sharon Isbin, Awadagin Pratt, and Alisa Weilerstein, all of whom will teach 120 middle and high school students from around the country. Following their seminars, the musicians will give a recital in the White House’s East Room. The concert will be attended by the students and guests, as well as the First Family.
Source: WQXR.
Archive for the ‘General’ Category
Michelle Obama Advocates for Classical Music
Turns White House Into Concert Hall
Levine’s Return Delayed Further
Maazel to lend a hand
Some unfortunate news for fans of the BSO and Metropolitan Opera: James Levine, who was scheduled to return to the podium last week, is now not expected to return until December.
In case you didn’t know, Levine recently underwent back surgery. An initial prognosis for no more than a handful of missed performances has now been amended into almost half his season. The surgery comes as the latest in a string of health problems for the Maestro, who had rotator cuff surgery in 2006, and had a cancerous cyst removed from a kidney in July of 2008.
Perhaps the most disappointed are fans of the BSO, who are in the midst of a complete cycle of the Beethoven Symphonies, all of which Levine has pulled out of. While some patrons may be content with the recent announcement that Lorin Maazel, former music director for the NY Philharmonic, will conduct at Symphony Hall between October 30 and November 7, it is of no doubt that many are feeling a sense of dismay.
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Alan Fletcher Resigns From Post At Aspen
Never liked cold to begin with
‘Tis the season for change apparently. Alan Fletcher, president and CEO of the acclaimed Aspen Music Festival and School, has announced his intention to resign at the end of the month. After only three summers, the decision has surprised patrons and teachers alike.
Speculation is that heated politics towards the end of the 2009 summer were a catalyst for the move. Similar action was taken by former president and CEO of Aspen, Don Roth, who resigned in 2005 after idiosyncratic attacks on his personal life.
Disparagement of Fletcher began when he announced cutbacks in the budget for 2010. Several faculty members got a pink slip, the concert calendar lost a week, and the maximum student enrollment dropped from 750 to 625.
Fletcher’s resume sports a long list of impressive positions, such as Provost and Senior Vice President at the New England Conservatory, and Head of Music at Carnegie Mellon University. So we doubt he will be disappearing from the classical scene any time soon. We wish you luck Mr. Fletcher.
Aspen Music Festival CEO steps down
Andrew Lloyd Webber Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
But this theater legend has already shown his resilience. In a statement released by publicists on Sunday,
“Andrew is now undergoing treatment and expects to be fully back at work before the end of the year.”
It is a particularly busy time for Webber, who recently announced a sequel to his highly acclaimed musical, Phantom of the Opera, entitled Love Never Dies. The production already has a scheduled premiere in London this coming March, with Broadway scheduled for November.
From all of us at The Sound Post, here’s to a quick recovery for a great icon in musical history.
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Gets New Maestro
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra announced that Jacques Lacombe will succeed Neeme Järvi as music director. The 46 year old French Canadian is joining the organization during a period of frozen wages and a reduced concert schedule with the intent of revitalizing both orchestra and audience.
Lacombe says that in order to invigorate the classical scene a conductor must be inventive with his programming. While his preferences lean towards 19th century repertoire with 20th century classics, Lacombe remains fluid with his vision, saying that he doesn’t “want to be labeled,” and that he is still “discovering things.”
While the Ledger regards Lacombe as “untested,” he has many conducting credits including the Met. Where Jäarvi brought experience and renown, Lacombe will hopefully bring new energy and perspective.
Source: The Star Ledger
Aaron Rosand Says Goodbye to His Guarneri
Here’s Lookin at You Kid
Violinist Aaron Rosand relinquished his violin in a London hotel last week after more than half a century with the instrument. Rosand sold the instrument because he “had” to; he wanted to ensure it will be played as he approaches his golden years—a contingency to which the Russian billionaire who bought the violin agreed.
Rosand says parting with the instrument “felt as if I left part of my body behind.” The Guarneri del Gesu was made in 1741, and previously belonged to violinist Paul Kochanski, earning it the nickname “ex-Kochanski.” Rosand spent his career with that violin, and says he sold it to make sure it continued to see the hands of capable violinists.
Although his performing days are waning, Rosand is staying involved with the arts—particularly his Alma Mater, The Curtis Institute of Music. Mr. Rosand has already donated $1.5 million to the conservatory after the sale, and intends to continue giving. The price tag of his instrument: $10 million.
Source: NY Times.
Newsweek: Classical Music’s Version of Dodgers vs. Yankees: A Youthquake Hits Both Coasts
California Remains Attached
Before the Dodgers relinquished their chance at the Series, Newsweek featured an article capitalizing on the potential bi-coastal competition and profiled the two conductors who recently claimed their coasts: Alan Gilbert and Gustavo Dudamel. Author Seth Colter Walls asserts that the LA and NY Philharmonics are not in competition, but instead share the goal of bringing conductors’ names into American—even international—homes.
Citing that both conductors have already commissioned and premiered works by well known composers, Walls indicates the pair intend to, and are capable of renewing interest in new music and bringing young audiences to concert halls. Click to read the Newsweek article containing the words “buttress” and “contemporaneity.”
Gilbert, NY Philharmonic Visit Vietnam
Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic just took another giant step forward in its establishment as a self-proclaimed goodwill ambassador for the U.S. Presenting two concerts in Hanoi last weekend. The event marked their first visit to communist Vietnam since the war between our countries ended over three decades ago. An estimated one-third of the tickets went to sponsors and government officials, with the remainder sold to the general public. Reportedly, the cheapest tickets were around two million dong, or $115 US.
Even though ticket prices were sky high, the concerts nevertheless did sell out. But this did not wholly exclude the remaining music lovers in the area, as they could watch for free on two large screens with speakers set up outside the Hanoi Opera House. AFP spoke with laborers and cab drivers who gave up a nights work to watch the concert.
The program included Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4, with Emanuel Ax as soloist, as well as Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. A full account from AFP writer Ian Timberlake after the break.
NY Philharmonic Holds Debut Performance In Hanoi