Congratulations to the winners (showing categories you could hear on KPAC & KTXI)!
Best Musical Show Album
Award to the Album Producer(s), and to the Lyricist(s) & Composer(s) of 51% or more of a new score. (Artist, Lyricist & Composer names appear in parentheses.)
WINNER
West Side Story
David Caddick & David Lai, producers (Leonard Bernstein, composer; Stephen Sondheim, lyricist) (New Broadway Cast with Matt Cavenaugh, Josefina Scaglione & Others)
[Masterworks Broadway]
Best Score Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television Or Other Visual Media
Award to Composer(s) for an original score created specifically for, or as a companion to, a current legitimate motion picture, television show or series or other visual media.
WINNER
Up
Michael Giacchino, composer
[Walt Disney Records]
Best Instrumental Composition
A Composer's Award for an original composition (not an adaptation) first released during the Eligibility Year. Singles or Tracks only.
WINNER
Married Life (From Up)
Michael Giacchino, composer (Michael Giacchino)
Track from: Up - Soundtrack
[Walt Disney Records]
Best Instrumental Arrangement
An Arranger's Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.
WINNER
West Side Story Medley
Bill Cunliffe, arranger (Resonance Big Band)
Track from: Resonance Big Band Plays Tribute To Oscar Peterson
[Resonance Records]
Best Surround Sound Album
For vocal or instrumental albums. Albums only.
WINNER
Transmigration
Michael Bishop, surround mix engineer; Michael Bishop, surround mastering engineer; Elaine Martone, surround producer (Robert Spano, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra & Choruses)
[Telarc]
Best Engineered Album, Classical
An Engineer's Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.)
WINNER
Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio From Symphony No. 10
Peter Laenger, engineer (Michael Tilson Thomas & San Francisco Symphony)
[SFS Media]
Producer Of The Year, Classical
A Producer's Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.)
WINNER
Steven Epstein
Adams: Doctor Atomic Symphony (David Robertson & Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra)
Bernstein: Mass (Marin Alsop, Jubilant Sykes, Asher Edward Wulfman, Morgan State University Choir, Peabody Children's Chorus & Baltimore Symphony Orchestra)
Corigliano: A Dylan Thomas Trilogy (Leonard Slatkin, George Mabry, Sir Thomas Allen, Nashville Symphony Chorus & Nashville Symphony Orchestra)
Fauré: Piano Quintets (Fine Arts Quartet & Cristina Oritz)
Yo-Yo Ma & Friends: Songs Of Joy And Peace (Yo-Yo Ma & Various Artists)
Best Classical Album
Award to the Artist(s) and to the Album Producer(s) if other than the Artist.
WINNER
Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio From Symphony No. 10
Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor; Ragnar Bohlin, Kevin Fox & Susan McMane, choir directors; Andreas Neubronner, producer;
Peter Laenger, engineer/mixer; Andreas Neubronner, mastering engineer (Laura Claycomb, Anthony Dean Griffey, Katarina Karnéus, Quinn Kelsey, James Morris, Yvonne Naef, Elza van den Heever & Erin Wall; San Francisco Symphony; Pacific Boychoir, San Francisco Girls Chorus & San Francisco Symphony Chorus)
[SFS Media]
Best Orchestral Performance
Award to the Conductor and to the Orchestra.
WINNER
Ravel: Daphnis Et Chloé
James Levine, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra; Tanglewood Festival Chorus)
[BSO Classics]
Best Opera Recording
Award to the Conductor, Album Producer(s) and Principal Soloists.
WINNER
Britten: Billy Budd
Daniel Harding, conductor; Ian Bostridge, Neal Davies, Nathan Gunn, Jonathan Lemalu, Matthew Rose & Gidon Saks; John Fraser, producer (London Symphony Orchestra; Gentlemen Of The London Symphony Chorus)
[Virgin Classics]
Best Choral Performance
Award to the Choral Conductor, and to the Orchestra Conductor if an Orchestra is on the recording, and to the Choral Director or Chorus Master if applicable.
WINNER
Mahler: Symphony No. 8; Adagio From Symphony No. 10
Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor; Ragnar Bohlin, Kevin Fox & Susan McMane, choir directors
(Laura Claycomb, Anthony Dean Griffey, Elza van den Heever, Katarina Karnéus, Quinn Kelsey, James Morris, Yvonne Naef & Erin Wall; San Francisco Symphony; Pacific Boychoir, San Francisco Symphony Chorus & San Francisco Girls Chorus)
[SFS Media]
Best Instrumental Soloist(s) Performance (With Orchestra)
Award to the Instrumental Soloist(s) and to the Conductor.
WINNER
Prokofiev: Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 3
Vladimir Ashkenazy, conductor; Evgeny Kissin (Philharmonia Orchestra)
[EMI Classics]
Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (Without Orchestra)
Award to the Instrumental Soloist.
WINNER
Journey To The New World
Sharon Isbin (Joan Baez & Mark O'Connor)
[Sony Classical]
Best Chamber Music Performance
Award to the Artists.
WINNER
Intimate Letters
Emerson String Quartet
[Deutsche Grammophon]
Best Small Ensemble Performance
Award to the Ensemble (and to the Conductor.)
WINNER
Lang, David: The Little Match Girl Passion
Paul Hillier, conductor; Ars Nova Copenhagen & Theatre Of Voices
[Harmonia Mundi]
Best Classical Vocal Performance
Award to the Vocal Soloist(s).
WINNER
Verismo Arias
Renée Fleming (Marco Armiliato; Jonas Kaufmann; Orchestra Sinfonica Di Milano Giuseppi Verdi; Coro Sinfonica Di Milano Giuseppi Verdi)
[Decca]
Best Classical Contemporary Composition
A Composer's Award. (For a contemporary classical composition composed within the last 25 years, and released for the first time during the Eligibility Year.) Award to the librettist, if applicable.
WINNER
Higdon, Jennifer: Percussion Concerto
Jennifer Higdon (Marin Alsop)
Track from: Alsop Conducts MacMillan, Ad
[London Philharmonic Orchestra]
Best Classical Crossover Album
Award to the Artist(s) and/or to the Conductor.
WINNER
Yo-Yo Ma & Friends: Songs Of Joy And Peace
Yo-Yo Ma
(Odair Assad, Sergio Assad, Chris Botti, Dave Brubeck, Matt Brubeck, John Clayton, Paquito d'Rivera, Renée Fleming, Diana Krall, Alison Krauss, Natalie McMaster, Edgar Meyer, Cristina Pato, Joshua Redman, Jake Shimabukuro, Silk Road Ensemble, James Taylor, Chris Thile, Wu Tong, Alon Yavnai & Amelia Zirin-Brown)
[Sony Classical]
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
BPO Winds in Kerrville
The Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet gave their second performance at the Cailloux Theater last night for the Kerrville Performing Arts Society (KPAS). Their program of Mozart, Reicha, Milhaud and Nielsen was captivating! Horn player Fergus McWilliam said the Berlin Philarmonic has only played two repeat concerts while on tour - in Carnegie Hall in NYC and the Cailloux Theater in Kerrville! He was glib and charming, giving information about the composers, quintet and their recordings! All in all a delightful evening in the Hill Country.
Treasures Galore from the SAIPC
The Piano is into the 5th week of highlights from the recent San Antonio International Piano Competition. On the program two twentieth century Russian Piano Sonatas, another Ballade of Chopin, a scary song of Schubert transcribed by Liszt and Karl Czerny's variations on La Ricordenza.
The Piano, Sunday afternoons at 5 on KPAC and KTXI.
host, Randy Anderson
The Piano, Sunday afternoons at 5 on KPAC and KTXI.
host, Randy Anderson
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Goings on
Tonight in San Antonio there is a chance to hear some amazing Baroque music at St Luke's Episcopal Church, and I will be in Kerrville as emcee, hearing the 2nd performance of the Berlin Philharmonic Wind Quintet for KPAS. Tomorrow the SA Symphony is led by the brilliant Scott Yoo in music by Irving Fine, Dvorak and Grieg. Saturday the Synergy Brass are at Round Top, and there are two great concerts Sunday with YOSA and HOTCB!
Learn about all of these concerts on Classical Spotlight, this afternoon (and each Thursday throughout the concert season) at 2pm on KPAC & KTXI.
-afternoon host John Clare
Learn about all of these concerts on Classical Spotlight, this afternoon (and each Thursday throughout the concert season) at 2pm on KPAC & KTXI.
-afternoon host John Clare
Friday, January 22, 2010
Remember to play your best!
On the Piano this Sunday, more from the semi-finals of the San Antonio International Piano Competition. Contestants perform two big and difficult sonatas of Rachmaninoff and Samuel Barber; there are some evocative Preludes of Claude Debussy and to round out the hour the last Ballade of Frederic Chopin.
The Piano, this Sunday afternoon at 5 on KPAC and KTXI.
host, Randy Anderson
The Piano, this Sunday afternoon at 5 on KPAC and KTXI.
host, Randy Anderson
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Award winnin' composer
The ASCAP Foundation has announced that Martin Kennedy has been named the recipient of The ASCAP Foundation Rudolf Nissim Prize. The Prize was awarded for Trivial Pursuits, an 8-minute work for violin and orchestra. The work was selected from over 220 submissions. Kennedy receives a $5,000 cash prize.
Dr. Rudolf Nissim, former head of ASCAP's International Department and a devoted friend of contemporary composers, established this annual prize through a bequest to The ASCAP Foundation. The Prize is presented annually to an ASCAP concert composer for a work requiring a conductor that has not been performed professionally. A jury of conductors selects the winning score.
Born in England and raised in the United States, composer/pianist Martin Kennedy is an Assistant Professor of composition and Theory at Washington University in Saint Louis.
His compositions have been featured by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the American Composers Orchestra, the Bloomington (IN) Camerata, the Haddonfield (NJ) Symphony, the Polish National Chamber Orchestra of Slupsk, the Shenandoah (VA) Symphony, and the Tuscaloosa Symphony among others. An active pianist, he regularly performs with members of the Saint Louis Symphony. He has also toured with violinist Lara St. John and with flutist Thomas Robertello, with whom he recorded Souvenir: Works by Fauré and Kennedy. Kennedy received his doctorate in composition from The Juilliard School, and his Master's and Bachelor's degrees from Indiana University. His music is published by the Theodore Presser Company.
www.martinkennedy.com
The Nissim Jury also recognized the following composers for Special Distinction: Clint Needham (Bloomington, IN) for the Body Electric, a 9-minute work for orchestra; and Matthew Peterson (Grand Forks, ND) for Reflections on the Death of the Beloved, a 15–minute work for Symphonic Band.
The judges for this year’s Nissim Prize were: Delta David Gier, Music Director of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra; Ryan McAdams, Music Director of the New York Youth Symphony; and Diane Wittry, Music Director of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra (PA) and the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra (CT).
Dr. Rudolf Nissim, former head of ASCAP's International Department and a devoted friend of contemporary composers, established this annual prize through a bequest to The ASCAP Foundation. The Prize is presented annually to an ASCAP concert composer for a work requiring a conductor that has not been performed professionally. A jury of conductors selects the winning score.
Born in England and raised in the United States, composer/pianist Martin Kennedy is an Assistant Professor of composition and Theory at Washington University in Saint Louis.
His compositions have been featured by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the American Composers Orchestra, the Bloomington (IN) Camerata, the Haddonfield (NJ) Symphony, the Polish National Chamber Orchestra of Slupsk, the Shenandoah (VA) Symphony, and the Tuscaloosa Symphony among others. An active pianist, he regularly performs with members of the Saint Louis Symphony. He has also toured with violinist Lara St. John and with flutist Thomas Robertello, with whom he recorded Souvenir: Works by Fauré and Kennedy. Kennedy received his doctorate in composition from The Juilliard School, and his Master's and Bachelor's degrees from Indiana University. His music is published by the Theodore Presser Company.
www.martinkennedy.com
The Nissim Jury also recognized the following composers for Special Distinction: Clint Needham (Bloomington, IN) for the Body Electric, a 9-minute work for orchestra; and Matthew Peterson (Grand Forks, ND) for Reflections on the Death of the Beloved, a 15–minute work for Symphonic Band.
The judges for this year’s Nissim Prize were: Delta David Gier, Music Director of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra; Ryan McAdams, Music Director of the New York Youth Symphony; and Diane Wittry, Music Director of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra (PA) and the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra (CT).
NY Phil on the road again
After a string of highly-acclaimed performances in their home hall, the New York Philharmonic and its Music Director, Alan Gilbert, head out this week for their first European tour. EUROPE/WINTER 2010 comprises 13 performances in nine European cities: Barcelona, Zaragoza, and Madrid, all in Spain; Zurich, Switzerland; Frankfurt, Cologne, and Dortmund (the Orchestra’s debut there) in Germany; Paris, France; and London, England. Joining Gilbert and the orchestra on tour are soloists whose recent performances with them in New York were lavishly praised: pianist Yefim Bronfman, who will reprise Prokofiev’s devilishly difficult Piano Concerto No. 2, and baritone Thomas Hampson, the Philharmonic’s Mary and James G. Wallach Artist-in-Residence, who will once again sing John Adams’s heart-wrenching Whitman setting, The Wound-Dresser.
Also on the tour programs are the European premieres of Magnus Lindberg’s EXPO, commissioned by the New York Philharmonic for the opening this season of Gilbert’s tenure as Music Director, and Sibelius’s sweeping Symphony No. 2, a work Gilbert and the Philharmonic have never yet performed together. This tour marks the Philharmonic’s first return to Spain since 2001. The Orchestra last performed in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1985, in Cologne in 2007, and in Frankfurt, Paris, and London in 2008. This will be the Philharmonic’s debut in Dortmund. Soon after, they return to New York where they will perform the world premiere of Christopher Rouse’s Odna Zhizn, a New York Philharmonic commission, on a program at Avery Fisher Hall also featuring two works by Mozart: his Sinfonia Concertante for Winds (with four soloists from the Orchestra: Liang Wang, Principal Oboe; Mark Nuccio, Acting Principal Clarinet; Judith LeClair, Principal Bassoon; and Philip Myers, Principal Horn) and “Jupiter” Symphony (Feb 10-12 & 16).
On Saturday, February 13, Gilbert and the orchestra return to New York’s Carnegie Hall for a single concert showcasing the U.S. premiere of Magnus Lindberg’s landmark Clarinet Concerto with soloist Kari Kriikku, for whom the work was written, alongside Wagner’s Rienzi Overture and Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2. Lindberg is the Philharmonic’s Marie-Josée Kravis Composer-in-Residence.
A conversation with Alan Gilbert follows:
Q: What were some of the ideas behind the various programs you’ll be performing in Europe and was it hard coming up with repertoire choices?
AG: There are certain pieces that seem to appear again and again on orchestral tours, but some of the pieces we’re playing are fresh. The Berg Three [Orchestral] Pieces, for example, aren’t [usually] done on tour, especially in this context: as a completion of the Schubert “Unfinished” Symphony, which highlights a line that existed between Schubert and Berg. I think it’s very exciting.
Q: And was it absolutely essential to include a major work by an American composer?
AG: I don’t think about programming that way, but the fact that this extraordinary John Adams work fits into this program that starts with Haydn’s Symphony 49 and progresses to the devastation of the Berg was fortuitous and gratifying.
Q: You just performed Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 together on a program in New York and one critic wondered whether this made sense as a tour program. What do you respond to that?
AG: I always thought that these pieces worked well for a tour. We knew we’d have [Yefim] “Fima” Bronfman, the greatest exponent of this piece alive today, and the Philharmonic can make a sound for these pieces that is utterly idiomatic, and profoundly expressive. What better way to show what we are doing together than with this music?
Q: Have you performed in all of these tour cities before?
AG: No. I’ve never been to Barcelona, which I’m particularly excited about, having heard about its being such a great city.
Q: Does one get a special feeling performing in a city like London, which has long been home to so many legendary orchestras?
AG: I’ve always loved playing in London. They have an incredibly active and vibrant music scene there, and the opportunity to present my new partnership with this orchestra is a thrilling one. We’re looking forward to building a relationship with the London music-loving public over the years.
Q: Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2, which you’ll play with the orchestra at Carnegie Hall in February, is on the program for Europe, but you’ve not done that piece before in New York. What was the thinking there?
AG: I’ve done this symphony a lot in Scandinavia and I’ve always enjoyed hearing the New York Philharmonic play this very popular piece. We’ve already started rehearsing it for tour and I feel that there’s a special chemistry that comes from the Philharmonic’s unique understanding of the work and my Northern experience with it.
Q: Having lived in Stockholm for nine years, does going to Europe feel like going home in some way?
AG: Absolutely. For a significant portion of my life I spent well over half my time in Europe and there’s a comfort and a sense of familiarity that kicks in already as soon as I arrive at the various airports. I’m very excited about this tour.
Also on the tour programs are the European premieres of Magnus Lindberg’s EXPO, commissioned by the New York Philharmonic for the opening this season of Gilbert’s tenure as Music Director, and Sibelius’s sweeping Symphony No. 2, a work Gilbert and the Philharmonic have never yet performed together. This tour marks the Philharmonic’s first return to Spain since 2001. The Orchestra last performed in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1985, in Cologne in 2007, and in Frankfurt, Paris, and London in 2008. This will be the Philharmonic’s debut in Dortmund. Soon after, they return to New York where they will perform the world premiere of Christopher Rouse’s Odna Zhizn, a New York Philharmonic commission, on a program at Avery Fisher Hall also featuring two works by Mozart: his Sinfonia Concertante for Winds (with four soloists from the Orchestra: Liang Wang, Principal Oboe; Mark Nuccio, Acting Principal Clarinet; Judith LeClair, Principal Bassoon; and Philip Myers, Principal Horn) and “Jupiter” Symphony (Feb 10-12 & 16).
On Saturday, February 13, Gilbert and the orchestra return to New York’s Carnegie Hall for a single concert showcasing the U.S. premiere of Magnus Lindberg’s landmark Clarinet Concerto with soloist Kari Kriikku, for whom the work was written, alongside Wagner’s Rienzi Overture and Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2. Lindberg is the Philharmonic’s Marie-Josée Kravis Composer-in-Residence.
A conversation with Alan Gilbert follows:Q: What were some of the ideas behind the various programs you’ll be performing in Europe and was it hard coming up with repertoire choices?
AG: There are certain pieces that seem to appear again and again on orchestral tours, but some of the pieces we’re playing are fresh. The Berg Three [Orchestral] Pieces, for example, aren’t [usually] done on tour, especially in this context: as a completion of the Schubert “Unfinished” Symphony, which highlights a line that existed between Schubert and Berg. I think it’s very exciting.
Q: And was it absolutely essential to include a major work by an American composer?
AG: I don’t think about programming that way, but the fact that this extraordinary John Adams work fits into this program that starts with Haydn’s Symphony 49 and progresses to the devastation of the Berg was fortuitous and gratifying.
Q: You just performed Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 2 together on a program in New York and one critic wondered whether this made sense as a tour program. What do you respond to that?
AG: I always thought that these pieces worked well for a tour. We knew we’d have [Yefim] “Fima” Bronfman, the greatest exponent of this piece alive today, and the Philharmonic can make a sound for these pieces that is utterly idiomatic, and profoundly expressive. What better way to show what we are doing together than with this music?
Q: Have you performed in all of these tour cities before?
AG: No. I’ve never been to Barcelona, which I’m particularly excited about, having heard about its being such a great city.
Q: Does one get a special feeling performing in a city like London, which has long been home to so many legendary orchestras?
AG: I’ve always loved playing in London. They have an incredibly active and vibrant music scene there, and the opportunity to present my new partnership with this orchestra is a thrilling one. We’re looking forward to building a relationship with the London music-loving public over the years.
Q: Sibelius’s Symphony No. 2, which you’ll play with the orchestra at Carnegie Hall in February, is on the program for Europe, but you’ve not done that piece before in New York. What was the thinking there?
AG: I’ve done this symphony a lot in Scandinavia and I’ve always enjoyed hearing the New York Philharmonic play this very popular piece. We’ve already started rehearsing it for tour and I feel that there’s a special chemistry that comes from the Philharmonic’s unique understanding of the work and my Northern experience with it.
Q: Having lived in Stockholm for nine years, does going to Europe feel like going home in some way?
AG: Absolutely. For a significant portion of my life I spent well over half my time in Europe and there’s a comfort and a sense of familiarity that kicks in already as soon as I arrive at the various airports. I’m very excited about this tour.
Austin based baroque in the 210
The Texas Early Music Project is presenting concerts around Texas - and they perform here in San Antonio Thursday January 28th. Don't miss some of the greats of early music including members of the Rare Fruits Council, Musica Antiqua Koln, and the Loeki Stardust Quartet!Learn more here. It's a concert at St. Luke's Espicopal Church next Thursday at 7:30 with a variety of vocal & instrumental Baroque Music from 17th century Austria & Italy. Tune in for a preview tonight on Musica Antiqua with Gerald Self, and tomorrow afternoon @ 2 on Classical Spotlight.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Texas Violinist returns to roots!
Great news for Houston!
The Houston Symphony released the long-awaited announcement of their new concertmaster in conjunction with the 2010-2011 season of concerts. Frank Huang, award-winning violinist originally from the Houston area, will join the orchestra in the new season. Huang leaves a prestigious post at the Eastman School of Music as an instructor as well as first violinist of the famed Ying Quartet to return to Houston. He grew up in Sugar Land and still has family throughout the city. He debuts with the Symphony on Opening Night Saturday, September 11, 2010, performing Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante with Wayne Brooks, principal violist.
“Growing up in Houston, I loved going to symphony performances, and I feel so honored to be able to come back now and actually be a part of them!” said Mr. Huang. “It is so exciting to return to my hometown, and I am really looking forward to getting to know all the wonderful musicians and staff at the symphony.”
“We are very glad to welcome Frank into our ensemble,” said Hans Graf, music director. “Frank is a very gifted musician and shows a natural talent for leadership. His impeccable technique and beauty of sound will be a joy for the orchestra and for our audiences.”
“This has been a long and focused search,” said Steve Brosvik, general manager. “Frank’s musicianship and leadership stood apart from the rest. We are very excited that he is ‘coming home’ to Houston.”
In addition to engaging a new concertmaster, the Symphony simultaneously announced its 2010-2011 season which features innovation through community partnerships, the Sound + Vision series which enhances the classical concert experience and a subscriber-friendly approach to Pops programming.
In November 2010, the Houston Symphony will perform Lawrence Siegel’s Kaddish “I Am Here” in partnership with Holocaust Museum Houston. The oratorio combines the orchestra, chorus and vocal soloists with lyrics derived from interviews with 15 Holocaust survivors – 4 of whom live in Houston. Originally composed for a chamber orchestra, Kaddish has been rescored by Siegel for full orchestra. The Houston Symphony gives the premiere of this version on November 23, 2010.
“The Kaddish project is an opportunity for the Houston Symphony to fulfill one of its major goals which is to collaborate with other organizations in the city. This partnership with Holocaust Museum Houston brings music to the stories of survivors. The project will help underscore the museum’s mission through a musical medium,” said David Rockoff, senior director of Development.
Classical programming will feature an innovative format for one of its concerts. Symphony No. 10, Gustav Mahler’s final symphony left unfinished at his death, was completed by British composer Deryck Cooke, and will be performed in May 2011. The evening concert will begin with a discussion, musical examples and images projected on screen and end 90 minutes later – sans intermission. Hans Graf will explore this work with special guest, Fred Child, host of American Public Media’s Performance Today.
Classical guest artists include returning friends of the Houston Symphony Joshua Bell, Gil Shaham and Yefim Bronfman, while debuting a new generation of musical talent in pianists Gabriela Montero and Markus Groh and conductors Juanjo Mena and Juraj Valčuha.
About the Houston Symphony
The Houston Symphony has played a central role in Houston’s cultural and civic life since 1913. Each year, the Houston Symphony performs more than 170 concerts for approximately 350,000 people, featuring an innovative and broad spectrum of classical, popular, education and community-based symphonic programming. For tickets and more information regarding the 2009-10 season, please visit www.houstonsymphony.org or call 713-224-7575.
The Houston Symphony released the long-awaited announcement of their new concertmaster in conjunction with the 2010-2011 season of concerts. Frank Huang, award-winning violinist originally from the Houston area, will join the orchestra in the new season. Huang leaves a prestigious post at the Eastman School of Music as an instructor as well as first violinist of the famed Ying Quartet to return to Houston. He grew up in Sugar Land and still has family throughout the city. He debuts with the Symphony on Opening Night Saturday, September 11, 2010, performing Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante with Wayne Brooks, principal violist.
“Growing up in Houston, I loved going to symphony performances, and I feel so honored to be able to come back now and actually be a part of them!” said Mr. Huang. “It is so exciting to return to my hometown, and I am really looking forward to getting to know all the wonderful musicians and staff at the symphony.”
“We are very glad to welcome Frank into our ensemble,” said Hans Graf, music director. “Frank is a very gifted musician and shows a natural talent for leadership. His impeccable technique and beauty of sound will be a joy for the orchestra and for our audiences.”
“This has been a long and focused search,” said Steve Brosvik, general manager. “Frank’s musicianship and leadership stood apart from the rest. We are very excited that he is ‘coming home’ to Houston.”
In addition to engaging a new concertmaster, the Symphony simultaneously announced its 2010-2011 season which features innovation through community partnerships, the Sound + Vision series which enhances the classical concert experience and a subscriber-friendly approach to Pops programming.
In November 2010, the Houston Symphony will perform Lawrence Siegel’s Kaddish “I Am Here” in partnership with Holocaust Museum Houston. The oratorio combines the orchestra, chorus and vocal soloists with lyrics derived from interviews with 15 Holocaust survivors – 4 of whom live in Houston. Originally composed for a chamber orchestra, Kaddish has been rescored by Siegel for full orchestra. The Houston Symphony gives the premiere of this version on November 23, 2010.
“The Kaddish project is an opportunity for the Houston Symphony to fulfill one of its major goals which is to collaborate with other organizations in the city. This partnership with Holocaust Museum Houston brings music to the stories of survivors. The project will help underscore the museum’s mission through a musical medium,” said David Rockoff, senior director of Development.
Classical programming will feature an innovative format for one of its concerts. Symphony No. 10, Gustav Mahler’s final symphony left unfinished at his death, was completed by British composer Deryck Cooke, and will be performed in May 2011. The evening concert will begin with a discussion, musical examples and images projected on screen and end 90 minutes later – sans intermission. Hans Graf will explore this work with special guest, Fred Child, host of American Public Media’s Performance Today.
Classical guest artists include returning friends of the Houston Symphony Joshua Bell, Gil Shaham and Yefim Bronfman, while debuting a new generation of musical talent in pianists Gabriela Montero and Markus Groh and conductors Juanjo Mena and Juraj Valčuha.
About the Houston Symphony
The Houston Symphony has played a central role in Houston’s cultural and civic life since 1913. Each year, the Houston Symphony performs more than 170 concerts for approximately 350,000 people, featuring an innovative and broad spectrum of classical, popular, education and community-based symphonic programming. For tickets and more information regarding the 2009-10 season, please visit www.houstonsymphony.org or call 713-224-7575.
Let the music play on!
The Cleveland Orchestra was having labor problems, and will continue their season! From the NY Times: The strike at the Cleveland Orchestra appears to be over. The players and management said Tuesday morning that a tentative agreement had been reached after a marathon bargaining session that began at noon on Monday and ended shortly before 6:30 a.m. Tuesday. The agreement requires ratification by the musicians and the orchestra’s board, and that is expected today, giving the orchestra enough time to move forward with a scheduled trip to Miami for a series of concerts and educational events. It is due to leave on Thursday. No details were released, but the issues centered on pay: the players offered a freeze on salary this year and management asked for a 5 percent cut, restoration next year and 2.5 percent raise the following year.
It was the first strike at the orchestra in 30 years, however brief. The orchestra was forced to cancel some events in a two-day visit to Indiana University scheduled to start Tuesday, and it was unclear how much of its slate of teaching, coaching and performing would take place there. Indiana University said that at least two events would take place: Franz Welser-Most, the orchestra’s music director, would go to Bloomington to conduct the Indiana University Philharmonic and Gary Ginstling, the general manager, would lead an arts administration seminar.
It was the first strike at the orchestra in 30 years, however brief. The orchestra was forced to cancel some events in a two-day visit to Indiana University scheduled to start Tuesday, and it was unclear how much of its slate of teaching, coaching and performing would take place there. Indiana University said that at least two events would take place: Franz Welser-Most, the orchestra’s music director, would go to Bloomington to conduct the Indiana University Philharmonic and Gary Ginstling, the general manager, would lead an arts administration seminar.
Friday, January 15, 2010
San Antonio International Piano Competition
Imagine sitting down to play the piano and there is a hall full of people and on top of that five internationally known pianists are there to judge your performance. All the years of study and practice were done to get you to this moment. So what do you do? If you were the nine semi-finalist of the 2009 San Antonio International Piano Competition, you play your heart out. And KPAC was there to record every minute of it.
This Sunday more semi-final action featuring fantasies by Schumann and Brahms, a Mozart sonata and one of the Goyescas of Enrique Granados.
The Piano this Sunday afternoon at 5 on KPAC and KTXI.
host, Randy Anderson
This Sunday more semi-final action featuring fantasies by Schumann and Brahms, a Mozart sonata and one of the Goyescas of Enrique Granados.
The Piano this Sunday afternoon at 5 on KPAC and KTXI.
host, Randy Anderson
Monday, January 11, 2010
Feeling adventurous?
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will recognize nine chamber music and jazz ensembles, festivals and presenters for their adventurous programming at the annual Chamber Music America (CMA) National Conference on January 17, 2010.
The ASCAP Adventurous Programming Awards have been presented for the past 23 years to provide special recognition and encouragement to ensembles, festivals and presenter members of Chamber Music America that have prominently featured works written within the past twenty-five years during their past season. The winners are chosen by a panel selected by CMA and receive cash awards and plaques.
Frances Richard, ASCAP Vice President and Director of Concert Music, will present the awards on January 17, 2010 at the Westin New York at Times Square (207 W. 43rd Street, New York City). After the presentation, Terrance McKnight of WQXR, will moderate a session in which the award recipients will be invited to discuss their experiences performing and presenting new music.
Commenting on the awards, Richard said: “Through the presentation of these awards, and on behalf of our ASCAP composer and publisher members, we recognize those members of Chamber Music America whose strong commitment to the music of our time was demonstrated throughout the past season. Their excellent performances re-energize their audiences, and ensure the continuity and vitality of our great music tradition."
The 2010 recipients are listed below by category:
Small Presenter/Festival - Mixed Genre
ARTSwego (Oswego, NY)
Small Presenter/Festival - Contemporary
Carlsbad Music Festival (Carlsbad, CA)
Small Presenter/Festival - Jazz
Painted Bride Art Center (Philadelphia, PA)
Large Presenter/Festival - Mixed Genre
Bowdoin International Music Festival (Brunswick, ME)
Large Presenter/Festival - Jazz
Earshot Jazz Society of Seattle (Seattle, WA)
Ensemble - Mixed Repertory
Alturas Duo (West Hartford, CT)
Ensemble - Contemporary
International Contemporary Ensemble (Brooklyn, NY)
So Percussion (Brooklyn, NY)
Ensemble - Jazz
Chris Byars Ensemble (Bronx, NY)
The ASCAP Adventurous Programming Awards have been presented for the past 23 years to provide special recognition and encouragement to ensembles, festivals and presenter members of Chamber Music America that have prominently featured works written within the past twenty-five years during their past season. The winners are chosen by a panel selected by CMA and receive cash awards and plaques.
Frances Richard, ASCAP Vice President and Director of Concert Music, will present the awards on January 17, 2010 at the Westin New York at Times Square (207 W. 43rd Street, New York City). After the presentation, Terrance McKnight of WQXR, will moderate a session in which the award recipients will be invited to discuss their experiences performing and presenting new music.
Commenting on the awards, Richard said: “Through the presentation of these awards, and on behalf of our ASCAP composer and publisher members, we recognize those members of Chamber Music America whose strong commitment to the music of our time was demonstrated throughout the past season. Their excellent performances re-energize their audiences, and ensure the continuity and vitality of our great music tradition."
The 2010 recipients are listed below by category:
Small Presenter/Festival - Mixed Genre
ARTSwego (Oswego, NY)
Small Presenter/Festival - Contemporary
Carlsbad Music Festival (Carlsbad, CA)
Small Presenter/Festival - Jazz
Painted Bride Art Center (Philadelphia, PA)
Large Presenter/Festival - Mixed Genre
Bowdoin International Music Festival (Brunswick, ME)
Large Presenter/Festival - Jazz
Earshot Jazz Society of Seattle (Seattle, WA)
Ensemble - Mixed Repertory
Alturas Duo (West Hartford, CT)
Ensemble - Contemporary
International Contemporary Ensemble (Brooklyn, NY)
So Percussion (Brooklyn, NY)
Ensemble - Jazz
Chris Byars Ensemble (Bronx, NY)
Friday, January 8, 2010
Man your Pianos!
The semi-final action from the San Antonio International Piano Competition continues this Sunday on KPAC.
On the program, Busoni's transcription of J.S. Bach's Chaconne from the Violin Partita No. 2, Mozart's Piano Sonata in D from 1777 and Chopin's first Ballade and his B-flat minor Piano Sonata "Funeral March" this Sunday afternoon at 5 on KPAC and KTXI.
host, Randy Anderson
On the program, Busoni's transcription of J.S. Bach's Chaconne from the Violin Partita No. 2, Mozart's Piano Sonata in D from 1777 and Chopin's first Ballade and his B-flat minor Piano Sonata "Funeral March" this Sunday afternoon at 5 on KPAC and KTXI.
host, Randy Anderson
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Classical Spotlight: Camerata & more!
Today we'll talk with Ken Freudigman about Camerata San Antonio's American Rhythms, the River City Chamber Players (seen below in rehearsal playing Sibelius), and Angela Malek from Musical Bridges Around the World who sings with the Mercury Baroque Orchestra Sunday afternoon. Also not to be missed, the Tuesday Music Club has pianist Claire Huangci playing a stellar program of Beethoven, Bach and Chopin - you can hear Chopin's 2nd Sonata on today's show with the chilling Funeral March.
Classical Spotlight: River City Chamber Players from John Clare on Vimeo.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
MK on TKS
You might remember Michael Kaiser visiting San Antonio recently. If not, here is the link about his visit. Kaiser's most recent post is about the arts and ticket prices. I thought you might enjoy reading it. Here is the article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-kaiser/why-ticket-prices-must-ch_b_410191.html
Monday, January 4, 2010
Concert Saturday afternoon
Listen for the feature on Classical Spotlight and a video here on the KPAC Blog Thursday afternoon!The River City Chamber Players:
Colin Sorgi and Craig Sorgi, violins
Lauren Magnus and Jaclyn Dorr, violas
Joshua Boulton, cello
in collaboration with the San Antonio Food Bank
Presenting an afternoon of chamber music which will feature the works of Zoltan Kodaly, Bernd Alois Zimmermann, Jean Sibelius, Handel-Halvorsen, and Johannes Brahms.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
3:00 PM
Ruth Taylor Recital Hall : Trinity University
Free and open to the public
Due to the ongoing economic situation and the recent holidays, the Food Bank's reserves have been depleted. Please help us restock their shelves by bringing a contribution of non-perishable canned or dry food items to donate to the Food Bank.
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