Guilt Trip ! ....

So.... now I'm on a new 'kick' =

 Movies,... Movies,... Movies !

Can never get too much of a good thing on these cold winter days.

*

Today's outting...

 

** GUILT TRIP **

*

*

Andy Brewster (Seth Rogen) is about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime, and who better to accompany him than his overbearing mother Joyce (Barbara Streisand). After deciding to start his adventure with a quick visit at mom's, Andy is guilted into bringing her along for the ride. 

 

Across 3,000 miles of ever-changing landscape, he is constantly aggravated by her antics, but over time he comes to realize that their lives have more in common than he originally thought.

 

 His mother's advice might end up being exactly what he needs.

************************

A fun morning at the   Hanover. 

There is a message, some laughs, touching moments, and........ Barbra !

*

(text and photos courtesy of Patriot Cinemas)

Off to the MOVIES !

...... OK, so I haven't been to the movie theatre in a long (a very long) time. I'm glad I chose this movie to re acquaint myself with Dolby sound, and stale popcorn.

***************************************

LINCOLN

 

"In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, Lincoln pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and end slavery. With the moral courage and fierce determination to succeed, his choice durning this critical moment will change the fate of generations to come."

 Touchstone Pictures

*************

 

Steven Spielberg's  Lincoln isn't a biographical chronicle of Abraham Lincoln's life in office but rather a political drama about the passing of the 13th Amendment and the end of the Civil War.

 

It's 1865. President Abraham Lincoln has just been reelected, and it's clear that the Confederacy isn't likely to survive another spring in the ongoing Civil War. But before Lincoln can embrace the likelihood of the South's surrender, he wants -- seemingly more than anything -- to pass the 13th Amendment and definitively outlaw slavery in the entire Union. With the help of Secretary of State William Seward, Lincoln hires three political negotiators to convince at least 20 of the House of Representatives' Democrats (who staunchly oppose the amendment) to vote for the bill (usually in exchange for patronage positions). Meanwhile, in his personal life, Lincoln faces more issues of compromise and sacrifice with his emotional wife, Mary, and his desperate-to-enlist son, Robert
****

Based on Doris Kearns Goodwin's award-winning book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, LINCOLN is more about the political intrigue of Lincoln's final months than a "biopic" about his personal life. Day-Lewis' performance is a brilliant character study of a legendary man, his President Lincoln is an introspective man who tells stories that sound like parables and who exudes a powerful dignity, even in silence. As Mary Todd Lincoln, Field makes a passionate case for the First Lady's instability, stemming from the overwhelming grief of losing son Willie.
But one of the most startling performances in the film, which is so eloquently scripted by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner, is courtesy of  Tommy Lee Jones as Stevens. The uncompromising abolitionist congressman wants complete racial equality -- not just the legal extinction of slavery -- but even he knows that change sometimes comes in baby steps, not revolution. There's no better film to watch to pay witness to how even our country's greatest historical leaders still had to make quid pro quo overtures across party lines to move forward.

Common Sense Media says

"Outstanding drama about revered leader's political genius."

 

*******************

For more information about LINCOLN

visit:

 http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/lincoln

(text and photos courtesy of Patriot Cinemas)

 

Hallelujah !

 

The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus

is one of New England’s largest and most successful

community-based choruses.

Now in its 31st season,

the 175-voice ensemble is celebrated for its outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and groundbreaking community outreach.

*********************

2012

Holiday Concert

Hallelujah !

*********************

Along with Family, Friends and Neighbors
I enjoyed the
Boston Gay Men’s Chorus’s
joyful celebration of diverse holiday traditions.

**********

A cheerful audience enjoyed music honoring

Chanukah, the Native American solstice and

traditional Christmas carols

along with some favorite
 
pop tunes of the season.
 
This was a don’t miss

Boston’s other holiday tradition!

*****************************************
Under the dynamic leadership of
Music Director Reuben M. Reynolds III,
the BGMC sings a wide spectrum of classical and popular music with excellence and builds bridges to all people by providing a positive,
affirming image of the gay and lesbian community.

***

The BGMC sings a diverse repertoire encompassing virtually all periods and styles of music, from classical masterpieces to popular entertainment.

The Chorus also has a distinguished history of creating new music for itself, commissioning more than a dozen works from nationally prominent composers including Daniel Pinkham, David Conte, Conrad Susa, and Libby Larsen.

In addition,

the BGMC has given numerous local premieres.



NEC Symphony + Loebel

Once again I ventured into Boston on a cool November evening to enjoy a concert at
Jordah Hall

~*~*~*~*~* 
The Program:

~*~*~*~*~*~*

 Bela Bartok (1881-1945)

Dance Suite

*

Aaron Copland (1900-1990)

Billy the Kid Suite

*

 Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

 Symphony No.2 in D, op. 36

*

David Loebel, Associate Conductor of Orchestras, lead the NEC Symphony in a program that delighted the audience with its good humor and color.

*

 

Written in 1923, the Bartok Dance Suite was composed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the unification of the cities of Buda and Pest to form the modern capital of Hungary, Budapest.

In five sections, it features lively melodies, colorfully orchestrated from Arabic, Wallachian and Hungarian folk traditions. 

* 

Copland's Billy the Kid Suite is taken from his 1938 ballet,

commissioned by Lincoln Kirstein and choreographed by Eugene Loring

for Ballet Caravan. 

Like the Bartok, it plays with folk idioms, borrowing actual cowboy tunes

and

American folk songs.

*



Beethoven's Symphony No. 2 was described by Berlioz as smiling all the way though. This despite the health problems and failing hearing that the composer was suffering at the time. Among the words often used to describe the music are

"rowdy,"

"humorous,"

and

"vitality".

*

And  * THAT *  it WAS !

 

 A Good Time Was Had By All !

 

Presidential Wreath-Laying Ceremony

277th Birthday Anniversary

* PRESIDENT *

John Adams

October 30, 1735 ~ July 4, 1826

*****

United First Parish Church in Quincy

*

Church of the Presidents

 

United First Parish Church (Unitarian) in Quincy

First gathered in 1636 as a branch of the Church of Boston,  It was established as an independent church in 1639.  As were their ancestors before them, both Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams were active members of the congregation.  Their tombs rest in the crypt within the church building, alongside those of their wives.  Originally founded by Puritans as a Congregationalist Church, the church became Unitarian during the lifetime of John Adams and is today a

Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

*

Tuesday October 30, 2012

12 Noon

(rescheduled due to Hurricane 'Sandy')

 

******

John Adams

"I must study Politiks and War that my sons may have liberty to study Mathematicks and Philosophy. My sons ought to study Mathematicks and Philosophy, Geography, Natural History, Naval Architecture, Navigation, Commerce and Agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study Painting, Poetry, Musick, Architecture, Statuary, Tapestry, and Porcelaine."

John Adams to Abigail Adams (May 12, 1780)

*

Signer of the Declaration of Independence

*

Framer of the Constitution of Massachusetts

*

Minister to Great Britain

*

First Vice President of the United States of America

*

Second President of the United States of America

*

In Honor of

John Adams

Second President of the United States of America

*

The program:

Musical Prelude ~ Navy Band Northeast, Newport Rhode Island

Presentation of the Presidential Wreath

National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance

Commander Brock A. Miller ~

Commanding Officer, Navy Operational Support Center Quincy

 Posting of the Colors

Welcome ~ H.Kirkland Switzer II ~ Vice President, United First Parish Church

Prayer ~ Reverend Dave Johnson ~ Interim Minister, United First Parish Church

 

 

 

 

Speakers:

Honorable Thomas P. Koch ~ Mayor, City of Quincy Massachusetts

Emily Rines ~ Woodward School for Girls, Class of 2013

John Adams ~ Seventh Generation Descendant

Caroline Keinath ~ Deputy Superintendent, Adams National Historical Park

Dr. Edward Fitzgerald ~ Director, Quincy Historical Society

Commander Brock A. Miller ~ Representing President Barack Obama

Naval Operational Support Center Quincy

*

Laying of the Presidential Wreath (Presidential Crypt)

 

*

 

Musical Interlude, Quincy Choral Society

Closing Remarks ~ Gary E. Haynes - Director Visitors Program, United First Parish Church

Benediction ~ Reverend Dave Johnson - Interim Minister, United First Parish Church

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retirement of the Colors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Mr. President !

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum -Boston

Became a member

of this wonderful

Boston

treasure of a museum today !

... a fun Autumn day in the city.

 

NEC October 17

 

Wednesday - October 17

 

David Loebel, Associate Director of Orchestras,

leads the

New England Conservatory Symphony

in its season opener.

*****

The Program:

Mozart: Symphony No. 38. "Prague"

Mozaart's Symphony No. 38(Prague) is renowned for its somewhat unconventional three- movement structure, it's almost unprecedented use of sonata form in all three movements, and its extraordinarily dramatic, even tragic atmosphere. 

Weber/Beriloz: Invitation to the Dance 

&

Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphoses on Themes of Weber

*********************

GOT OYSTERS ?

I missed IT 

:(

I've been anticipating this 'festival' for months.

And I missed it !

Here is a 'taste' of the fun event from last year.

 Perhaps YOU enjoyed the October 13,14- 2012 weekend in Wellfleet.

I hope you did and will share your fun time here. Post a comment,

tell me what I missed.

***

 

 

****************************************************************************************

 The

Oyster Fest

is a two day event brings together locals and visitors alike for a weekend full of hometown flavor and big time fun featuring something for everyone: local cuisine, educational lectures, cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts, children’s activities, live music, road races, walking tours and the Oyster Shuck-Off competition.The 'Fest is produced by Wellfleet Shellfish Promotion and Tasting, or SPAT, a non-profit organization devoted to fostering a greater understanding of the town's shell fishing industry and made possible through collaboration with the Town of Wellfleet, the support of many generous sponsors, the area shell fishermen and a dedicated group of volunteers.

        

 Proceeds from the ‘Fest fund SPAT’s educational mission including a Nauset Regional High School scholarship program and community grant awards to those whose creative and educational work increases awareness of Wellfleet’s shell fishing industry.

To date, SPAT has awarded more than $75,000 between the high school scholarship program and its grants in the local community.

Without your support, the 'Fest cannot continue to exist.

 

 

.

WAR HORSE

 

......... WOW.........

October 10 - 21

Boston Opera House

***

GO SEE IT !

***
Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo* in association with Handspring Puppet Company.
A remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship.
*

 

 

England, 1914. As World War One begins, Joey, young Albert's beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped from England to France.  He's soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man's land.  But Albert cannot forget Joey and , still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home...

*

I enjoyed the show.

Very Much !

(*Photos courtesy of War Horse) 

 

 

NEC Philharmonia, Wolff / Beethoven, Adams, Brahms - InstantEncore

NEC Philharmonia, Wolff / Beethoven, Adams, Brahms - InstantEncore

"...the ensemble was impeccable. Beethoven was moving, Adams energetic,
and Brahms epic. !"

New England Conservatory- 2012-13 Fall Season begins!

 

I'm excited about the new Fall 2012-13 season of music at the

New England Conservatory !

 *

This evenings performances were all Wonderful !

*

The NEC College orchestras offer an opportunity for audiences to devour an astonishing array of music - from rarely played to deeply beloved works!

************************

"Music acts like a magic key,

to which the most tightly closed heart opens."

Maria von Trapp

****

Let the shows begin...

Wednesday - October 3rd

 

Hugh Wolff, Stanford and Norma Jean Calderwood Director of Orchestras, and the NEC Philharmonia open the 2012-13 orchestral season with three dramatic symphonic works:

*

 Beethoven's "Leonore" Overture No.3.

The Beethoven powerfully encapsulates the story of a courageous wife who plots to release here husband and other political prisoners

from the dungeons of the despotic ruler Pizzarro.

Very moving, emotional, vibrant !

*

 John Adams's Dr. Atomic Symphony.

In symphonic excerpts from Adam's 2005 opera, Dr.Atomic Symphony

depicts the Los Alamos crew of the Manhattan Project in the final days before

the first detonation of the atom bomb. 

Incredibly performed !

*

 Brahms' symphony No. 4.

The Brahms finds the composer lamenting the approaching end of civilization as he knew it.  Brahms' Fourth is no simple abstraction, not simply the private thoughts of a talented man, but the elegy of the civilization he saw marching to catastrophe around him and the dark prophecy of the future.

Such a vibrant selection to showcase this season! 

Wonderful !

*****

NEC's young musicians exhilarated listeners with their brilliance, their passion, and their unreserved expressiveness. It was truly a thrilling evening!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~



FIRST MONDAY- 2012-2013 Season

~*~*~*~*~*~

The New England Conservatory faculty have always enjoyed playing chamber music together, but in 1985 cellist Laurence Lesser transformed these 0ccasional musical evenings into a stellar, regularly occurring series.  At the time he initiated the series, Lesser was president of NEC.  He currently occupies NEC’s Walter W. Naumburg Chair in Music and continues to curate the concerts.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

NEC presents more than 600 FREE concerts each year, many of them in Jordan Hall, its world- renowned, 106-year old, beautifully restored concert hall. These programs range from solo recitals to chamber music to orchestral programs to jazz and opera scenes.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

Over the past 27 years, Boston-area chamber music buffs have come to look forward to these six FREE concerts held on the first Mondays of October, November, December, March, April, and May.  They know they can count on hearing fascinating repertoire in one of the great halls of the world.  And they know they can expect illumination performances by some of the world's greatest artists -- NEC faculty, alumni, students and friends, who donate thei9r services in exchange for the opportunity to experience together music that is among the most transcendent expressions of human culture.

!*!*!*!*!*!*

Recognized nationally and internationally as a leader among music schools, New England Conservatory offers rigorous training in an intimate, nurturing community to 720 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral music students from around the world. Its faculty of 225 boasts internationally esteemed artist-teachers and scholars. Its alumni go on to fill orchestra chairs, concert hall stages, jazz clubs, recording studios, and arts management positions worldwide. Nearly half of the Boston Symphony Orchestra is composed of NEC trained musicians and faculty

!*!*!*!*!*!*

 

~*~*~*~*
First Monday

October 1, 2012 --> Program:
FULL HOUSE !
The doors opened at 7:45 with a LONG line out the door. Wonderful to see such and enthusiastic crowd filling every seat for the start of 'First Monday'
FREE concerts at the NEC.

Jessica Zhou, now NEC harp faculty,

is making her First Monday debut.

She performed .....
WONDERFULLY

Claude Debussy: Syrinx Paula Robinson, flute

C.P.E. Bach: Duet in e minor, Wq 140

Paula Robison, flute

Masuko Ushioda, violin

J.S. Bach: Ricercar a 3 from "The Musical Offering"

John Gibbons, *fortepiano

J.S. Bach: Sonata sopr'il Soggetto Reale from

"The Musical Offering"

Paula Robinson, flute

Masuko Ushioda, violin

Laurence Lesser, cello

John Gibbons, *fortepiano

Claude Debussy: Danses sacree et profane

Jessica Shou, harp

Masuko Ushioda, Ethan Wood, violins

Rachel Fagerburg*,viola

Mickey Katz*, cello

Daehee Choo*, double bass

Carl Maria von Weber: Trio in g minor, Opus 63

Paula Robison, flute

Laurence Lesser, cello

Kai-Ching Chang, piano

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

 

 See you next time !