NEC Philharmonia + Wolff = .... nice !

Once again I returned to the New England Conservatory with my Meetup friends for

another FREE concert.

This concert was not held as originally scheduled due to the Boston power outage the week of March 13th.

Tonight, the program was performed
brilliantly as originally designed !

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Tonight Maestro Hugh Wolff took to the podium and conducted works by Charles Ives and Aaron Copland, including the famous Fanfare to the Common Man. This American-themed concert featured:

Copland - Fanfare for the Common Man ...(MY FAVORITE)

Ives - Three Places in New England, S7

Copland - Symphony No. 3 ...(WOW)

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Copland and Ives are considered two of the most iconic of American composers, although for the most part their methods were very different.  Ives evoked the landscapes and especially the quintessential mosaic of sounds of American life.  Copland became a powerful advocate for American music and, particularly during the period of World War II, consciously set about creating music that was idiomatically American.

This program is bracketed by related Copland works - the instantly familiar Fanfare for the Common Man and the later Symphony No. 3 that makes foundational use of Fanfare's themes throughout.

It was composed on a commission from the Koussevitzky Music Foundation and premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Serge Koussevitzky in 1946.  It reflects the positive feelings of peacetime and new prosperity that marked the postwar period.  Ives' Three Places depicts three landscapes, two of them familiar to Massachusetts residents : The St. Gaudens in Boston Common: Col Shaw and his Colored Regiment . 
The work is famous for its interweaving of plantation songs, hymn tunes, patriotic songs, and famous marches.

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Jordan Hall 

There is more to come!

Don't miss these musical opportunites... they are FREE !

** FREE ** can't get better than that !

FREE concerts at...

 Boston's New England Conservatory!

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Lately, I've become obsessed with both 'free' and/or 'classical' music. Put the two of them together and I'm a happy guy ! :)

So......... most recently I've become aware of what goes on at the
 New England Conservatory. As I understand it the students need to perform in front of an audience, that's where I come in.  It's great to witness the beginnings of future symphony masters !  The NEC has a 'season' where senior students must perform their recital for 'credit'. How stressful is that.  Actually it all seems flawless to me (I can't carry a note to save my life). The tension in the air mounts as the lights dim and the evening of quality music begins. 

Check out the totally thrilling (FREE) concerts I've attended over the past several weeks.  If you didn't attend at least one of these (FREE) concerts, you missed out.

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As the New England Conservatory 'teachers' say...

"Great artists give free concerts at New England Conservatory 

 simply because the teach here."

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John Gibbons

NEC faculty member gives a recital on a harpsichord after Pierre Donzelague (1713). The program surveys the literature and contrasts the different national styles from England, France, Italy and Germany. from the 16th to the 17th centuries.

At NEC, Gibbons leads the NEC Bach Ensemble, composed of students who are interested in performing Baroque works on modern instruments. Gibbons typically directs these concerts from the keyboard.

A distinguished keyboard artist and foundAt NEC, Gibbons leads the NEC Bach Ensemble, composed of students who are interested in performing Baroque works on modern instruments. Gibbons typically directs these concerts from the keyboard.ing member of the Boston Museum Trio, John Gibbons has performed as harpsichord and fortepiano soloist with major ensembles in the U.S. and Europe, among them the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, New York Chamber Symphony, Orchestra of the 18th Century, Philharmonia Baroque, and the Da Camera Society of Houston. He performs regularly at such festivals as those in Torino and Spoleto, Italy, Chamber Music Northwest, and the Aston Magna Festival in the Berkshires

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Natasha Brofsky

NEC faculty member give a recital with assistance from guest artists Violaine Melancon, DMA pianist and NEC prep faculty Qing Jiang, and student cellists from her studio.

Natasha Brofsky has enjoyed a career in both the United States and Europe.  She joined the New England Conservatory cello faculty in 2004, and served as assistant chair of strings.

Her students enjoy careers as performers and teachers all over the world. Recent student honors include a Grammy nomination, a prize at the Cassado cello competition in Japan, and appearances on radio and television.

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Tonight's program was diverse:

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Three Songs from Jewish Life

Prayer

Supplication

Jewish Song

Senate for Violin and Cello

Allegro

Tre's vif

Vif, avec entrain

Habil-sajaby (In Habil's Style)

for cello and prepared piano

Aubade for 12 cellos (1974)

Andantion

Allegro ritmico

Allegretto amabile

Vivascissimo

Andante

Presto

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Cello ... a.k.a. a very big violin, too big and heavy to put under your chin !

Love's Choice

I had the pleasure of attending this outstanding concert tonight at The New England Conservatory / Jordan Hall,

Starring  

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The 150 voice Boston Gay Men's Chorus

celebrating

LOVE’S VOICE

the splendor and triumph of love.

Music from Gershwin to "Falsettoland," from Judy Garland to Ricky Martin to Adele.

Featuring

"For a Look or a Touch”

The touching true story of two men's love torn apart by the Holocaust, the rapture of young love and the healing glow of remembrance. This new work by renowned American composer Jake Heggie has been called "a sharply poignant, deeply affecting work."

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 The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is one of New England’s largest and most successful community-based choruses. Now in its 30th season, the 175-voice ensemble is celebrated for its outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and groundbreaking community outreach. Under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Reuben M. Reynolds III, the Boston Gay Mmen's Chorus  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.

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Creating a More Tolerant Society Through the Power of Music

Local HISTORY

Today I made a short trip across town to see the sights at the... 

Herring Run * Weymouth *

Jackson Square Dam and Fishway - Back River-Weymouth
Located in Weymouth’s historic district (Jackson
Square), the herring run has played an important role in
the city’s history as the herring was both a prized and
protected resource. The new fishway is a weir-pool design
built in the 1990’s by MarineFisheries.

The run begins at
Whitman’s Pond, and flows through and under the Iron
Hill area, passing under Commercial Square. It flows
past the town incinerator, into Back River and out to sea.
Location: Intersection of High Street, Water Street and Pleasant
Street, East Weymouth, MA

Two species of fish in coastal Massachusetts are collectively referred to as “river herring.” They are the alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and the blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis). They are very similar in appearance and both species are anadromous, meaning they are born in freshwater, spend the majority of their lives in the ocean, and return to freshwater to spawn. Mature river herring undertake an upriver spawning migration in the spring. In Massachusetts waters, alewives spawn in late March to mid-May when water temperature reaches about 51ºF. Blueback herring spawn later in the spring (late April through June), when water temperature reaches about 57ºF.

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Check out this video

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Jackson Square Dam and Fishway is located in Weymouth’s Jackson Square, the herring run has played an important role in Weymouth’s history as the herring was both a prized and protected resource. The herring run centers around a so-called “fish ladder” – a series of steps where the river pools to make it easier for the fish to swim upstream – built by the state in the 1940s. The run begins at Whitman’s Pond, and flows through and under the Iron Hill area, passing under Commercial Square. It flows past the town incinerator, into Back River and out to sea.

A pair of murals by local artists depicting the run’s prominent place in Weymouth history now hang from what used to be the bare back wall of The Venetian Restaurant. Two kiosks at the park provide information on the different species that swim in the river and some important dates in the run’s history.

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Art & Design of the 20th and 21st Centuries

On a beautiful sunny day --- in March --- I connected with Meetup friends at the 5th Annual Boston Architectural College of New England's

20/21: Art & Design of the 20th and 21st Centuries

The day's event included:

50 Select Exhibitors offering modern to contemporary fine art, photography, jewelry, vintage and contemporary studio furniture, decorative arts, sculpture, fine prints, drawings and more at the only show and sale of its kind in New England.

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The

 Boston

Architectural

College

 is New England's largest independent, accredited college of spatial design, founded in 1889. With over 1000 students, the BAC offers undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture and interior design, undergraduate programs in landscape architecture, and design studies, and Continuing Education and Certificate programs. The BAC stresses excellence in practice-based professional education, and accessibility to the design professions. The BAC's central location and its strong links with the design community make it a strategic educational center for the discussion of design issues in Boston.

Designs of all kinds !

Re-decorating 

Anyone ?

Les Mise'rables

THE 25th ANNIVERSARY PRODUCTION !

Les Mise'rables is, in a word, legendary.  Since its premiere in 1985, the phenomenon know as "Les Mis" has been seen by nearly 60 million theater goers in 42 countries translated in 21 languages !

And I saw it last evening in English...

at the Boston Opera House !

What a thrilling theatrical event !

Producer Cameron Mackintosh said it best ... "Victor Hugo's  story remains a thrilling and exhilarating testament to the enduring power and resilience of the human spirit."

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Translated variously from the French as The Miserable , The

Wretched, The Poor Ones, The Wretched Poor, or The Victims), is

an 1862 French novel by author Victor Hugo and is widely considered one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century.   It

follows the lives and interactions of several French characters over a seventeen-year period in the early nineteenth century, starting in 1815 and culminating in the 1832 June Rebellion

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The novel focuses on the struggles of ex-convict  Jean Valjean and his experience of redemption. It examines the nature of law and grace, and expatiates upon the history of France, architecture of Paris, politics, moral philosophy,

anti monarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love. The story is  historical fiction because it contains factual and historic events. Contrary to what some believe, it does not use the French Revolution as a backdrop. The French Revolution took place in the eighteenth century; Les Miserables takes place in the nineteenth century. The only "revolution" depicted is the,  June Rebellion a student uprising.

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Some interesting facts about the show:

(facts gathered from program notes)

Les Misérables has been translated into 21 different languages:

Productions have played in 43 countries and over 300 cities:

The production has played over 47,000 professional performances giving a total audience figure of more than 60 million people worldwide.

125,000 people attended the 1989 Australia Day concert in Sydney, which has been the biggest single live audience for Les Misérables to date.

Les Misérables has won over 70 major theatre awards including an Olivier, Tony & Grammy.

YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS THIS REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE

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Now you didn't think I went into Boston and skipped 'dining out' ..... No...oooooooooooo!

After the performance I enjoyed dinner at:  

Max and Dylans  a hip, trendy, casual, approachable local restaurant featuring appetizers, flatbreads, sandwiches and entrees. Cool and vibrant cocktails and hip current music add to the flare. Large prominent photographs decorate the restaurant. The menu is priced for value and makes it a great meeting place for groups or just a few friends.

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For my dinner I enjoyed a delicious -

     grilled salmon fillet/citrus soy glaze/

grilled asparagus/salad. 

 Once again... a geat evening out !

Boston Gay Men's Chorus

Boston Gay Men's Chorus In Concert
LOVE'S VOICE The Splendor and Triumph of Love

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The appearance of the Boston Gay Men's Chorus in Rockland is a cultural first for the community. As, an Open and Affirming Congregation (of the United Church of Christ), the Boston Gay Men's Chorus’s is a welcome guest.  The concert has been funded in part by the Rockland Cultural Arts Council.

By telling their stories through music, the Chorus shares the reality of the gay experience and connects their audiences to our common humanity.

**** http://youtu.be/XSPZ-w9jAtA ****

2011 - 2012 marks the 30th anniversary season of the internationally acclaimed Boston Gay Men's Chorus. As one of New England's largest and most successful community-based choruses, the 175 voice ensemble is celebrated for its outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and ground-breaking community outreach. The Boston Gay Men's Chorus 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.

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The Boston Gay Men's Chorus enjoys a high profile in the greater Boston community, Special appearances have included the gala opening of the Art of the Americas wing at the Museum of Fine Arts, the re-opening of the Boston Opera House, the 1999 Boston Pops July 4th Esplanade concert and the telecast, and the grand opening concert of the FleetCenter with James Taylor and Patti LaBelle. BGMC was the first openly gay organization to perform at the Boston's historic Symphony Hall and the Chorus has sung in prestigious venues from coast to coast.

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The mission of the Boston Gay Men's Chours is to help create a more tolerant society through the power of music! The chorus reaches a broad spectrum of gay and straight people through their creative programs and exceptional performance standards. As New England’s largest gay cultural organization and one of the largest gay choruses in the world, the Boston Gay Men's Chorus serves as role models, showcasing the talent and diversity of the GLBT community.

Celtic Women --- BELIEVE

An evening at Citi Performing Arts Center with

 CELTIC WOMEN / Believe Tour

was an enjoyable evenings entertainment !

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Internationally renowned

for their stage productions and songs of

heartwarming inspiration,

Celtic Woman returns to Boston!

The distinctive ensemble of female performers, originally comprised of four singers and a violinist, was brought together in 2004 by David Downes, the former musical director of Riverdance, and producer Sharon Browne. The 2005 PBS broadcast of their concert from The Helix in Dublin, Ireland introduced Celtic Woman to American audiences and their popularity has continued to grow in the U.S. and worldwide ever since.

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Believe stars vocalists Chloë Agnew and Lisa Kelly, who are original members of the ensemble along with violinist Máiréad Nesbitt, and Lisa Lambe, the troupe's newest member.

They performed classic Irish songs (“The Water Is Wide,” “Green Grow the Rushes,” “A Woman’s Heart” and “The Parting Glass”), timeless pop anthems (“Bridge Over Troubled Water”), and inspirational songs (“You’ll Never Walk Alone” and “Ave Maria”) with their signature Celtic Woman twist, under the musical direction of David Downes.

Celtic Woman: Believe is the seventh studio album by the group Celtic Woman released on May 25, 2011.

NEC Philharmonia

Up and OUT... to Boston's New England Conservatory --> WOW of an evening's entertainment !

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I really didn't want to go into Boston, 6:30, dark, cold, where to park?, but I ran out of excuses. This long (snowless) winter wasn't going to keep me house-bound and miss this opportunity to experience  the NEC showcase performance for FREE,

yep for---> FREE !
***

I'm extremely glad I got myself out to enjoy this wonderful concert and re-connect with some of my Meetup friends from previous outtings.
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The scheduled performance goes like this:

*

(information obtained via evenings program booklet)

NEC Philharmonia

David Loebel, conductor

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*

Noted for performances that combine innate musicality with

 interpretive insight, David Loebel joined the faculty of New

England Conservatory as Associate Director of Orchestras

 in 2010 following an eleven year tenure as Music Director

and Conductor of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Prior

 to his appointment in Memphis, he enjoyed a decade-long

association with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra,

 serving as Associate and then Associate Principal

Conductor, as well as Artistic Director of its summer

festival, Classics in the Loop. He has also been Associate

Conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

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

The Program:

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Beatrice et Benedict Overture

Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35 TH 59

Allegro moderato

Canzonetta - Andante

Finale - Allegro vivacissimo

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with

Grace Park, violin

(Winner, NEC violin concerto competition)

ViolinistGrace Park has appeared on concerts as both a soloist and chamber musician allover the world. She has performed in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hallin New York, Walt Disney Hall in Los Angeles, Hollywood Bowl, The MillenniumStage at the Kennedy Center, Jordan Hall in Boston, the Rudolfinum in Prague,and Glinka Hall in St. Petersburg, Russia.

In 2008 Grace toured Italy performingMozart's Violin Concerto No.5 with the Napoli Chamber Orchestra. As an activechamber musician Grace has collaborated with artists inlcuding Roger Tapping,Paula Robison, Alan Kay, Steven Doane, Paul Katz, Boris Berman, Michael Kannenand Anthony Marwood.

Grace has participated and performed inmusic festivals and programs such as Yellow Barn Music Festival, Music at Menlo,IMS Prussia Cove--Open Chamber Music, and the Perlman Chamber Workshop inShelter Island, NY.

Ms. Park currently studies with Donald Weilerstein andMiriam Fried at the New England Conservatory. She previously studied withRobert Lipsett, Michelle Kim, Zvi Zeitlin, Itzhak Perlman, Jaime Laredo,Cho-Liang Lin, Oleh Krysa, Joel Smirnoff, Gerhard Schulz and Igor Ozim. Graceplays on a 1719 Francesco Gobetti generously on loan from the ColburnFoundation.

 and the evening continued ....

*

IMAGES

I. Rondes de printemps

II. Gigues

III. Iberia

1.Par les rues et par les chemins

(In the streets and byways)

2. Les parfums de la nuit

(The fragrances of the night)

3. Le matin d'un jour de fete

(The morning of a festival day)

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I'm glad I made the trip into Boston!

A wonderful evening at the  NEC !

too bad YOU missed it.

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And there is more to come