Welcome Concert: The Program
Sonate by Paul Hindemith
I Massig bewegt (1895-1963)
IV Kleines Rondo, gemachlich
P. Cummings, clarinet
J. Chernoff, piano
Romanian Folk Dances (1915) (6 mins.) Bela Bartok
1. Jocul cu bâta (or Joc cu bâtă) – Dance With Stick - Stick Game
2. Brâul – Waistband Dance- Peasant Costume
3. Pe Loc – Stamping Dance - Standing Still
4. Buciumeana - Horn Dance
5. Poarga Românească – Romanian Polka
6. Mărunţel – Quick Dance
Nicholas Lambson, guitar
Laura Snodgrass, flute
Nocturne in f minor, op.50 by Frederic Chopin
Etude, op.25, # 12-
Daniela Mineva, piano
Wild Swans, Finding Home by Ricky Ian Gordon
Elisabeth Harrington, soprano
John Chernoff, piano
Selections from 8 Pieces op 83 by Max Bruch
I. Andante
V. Rumanian Melody
IV Allegro Agitato
Ken Ayoob, clarinet
Karen Davy, viola
Robin Miller, piano
--Intermssion--
Cross (1977) by Eugene Novotney
Eugene Novotney, percussion
Triptych by Robert Sirota
II. Lamentation
III. Prayer
Cindy Moyer, violin
Karen Davy, violin
Sherry Hanson, viola
David Davis, cello
Epitaph (1964) by Michael Cunningham
Humboldt Bay Brass Quintet
Gilbert Cline & Frédéric Bélanger, trumpets
Matthew Morgan, horn
Toshi Noguchi, trombone
Wu Shao Way, bass
Daniela Minieva, piano
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Welcome to 2010-11!
HSU Department of Music faculty will be officially welcoming members of the campus community, new and returning, with--what else?--music!
A concert on Saturday, September 11 at 5pm features HSU Music faculty players and a reception immediately afterwards.
Photo and details will be posted here soon. As usual, HSU Music is your source for information on upcoming HSU Music Department performances.
HSU Department of Music faculty will be officially welcoming members of the campus community, new and returning, with--what else?--music!
A concert on Saturday, September 11 at 5pm features HSU Music faculty players and a reception immediately afterwards.
Photo and details will be posted here soon. As usual, HSU Music is your source for information on upcoming HSU Music Department performances.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Alyssa Bowlby
Soprano Alyssa Bowlby sings and talks about heroines in music from Verdi and Mozart to Lerner & Loewe in a Guest Artist Series recital on Thursday May 13 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. An HSU Department of Music production.
Soprano Alyssa Bowlby sings and talks about heroines in music from Verdi and Mozart to Lerner & Loewe in a Guest Artist Series recital on Thursday May 13 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. An HSU Department of Music production.
Songs of Heroines by Guest Artist Alyssa Bowlby
In a program that highlights musical “Heroines,” soprano Alyssa Bowlby will describe as well as sing each of her selections from Mozart, Verdi, Beethoven and others, in an HSU Guest Artist recital at Fulkerson Hall on Thursday, May 13.
Her examples come from three operas by Verdi (including La Traviata) and two by Mozart (The Magic Flute and Abduction from the Seraglio.) She finds more heroines in Puccini’s La Boheme, Beethoven’s Fidelio, the Doll’s Song from Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffman, as well in works by Schubert and Massenet.
Not all the examples are from grand opera. Bowlby also performs a song from Candide, the operetta by Leonard Bernstein first performed in 1956, and “ I Could Have Danced All Night” from the Lerner and Loewe musical, My Fair Lady. She will talk for a few minutes about each selection and how it relates to her theme.
Alyssa Bowlby is based in New York City, where she appears frequently with the Mimesis Ensemble. She has sung with Project Opera of Manhattan, Brooklyn Repertory Opera, the Garden State Opera, and Empire Opera of New York.
After being hailed by a Houston newspaper as “delightfully charming and touching” in her role of Musetta in the Houston Opera in the Heights production of La Boheme, she was invited to perform in five more operas there in the next three years. Later this year she will play Abigail Williams in the English language opera of Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, with the Empire Opera.
Alyssa Bowlby earned her BA and Phil Beta Kappa key at Haverford College, and her Masters from the Peabody Conservatory of Music. The Baltimore Sun called her singing “fearless” and “intense.” In 2007 she sang and was interviewed on NPR’s “All Things Considered.”
For her Humboldt State recital, she will be accompanied by HSU pianist John Chernoff.
Soprano Alyssa Bowlby appears in a Guest Artist Series recital on Thursday May 13 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. An HSU Department of Music production.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
In a program that highlights musical “Heroines,” soprano Alyssa Bowlby will describe as well as sing each of her selections from Mozart, Verdi, Beethoven and others, in an HSU Guest Artist recital at Fulkerson Hall on Thursday, May 13.
Her examples come from three operas by Verdi (including La Traviata) and two by Mozart (The Magic Flute and Abduction from the Seraglio.) She finds more heroines in Puccini’s La Boheme, Beethoven’s Fidelio, the Doll’s Song from Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffman, as well in works by Schubert and Massenet.
Not all the examples are from grand opera. Bowlby also performs a song from Candide, the operetta by Leonard Bernstein first performed in 1956, and “ I Could Have Danced All Night” from the Lerner and Loewe musical, My Fair Lady. She will talk for a few minutes about each selection and how it relates to her theme.
Alyssa Bowlby is based in New York City, where she appears frequently with the Mimesis Ensemble. She has sung with Project Opera of Manhattan, Brooklyn Repertory Opera, the Garden State Opera, and Empire Opera of New York.
After being hailed by a Houston newspaper as “delightfully charming and touching” in her role of Musetta in the Houston Opera in the Heights production of La Boheme, she was invited to perform in five more operas there in the next three years. Later this year she will play Abigail Williams in the English language opera of Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, with the Empire Opera.
Alyssa Bowlby earned her BA and Phil Beta Kappa key at Haverford College, and her Masters from the Peabody Conservatory of Music. The Baltimore Sun called her singing “fearless” and “intense.” In 2007 she sang and was interviewed on NPR’s “All Things Considered.”
For her Humboldt State recital, she will be accompanied by HSU pianist John Chernoff.
Soprano Alyssa Bowlby appears in a Guest Artist Series recital on Thursday May 13 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. An HSU Department of Music production.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
Sunday, May 09, 2010
University Singers & Humboldt Chorale
HSU University Singers and Humboldt Chorale concert features music inspired by poetry of Robert Frost, James Agee and Ogden Nash, on Sunday night, May 9 at at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. University Singers directed by Harley Muilenburg, Humboldt Chorale directed by Carol Ryder. Produced by HSU Music Department.
HSU University Singers and Humboldt Chorale concert features music inspired by poetry of Robert Frost, James Agee and Ogden Nash, on Sunday night, May 9 at at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. University Singers directed by Harley Muilenburg, Humboldt Chorale directed by Carol Ryder. Produced by HSU Music Department.
Something Like A Star: Poems That Inspire Song
Poems by Robert Frost, Ogden Nash and others are the inspiration for vocal works sung by the HSU University Singers and the community-based Humboldt Chorale in their joint concert on Sunday night, May 9 in Fulkerson Recital Hall.
American choral composer Randall Thompson set seven poems by Robert Frost to music for the bicentennial of Amherst, Massachusetts, where Frost had lived. The University Singers will perform the seventh of these, “Choose Something Like A Star,” with its final lines: “So when at times the mob is swayed/To carry praise or blame too far,/We may choose something like a star/To stay our minds on and be staid.”
After a choral arrangement of “Tatkovina,” a traditional Macedonian folk song (with violin accompaniment by Amanda Lake), and the finale from Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Gondoliers,” the University Singers perform a longer work, “Carmina Burana” by German composer Carl Orff. A 20th century piece, it is a scenic oratorio derived from a large group of medieval poems discovered in the early 19th century.
In its half of the concert, the Humboldt Chorale performs two pieces directly based on 20th century American poems. As part of his 2005 “Nocturnes,” choral composer Morten Lauridsen wrote music for a poem by 20th century American writer James Agee that begins: “Sure on this shining night/Of star made shadows round,/Kindness must watch for me/This side the ground.” Lauridsen received the Medal of Freedom in 2007.
The most famous 20th century American writer of light verse, Ogden Nash wrote a number of witty--and silly—poems about animals. Contemporary American composer Eric Whitacre set some of them to music. The result is “Animal Crackers,” also performed by the Humboldt Chorale.
The Chorale’s featured work is “Fancies” by English choral composer John Ritter, a set of songs meant to suggest the fleeting fancies that might occur to a poet on an idyllic summer night.
HSU students comprise the University Singers, directed by HSU Music professor Harley Muilenburg, while the Humboldt Chorale is a community-based group, directed by Carol McWhorter Ryder. John Chernoff provides piano accompaniment for the Singers, and Larry Pitts for the Chorale.
The HSU University Singers and Humboldt Chorale perform on Sunday night, May 9 at at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Produced by HSU Music Department.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
Poems by Robert Frost, Ogden Nash and others are the inspiration for vocal works sung by the HSU University Singers and the community-based Humboldt Chorale in their joint concert on Sunday night, May 9 in Fulkerson Recital Hall.
American choral composer Randall Thompson set seven poems by Robert Frost to music for the bicentennial of Amherst, Massachusetts, where Frost had lived. The University Singers will perform the seventh of these, “Choose Something Like A Star,” with its final lines: “So when at times the mob is swayed/To carry praise or blame too far,/We may choose something like a star/To stay our minds on and be staid.”
After a choral arrangement of “Tatkovina,” a traditional Macedonian folk song (with violin accompaniment by Amanda Lake), and the finale from Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Gondoliers,” the University Singers perform a longer work, “Carmina Burana” by German composer Carl Orff. A 20th century piece, it is a scenic oratorio derived from a large group of medieval poems discovered in the early 19th century.
In its half of the concert, the Humboldt Chorale performs two pieces directly based on 20th century American poems. As part of his 2005 “Nocturnes,” choral composer Morten Lauridsen wrote music for a poem by 20th century American writer James Agee that begins: “Sure on this shining night/Of star made shadows round,/Kindness must watch for me/This side the ground.” Lauridsen received the Medal of Freedom in 2007.
The most famous 20th century American writer of light verse, Ogden Nash wrote a number of witty--and silly—poems about animals. Contemporary American composer Eric Whitacre set some of them to music. The result is “Animal Crackers,” also performed by the Humboldt Chorale.
The Chorale’s featured work is “Fancies” by English choral composer John Ritter, a set of songs meant to suggest the fleeting fancies that might occur to a poet on an idyllic summer night.
HSU students comprise the University Singers, directed by HSU Music professor Harley Muilenburg, while the Humboldt Chorale is a community-based group, directed by Carol McWhorter Ryder. John Chernoff provides piano accompaniment for the Singers, and Larry Pitts for the Chorale.
The HSU University Singers and Humboldt Chorale perform on Sunday night, May 9 at at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Produced by HSU Music Department.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
Friday, May 07, 2010
Humboldt Symphony
The Humboldt Symphony celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Latin and Latin-influenced music plus a virtuoso trumpet concerto on Friday night May 7 at 8 pm and Sunday afternoon May 9 at 3 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Paul Cummings, produced by HSU Music Department.
The Humboldt Symphony celebrates Cinco de Mayo with Latin and Latin-influenced music plus a virtuoso trumpet concerto on Friday night May 7 at 8 pm and Sunday afternoon May 9 at 3 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Paul Cummings, produced by HSU Music Department.
A Symphonic Cinco de Mayo at HSU
The Humboldt Symphony celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a popular piece by a contemporary Mexican composer and other Latin and Latin influenced orchestral works, on Friday night May 7 and Sunday afternoon May 9 at Fulkerson Recital Hall. This annual spring concert also features trumpeter Branden Lewis, the student winner of this year’s Concerto Aria competition.
“Danzón No. 2 by Mexican composer Arturo Márquez is the highlight of our program,” said Humboldt Symphony conductor Paul Cummings. “It has the Mexican culture written all over it, in terms of themes, rhythms, instrumentation and the overall style of the music.”
This piece became famous recently when conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela played it in its concerts around the world, including in the U.S. “It became wildly popular,” Cummings said, “and one of Dudamel’s signature pieces.” Dudamel is now music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Three other works on the Symphony program are notable not only for their Latin connection, but as orchestral works that began as compositions for piano.
French composer Emmanuel Chabrier wrote Habanera, his homage to the Spain he knew from his travels, originally for piano in 1885, and transcribed it for orchestra three years later. The Russian-born, American modernist master Igor Stravinsky (who knew and admired Chabrier’s work) composed Tango for piano in 1941, and adapted it for orchestra in 1953. Audiences at this concert can judge the differences for themselves, because pianist Emily Loeffler will play the piano version before the Symphony plays the orchestral version.
The third such piece is Souvenir de Porto Rico by Louis Moreau Gottschalk, adapted for orchestra by Thor Johnson. “Gottschalk was a 19th century American composer, and we don’t have many of those,” Cummings said, “at least whose music is still being performed.” Born in New Orleans and steeped in the music of that city, Gottschalk incorporated rhythms and styles that later came to be associated with jazz and ragtime. “He wrote very syncopated melodies—he was very much a pioneer of styles that are uniquely American.”
Gottschalk lived for a time in Puerto Rico and traveled widely in the Caribbean. “This piece is his reminiscence,” Cummings said, “and these syncopated rhythms and wide use of percussion have a definite Latin flavor.”
Not part of the Cinco de Mayo theme but definitely part of the spring concert event, the winner of this year’s HSU Concerto Aria competition, trumpeter Branden Lewis, plays the first movement of the Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra by 20th century French composer Henri Tomasi. “Though there’s a fairly equal dialogue between the soloist and the ensemble,” Cummings said, “this is certainly a virtuoso piece for the trumpet.”
In the Concerto Aria competition, held in November, students select and play a piece with piano accompaniment that they propose to perform with orchestra or band. A panel of judges consisting of Music Department faculty and local professionals chose Branden Lewis for this year’s award.
The Humboldt Symphony spring concert is performed twice: on Friday night, May 7 at 8 pm, and on the following Sunday afternoon, May 9, at 3 pm. Both take place in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Paul Cummings, produced by HSU Music Department.
Media: TriCity Weekly, Humboldt State Now, Humboldt Beacon, Arcata Eye
The Humboldt Symphony celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a popular piece by a contemporary Mexican composer and other Latin and Latin influenced orchestral works, on Friday night May 7 and Sunday afternoon May 9 at Fulkerson Recital Hall. This annual spring concert also features trumpeter Branden Lewis, the student winner of this year’s Concerto Aria competition.
“Danzón No. 2 by Mexican composer Arturo Márquez is the highlight of our program,” said Humboldt Symphony conductor Paul Cummings. “It has the Mexican culture written all over it, in terms of themes, rhythms, instrumentation and the overall style of the music.”
This piece became famous recently when conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela played it in its concerts around the world, including in the U.S. “It became wildly popular,” Cummings said, “and one of Dudamel’s signature pieces.” Dudamel is now music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Three other works on the Symphony program are notable not only for their Latin connection, but as orchestral works that began as compositions for piano.
French composer Emmanuel Chabrier wrote Habanera, his homage to the Spain he knew from his travels, originally for piano in 1885, and transcribed it for orchestra three years later. The Russian-born, American modernist master Igor Stravinsky (who knew and admired Chabrier’s work) composed Tango for piano in 1941, and adapted it for orchestra in 1953. Audiences at this concert can judge the differences for themselves, because pianist Emily Loeffler will play the piano version before the Symphony plays the orchestral version.
The third such piece is Souvenir de Porto Rico by Louis Moreau Gottschalk, adapted for orchestra by Thor Johnson. “Gottschalk was a 19th century American composer, and we don’t have many of those,” Cummings said, “at least whose music is still being performed.” Born in New Orleans and steeped in the music of that city, Gottschalk incorporated rhythms and styles that later came to be associated with jazz and ragtime. “He wrote very syncopated melodies—he was very much a pioneer of styles that are uniquely American.”
Gottschalk lived for a time in Puerto Rico and traveled widely in the Caribbean. “This piece is his reminiscence,” Cummings said, “and these syncopated rhythms and wide use of percussion have a definite Latin flavor.”
Not part of the Cinco de Mayo theme but definitely part of the spring concert event, the winner of this year’s HSU Concerto Aria competition, trumpeter Branden Lewis, plays the first movement of the Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra by 20th century French composer Henri Tomasi. “Though there’s a fairly equal dialogue between the soloist and the ensemble,” Cummings said, “this is certainly a virtuoso piece for the trumpet.”
In the Concerto Aria competition, held in November, students select and play a piece with piano accompaniment that they propose to perform with orchestra or band. A panel of judges consisting of Music Department faculty and local professionals chose Branden Lewis for this year’s award.
The Humboldt Symphony spring concert is performed twice: on Friday night, May 7 at 8 pm, and on the following Sunday afternoon, May 9, at 3 pm. Both take place in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Paul Cummings, produced by HSU Music Department.
Media: TriCity Weekly, Humboldt State Now, Humboldt Beacon, Arcata Eye
Thursday, May 06, 2010
AM Jazz Band/ HSU Jazz Orchestra
HSU’s AM Jazz Band plays Coltrane, Ellington and more on Thursday May 6 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall. HSU Jazz Orchestra celebrates the 100th birthday of jazz immortal Mary Lou Williams with the first public performance of one of her compositions, and plays a tune by Arcata native son Nathan Smith on Saturday May 8 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Ticket prices for each concert are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Dan Aldag, produced by HSU Music Department.
HSU’s AM Jazz Band plays Coltrane, Ellington and more on Thursday May 6 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall. HSU Jazz Orchestra celebrates the 100th birthday of jazz immortal Mary Lou Williams with the first public performance of one of her compositions, and plays a tune by Arcata native son Nathan Smith on Saturday May 8 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Ticket prices for each concert are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Dan Aldag, produced by HSU Music Department.
Jazz Orchestra in Birthday Tribute to a Jazz Immortal
On her 100th birthday—Saturday May 8-- HSU Jazz Orchestra celebrates jazz immortal Mary Lou Williams, with the first public performance of her arrangement of one of her songs. The concert also features a song by a North Coast favorite son.
Together with jazz classics from the AM Jazz Band on Thursday, this is the final HSU jazz concert of the school year. Both concerts are in Fulkerson Recital Hall, beginning at 8.
Born on May 8, 1910, Mary Lou Williams played jazz piano in Pittsburgh beginning as a child, and went on the road to perform, write and arrange in the twenties and thirties. Her stellar career continued until her death in 1981. “Mary Lou Williams is perpetually contemporary,” wrote Duke Ellington in his autobiography. “Her writing and performing have always been a little ahead throughout her career. Her music retains, and maintains, a standard of quality that is timeless. She is like soul on soul."
A highlight of the Jazz Orchestra birthday concert is the world premiere public performance of the arrangement she wrote for the Duke Ellington band of her song "Ogeechee River Lullaby." It features local jazz vocalist Bill Allison.
The Jazz Orchestra will also play Williams’ first known composition, "Mess-a-Stomp," recorded in 1929, as well as several of her tunes from the 1930s (“Mary’s Idea,” “Big Jim Blues,” “Walkin’ and Swingin’”).
From her 1940s output, the Jazz Orchestra selects some seldom heard pieces, like "In The Land Of Oo-Bla-Dee" (which also features singer Bill Allison), as well as a section of her signature Zodiac Suite: “Scorpio.”
After withdrawing from performance in the 1950s to concentrate on charity work, Mary Lou Williams made a triumphant return in the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival, and never looked back. The Jazz Orchestra will play several of her late 1960s compositions, including “Aries Mood” and “New Musical Express.” “With their sometimes startling dissonances,” said orchestra director and HSU Music professor Dan Aldag, “these works show that Williams had kept up with the many changes in jazz.”
The Jazz Orchestra will play other works in addition to Mary Lou Williams' music, including “Recollection,” by Arcata favorite son, Nathan Smith. Smith graduated from Arcata High, earned music degrees in Florida and at the Eastman School of Music, and has won several awards for his compositions. In addition to leading a 10-piece band in New York, he transcribes older jazz compositions from recordings, and recreates scores for new performances. “In a nice piece of symmetry,” Dan Aldag notes, “his most recent transcribing work has been of some of Mary Lou Williams’ music.”
A few nights before the Jazz Orchestra concert, the AM Jazz Band performs other jazz classics, including tunes by John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Freddie Hubbard and Tito Puente. Philip Sagastume is featured on tenor sax on "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)" by Duke Ellington.
The AM Jazz Band performs on Thursday, May 6, and the Jazz Orchestra on Saturday, May 9. Both concerts are in the Fulkerson Recital Hall at 8 pm, and prices are the same for each: $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Both ensembles are directed by Dan Aldag, and the concerts are produced by HSU Music Department.
On her 100th birthday—Saturday May 8-- HSU Jazz Orchestra celebrates jazz immortal Mary Lou Williams, with the first public performance of her arrangement of one of her songs. The concert also features a song by a North Coast favorite son.
Together with jazz classics from the AM Jazz Band on Thursday, this is the final HSU jazz concert of the school year. Both concerts are in Fulkerson Recital Hall, beginning at 8.
Born on May 8, 1910, Mary Lou Williams played jazz piano in Pittsburgh beginning as a child, and went on the road to perform, write and arrange in the twenties and thirties. Her stellar career continued until her death in 1981. “Mary Lou Williams is perpetually contemporary,” wrote Duke Ellington in his autobiography. “Her writing and performing have always been a little ahead throughout her career. Her music retains, and maintains, a standard of quality that is timeless. She is like soul on soul."
A highlight of the Jazz Orchestra birthday concert is the world premiere public performance of the arrangement she wrote for the Duke Ellington band of her song "Ogeechee River Lullaby." It features local jazz vocalist Bill Allison.
The Jazz Orchestra will also play Williams’ first known composition, "Mess-a-Stomp," recorded in 1929, as well as several of her tunes from the 1930s (“Mary’s Idea,” “Big Jim Blues,” “Walkin’ and Swingin’”).
From her 1940s output, the Jazz Orchestra selects some seldom heard pieces, like "In The Land Of Oo-Bla-Dee" (which also features singer Bill Allison), as well as a section of her signature Zodiac Suite: “Scorpio.”
After withdrawing from performance in the 1950s to concentrate on charity work, Mary Lou Williams made a triumphant return in the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival, and never looked back. The Jazz Orchestra will play several of her late 1960s compositions, including “Aries Mood” and “New Musical Express.” “With their sometimes startling dissonances,” said orchestra director and HSU Music professor Dan Aldag, “these works show that Williams had kept up with the many changes in jazz.”
The Jazz Orchestra will play other works in addition to Mary Lou Williams' music, including “Recollection,” by Arcata favorite son, Nathan Smith. Smith graduated from Arcata High, earned music degrees in Florida and at the Eastman School of Music, and has won several awards for his compositions. In addition to leading a 10-piece band in New York, he transcribes older jazz compositions from recordings, and recreates scores for new performances. “In a nice piece of symmetry,” Dan Aldag notes, “his most recent transcribing work has been of some of Mary Lou Williams’ music.”
A few nights before the Jazz Orchestra concert, the AM Jazz Band performs other jazz classics, including tunes by John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins, Freddie Hubbard and Tito Puente. Philip Sagastume is featured on tenor sax on "I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)" by Duke Ellington.
The AM Jazz Band performs on Thursday, May 6, and the Jazz Orchestra on Saturday, May 9. Both concerts are in the Fulkerson Recital Hall at 8 pm, and prices are the same for each: $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Both ensembles are directed by Dan Aldag, and the concerts are produced by HSU Music Department.
Mary Lou Williams in the 1930s
Media for concert: TriCity Weekly, Humboldt State Now, Humboldt Beacon, North Coast Journal, Arcata Eye
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Madrigal and Mad River Transit Singers
Love songs and three kinds of blues are the themes for the annual Madrigal Singers and Mad River Transit spring concert on Sunday May 2 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Harley Muilenburg, produced by HSU Music Department.
Love songs and three kinds of blues are the themes for the annual Madrigal Singers and Mad River Transit spring concert on Sunday May 2 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Harley Muilenburg, produced by HSU Music Department.
A Madrigal Comedy and Three Kinds of Blues
A classic evening of Renaissance love songs leads naturally into a modern set of three kinds of blues, in the annual spring concert of the HSU Madrigal Singers and the Mad River Transit jazz group, on Sunday May 2 in Fulkerson Recital Hall.
In the golden age of the English madrigal it was called a Madrigal Comedy: a concert of songs about love. The HSU Madrigal Singers performs songs of love’s season of spring, courtship, and love’s complications, before songs celebrating the culminating event that defines Shakespearian comedy: the wedding.
The songwriters include the traditional John Dowland, Thomas Morley and Robert Jones, and Henry Purcell’s “In These Delightful Pleasant Groves,” but also a movement from “Five Hebrew Love Songs” by contemporary composer Eric Whitacre.
The Mad River Transit jazz singers update these themes with blues tunes by John Coltrane, “Toots” Thielemans, Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen. Soloists include Claire Bent, Sara Scibetta, Calista Labolle and Brandy Rose.
MRT singers are backed by the rhythm section of Darius Brotman on piano, Sam Reynolds on bass and Jonathan Kipp on drums.
The HSU Madrigal Singers and MRT perform on Sunday May 2 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Harley Muilenburg, produced by HSU Music Department.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now, Humboldt Beacon.
A classic evening of Renaissance love songs leads naturally into a modern set of three kinds of blues, in the annual spring concert of the HSU Madrigal Singers and the Mad River Transit jazz group, on Sunday May 2 in Fulkerson Recital Hall.
In the golden age of the English madrigal it was called a Madrigal Comedy: a concert of songs about love. The HSU Madrigal Singers performs songs of love’s season of spring, courtship, and love’s complications, before songs celebrating the culminating event that defines Shakespearian comedy: the wedding.
The songwriters include the traditional John Dowland, Thomas Morley and Robert Jones, and Henry Purcell’s “In These Delightful Pleasant Groves,” but also a movement from “Five Hebrew Love Songs” by contemporary composer Eric Whitacre.
The Mad River Transit jazz singers update these themes with blues tunes by John Coltrane, “Toots” Thielemans, Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen. Soloists include Claire Bent, Sara Scibetta, Calista Labolle and Brandy Rose.
MRT singers are backed by the rhythm section of Darius Brotman on piano, Sam Reynolds on bass and Jonathan Kipp on drums.
The HSU Madrigal Singers and MRT perform on Sunday May 2 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Harley Muilenburg, produced by HSU Music Department.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now, Humboldt Beacon.
Saturday, May 01, 2010
Calypso Band & Percussion Ensemble
HSU Calypso Band’s high-energy Caribbean dance music and a Percussion Ensemble tribute to Led Zeppelin, plus drums of Africa, Hawaii and Mexico on Saturday May 1 at 8 pm in the Van Duzer Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.
HSU Calypso Band’s high-energy Caribbean dance music and a Percussion Ensemble tribute to Led Zeppelin, plus drums of Africa, Hawaii and Mexico on Saturday May 1 at 8 pm in the Van Duzer Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.
Homage to Bonzo and Queen of the Bands
The HSU Percussion Ensemble pays tribute to a Hawaiian war god and a god of rock drumming, and two smaller percussion groups play ragtime, Mexican, West African and Brazilian tunes. Then the HSU Calypso Band takes over with its high-energy Caribbean and African dance music. This often-anticipated annual spring concert takes the Van Duzer Theatre stage on Saturday night, May 1.
An ode to rock drumming, especially of Led Zeppelin’s John “Bonzo” Bonham, highlights the HSU Percussion Ensemble set. “The core theme is taken from two Led Zeppelin tunes,” said Percussion Ensemble director Howard Kaufman, “but there are also references to the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Bo Diddley.”
“Bonham” is by Christopher Rouse, who also composed the Ensemble’s second featured work, “Ku-Ka-llimoku.” Kaufman describes it as “a savage, propulsive war dance,” in honor of the Hawaiian god Ku.
The Ensemble also plays “Head Talk” by Mark Ford and “Alone and Together,” a piece by HSU Music professor Eugene Novotney, inspired by tap dancing and East Indian music.
Then the HSU Marimba Band performs two ragtime pieces, as well as folkloric music of Mexico. The HSU World Percussion Group ends the concert’s first half with traditional Mandeng Drumming of West Africa, and a Brazilian samba, which features 45 drummers, singers and dancers.
The famed Humboldt State Calypso Band takes over for the second half of the evening, featuring the classic composition by Ray Holman, “Queen of the Bands,” and other dance tunes with rhythms from the Caribbean and Africa. This event is a now traditional pre-finals fling for HSU students, and the Calypso band’s only Van Duzer appearance until winter.
The annual spring performance by the Humboldt Calypso Band and HSU percussion groups happens on Saturday May 1 at 8 pm in the Van Duzer Theatre Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. First 50 HSU students free with ID.
Media: Arcata Eye, North Coast Journal, Humboldt State Now, Humboldt Beacon
The HSU Percussion Ensemble pays tribute to a Hawaiian war god and a god of rock drumming, and two smaller percussion groups play ragtime, Mexican, West African and Brazilian tunes. Then the HSU Calypso Band takes over with its high-energy Caribbean and African dance music. This often-anticipated annual spring concert takes the Van Duzer Theatre stage on Saturday night, May 1.
An ode to rock drumming, especially of Led Zeppelin’s John “Bonzo” Bonham, highlights the HSU Percussion Ensemble set. “The core theme is taken from two Led Zeppelin tunes,” said Percussion Ensemble director Howard Kaufman, “but there are also references to the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Bo Diddley.”
“Bonham” is by Christopher Rouse, who also composed the Ensemble’s second featured work, “Ku-Ka-llimoku.” Kaufman describes it as “a savage, propulsive war dance,” in honor of the Hawaiian god Ku.
The Ensemble also plays “Head Talk” by Mark Ford and “Alone and Together,” a piece by HSU Music professor Eugene Novotney, inspired by tap dancing and East Indian music.
Then the HSU Marimba Band performs two ragtime pieces, as well as folkloric music of Mexico. The HSU World Percussion Group ends the concert’s first half with traditional Mandeng Drumming of West Africa, and a Brazilian samba, which features 45 drummers, singers and dancers.
The famed Humboldt State Calypso Band takes over for the second half of the evening, featuring the classic composition by Ray Holman, “Queen of the Bands,” and other dance tunes with rhythms from the Caribbean and Africa. This event is a now traditional pre-finals fling for HSU students, and the Calypso band’s only Van Duzer appearance until winter.
The annual spring performance by the Humboldt Calypso Band and HSU percussion groups happens on Saturday May 1 at 8 pm in the Van Duzer Theatre Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. First 50 HSU students free with ID.
Media: Arcata Eye, North Coast Journal, Humboldt State Now, Humboldt Beacon
Caleb Harris
Guest pianist Caleb Harris performs Beethoven and Chopin before accompanying soprano Elisabeth Harrington and playing piano duos with Daniela Mineva at the special time of 5 pm on Saturday May 1 in Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. An HSU Department of Music production.
Guest pianist Caleb Harris performs Beethoven and Chopin before accompanying soprano Elisabeth Harrington and playing piano duos with Daniela Mineva at the special time of 5 pm on Saturday May 1 in Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. An HSU Department of Music production.
Beethoven in the Afternoon--and Puccini, Chopin, etc.
A rare late afternoon performance features guest pianist Caleb Harris, who plays two solo works before combining with HSU Music faculty Elisabeth Harrington and Daniela Mineva, on Saturday May 1 at 5 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall.
Currently teaching at University of Northern Colorado and conducting the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, Caleb Harris has a varied career as a piano soloist, conductor and vocal coach. For this HSU concert, Harris performs Beethoven’s Piano Sonata #17, known as the Tempest Sonata, because it was reputedly inspired by the Shakespeare play of that title. It was composed in 1802, generally designated as the end of Beethoven’s early period.
Also in the solo half of the program, Harris performs several works by Chopin, including Scherzo #1, a piano Etude and the Fantasy Impromptu.
Then Harris accompanies soprano and HSU Music professor Elisabeth Harrington who performs an aria from Puccini’s La Boheme and songs by Richard Strauss. Pianist and HSU Music professor Daniela Mineva joins Harris to play two pieces for two pianos: Scaramouche by 20th century French composer Darius Milhaud, and Paganini Variations by 20th century Polish composer Witold Lutoslawski.
In addition to his concert, Caleb Harris will conduct a piano Master Class for pianists and voice students on Friday April 30 at 12 pm in Fulkerson Recital Hall. This class is free and open to all.
Guest pianist Caleb Harris performs with Elisabeth Harrington and Daniela Mineva at a special time of 5 pm on Saturday May 1 in Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. An HSU Department of Music production.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now, Humboldt Beacon
A rare late afternoon performance features guest pianist Caleb Harris, who plays two solo works before combining with HSU Music faculty Elisabeth Harrington and Daniela Mineva, on Saturday May 1 at 5 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall.
Currently teaching at University of Northern Colorado and conducting the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, Caleb Harris has a varied career as a piano soloist, conductor and vocal coach. For this HSU concert, Harris performs Beethoven’s Piano Sonata #17, known as the Tempest Sonata, because it was reputedly inspired by the Shakespeare play of that title. It was composed in 1802, generally designated as the end of Beethoven’s early period.
Also in the solo half of the program, Harris performs several works by Chopin, including Scherzo #1, a piano Etude and the Fantasy Impromptu.
Then Harris accompanies soprano and HSU Music professor Elisabeth Harrington who performs an aria from Puccini’s La Boheme and songs by Richard Strauss. Pianist and HSU Music professor Daniela Mineva joins Harris to play two pieces for two pianos: Scaramouche by 20th century French composer Darius Milhaud, and Paganini Variations by 20th century Polish composer Witold Lutoslawski.
In addition to his concert, Caleb Harris will conduct a piano Master Class for pianists and voice students on Friday April 30 at 12 pm in Fulkerson Recital Hall. This class is free and open to all.
Guest pianist Caleb Harris performs with Elisabeth Harrington and Daniela Mineva at a special time of 5 pm on Saturday May 1 in Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. An HSU Department of Music production.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now, Humboldt Beacon
Friday, April 30, 2010
Symphonic Band & North Coast Wind Ensemble
Godzilla destroys Vegas and The Lord of the Rings is evoked in the first combined concert by the HSU Symphonic Band and North Coast Wind Ensemble, both conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, on Friday April 30 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Produced by HSU Department of Music.
Godzilla destroys Vegas and The Lord of the Rings is evoked in the first combined concert by the HSU Symphonic Band and North Coast Wind Ensemble, both conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, on Friday April 30 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Produced by HSU Department of Music.
Godzilla Vs. Lord of the Rings!
Musical evocations of Gandalf from Lord of the Rings and Godzilla on the loose in Las Vegas highlight the first combined concert of the HSU Symphonic Band and the independent North Coast Wind Ensemble, both conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, on Friday, April 30 in Fulkerson Recital Hall.
The Symphonic Band plays Godzilla Eats Las Vegas, the score for a yet-to-exist movie by Los Angeles composer and conductor Eric Whitacre. The music follows Godzilla as he smashes the Vegas strip, laying waste to—among other icons—Wayne Newton. The city is saved by an army of marching Elvi (or “Elvises”), though the king of the monsters escapes to rampage another day.
Other selections on the Band’s program are Bali, an exotic percussion and wind instrument piece by contemporary Canadian composer Michael Colgrass, and Angels in the Architecture, a new piece by Frank Ticheli, another Los Angeles composer. “It portrays elements of light and darkness, good and evil,” said conductor Kenneth Ayoob. “It blends elements of pre-existing and new music into a powerful and thoughtful work of art.”
The Symphonic Band completes its part of the evening with the finale from Symphony #5 by 20th century Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, one of his most popular compositions.
The North Coast Wind Ensemble plays marches by Paul Hindemith and Charles Ives before combining with the Symphonic Band for two pieces: the Chant Funeraire by Gabriel Faure (composed to honor the 100th anniversary of the death of Napoleon Bonaparte) and a section from Symphony #1 by 20th century Dutch composer Johan De Meij, known as the Lord of the Rings Symphony. Each of the five parts of this symphony corresponds to a character or event in the classic J.R.R. Tolkien novel. The combined Band and Ensemble will play the first section, “Gandalf,” which uses percussion and wind instruments to evoke the wizard who becomes the leader of the Fellowship of the Ring.
The HSU Symphonic Band and North Coast Wind Ensemble perform together on Friday April 30 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Produced by HSU Department of Music.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now, Humboldt Beacon
Musical evocations of Gandalf from Lord of the Rings and Godzilla on the loose in Las Vegas highlight the first combined concert of the HSU Symphonic Band and the independent North Coast Wind Ensemble, both conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, on Friday, April 30 in Fulkerson Recital Hall.
The Symphonic Band plays Godzilla Eats Las Vegas, the score for a yet-to-exist movie by Los Angeles composer and conductor Eric Whitacre. The music follows Godzilla as he smashes the Vegas strip, laying waste to—among other icons—Wayne Newton. The city is saved by an army of marching Elvi (or “Elvises”), though the king of the monsters escapes to rampage another day.
Other selections on the Band’s program are Bali, an exotic percussion and wind instrument piece by contemporary Canadian composer Michael Colgrass, and Angels in the Architecture, a new piece by Frank Ticheli, another Los Angeles composer. “It portrays elements of light and darkness, good and evil,” said conductor Kenneth Ayoob. “It blends elements of pre-existing and new music into a powerful and thoughtful work of art.”
The Symphonic Band completes its part of the evening with the finale from Symphony #5 by 20th century Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich, one of his most popular compositions.
The North Coast Wind Ensemble plays marches by Paul Hindemith and Charles Ives before combining with the Symphonic Band for two pieces: the Chant Funeraire by Gabriel Faure (composed to honor the 100th anniversary of the death of Napoleon Bonaparte) and a section from Symphony #1 by 20th century Dutch composer Johan De Meij, known as the Lord of the Rings Symphony. Each of the five parts of this symphony corresponds to a character or event in the classic J.R.R. Tolkien novel. The combined Band and Ensemble will play the first section, “Gandalf,” which uses percussion and wind instruments to evoke the wizard who becomes the leader of the Fellowship of the Ring.
The HSU Symphonic Band and North Coast Wind Ensemble perform together on Friday April 30 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Produced by HSU Department of Music.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now, Humboldt Beacon
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Opera Workshop
HSU Opera Workshop applies musical wit to contemporary relationships, soap operas and video dating on Friday April 23 and Saturday April 24 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Elisabeth Harrington, artistic director; produced by HSU Department of Music.
HSU Opera Workshop applies musical wit to contemporary relationships, soap operas and video dating on Friday April 23 and Saturday April 24 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Elisabeth Harrington, artistic director; produced by HSU Department of Music.
Love is Strange with the HSU Opera Workshop
It’s not your grandfather’s opera. No exaggerated emotions in foreign languages by heavily costumed figures standing around until the fat lady sings. On Friday and Saturday, April 23 and 24, the HSU Opera Workshop explores contemporary relationships with selected musical scenes and two short comic operas, including the story of a young man searching for true love at a video dating service.
Test Tube by Milton Granger is a fast-paced comedy about a man and four women of roughly college age. In the guise of “who gets the guy?” they confront real relationship issues, in clever cadences of dialogue as well as song. Kevin (played by James Murphy) sees his fantasies as well as reality acted out by Cassandra Lindop, Chelsea Snyder and Brandy Rose, under the increasingly interested eye of the young woman who runs the video dating service (Jamie Banister.) The comedy is acted as well as sung, with characters on stage at times singing with video images on the screen.
“I think audience members will be pleasantly surprised at what opera can be,” said Opera Workshop artistic director and HSU Music professor Elisabeth Harrington.
Another short opera takes a comic look at where some dubious images of relationships come from: the aptly named soap operas. The melodrama of a love triangle in a hospital operating room is interspersed with manically cheerful singing-and-dancing commercials, in Gallantry: A Soap Opera by Douglass Moore.
This year’s Opera Workshop includes seventeen singers, and most of them combine for “The Little Things You Do Together” from Steven Sonheim’s Company. This song introduces a series of duets from various musicals, all portraying relationships: lovers, friends, business partners, and the unique relationship of Siamese twins.
Some of the musicals sampled are: The Boyfriend, Mame, Hairspray, 110 in the Shade, Sideshow and The Fantasticks.
John Chernoff provides piano accompaniment, and is musical co-directed with Elisabeth Harrington. Cynthia McCloud and Danielle van de Wetering contribute choreography, with costumes by Kevin Sharkey and lighting by Emily Ruebl.
The HSU Opera Workshop performs for two nights: Friday April 23 and Saturday April 24 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Elisabeth Harrington, artistic director; produced by HSU Department of Music.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye.
It’s not your grandfather’s opera. No exaggerated emotions in foreign languages by heavily costumed figures standing around until the fat lady sings. On Friday and Saturday, April 23 and 24, the HSU Opera Workshop explores contemporary relationships with selected musical scenes and two short comic operas, including the story of a young man searching for true love at a video dating service.
Test Tube by Milton Granger is a fast-paced comedy about a man and four women of roughly college age. In the guise of “who gets the guy?” they confront real relationship issues, in clever cadences of dialogue as well as song. Kevin (played by James Murphy) sees his fantasies as well as reality acted out by Cassandra Lindop, Chelsea Snyder and Brandy Rose, under the increasingly interested eye of the young woman who runs the video dating service (Jamie Banister.) The comedy is acted as well as sung, with characters on stage at times singing with video images on the screen.
“I think audience members will be pleasantly surprised at what opera can be,” said Opera Workshop artistic director and HSU Music professor Elisabeth Harrington.
Another short opera takes a comic look at where some dubious images of relationships come from: the aptly named soap operas. The melodrama of a love triangle in a hospital operating room is interspersed with manically cheerful singing-and-dancing commercials, in Gallantry: A Soap Opera by Douglass Moore.
This year’s Opera Workshop includes seventeen singers, and most of them combine for “The Little Things You Do Together” from Steven Sonheim’s Company. This song introduces a series of duets from various musicals, all portraying relationships: lovers, friends, business partners, and the unique relationship of Siamese twins.
Some of the musicals sampled are: The Boyfriend, Mame, Hairspray, 110 in the Shade, Sideshow and The Fantasticks.
John Chernoff provides piano accompaniment, and is musical co-directed with Elisabeth Harrington. Cynthia McCloud and Danielle van de Wetering contribute choreography, with costumes by Kevin Sharkey and lighting by Emily Ruebl.
The HSU Opera Workshop performs for two nights: Friday April 23 and Saturday April 24 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Elisabeth Harrington, artistic director; produced by HSU Department of Music.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Jazz Combos
Six HSU student combos over two nights play blues, funk and original jazz, on Saturday April 17 and Sunday, April 18 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Dan Aldag, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Six HSU student combos over two nights play blues, funk and original jazz, on Saturday April 17 and Sunday, April 18 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Dan Aldag, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Quick Trip, Long Jaunt: Double the Jazz with HSU Jazz Combos Weekend
It’s double the music in two evenings of HSU Jazz Combos: instead of the usual three groups playing for a single night, this time there are six student combos playing completely different shows over two nights.
A quartet, a trio and a New Orleans-style band perform on Saturday, April 17, and on Sunday night a quintet, another quartet and trio, all in Fulkerson Recital Hall. "We had too much talent for just three combos this year," said director Dan Aldag. "So we've got six."
The largest ensemble is featured Saturday night: Slippery Society plays traditional tunes (with vocals) in old school New Orleans style, including Bessie Smith’s “Me and My Gin,” “Tin Roof Blues,” “Buddy Bolden’s Blues” and “Just A Closer Walk With Thee.” They break the pattern a little with a tune by the 70s funk band War, paying tribute to the legendary comic book and 1950s TV hero, the Cisco Kid.
Slippery Society consists of Ari Davie on trumpet, Stephanie Douglas on clarinet, Talon Nansel on trombone, Amanda Lake on banjo and vocals, Elizabeth Cruz on tuba and Brett Huska on drums and vocals.
Freshly Picked Cake, a quartet of piano (Aber Miller), tenor sax (Isaac Williams), bass (Sam Roberts) and drums (Jonathan Kipp), performs Saturday. Their set includes a Joe Henderson tune and two originals by Miller, “Meth Bed” and “Asparagus in Rain.”
Also playing Saturday, a trio comprised of Joel Bettencourt on piano, Danny Gaon on bass and Yanaki Lopez on drums, performs “Dusty McNugget” by contemporary pianist and composer Brad Mehldau, as well as other tunes including an original by pianist Bettencourt, called “Quick Trip, Long Jaunt.”
Sunday night, the Old Spice quartet plays “Gdansk” by multiple Grammy winner Paquito D’Rivera, the Cuban-born reed player and composer, as well as the ever-popular “(It Don’t Mean A Thing) If It Ain’t Got That Swing” by Duke Ellington. Old Spice is Clayton Bennett on guitar, Bryce Pierce on bass, Dylan Williams on drums and Avetis Chalaganyan on percussion.
Also Sunday, a trio comprised of Colin Gaddie on guitar, Byron Richards on bass and Sam Kaplan-Good on drums plays a set that includes two funky tunes: “Boozer” by jazz guitarist and composer John Scofield, and “Tune 88” by pianist and composer Jeff Lorber.
A quintet of tenor sax (Leo Echazábal), guitar (Charlie Sleep), piano (Rachel Hrdina), bass (Tyler Machado) and drums (Gabriel Ben-Shalom) performs an original group composition called “Exiguous.” Their set also includes “Road Song” by the classic jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery.
HSU Jazz Combos perform on Saturday April 17 and Sunday, April 18 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Dan Aldag, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
It’s double the music in two evenings of HSU Jazz Combos: instead of the usual three groups playing for a single night, this time there are six student combos playing completely different shows over two nights.
A quartet, a trio and a New Orleans-style band perform on Saturday, April 17, and on Sunday night a quintet, another quartet and trio, all in Fulkerson Recital Hall. "We had too much talent for just three combos this year," said director Dan Aldag. "So we've got six."
The largest ensemble is featured Saturday night: Slippery Society plays traditional tunes (with vocals) in old school New Orleans style, including Bessie Smith’s “Me and My Gin,” “Tin Roof Blues,” “Buddy Bolden’s Blues” and “Just A Closer Walk With Thee.” They break the pattern a little with a tune by the 70s funk band War, paying tribute to the legendary comic book and 1950s TV hero, the Cisco Kid.
Slippery Society consists of Ari Davie on trumpet, Stephanie Douglas on clarinet, Talon Nansel on trombone, Amanda Lake on banjo and vocals, Elizabeth Cruz on tuba and Brett Huska on drums and vocals.
Freshly Picked Cake, a quartet of piano (Aber Miller), tenor sax (Isaac Williams), bass (Sam Roberts) and drums (Jonathan Kipp), performs Saturday. Their set includes a Joe Henderson tune and two originals by Miller, “Meth Bed” and “Asparagus in Rain.”
Also playing Saturday, a trio comprised of Joel Bettencourt on piano, Danny Gaon on bass and Yanaki Lopez on drums, performs “Dusty McNugget” by contemporary pianist and composer Brad Mehldau, as well as other tunes including an original by pianist Bettencourt, called “Quick Trip, Long Jaunt.”
Sunday night, the Old Spice quartet plays “Gdansk” by multiple Grammy winner Paquito D’Rivera, the Cuban-born reed player and composer, as well as the ever-popular “(It Don’t Mean A Thing) If It Ain’t Got That Swing” by Duke Ellington. Old Spice is Clayton Bennett on guitar, Bryce Pierce on bass, Dylan Williams on drums and Avetis Chalaganyan on percussion.
Also Sunday, a trio comprised of Colin Gaddie on guitar, Byron Richards on bass and Sam Kaplan-Good on drums plays a set that includes two funky tunes: “Boozer” by jazz guitarist and composer John Scofield, and “Tune 88” by pianist and composer Jeff Lorber.
A quintet of tenor sax (Leo Echazábal), guitar (Charlie Sleep), piano (Rachel Hrdina), bass (Tyler Machado) and drums (Gabriel Ben-Shalom) performs an original group composition called “Exiguous.” Their set also includes “Road Song” by the classic jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery.
HSU Jazz Combos perform on Saturday April 17 and Sunday, April 18 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Dan Aldag, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Humboldt Bay Brass Band
The Humboldt Bay Brass Band, featuring the new HB Brass Quintet, performs a Renaissance-to-contemporary program on Saturday, April 10 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Gil Cline; produced by the HSU Department of Music.
The Humboldt Bay Brass Band, featuring the new HB Brass Quintet, performs a Renaissance-to-contemporary program on Saturday, April 10 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Gil Cline; produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Humboldt Bay Brass Band: Renaissance Fanfare to Contemporary Promenade With the New Band Within the Band
The Humboldt Bay Brass Band has established itself as Humboldt County’s only all-brass ensemble in the traditional configuration of 27 brass and three percussion players. But the concert on Saturday, April 10 in Fulkerson Recital Hall marks the premiere of the new band within the band: the Humboldt Bay Brass Quintet.
Comprising the Quintet are Gil Cline and Frederic Belanger (trumpets and cornets), Matthew Morgan on horn, Toshi Noquchi on trombone and Kearney VanderSal on bass trombone.
The Quintet starts out displaying its range, from Renaissance to contemporary. Beginning with several rousing Renaissance fanfares, the Quintet plays a madrigal by English composer Thomas Weelkes and a canzona by Giovanni Gabrieli (both Weelkes and Gabrieli were organists as well as composers.)
The Quintet continues with several selections from the following Baroque era, beginning with a dance suite by Johann Hermann Schein, a German composer who was the first to absorb elements of the Italian Baroque in his music.
Moving to the modern, the Quintet plays “Morning Music” by 20th century German composer Paul Hindemith. The Quintet concludes with a very contemporary piece—“Rhododendron Promenade,” composed by leader Gilbert Cline, which was first performed at the 2008 Rhododendron Festival Concert at the Arkley Center for the Performing Arts.
The full Humboldt Bay Brass Band concludes the concert with three works selected from among audience favorites from the past several years.
The Humboldt Bay Brass Band, featuring the new HB Brass Quintet performs on Saturday, April 10 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Gil Cline; produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Media: TriCity Weekly, Humboldt State Now, Humboldt Beacon, Arcata Eye, North Coast Journal.
The Humboldt Bay Brass Band has established itself as Humboldt County’s only all-brass ensemble in the traditional configuration of 27 brass and three percussion players. But the concert on Saturday, April 10 in Fulkerson Recital Hall marks the premiere of the new band within the band: the Humboldt Bay Brass Quintet.
Comprising the Quintet are Gil Cline and Frederic Belanger (trumpets and cornets), Matthew Morgan on horn, Toshi Noquchi on trombone and Kearney VanderSal on bass trombone.
The Quintet starts out displaying its range, from Renaissance to contemporary. Beginning with several rousing Renaissance fanfares, the Quintet plays a madrigal by English composer Thomas Weelkes and a canzona by Giovanni Gabrieli (both Weelkes and Gabrieli were organists as well as composers.)
The Quintet continues with several selections from the following Baroque era, beginning with a dance suite by Johann Hermann Schein, a German composer who was the first to absorb elements of the Italian Baroque in his music.
Moving to the modern, the Quintet plays “Morning Music” by 20th century German composer Paul Hindemith. The Quintet concludes with a very contemporary piece—“Rhododendron Promenade,” composed by leader Gilbert Cline, which was first performed at the 2008 Rhododendron Festival Concert at the Arkley Center for the Performing Arts.
The full Humboldt Bay Brass Band concludes the concert with three works selected from among audience favorites from the past several years.
The Humboldt Bay Brass Band, featuring the new HB Brass Quintet performs on Saturday, April 10 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Gil Cline; produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Media: TriCity Weekly, Humboldt State Now, Humboldt Beacon, Arcata Eye, North Coast Journal.
Saturday, April 03, 2010
North Coast Wind Ensemble
North Coast Wind Ensemble plays Elgar, Hindemith, Giannini and Ives on Saturday April 3 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $5/ $2 students and seniors from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
North Coast Wind Ensemble plays Elgar, Hindemith, Giannini and Ives on Saturday April 3 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $5/ $2 students and seniors from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Enigma Variations, Marching Metamorphosis and A Lot of Bands at Once
The North Coast Wind Ensemble welcomes spring with a symphony, a song, a couple of marches and some famous variations, in its Fulkerson Recital Hall concert on Saturday, April 3.
The Enigma Variations by English composer Edward Elgar may be “a staple of the orchestral literature,” according to Ensemble conductor Kenneth Ayoob, but this version of the landmark work has been re-scored for wind instruments in a “wonderful arrangement” by Earl Slocum. Each variation is a tribute to one of Elgar’s friends, and the “enigma” of the title refers to a hidden theme. Music historians still debate what that theme is—some guess it is as simple as Auld Lang Syne.
Symphony #3 for Band by 20th century American composer Vittorio Giannini may not be so enigmatic, but it does have variety: a heroic theme, a lyrical second movement, “shifting rhythmic playfulness” in the third movement, and a final movement of “pure excitement.”
The two marches on the April 3 program “could not be more different,” said Ayoob, “as they contrast the composers’ unique styles.” Twentieth century German composer Paul Hindemith wrote his Symphonic Metamorphosis after emigrating to the U.S. during World War II. The Ensemble plays the March section of this larger work, as arranged by Yale University band director Keith Wilson at Hindemith’s request.
Contrasting with this serious work is the Country Band March by 20th century U.S. composer Charles Ives who “draws from his own experience with amateur bands,” Ayoob said. “It’s a parody of what those bands might sound like if several of them played at once. It includes quotations from no fewer than twelve well-known tunes.”
Colonial Song by composer Percy Grainger is a “lyric work written for and about the people of his native Australia.” Grainger was the subject of “Passion,” the 1999 movie by Australian director Peter Duncan.
The North Coast Wind Ensemble performs on Saturday April 3 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $5/ $2 students and seniors from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now, Humboldt Beacon
The North Coast Wind Ensemble welcomes spring with a symphony, a song, a couple of marches and some famous variations, in its Fulkerson Recital Hall concert on Saturday, April 3.
The Enigma Variations by English composer Edward Elgar may be “a staple of the orchestral literature,” according to Ensemble conductor Kenneth Ayoob, but this version of the landmark work has been re-scored for wind instruments in a “wonderful arrangement” by Earl Slocum. Each variation is a tribute to one of Elgar’s friends, and the “enigma” of the title refers to a hidden theme. Music historians still debate what that theme is—some guess it is as simple as Auld Lang Syne.
Symphony #3 for Band by 20th century American composer Vittorio Giannini may not be so enigmatic, but it does have variety: a heroic theme, a lyrical second movement, “shifting rhythmic playfulness” in the third movement, and a final movement of “pure excitement.”
The two marches on the April 3 program “could not be more different,” said Ayoob, “as they contrast the composers’ unique styles.” Twentieth century German composer Paul Hindemith wrote his Symphonic Metamorphosis after emigrating to the U.S. during World War II. The Ensemble plays the March section of this larger work, as arranged by Yale University band director Keith Wilson at Hindemith’s request.
Contrasting with this serious work is the Country Band March by 20th century U.S. composer Charles Ives who “draws from his own experience with amateur bands,” Ayoob said. “It’s a parody of what those bands might sound like if several of them played at once. It includes quotations from no fewer than twelve well-known tunes.”
Colonial Song by composer Percy Grainger is a “lyric work written for and about the people of his native Australia.” Grainger was the subject of “Passion,” the 1999 movie by Australian director Peter Duncan.
The North Coast Wind Ensemble performs on Saturday April 3 at 8 pm in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $5/ $2 students and seniors from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now, Humboldt Beacon
Director's Notes
Two sets of works contrasting American and European traditions make up the bulk of the upcoming North Coast Wind Ensemble concert.
Elgar’s Enigma Variations are a staple of the orchestral literature and the work has been re-scored for winds in a wonderful arrangement by Earl Slocum. This long form work is contrasted with a classic of the wind literature, Symphony #3 by Vittorio Giannini. The symphony, in four movements begins with a heroic theme that is based on the interval of a fourth and is transformed into a fugue, with a contrasting lyric middle section. The second movement takes advantage of the lyric sounds of the woodwinds, while the third is marked by a shifting rhythmic playfulness. The final movement is pure excitement.
The second set of contrasts include the March from Symphonic Metamorphosis of Hindemith and the Country Band March of Ives. They could not be more different as each work showcases its composers unique style. The Symphonic Metamorphosis was composed by Hindemith while he was at Yale and he asked Yale’s band director, Keith Wilson to make a wind arrangement. The march is based on a theme by Carl Maria von Weber which is stated in a two bar fragment at the beginning and later transformed and developed throughout the work. The Country Band March of Ives draws from his own experiences with amateur bands and is a parody of what those bands might sound like if several of them played at once. It includes quotations from no fewer than 12 well known tunes.
The wind ensemble will also perform Colonial Song by Percy Grainger. This lyric work was written for and about the people his native Australia and expressed his wish to “voice a certain kind of emotion that seems to me not untypical of native-born colonials in general.
Two sets of works contrasting American and European traditions make up the bulk of the upcoming North Coast Wind Ensemble concert.
Elgar’s Enigma Variations are a staple of the orchestral literature and the work has been re-scored for winds in a wonderful arrangement by Earl Slocum. This long form work is contrasted with a classic of the wind literature, Symphony #3 by Vittorio Giannini. The symphony, in four movements begins with a heroic theme that is based on the interval of a fourth and is transformed into a fugue, with a contrasting lyric middle section. The second movement takes advantage of the lyric sounds of the woodwinds, while the third is marked by a shifting rhythmic playfulness. The final movement is pure excitement.
The second set of contrasts include the March from Symphonic Metamorphosis of Hindemith and the Country Band March of Ives. They could not be more different as each work showcases its composers unique style. The Symphonic Metamorphosis was composed by Hindemith while he was at Yale and he asked Yale’s band director, Keith Wilson to make a wind arrangement. The march is based on a theme by Carl Maria von Weber which is stated in a two bar fragment at the beginning and later transformed and developed throughout the work. The Country Band March of Ives draws from his own experiences with amateur bands and is a parody of what those bands might sound like if several of them played at once. It includes quotations from no fewer than 12 well known tunes.
The wind ensemble will also perform Colonial Song by Percy Grainger. This lyric work was written for and about the people his native Australia and expressed his wish to “voice a certain kind of emotion that seems to me not untypical of native-born colonials in general.
Friday, April 02, 2010
Composers Concert
Latest new work composed by HSU students and performed by students, faculty and staff on Friday, April 2 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. J. Brian Post, director; produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Latest new work composed by HSU students and performed by students, faculty and staff on Friday, April 2 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. J. Brian Post, director; produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Composers Face the Music at HSU
Students pursuing a degree in Composition at HSU face the music of a live audience on Friday, April 2 in Fulkerson Recital Hall.
The audience in turn gets to hear music no one has heard before. “These works contain influences from American folk music, jazz, rock & roll, film scores and European art music from Vivaldi’s time to the present,” said composition teacher, composer and HSU Music professor Brian Post.
The compositions include experimental approaches as well as new takes on older musical styles. Among the student composers are Mark Jensen, Davina Warner, John Garritano and Adolpho Acuna. Performers include HSU faculty and staff as well as students.
The spring Composers Concert is performed on Friday, April 2 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now.
Students pursuing a degree in Composition at HSU face the music of a live audience on Friday, April 2 in Fulkerson Recital Hall.
The audience in turn gets to hear music no one has heard before. “These works contain influences from American folk music, jazz, rock & roll, film scores and European art music from Vivaldi’s time to the present,” said composition teacher, composer and HSU Music professor Brian Post.
The compositions include experimental approaches as well as new takes on older musical styles. Among the student composers are Mark Jensen, Davina Warner, John Garritano and Adolpho Acuna. Performers include HSU faculty and staff as well as students.
The spring Composers Concert is performed on Friday, April 2 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Rika Uchida
Visiting virtuoso pianist Rika Uchida presents a Debussy concert and commentary on Saturday March 27 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Visiting virtuoso pianist Rika Uchida presents a Debussy concert and commentary on Saturday March 27 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Twilight, Moonlight: Pianist Rika Uchida Plays Debussy
Pianist Rika Uchida plays Debussy’s famous “Claire de Lune” and selections from his Preludes and Images, to illustrate the transition from Romantic to modern in classical music, in a concert and commentary on Saturday, March 27 at the Fulkerson Recital Hall.
Born in Japan, Uchida came to the U.S. to study psychology, but was convinced by pianist Dean Kramer (one of the last students of the renowned Vladimir Horowitz) to follow her childhood interest in music. She received the University of Oregon Outstanding Keyboardist Award for her performance of Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto.
Now teaching piano and music theory at Drake University, Uchida specializes in the music of the turn of the century-- particularly in Debussy’s solo piano music.
Claude Debussy’s compositions bridged the late nineteenth century Romantic period (when he was a young man, influenced by Wagner) and early twentieth century modernist music (when he was in Paris, and friends with composer Eric Satie.)
To illustrate the musical features of this transition, Uchida will play selections from Debussy’s Preludes (with such evocative titles as “Interrupted Serenade,” “Gardens in the Rain,” “What the West Wind Has Seen” and “Fireworks”) and the second book of his Images (including “Bells Through the Leaves” and “The Moon Descends on the Ruined Temple.”)
Uchida also plays the most familiar Debussy composition, and probably one of the most familiar melodies in all of music: “Claire de Lune.” Though it was originally the third movement of a suite, “Claire de Lune” (French for “moonlight”) has had a prominent life of its own. Familiar to a new generation from the movie Twilight (2008), it has been heard in many films around the world, from Giant (1956) and Casino Royale (1967) to Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and Atonement (2007.)
Best known as a piano piece, “Claire de Lune” has also been recorded on guitar, cello, Wulitzer theatre organ and the Theramin, an electronic instrument most often heard on 1950s suspense and science fiction movie soundtracks.
Here at Humboldt State as part of a national tour, Rika Uchida is expected to stay with the piano version.
Virtuoso pianist Rika Uchida presents a Debussy concert and commentary on Saturday March 27 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now.
Pianist Rika Uchida plays Debussy’s famous “Claire de Lune” and selections from his Preludes and Images, to illustrate the transition from Romantic to modern in classical music, in a concert and commentary on Saturday, March 27 at the Fulkerson Recital Hall.
Born in Japan, Uchida came to the U.S. to study psychology, but was convinced by pianist Dean Kramer (one of the last students of the renowned Vladimir Horowitz) to follow her childhood interest in music. She received the University of Oregon Outstanding Keyboardist Award for her performance of Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto.
Now teaching piano and music theory at Drake University, Uchida specializes in the music of the turn of the century-- particularly in Debussy’s solo piano music.
Claude Debussy’s compositions bridged the late nineteenth century Romantic period (when he was a young man, influenced by Wagner) and early twentieth century modernist music (when he was in Paris, and friends with composer Eric Satie.)
To illustrate the musical features of this transition, Uchida will play selections from Debussy’s Preludes (with such evocative titles as “Interrupted Serenade,” “Gardens in the Rain,” “What the West Wind Has Seen” and “Fireworks”) and the second book of his Images (including “Bells Through the Leaves” and “The Moon Descends on the Ruined Temple.”)
Uchida also plays the most familiar Debussy composition, and probably one of the most familiar melodies in all of music: “Claire de Lune.” Though it was originally the third movement of a suite, “Claire de Lune” (French for “moonlight”) has had a prominent life of its own. Familiar to a new generation from the movie Twilight (2008), it has been heard in many films around the world, from Giant (1956) and Casino Royale (1967) to Ocean’s Eleven (2001) and Atonement (2007.)
Best known as a piano piece, “Claire de Lune” has also been recorded on guitar, cello, Wulitzer theatre organ and the Theramin, an electronic instrument most often heard on 1950s suspense and science fiction movie soundtracks.
Here at Humboldt State as part of a national tour, Rika Uchida is expected to stay with the piano version.
Virtuoso pianist Rika Uchida presents a Debussy concert and commentary on Saturday March 27 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Humboldt Symphony
Power to the People: Humboldt Symphony plays symphonic works based on folk and jazz tunes featuring saxophone soloist Virginia Ryder on Saturday, March 6 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Paul Cummings; produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Power to the People: Humboldt Symphony plays symphonic works based on folk and jazz tunes featuring saxophone soloist Virginia Ryder on Saturday, March 6 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Conducted by Paul Cummings; produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Paris Jazz, Danny Boy, Crazy Uncle and the Mighty Handful: Humboldt Symphony Plays Music of the People
The Humboldt Symphony presents an airy early-spring program filled with folk melodies and jazz, but in compositions displaying the rich and varied sounds of the symphonic orchestra.
The evening’s centerpiece is Concertino da Camera by 20th century French composer Jacques Ibert, highlighting the American jazz and ragtime rhythms that took 1920s Paris by storm. Virginia Ryder is the featured soloist, in what Symphony conductor Paul Cummings calls “one of the greatest works for alto saxophone in the orchestra repertoire.”
Composer Ibert is known for his playfulness, and the Concertino takes the orchestra on a ride of fascinating rhythms, shifting harmonies and abrupt key changes. “It’s an enjoyable piece to play and to listen to,” Cummings said.
Other pieces on the program go deeper into music of the people, to traditional folk melodies. Percy Grainger’s contribution is self-explanatory: Irish Tune From County Derry. “This is one of Grainger’s primary works,” Cummings said. “This version is unique, though, because it includes strings. It’s a beautiful arrangement, based on the tune we know as ‘Danny Boy.’”
Anatol Liadov’s Eight Russian Folk Songs comprise his best known piece for orchestra. Member of the group of 19th century Russian composers known as “The Mighty Handful,” Liadov’s great talent was for orchestration. “He created a beautiful orchestral setting for these folk songs,” Cummings observed. “He chose really charming songs—very simple, lyrical tunes. But he orchestrates them with very challenging combinations of instruments—for example, the cello section plays a four-part harmony—very unusual. There’s also a lot of contrast from one melody to the next.” Humorous, somber, a lullaby, a dance and a bit of birdsong—a mighty handful indeed.
Intermezzo from Hary Janos Suite by 20th century Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodaly is from the instrumental music of an opera about a Hungarian folk hero, a “crazy uncle” who tells outlandish lies that express the hopes and dreams of the Hungarian people. “This is a colorful piece, also with inventive orchestration.”
The sore thumb of the program is British composer William Walton’s Crown Imperial March, played at the coronation of King George VI in 1937, and substantially revised in 1963. But if Walton didn’t borrow from the people for this acclaimed piece, he at least reputedly borrowed from a friend—Edward Elgar. Listeners detected some echoes of one of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance marches. “This is one of Walton’s best known pieces,” Cummings said. “It’s usually played by bands, but it actually sounds better played by the orchestra.”
The Humboldt Symphony under the direction of Paul Cummings and featuring saxophone soloist Virginia Ryder, performs on Saturday, March 6 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now
The Humboldt Symphony presents an airy early-spring program filled with folk melodies and jazz, but in compositions displaying the rich and varied sounds of the symphonic orchestra.
The evening’s centerpiece is Concertino da Camera by 20th century French composer Jacques Ibert, highlighting the American jazz and ragtime rhythms that took 1920s Paris by storm. Virginia Ryder is the featured soloist, in what Symphony conductor Paul Cummings calls “one of the greatest works for alto saxophone in the orchestra repertoire.”
Composer Ibert is known for his playfulness, and the Concertino takes the orchestra on a ride of fascinating rhythms, shifting harmonies and abrupt key changes. “It’s an enjoyable piece to play and to listen to,” Cummings said.
Other pieces on the program go deeper into music of the people, to traditional folk melodies. Percy Grainger’s contribution is self-explanatory: Irish Tune From County Derry. “This is one of Grainger’s primary works,” Cummings said. “This version is unique, though, because it includes strings. It’s a beautiful arrangement, based on the tune we know as ‘Danny Boy.’”
Anatol Liadov’s Eight Russian Folk Songs comprise his best known piece for orchestra. Member of the group of 19th century Russian composers known as “The Mighty Handful,” Liadov’s great talent was for orchestration. “He created a beautiful orchestral setting for these folk songs,” Cummings observed. “He chose really charming songs—very simple, lyrical tunes. But he orchestrates them with very challenging combinations of instruments—for example, the cello section plays a four-part harmony—very unusual. There’s also a lot of contrast from one melody to the next.” Humorous, somber, a lullaby, a dance and a bit of birdsong—a mighty handful indeed.
Intermezzo from Hary Janos Suite by 20th century Hungarian composer Zoltan Kodaly is from the instrumental music of an opera about a Hungarian folk hero, a “crazy uncle” who tells outlandish lies that express the hopes and dreams of the Hungarian people. “This is a colorful piece, also with inventive orchestration.”
The sore thumb of the program is British composer William Walton’s Crown Imperial March, played at the coronation of King George VI in 1937, and substantially revised in 1963. But if Walton didn’t borrow from the people for this acclaimed piece, he at least reputedly borrowed from a friend—Edward Elgar. Listeners detected some echoes of one of Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance marches. “This is one of Walton’s best known pieces,” Cummings said. “It’s usually played by bands, but it actually sounds better played by the orchestra.”
The Humboldt Symphony under the direction of Paul Cummings and featuring saxophone soloist Virginia Ryder, performs on Saturday, March 6 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt State Now
Friday, February 26, 2010
Symphonic Band & Jazz Orchestra
The HSU Symphonic Band and Jazz Orchestra perform a joint concert of American music on Friday, February 26 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. The Symphonic Band is conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, the Jazz Orchestra is directed by Dan Aldag. An HSU Department of Music production. Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye, Humboldt Beacon.
The HSU Symphonic Band and Jazz Orchestra perform a joint concert of American music on Friday, February 26 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. The Symphonic Band is conducted by Kenneth Ayoob, the Jazz Orchestra is directed by Dan Aldag. An HSU Department of Music production. Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye, Humboldt Beacon.
Gunslingers and Exotic Dancers: HSU Symphonic Band and Jazz Orchestra Play American Tunes
The HSU Symphonic Band goes tandem with the Jazz Orchestra on a program of American tunes. The Band plays “Variations on America” by the “American original” Charles Ives, and the “Americans We” March by Ohioan Henry Fillmore, who toured the U.S. with his band and his wife, the exotic dancer Mabel May Jones.
Also featured in the Band portion of the program are Bugs” by the Iowan Roger Cichy, “October” by Nevadan Eric Whitacre, and “Incantation and Dance” by the Texas composer with the very Texan name of John Barnes Chance.
The Jazz Orchestra picks up the western theme with “Gunslinging Bird” by Charles Mingus, subtitled "If Charlie Parker Were A Gunslinger, There'd Be A Lot Of Dead Copycats.”
The Orchestra also plays the jazz standard “Caravan” inspired by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band version, and “Blues for C.M” by Dave Holland, a tribute to Charles Mingus. "Cottontail" by Duke Ellington is a groundbreaking piece from 1940 that presaged the bebop revolution and introduced the saxophone solo to big band arranging.
As a preview of its solo concert in May, the Jazz Orchestra will play “Big Jim Blues” by American jazz pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams, to begin a tribute marking the 100th anniversary of her birth.
The HSU Symphonic Band directed by Kenneth Ayoob, and the Jazz Orchestra directed by Dan Aldag will perform a joint concert on Friday, February 26 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. An HSU Department of Music production.
The HSU Symphonic Band goes tandem with the Jazz Orchestra on a program of American tunes. The Band plays “Variations on America” by the “American original” Charles Ives, and the “Americans We” March by Ohioan Henry Fillmore, who toured the U.S. with his band and his wife, the exotic dancer Mabel May Jones.
Also featured in the Band portion of the program are Bugs” by the Iowan Roger Cichy, “October” by Nevadan Eric Whitacre, and “Incantation and Dance” by the Texas composer with the very Texan name of John Barnes Chance.
The Jazz Orchestra picks up the western theme with “Gunslinging Bird” by Charles Mingus, subtitled "If Charlie Parker Were A Gunslinger, There'd Be A Lot Of Dead Copycats.”
The Orchestra also plays the jazz standard “Caravan” inspired by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band version, and “Blues for C.M” by Dave Holland, a tribute to Charles Mingus. "Cottontail" by Duke Ellington is a groundbreaking piece from 1940 that presaged the bebop revolution and introduced the saxophone solo to big band arranging.
As a preview of its solo concert in May, the Jazz Orchestra will play “Big Jim Blues” by American jazz pianist and composer Mary Lou Williams, to begin a tribute marking the 100th anniversary of her birth.
The HSU Symphonic Band directed by Kenneth Ayoob, and the Jazz Orchestra directed by Dan Aldag will perform a joint concert on Friday, February 26 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. An HSU Department of Music production.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
W. Broadway Company
Six stars of North Coast musical theatre join forces to benefit the HSU Music scholarship fund—The W. Broadway Company performs show tunes from “Mame” to Spamalot” on Saturday February 20 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. A Faculty Artist Series Concert, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Six stars of North Coast musical theatre join forces to benefit the HSU Music scholarship fund—The W. Broadway Company performs show tunes from “Mame” to Spamalot” on Saturday February 20 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. A Faculty Artist Series Concert, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Give Your Regards to W. Broadway at HSU
It was after the Humboldt Light Opera Company production of “The Music Man” that several cast members decided to stick together awhile longer—and sing together, to raise money for HLOC as well as have some fun.
That was 1991, but the West Broadway Company they formed is still singing. They’ll get together again for a performance at Humboldt State University on Saturday, February 20, this time to benefit the HSU Music Department scholarship fund.
“These days all of us are busy working in theatre, teaching, conducting and generally involved in the art of making music,” said Carol McWhorter Ryder. “But about once a year we treat ourselves to working together. Part of the fun of this group is rehearsing and watching each other perform.”
Besides Carol Ryder, the group consists of her husband, Bill Ryder, Betty Diehl, Brad Curtis, Carolyn Ayres and Sharon Welton.
“We called ourselves W. Broadway because we’re on the West Coast,” Carol Ryder explained. “We chose the literature of Broadway because it offers so many wonderful songs that can make up an entertaining evening.”
But the program of solos, duets and ensembles the group will perform at Fulkerson Recital Hall reflects the Broadway of today as well as before. There are selections from “Mame,” “On the Town,” “Oklahoma!” and “The Fantasticks” but also from “Spamalot,” “Young Frankenstein,”“Avenue Q,” and “The Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”
While many selections are from famous shows (including “Follies,” “The Most Happy Fella” and “Hello, Dolly!”), others are standards or neglected jewels from forgotten musicals (like “Juno” from 1938 or “The Happy Time” from 1968.)
“All of us have been performing since we were in our twenties,” Carol Ryder said. “Most of us are former students of the HSU Music Department, so we are happy to perform a program to benefit the scholarship fund for current HSU Music majors.”
The six members of W. Broadway Co. are well-known on local stages, and in their communities.
Just over the past few years, Brad Curtis has performed leading roles in musical and non-musical plays at HLOC, North Coast Rep and Ferndale Rep.
Apart from performing, Carol Ryder has directed more than 30 productions on the North Coast, and Bill Ryder has sung in more than 25 HLOC shows. Most recently they performed together in “The Light on the Piazza.” Carol Ryder teaches voice and choir at HSU and College of the Redwoods, and is Artistic Director of the Humboldt Light Opera Company.
Besides singing with the Six Rivers Choral Artists, the California Redwoods Choir and the Rhododendron Festival Choir as well as in HLOC shows, Betty Diehl has been the director of the Ferndale Community Choir for 40 years.
An actress, singer, dancer and director over the years, Carolyn Ayres taught in public schools. Sharon Welton has been the pianist for HLOC productions, and is the accompanist for Carol Ryder’s vocal program at CR.
These six stars of North Coast musical theatre perform new songs and old favorites from Broadway on Saturday February 20 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. A Faculty Artists Series concert produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye.
It was after the Humboldt Light Opera Company production of “The Music Man” that several cast members decided to stick together awhile longer—and sing together, to raise money for HLOC as well as have some fun.
That was 1991, but the West Broadway Company they formed is still singing. They’ll get together again for a performance at Humboldt State University on Saturday, February 20, this time to benefit the HSU Music Department scholarship fund.
“These days all of us are busy working in theatre, teaching, conducting and generally involved in the art of making music,” said Carol McWhorter Ryder. “But about once a year we treat ourselves to working together. Part of the fun of this group is rehearsing and watching each other perform.”
Besides Carol Ryder, the group consists of her husband, Bill Ryder, Betty Diehl, Brad Curtis, Carolyn Ayres and Sharon Welton.
“We called ourselves W. Broadway because we’re on the West Coast,” Carol Ryder explained. “We chose the literature of Broadway because it offers so many wonderful songs that can make up an entertaining evening.”
But the program of solos, duets and ensembles the group will perform at Fulkerson Recital Hall reflects the Broadway of today as well as before. There are selections from “Mame,” “On the Town,” “Oklahoma!” and “The Fantasticks” but also from “Spamalot,” “Young Frankenstein,”“Avenue Q,” and “The Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.”
While many selections are from famous shows (including “Follies,” “The Most Happy Fella” and “Hello, Dolly!”), others are standards or neglected jewels from forgotten musicals (like “Juno” from 1938 or “The Happy Time” from 1968.)
“All of us have been performing since we were in our twenties,” Carol Ryder said. “Most of us are former students of the HSU Music Department, so we are happy to perform a program to benefit the scholarship fund for current HSU Music majors.”
The six members of W. Broadway Co. are well-known on local stages, and in their communities.
Just over the past few years, Brad Curtis has performed leading roles in musical and non-musical plays at HLOC, North Coast Rep and Ferndale Rep.
Apart from performing, Carol Ryder has directed more than 30 productions on the North Coast, and Bill Ryder has sung in more than 25 HLOC shows. Most recently they performed together in “The Light on the Piazza.” Carol Ryder teaches voice and choir at HSU and College of the Redwoods, and is Artistic Director of the Humboldt Light Opera Company.
Besides singing with the Six Rivers Choral Artists, the California Redwoods Choir and the Rhododendron Festival Choir as well as in HLOC shows, Betty Diehl has been the director of the Ferndale Community Choir for 40 years.
An actress, singer, dancer and director over the years, Carolyn Ayres taught in public schools. Sharon Welton has been the pianist for HLOC productions, and is the accompanist for Carol Ryder’s vocal program at CR.
These six stars of North Coast musical theatre perform new songs and old favorites from Broadway on Saturday February 20 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. A Faculty Artists Series concert produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye.
W. Broadway Co. Concert: The Program
"Light the Candle" (Mame) Ensemble
"Love is Always Lovely in the End" (Drowsy Chaperone) Betty and Bill
"Without a Song" (Great Day) Brad
"I Wish It So" (Juno) Carol
"So Long, Dearie" (Hello, Dolly) Carolyn
"I Can See It!" (The Fantasticks) Brad and Bill
"Cry Me a River" (Pete Kelly's Blues) Betty
"I Don’t Remember You/Sometimes a Day Goes By" (The Happpy Time) Carol and Brad
"Lucky To Be Me" (On the Town) Bill
"Flair" (Starting Here, Starting Now) Brad
"I Want Them…Bald" (Heisler and Goldrich) Betty, Carolyn and Carol
"Coffee in a Cardboard Cup" (70, Girls, 70) Ensemble
"I Wish I Could Go Back to College" (Avenue Q) Ensemble
"We Live on Borrowed Time" (Listen to My Heart)) Betty
"Being Alive" (Company) Carolyn
"Nothing is Too Wonderful To Be True" (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) Carol and Bill
"The Grass is Always Greener" (Woman of the Year) Betty and Carolyn
"Buddy’s Blues" (Follies) Bill
"Puttin’ on the Ritz" (Young Frankenstein) Ensemble
"Let’s Do It!" (Paris) Bill and Carol
"The Song That Goes Like This" (Spamalot) Brad and Carolyn
"Big D" (The Most Happy Fella) Carolyn and Bill
"The Farmer and the Cowman" (Oklahoma!) Ensemble
"Light the Candle" (Mame) Ensemble
"Love is Always Lovely in the End" (Drowsy Chaperone) Betty and Bill
"Without a Song" (Great Day) Brad
"I Wish It So" (Juno) Carol
"So Long, Dearie" (Hello, Dolly) Carolyn
"I Can See It!" (The Fantasticks) Brad and Bill
"Cry Me a River" (Pete Kelly's Blues) Betty
"I Don’t Remember You/Sometimes a Day Goes By" (The Happpy Time) Carol and Brad
"Lucky To Be Me" (On the Town) Bill
"Flair" (Starting Here, Starting Now) Brad
"I Want Them…Bald" (Heisler and Goldrich) Betty, Carolyn and Carol
"Coffee in a Cardboard Cup" (70, Girls, 70) Ensemble
"I Wish I Could Go Back to College" (Avenue Q) Ensemble
"We Live on Borrowed Time" (Listen to My Heart)) Betty
"Being Alive" (Company) Carolyn
"Nothing is Too Wonderful To Be True" (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) Carol and Bill
"The Grass is Always Greener" (Woman of the Year) Betty and Carolyn
"Buddy’s Blues" (Follies) Bill
"Puttin’ on the Ritz" (Young Frankenstein) Ensemble
"Let’s Do It!" (Paris) Bill and Carol
"The Song That Goes Like This" (Spamalot) Brad and Carolyn
"Big D" (The Most Happy Fella) Carolyn and Bill
"The Farmer and the Cowman" (Oklahoma!) Ensemble
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Cindy Moyer & Daniela Mineva
It's violin plus piano plus bull, as violinist Cindy Moyer and pianist Daniela Mineva play a sunny Beethoven, a lyrical Grieg and a children’s fantasy, "Ferdinand the Bull," on Saturday, February 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 children, students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. A Faculty Artists Series concert, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
It's violin plus piano plus bull, as violinist Cindy Moyer and pianist Daniela Mineva play a sunny Beethoven, a lyrical Grieg and a children’s fantasy, "Ferdinand the Bull," on Saturday, February 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 children, students and seniors from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. A Faculty Artists Series concert, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
How Cute Is Your Scherzo? Or, Can You Take the Bull By the Violin?
If you like favorites of the violin sonata repertoire, you couldn’t do better than two selections to be performed by violinist Cindy Moyer and pianist Daniela Mineva, in concert at HSU on Saturday, February 13.
But if you particularly like the more modern and offbeat, there are also two selections for you—and your children. (Though that involves a lot of bull.)
And if you enjoy both approaches, the evening is complete.
Beethoven’s Sonata in F Major—known as the “Spring Sonata”—is probably his best-known violin and piano sonata, according to Cindy Moyer. “It’s a sunny, cheerful piece that includes what is arguably the cutest Scherzo movement ever written.”
(For the uninitiated, a scherzo is lively, playful movement, performed quickly in triple meter time.)
The other classic—the Sonata in C Minor by Edvard Grieg—has “dramatic and impassioned moments, contrasting with lyrical sections,” Moyer said. “It’s easy to understand, and enjoyable to listen to.”
Between Beethoven and Grieg on the program are two more modern pieces. Four Nocturnes by contemporary American composer George Crumb, who “uses a variety of unusual instrumental techniques to portray the sounds and feelings of nighttime.” While Moyer will occasionally be tapping on the violin as well as playing it, pianist Daniela Mineva will be busy “reaching inside the piano to pluck the strings, or brush the strings with a percussionist’s brush. The effects are very different, and interesting to experience.”
Mineva will take a break, and narrator Kevin Sharkey will join Moyer for a musical version of a children’s tale, Ferdinand. This story of a gentle bull by Munro Leaf was the basis of a Disney animated short that won the Academy Award in 1938. It was set to music for solo violin and narrator by 20th century British composer Alan Ridout. “You hear the mooing of his mother, the playful antics of his fellow young bulls, the procession of the matadors, and more,” Moyer promises. It’s a treat for children, as well as the child within.
Cindy Moyer is Associate Professor of Music at HSU. She has performed on violin with such ensembles as the Rochester (NY) Philharmonic, New Haven Symphony and Mendocino Music Festival orchestra, as well as locally with the Eureka and Humboldt symphonies and the Symphony of the Redwoods.
Daniela Mineva is in her first year as Assistant Professor of Music at HSU. As a pianist she has won numerous international competitions, and played major venues in the U.S. and Europe. Both Mineva and Moyer studied for a time at the Eastman School of Music.
Narrator Kevin Shockey has taught voice at HSU and has acted in local theatre productions, including Humboldt Light Opera’s “Titanic” and “Little Women.”
Violinist Cindy Moyer, pianist Daniela Mineva and narrator Kevin Shockey perform in a Faculty Artists Series concert on Saturday, February 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students, seniors and children from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt Beacon, Humboldt State Now.
If you like favorites of the violin sonata repertoire, you couldn’t do better than two selections to be performed by violinist Cindy Moyer and pianist Daniela Mineva, in concert at HSU on Saturday, February 13.
But if you particularly like the more modern and offbeat, there are also two selections for you—and your children. (Though that involves a lot of bull.)
And if you enjoy both approaches, the evening is complete.
Beethoven’s Sonata in F Major—known as the “Spring Sonata”—is probably his best-known violin and piano sonata, according to Cindy Moyer. “It’s a sunny, cheerful piece that includes what is arguably the cutest Scherzo movement ever written.”
(For the uninitiated, a scherzo is lively, playful movement, performed quickly in triple meter time.)
The other classic—the Sonata in C Minor by Edvard Grieg—has “dramatic and impassioned moments, contrasting with lyrical sections,” Moyer said. “It’s easy to understand, and enjoyable to listen to.”
Between Beethoven and Grieg on the program are two more modern pieces. Four Nocturnes by contemporary American composer George Crumb, who “uses a variety of unusual instrumental techniques to portray the sounds and feelings of nighttime.” While Moyer will occasionally be tapping on the violin as well as playing it, pianist Daniela Mineva will be busy “reaching inside the piano to pluck the strings, or brush the strings with a percussionist’s brush. The effects are very different, and interesting to experience.”
Mineva will take a break, and narrator Kevin Sharkey will join Moyer for a musical version of a children’s tale, Ferdinand. This story of a gentle bull by Munro Leaf was the basis of a Disney animated short that won the Academy Award in 1938. It was set to music for solo violin and narrator by 20th century British composer Alan Ridout. “You hear the mooing of his mother, the playful antics of his fellow young bulls, the procession of the matadors, and more,” Moyer promises. It’s a treat for children, as well as the child within.
Cindy Moyer is Associate Professor of Music at HSU. She has performed on violin with such ensembles as the Rochester (NY) Philharmonic, New Haven Symphony and Mendocino Music Festival orchestra, as well as locally with the Eureka and Humboldt symphonies and the Symphony of the Redwoods.
Daniela Mineva is in her first year as Assistant Professor of Music at HSU. As a pianist she has won numerous international competitions, and played major venues in the U.S. and Europe. Both Mineva and Moyer studied for a time at the Eastman School of Music.
Narrator Kevin Shockey has taught voice at HSU and has acted in local theatre productions, including Humboldt Light Opera’s “Titanic” and “Little Women.”
Violinist Cindy Moyer, pianist Daniela Mineva and narrator Kevin Shockey perform in a Faculty Artists Series concert on Saturday, February 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets: $8/$3 students, seniors and children from HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door.
Media: Arcata Eye, Humboldt Beacon, Humboldt State Now.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Humboldt Symphony, Humboldt Chorale & University Singers
Humboldt Symphony plays Beethoven’s First and joins forces with Humboldt Chorale and University Singers for a rarely heard baroque Christmas Midnight Mass, in their annual holiday concert on Friday December 11 and Sunday December 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Humboldt Symphony conducted by Paul Cummings, Humboldt Chorale by Carol McWhorter Ryder, and University Singers by Harley Muilenburg. Produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Humboldt Symphony plays Beethoven’s First and joins forces with Humboldt Chorale and University Singers for a rarely heard baroque Christmas Midnight Mass, in their annual holiday concert on Friday December 11 and Sunday December 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Humboldt Symphony conducted by Paul Cummings, Humboldt Chorale by Carol McWhorter Ryder, and University Singers by Harley Muilenburg. Produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Sweet Jubilation at Humboldt Symphony, Chorale and University Singers Holiday Concert
In what’s becoming a holiday tradition, the Humboldt Symphony, Humboldt Chorale and University Singers perform a work for voice and orchestra that celebrates the season.
This year it’s a Christmas Midnight Mass by the French baroque composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier. Not only is this work rarely performed, it is a rare example of a baroque Mass that uses melodies from popular music of the time— the Christmas carols that the French call noels.
“The carols give this Mass its predominant character of tunefulness, simplicity, and sweet jubilation,” said Harley Muilenburg, HSU professor of Choral & Vocal Music and director of the University Singers. “The use of organ and soloists provide contrast to the full volume of sound created by ensemble singers and orchestra.”
In the evening’s first half, the Humboldt Symphony plays a varied program of short works (a bold overture by Verdi, a popular prelude by Debussy, and one of Dvorak’s best-known chamber work, the Serenade in D) before performing Beethoven’s First Symphony in C Major. Considered by some to be Beethoven’s most accessible symphony, on its debut it was immediately hailed as a masterpiece, a witty and innovative introduction to a great composer still just 29 years old.
Paul Cummings conducts the Humboldt Symphony. The Humboldt Chorale is a community-based group with members ranging in age from teenagers to seniors, directed by Carol McWhorter Ryder. Vocal soloists for the Midnight Mass are Kevin Sharkey, Kevin Richards, Katherine Kinley, Sarah Benzinger, Bill Ryder and Sara Young.
The combined Symphony, Chorale and University Singers concert is Friday December 11 and Sunday December 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Tri-City Weekly, Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye, Humboldt Beacon
In what’s becoming a holiday tradition, the Humboldt Symphony, Humboldt Chorale and University Singers perform a work for voice and orchestra that celebrates the season.
This year it’s a Christmas Midnight Mass by the French baroque composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier. Not only is this work rarely performed, it is a rare example of a baroque Mass that uses melodies from popular music of the time— the Christmas carols that the French call noels.
“The carols give this Mass its predominant character of tunefulness, simplicity, and sweet jubilation,” said Harley Muilenburg, HSU professor of Choral & Vocal Music and director of the University Singers. “The use of organ and soloists provide contrast to the full volume of sound created by ensemble singers and orchestra.”
In the evening’s first half, the Humboldt Symphony plays a varied program of short works (a bold overture by Verdi, a popular prelude by Debussy, and one of Dvorak’s best-known chamber work, the Serenade in D) before performing Beethoven’s First Symphony in C Major. Considered by some to be Beethoven’s most accessible symphony, on its debut it was immediately hailed as a masterpiece, a witty and innovative introduction to a great composer still just 29 years old.
Paul Cummings conducts the Humboldt Symphony. The Humboldt Chorale is a community-based group with members ranging in age from teenagers to seniors, directed by Carol McWhorter Ryder. Vocal soloists for the Midnight Mass are Kevin Sharkey, Kevin Richards, Katherine Kinley, Sarah Benzinger, Bill Ryder and Sara Young.
The combined Symphony, Chorale and University Singers concert is Friday December 11 and Sunday December 13 at 8 PM in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Tri-City Weekly, Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye, Humboldt Beacon
Conductors Notes
Paul Cummings
Conductor, Humboldt Symphony:
"Before being joined by the Humboldt Chorale and University Singers for the second half of the concert, the Humboldt Symphony will perform the first half on its own.
I like to structure the concerts with a lot of variety. So we begin with Overture to Nabucco by Verdi, which is very Italian, employing Italian folk songs and melodic writing-- everything is prototypical Verdi.
You can’t get much farther from the Italian lyrical style than Debussy. The Verdi is fast and loud, with a lyrical middle. The Debussy really changes the mood—it’s a completely different musical world: slow, with muted strings, a very serene piece. The Sunken Cathedral is a transcription of a popular piano prelude from Debussy’s first book of preludes. It’s got large proportions and a symphonic character to it. There are a couple of different transcriptions—we’re doing one by Henri Mouton, a French transcriber. It’s about seven minutes long.
That’s followed by Dvorak’s Serenade in D Minor—one of his famous pieces of chamber music, for 11 instruments, all winds except for one cello and one bass. It’s a unique instrumentation, and it requires all the instruments to be featured prominently, so all the musicians do solos. We’re playing the first and fourth movements. Each is about six or seven minutes.
We close the first half with by far our longest work (at about 25 minutes): Beethoven’s First Symphony in C Major. It doesn’t require a large orchestra, as the Verdi does—no trombones, two horns instead of four, no tuba, but it’s got symphonic proportions.
Then in the second half we’re joined by the two choral groups for the Charpentier, commonly known as the Midnight Mass. It’s historically the earliest piece on the program, from the middle of the baroque era. Like the piece we did last year, it’s from France and it employs noels as thematic material. These noels are different, their melodies are not as familiar, unless you grew up in France. But they’re recognizable as Christmas carols.
This piece uses a small orchestra, no brass or percussion, no woodwinds except for two flutes, the string orchestra, and organ to play the continuo part. Though Carpentier is known mostly for his sacred choral music, this is not done very often, but it’s a lovely piece of French baroque. It alternates between sections of orchestra and full chorus with sections for soloists, so it’s got variety within it: the full chorus and orchestra sound rich and full, followed by more intimate sections with soloists and a greatly reduced orchestra accompaniment—cello and organ with occasional string interludes.
We’re so happy to have Greg Granoff to play the organ part, because he really understands baroque music, and he is a wonderful guide and model for our students to listen to.”
Dr. Harley Muilenburg
Professor of Choral & Vocal Music:
Messe de Minuit pour Noël by Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704):
Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Offertory
Interlude
Sanctus
Agnus Dei
Messe de Minuit pour Noël is one of 12 settings of the Mass Ordinary found among Charpentier’s autograph manuscripts in Paris. It is a rare example of a Baroque parody Mass—a mass which uses Melodies from other musical works—In this case, 11 French noels—popular, monophonic songs associated with Christmas. The carol melodies are derived from secular songs that in fact are traceable to Renaissance and early-baroque dance melodies.The carols used by the composer give the Mass its predominant character of tunefulness, simplicity, and sweet jubilation.
There is also intense, serious expression of deep sobriety and imaginativeness, particularly in the third movement “Credo”. Variety and interest is achieved by the use of organ and soloists providing contrast to the full volume of sound created by ensemble singers and orchestra.
Paul Cummings
Conductor, Humboldt Symphony:
"Before being joined by the Humboldt Chorale and University Singers for the second half of the concert, the Humboldt Symphony will perform the first half on its own.
I like to structure the concerts with a lot of variety. So we begin with Overture to Nabucco by Verdi, which is very Italian, employing Italian folk songs and melodic writing-- everything is prototypical Verdi.
You can’t get much farther from the Italian lyrical style than Debussy. The Verdi is fast and loud, with a lyrical middle. The Debussy really changes the mood—it’s a completely different musical world: slow, with muted strings, a very serene piece. The Sunken Cathedral is a transcription of a popular piano prelude from Debussy’s first book of preludes. It’s got large proportions and a symphonic character to it. There are a couple of different transcriptions—we’re doing one by Henri Mouton, a French transcriber. It’s about seven minutes long.
That’s followed by Dvorak’s Serenade in D Minor—one of his famous pieces of chamber music, for 11 instruments, all winds except for one cello and one bass. It’s a unique instrumentation, and it requires all the instruments to be featured prominently, so all the musicians do solos. We’re playing the first and fourth movements. Each is about six or seven minutes.
We close the first half with by far our longest work (at about 25 minutes): Beethoven’s First Symphony in C Major. It doesn’t require a large orchestra, as the Verdi does—no trombones, two horns instead of four, no tuba, but it’s got symphonic proportions.
Then in the second half we’re joined by the two choral groups for the Charpentier, commonly known as the Midnight Mass. It’s historically the earliest piece on the program, from the middle of the baroque era. Like the piece we did last year, it’s from France and it employs noels as thematic material. These noels are different, their melodies are not as familiar, unless you grew up in France. But they’re recognizable as Christmas carols.
This piece uses a small orchestra, no brass or percussion, no woodwinds except for two flutes, the string orchestra, and organ to play the continuo part. Though Carpentier is known mostly for his sacred choral music, this is not done very often, but it’s a lovely piece of French baroque. It alternates between sections of orchestra and full chorus with sections for soloists, so it’s got variety within it: the full chorus and orchestra sound rich and full, followed by more intimate sections with soloists and a greatly reduced orchestra accompaniment—cello and organ with occasional string interludes.
We’re so happy to have Greg Granoff to play the organ part, because he really understands baroque music, and he is a wonderful guide and model for our students to listen to.”
Dr. Harley Muilenburg
Professor of Choral & Vocal Music:
Messe de Minuit pour Noël by Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704):
Kyrie
Gloria
Credo
Offertory
Interlude
Sanctus
Agnus Dei
Messe de Minuit pour Noël is one of 12 settings of the Mass Ordinary found among Charpentier’s autograph manuscripts in Paris. It is a rare example of a Baroque parody Mass—a mass which uses Melodies from other musical works—In this case, 11 French noels—popular, monophonic songs associated with Christmas. The carol melodies are derived from secular songs that in fact are traceable to Renaissance and early-baroque dance melodies.The carols used by the composer give the Mass its predominant character of tunefulness, simplicity, and sweet jubilation.
There is also intense, serious expression of deep sobriety and imaginativeness, particularly in the third movement “Credo”. Variety and interest is achieved by the use of organ and soloists providing contrast to the full volume of sound created by ensemble singers and orchestra.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
HSU Jazz Orchestra
HSU Jazz Orchestra plays a Mingus suite and Latin sounds on Saturday December 12 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Shao Way Wu, produced by HSU Department of Music.
HSU Jazz Orchestra plays a Mingus suite and Latin sounds on Saturday December 12 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Shao Way Wu, produced by HSU Department of Music.
Mingle with Mingus, Then Go Latin with the Jazz Orchestra
It’s a concert in two parts.
The HSU Jazz Orchestra begins with a suite of compositions by jazz bassist, pianist, band leader and composer, the legendary Charles Mingus. His long career stretched from the 1940s into the 1970s. “These are social-political pieces from the 1950s,” said Jazz Orchestra director Shao Way Wu. “They showcase his unique approach and his highly personalized sound.”
The second part of the program features Latin sounds, including Fusion classic “La Fiesta” by jazz pianist Chick Corea, the fiery Afro-Cuban “Sandunga” by trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and two tunes by jazz pianist Horace Silver.
The HSU Jazz Orchestra presents its winter concert on Saturday December 12 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
It’s a concert in two parts.
The HSU Jazz Orchestra begins with a suite of compositions by jazz bassist, pianist, band leader and composer, the legendary Charles Mingus. His long career stretched from the 1940s into the 1970s. “These are social-political pieces from the 1950s,” said Jazz Orchestra director Shao Way Wu. “They showcase his unique approach and his highly personalized sound.”
The second part of the program features Latin sounds, including Fusion classic “La Fiesta” by jazz pianist Chick Corea, the fiery Afro-Cuban “Sandunga” by trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and two tunes by jazz pianist Horace Silver.
The HSU Jazz Orchestra presents its winter concert on Saturday December 12 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
Friday, December 11, 2009
Holiday Concert Benefit
HSU Trumpet and Brass Consort play Monteverdi and Purcell, and Elisabeth Harrington leads a holiday sing-along accompanied by pipe organ and brass, in a charity event on Friday December 11 at 5 PM in Armstrong Hall (Room 131) on the HSU campus in Arcata. Free admission, but $2 donation goes to Arcata Open Door Clinic and canned food donations to local food banks. Cider and cookies follow the music! Organized by Gil Cline and Elisabeth Harrington, for the HSU Music Department.
HSU Trumpet and Brass Consort play Monteverdi and Purcell, and Elisabeth Harrington leads a holiday sing-along accompanied by pipe organ and brass, in a charity event on Friday December 11 at 5 PM in Armstrong Hall (Room 131) on the HSU campus in Arcata. Free admission, but $2 donation goes to Arcata Open Door Clinic and canned food donations to local food banks. Cider and cookies follow the music! Organized by Gil Cline and Elisabeth Harrington, for the HSU Music Department.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Madrigal and Mad River Transit Singers
Madrigal Singers in traditional Elizabethan costume celebrate the season with madrigals and songs of Shakespeare’s time, then Mad River Transit sings jazz, swing and blues in their combined concert on Sunday December 6 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Harley Muilenburg, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Madrigal Singers in traditional Elizabethan costume celebrate the season with madrigals and songs of Shakespeare’s time, then Mad River Transit sings jazz, swing and blues in their combined concert on Sunday December 6 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID. Directed by Harley Muilenburg, produced by the HSU Department of Music.
Let Your Heart Be Singing with Madrigal and MRT Singers
Beginning with the “Fanfare For Christmas Day” by English composer Martin Shaw, the HSU Madrigal Singers and Mad River Transit celebrate the season with their patented mixture of 16th century tradition and 20th century jazz in their annual holiday concert on Sunday, December 6.
The Madrigal Singers, clad in Elizabethan costume, sing solos, duets and trios as well as traditional madrigals. This year the selections are by England’s John Dowland, Thomas Arne and Thomas Ravenscroft, and Welsh composer William Mathias. The Singers will perform versions of three madrigals by contemporary American composer Emma Lou Diemer, and “Come, Let Your Hearts Be Singing” by late Renaissance Italian composer Giovanni Gastoldi.
Then the Mad River Transit singers take over, accompanied by the instrumental trio of Darius Brotman on piano, Robert Amirkhan on bass and Jonathan Kipp on drums.
Among the selections, soprano Kelly Whitaker and baritone Bryan Lieser sing “When Sunny Gets Blue” by Marvin Fisher, and soprano Brandy Rose goes solo for Michel Legrand’s “You Must Believe in Spring.”
Claire Bent revives Frank Sinatra’s early hit, “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)” by Jimmy Van Heusen and Phil Silvers. The song was written about Frank’s daughter, Nancy Sinatra. Ensemble tunes include “Sugar Turrentine” and “Cookin’ At the Continental.”
Both groups are directed by Harley Muilenburg, HSU Professor of Choral & Vocal Music.
The annual Madrigal Singers and MRT holiday concert is performed on Sunday December 6 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
Beginning with the “Fanfare For Christmas Day” by English composer Martin Shaw, the HSU Madrigal Singers and Mad River Transit celebrate the season with their patented mixture of 16th century tradition and 20th century jazz in their annual holiday concert on Sunday, December 6.
The Madrigal Singers, clad in Elizabethan costume, sing solos, duets and trios as well as traditional madrigals. This year the selections are by England’s John Dowland, Thomas Arne and Thomas Ravenscroft, and Welsh composer William Mathias. The Singers will perform versions of three madrigals by contemporary American composer Emma Lou Diemer, and “Come, Let Your Hearts Be Singing” by late Renaissance Italian composer Giovanni Gastoldi.
Then the Mad River Transit singers take over, accompanied by the instrumental trio of Darius Brotman on piano, Robert Amirkhan on bass and Jonathan Kipp on drums.
Among the selections, soprano Kelly Whitaker and baritone Bryan Lieser sing “When Sunny Gets Blue” by Marvin Fisher, and soprano Brandy Rose goes solo for Michel Legrand’s “You Must Believe in Spring.”
Claire Bent revives Frank Sinatra’s early hit, “Nancy (With the Laughing Face)” by Jimmy Van Heusen and Phil Silvers. The song was written about Frank’s daughter, Nancy Sinatra. Ensemble tunes include “Sugar Turrentine” and “Cookin’ At the Continental.”
Both groups are directed by Harley Muilenburg, HSU Professor of Choral & Vocal Music.
The annual Madrigal Singers and MRT holiday concert is performed on Sunday December 6 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Free to HSU students with ID.
Media: Humboldt State Now, Arcata Eye
Madrigal Singers
Emily Smith, Claire Bent, Georgia Bertolini, Aubrey Costa, Jasha Evans, Amy Chalfant, Tiffany Guenter, Susan Stewart, Jacqueline Hernandez, Kashana Tonozzi, Cheryl Lincoln, Kristina Toomata, Carrie O’Neill, Todd Herriott, Elliott Pennington, Hiro Kobayashi, John Pettlon, Chelsea Rothchild, Clint Rebik, Michael Shelly, Blake Rouzer, Christopher Werner.
Mad River Transit Singers
Brandy Rose, Kelly Whitaker, Claire Bent, Calista LaBolle, Elizabeth Holverson, Kaeden Williams, Emmy Smith, Sara Scibetta, Cate Ross, Gabriel Holman, Bryan Lieser, Samuel Kaplan-Good, Michael Scott, Shosaku Matsushima.
Darius Brotman, Piano
Robert Amirkhan, Bass
Jonathan Kipp, Drums
Emily Smith, Claire Bent, Georgia Bertolini, Aubrey Costa, Jasha Evans, Amy Chalfant, Tiffany Guenter, Susan Stewart, Jacqueline Hernandez, Kashana Tonozzi, Cheryl Lincoln, Kristina Toomata, Carrie O’Neill, Todd Herriott, Elliott Pennington, Hiro Kobayashi, John Pettlon, Chelsea Rothchild, Clint Rebik, Michael Shelly, Blake Rouzer, Christopher Werner.
Mad River Transit Singers
Brandy Rose, Kelly Whitaker, Claire Bent, Calista LaBolle, Elizabeth Holverson, Kaeden Williams, Emmy Smith, Sara Scibetta, Cate Ross, Gabriel Holman, Bryan Lieser, Samuel Kaplan-Good, Michael Scott, Shosaku Matsushima.
Darius Brotman, Piano
Robert Amirkhan, Bass
Jonathan Kipp, Drums
Saturday, December 05, 2009
Calypso Band, World Percussion & Percussion Ensemble
An HSU alum’s cult hit, John Cage’s heavy metal plus African rhythms, samba and the ever-popular calypso dance music highlight the HSU Percussion Ensemble, World Percussion Group and Humboldt State Calypso Band concert on Saturday, December 5 at 8 PM in the Van Duzer Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, with the first 50 HSU students admitted free, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Directed by Eugene Novotney and Howard Kaufman, produced by HSU Department of Music.
An HSU alum’s cult hit, John Cage’s heavy metal plus African rhythms, samba and the ever-popular calypso dance music highlight the HSU Percussion Ensemble, World Percussion Group and Humboldt State Calypso Band concert on Saturday, December 5 at 8 PM in the Van Duzer Theatre on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $7 general, $3 students/seniors, with the first 50 HSU students admitted free, from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. Directed by Eugene Novotney and Howard Kaufman, produced by HSU Department of Music.
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