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November 2008 Hot News
28 November 2008
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Elliot Carter with Ayo and Charles Neidich
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Charles Neidich with German Custom Clarinet
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23 November 2008
Elliott Carter - The First Hundred Years - Concert in Honor Commemoration with
The New York Woodwind Quintet of his Wind Music performed at Merkin Hall in New
York
New York City USA
A major commemorative event consisting of a pre-concert seminar followed by a
major virtuosity packed performance of the New York Woodwind Quintet with
supporting artists took place honoring major American composer Elliot Carter on
his 100th Birthday celebration. It is rare that such an event takes place,
with the composer present to discuss the evolution of his composition with input
from each of the Quintet players about what his music and style mean to them.
Following this session followed the concert with the Quintet performing his
works, including solo pieces written for each of the instruments (flute, Oboe,
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Horn, Bassoon, and Piano) and related works, as posted
on the galleried program. Charles Neidich, Clarinetist and longtime friend
of Mr Carter (who wrote several works including a new Clarinet Quintet for
Neidich and the Juilliard String Quartet earlier this year) was active in the
talk showcasing Carter's affinity for wind instrument color and technical
capability. The concert made clear the incredible virtuosity of each
of the players and Piano, spanning a timeline of 40 years. Many events
celebrating Mr Carter have taken place with more to come, notably one 13
December in conjunction with the New York Philharmonic with a world premiere to
be performed. This was a world-class event which should inspire all
players.
16 November 2008
Verdehr Trio (Violin, Clarinet and Piano)
performs Double World Premieres at
Phillips Collection Concert Series
Washington, DC USA
The Internationally renowned Verdehr Trio performed a concert of established and
two world premieres of music for Violin, Clarinet, and Piano, a medium they have
pioneered in repertoire growth from 50 works to over 200, a large share
commissioned by them, which has enriched the chamber music and especially the
clarinet repertoire. This is the 10th time appearing with many more
expected to come. Two composers, Rick Sowash, who appeared to explain his
new work, and Roberto Sierra, had their new works premiered. Information on the
above gallery and specific information on the
Clarinet Premiere Page.
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Jessica Phillips and Maureen Hurd
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Erika Block, sister, Jessica Phillips and Mike Getzin
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Jessica Phillips and Mike Getzin
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9 November 2008
Rutgers University Woodwind Day - Dr Maureen Hurd, Director
Trenton, New Jersey USA
An active Sunday at this campus Music Department featured a full day of
Conference activity involving all the Woodwinds (Flute, Oboe, Clarinet,
Saxophone, Bassoon) and featuring the Rutgers Music faculty, and of interest to
Clarinetists renowned 2nd/Eb Clarinetist Jessica Phillips of the Metropolitan
Opera Orchestra, and Dr Maureen Hurd, Clarinet Professor and Director of this
Woodwind Day. The day was very informal but substantive, with simultaneous
Master Classes for each instrument held in various areas at the school in the
afternoon, and Music exhibits from Instrument makers, accessories, Music
repertoire, and more. A noon recital featured faculty and Ms Phillips with
formidable performances.
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Rico Presentation
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Kristen Bertrand talk
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Morrie Backun talk on Clarinet Maintenance
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Elaine Schlatter of Dillon Music
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Special presentations were given in the morning featuring from Rico Reeds a talk
and presentation about the manufacture and quality control of reeds from
the growing and curing of reed cane to the final process to the box, from
Morrie Backun, noted Clarinet designer and maker of the esteemed line of LeBlanc
Backun Clarinets, and maker of Bells and Barrels that have seen use worldwide, a
talk by renowned New York Repair specialist Kristen Bertrand from Robertos
Woodwinds in New York, who briefly discussed important woodwind maintenance and
troubleshooting to keep instruments in order, including how and not to bore oil
an horn, and the importance of maintaining the condition. During the day, Ms
Bertrand saw participants and checked and fixed issues as they saw her.
Talks by Music Dealers (Wright Music, Dillion Music, Joseph Patelson, Mark Sloss,
All Point Ligatures) about what made them commit to this business end of the
industry, noting their view of the importance of serving players and the
education field and spread the positive and important word about the importance
of music in everyone's lives. Years of experience in the performance and
teaching fields led these individuals to go this route, some in addition to
therr performance and teaching. It is interesting to note that the success
outcome for students is remarkable in their upward accomplishment in their
academic work and their cultural awareness and performance competence.
Maureen Hurd Master Class
Jessica Phillips Master Class
In the Clarinet area at the Master Classes held by Dr Hurd and Jessica Phillips,
emphasis was on fundamentals and esteem building for students and giving tips on
their covering solo repertoire including Weber's Concertino Op 26, and the
Stamitz Concerto #3. A Bass Clarinet student was covered about use of
equipment such as mouthpiece and proper reed strength to get more flexible.
Both classes were very useful for the students and teachers present.
Many students in the Trenton and New York City area were attending along
with Rutgers students, numbering over 150 who came. This is an important
event to post in calendars to attend, and as Jessica Phillips mentioned, to have
exhibitors present for participants to browse, is very important all being in
one place. Credit is due to Maureen Hurd for this major event, which is an
annual program.
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1999 WKA-Clarinet.org. All rights reserved.
Revised: December 11, 2008