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July 2008 Hot News
23 July 2008
Clarinet Summer School -
Liverpool Hope University College -
Andrew Roberts, Director
Liverpool, United Kingdom
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/theclarinetsummerschool2008/2008TheClarinetSummerSchool?authkey=XOuL626CtN4
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2008 The Clarinet Summer School
Photos: 42 - 11 MB
2 Aug 2008
Unlisted
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Andy R
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The Clarinet Summer School 2008
course was both enjoyable and
worthwhile with one of the highest
numbers of students we have had to
date. It was brilliant meeting and
working with all the new and old
friends, some of whom have attended
for the last 8 years. We all enjoyed
discussing and sharing new ideas.
The success of the course was due to
the dedicated and fascinating work
that all of the tutors brought to
it. I am very grateful to them all
and particularly to Tony Pay for
taking the time out from his busy
schedule to offer so much help to us
all, despite his painful back
problem, from which I am sure we
will all wish him a speedy recovery.
Kevin Murphy has been a regular
member of the course for a couple of
years and his enthusiasm and
cheerful approach has been
gratefully received, especially by
me!
Thanks again to John Wilson who
always brings an enormous wealth of
experience to the course and clearly
enjoys helping us all to develop as
performers, a real gift. Sharon
Richards is always a pleasure to
work made a welcome return to the
course as she was one of the first
accompanists in the early years.
Janet Crossley was a
student on the very first course and
has been involved with every
successive course, she deserves a
medal! Thanks go to Janet and
Caroline Wheeler for their excellent
work with the Intermediate course,
and helping out with the Advanced
course.
It is highly unusual for a course
like this to have the experience an
knowledge of a qualified recording
engineer on hand, especially one who
doubles so well as a bar man, and an
undercover clarinet player. Thom
Harrison was a great help behind the
scenes for which I am most grateful.
My good friend Dr Chris Mimnagh has
supported this course from its first
year in the belief that musicians
can be helped to avoid injury with a
little knowledge and practice,
something we should all be grateful
for. We are grateful for him giving
up his valuable time, and for
providing us with a good deal of
entertainment.
There is one person without whom the
course would not have happened.
Wolfgang Lohff has much valuable
advice and practical help to offer
to us all. He is also the major
financial sponsor who enables the
course to happen and a huge personal
support for me, all my thanks go to
him.
It was a pleasure to work with the
helpful and cheery people behind the
scenes in the kitchen and security
lodge at Hope University, a big
thank you is due to them.
It only remains for me to thank the
most important people on the course,
you the students! It is always a
delight for me to meet friends old
and new and this year seemed to me
to have a great blend of people who
got on well This makes a course like
this very successful and enjoyable,
so my thanks to you all, it was a
pleasure meeting you and I hope you
will all keep in touch.
Do
please keep checking on this website
www.theclarinet.co.uk for
new articles, instruments on offer,
how to book the repair service, and
of course details of the next
course!
13 July 2008
The
Capriccio Clarinet Orchestra from The
Netherlands tour to Spain from July 3 - 13, Conducted by John de Beer.
They were invited by the ChamberArt Music Festival in Madrid. A total of six
concerts with three concerts in the Royal Palaces of Aranjuez, La Granja and
Segovia.
On Tour in Spain
A high profile tour by this acclaimed Clarinet Ensemble conducted by renowned
Clarinetist and Conductor John de Beer, performed a major Spanish tour to 6
cities and special performances at the above Palaces and Chapels in Aranjuez, La
Granja, and Segovia, Spain. Information on the Capriccio website gives a
complete account of the success and dignified acclaim given to these 40
Clarinetists, who performed a varied program slate, especially recent
transcriptions of the Dvorak Symphony #9 (New World), and the Smetana
Moldau, both of which have been recorded, the Dvorak on DVD.
This ensemble is one of the most notable in Europe, The Netherlands and Belgium
along with the United Kingdom, having many Clarinet Ensembles of high quality
comprised of many professional players. John de Beer, besides
being Director of this elite group, is President of the Netherlands Clarinet
Society (NERV), and is a WKA Artist VIP.
Colonel Rotondi
in Rehearsal
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LTC Detrick in rehearsal
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LTC Clanton in rehearsal
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LTC Mitchell in rehearsal
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LTC Mitchell and Colonel Allen
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US Army Band with Alumni in visit and in rehearsals with Guest Conductors
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Col Lamb
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LTC Detrick
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LTC Clanton
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LTC Mitchell
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11 July 2008
The United States Army Band (Pershing's Own)
6th Annual Alumni Reunion and Concert with Major Concert conducted by
Commander Colonel Thomas Rotondi Jr, Colonel Gary Lamb (Ret), Lieutenant Colonel
John Clanton (Ret), Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert Mitchell, (Ret), and Lieutenant
Colonel David Detrick (Ret).
Arlington, Virginia USA
The
Sixth Annual Veteran Alumni Reunion and Concert was held this weekend with a
special Tribute concert with the past members of this World-Class Band, with in
attendance Five former Leaders and Commanders including Lieutenant Colonel
Gilbert Mitchell, Colonel Eugene W Allen, Colonel Gary Lamb, and retired
Officers Lieutenant Colonel John Clanton, Lieutenant Colonel David Detrick, all
now Retired but still Musically active, and Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Holtan,
Commander of the United States Military Academy Band at West Point, who just the
week before performed 2 concerts together with the New York Philharmonic.
This whole reunion was a high for all involved with some very proud moments
about their performance highlights of their careers. The weekend was
hosted by Leader and Commander Colonel Thomas Rotondi Jr.
In
June (posted on last month's Hot News Page) was a Reunion at the West Point Band
with previous members coming to perform and meet and rekindle with old friends
while they served in this Band. The philosophy with both events is
parallel- to have the Band veterans and the present active members link up
together to share experiences and to let the active duty players know about the
historical context between themselves and the older members, many of whom have
moved on to the Performance professions as Orchestral and Chamber Players and
soloists, and as Professors and Teachers. Many of the stories shared
bring out what Band life was like in previous eras in their Bands' history.
At both reunions, there were archives and photos about each Band which are rich
in history and bring pride to have been part of major events, both musical and
national historical. This also brings out about new players who would want
to pursue a Military Band career and how both present and Past players have had
positive experience in being part of it all. In this event at The
Army Band, 6 Commanders from the past 50 years were present which made this
event very special, especially with a world-class concert performed this week.
Important social interactive events took place and the Alumni Association had
their annual meeting, one goal of which is to reconnect with previous Band
members who should get back into the Band again. In regard to anyone
interested in joining as a Musician in one of these Bands, all are encouraged to
explore it, and check for openings in these great Special Bands. The
Performing Org List Page has all the Military Bands listed so one can check the
offerings.
Kansas City Attractions - contributed by WKA Artist VIP Ted Lane
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Jane Carl - ClarinetFest Director
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Mitch Estrin, Mike Getzin, Matt Vance
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Ted Lane, Bradley Wong
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Paquita d'Rivera and young Student
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Buffet Chief Kloc and Mike Getzin
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Jon Cohler at Conference
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Dr Ormand and wife
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New Etheridge Method Publications (3 Volumes)
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Francoise Kloc and Julia DeRoche
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Jerry Krumholz (Bass Clarinetist) and Mike Getzin
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Jazz
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Rivera, Rossi, Ted Lane
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Nancy Knight and Daniel Gilbert
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Mike Getzin and David Krakauer
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George Silfies & Ensemble with Diane Haskell
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Robert Chesbro - WKA Academic Chairman
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Campione Exhibit
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F Gerard Errante at Yamaha
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Dr MacDowell and Nathan Williams
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Mike Getzin and Dr Chesbro
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Todd Kerstetter
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New Book written by Chesbro & Kerstetter
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Stephan Vermeesrch and Mike Getzin
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6 July 2008
ClarinetFest 2008 held at the University of Missouri at Kansas City,
Dr Jane Carl, Director in Collaboration with the
International Clarinet Association
Kansas City, Missouri USA
The annual ClarinetFest led by Dr Jane Carl was a success as can be seen by the
below listing of performers, ensembles, and offerings like many past
conferences. It is always highly recommended for clarinetists truly
serious about their calling as performers, students, teachers, and amateurs,
make this one of their major pilgrimages just for the multitude of assets to be
tapped. Every year one will meet players they can never meet in one single
place along with past colleagues and friends. There is so much to
write about here, but the conference was so comprehensive in simultaneous events
and seminars and industry exhibits that it was impossible to be everywhere at
once. Many events had to be pre-picked to attend, but that also made
for folks interested in specific things to attend those things. A PDF
Schedule is included here in this summary to give an idea about the scenarios
here.
Generous tributes were offered to 2 great Clarinet performers and teachers,
Dr Fred Ormand, Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan, and George
Silfies, Retired Solo Clarinetist in the St Louis Symphony and another major
teacher. Each had a recital with former students performing and giving
testimonials about their past experiences with these giants in the field.
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Mueller Eb Early Clarinet from 1870
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The Conference was abounding with Industry Exhibitions covering the entire gamut
of instruments, accessories, publications, recordings, and services. There
were a number of extemporaneous performances at various stands to make for
interesting interactions. Several galleries attest to the excitement
present throughout these 5 days. In addition, new publications and
recordings from artists present here were made public, and below is a sampling
of what has been released recently, from artists Henri Bok (Bass Clarinetist in
Belgium), Keith Lemmons (Professor at the University of New Mexico, the New
Mexico Winds, Diane Haskell (former Solo Clarinetist in the Buffalo
Philharmonic) with George Silfies, the Stark Clarinet Quartet, and Kathleen
Jones, (Solo Clarinetist in the Puerto Rico Symphony) on Choro music, and more.
Stark Clarinet Quartet (Italy)
performing a World Premiere of a work by Charlie Parker 'Dreaming Bird'
Michael Wayne (2nd Clarinetist in
the Boston Symphony) performing the CM von Weber Concertino Op 26
Anthony McGill (Solo Clarinetist in the
Metropolitan Opera in New York) performing Debussy's Premiere Rhapsody
Daniel Gilbert (faculty at the University
of Michigan and former 2nd Clarinetist in the Cleveland Orchestra) performing
Weber's First Concerto Op 73
Major concerts included performances of all genres of Contemporary music with
Larry Combs, retired Solo Clarinetist in the Chicago Symphony, many up and
coming players in the same field, a Concerto Concert featuring Soloists
from the Stark Clarinet Quartet (Italy) performing a World Premiere of a work by
Charlie Parker 'Dreaming Bird', Michael Wayne (2nd Clarinetist in the Boston
Symphony) performing the CM von Weber Concertino Op 26, Anthony McGill (Solo
Clarinetist in the Metropolitan Opera in New York) performing Debussy's Premiere
Rhapsody, and Daniel Gilbert (faculty at the University of Michigan and former
2nd Clarinetist in the Cleveland Orchestra) performing Weber's First Concerto Op
73. This was the highlight of the entire festival.
The
finale Concert was Jazz with Paquita d'Rivera, Stephane Chausse, and Larry
Combs.
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Prestige Clarinet Quartet
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Ad Libitum Clarinet Quartet and Percussion
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Welles Bass Clarinet Quartet- Avant Garde
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Contemporary Ensemble with Larry Combs
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Luis Rossi in Clarinet Quintet
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Antonio Saiote and Capriani Quartet in Rossini and Weber
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Gregory Raden - Mozart Clarinet Quintet
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Diane Haskell - Bruch Pieces
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Chamber concerts including Clarinet Quartets and other smaller ensembles
prevailed all week with star class performances. The galleries highlight these
performances. Solo Clarinet Recitals from all quarters were held almost
every hour with so many players that one could not endure it after too many so
closely scheduled. Master Classes with Gregory Raden (Solo
Clarinetist in the Dallas Symphony), and Daniel Gilbert were held as well.
Recitals given by several Clarinetist in the Performance and University areas
covered diverse literature performed at high levels as seen in the below
galleries in addition to the many featured concerts held this week. A rich
sampling is below:
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Robert Livingood Mozart Trio K498
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Diane Barger in Trio with Bassoon
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Kristine Belisle
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Gary Whitman
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Recital by International Clarinet Association Board Artists
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David Shifrin in tribute to Fred Ormand
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Spohr Hirtenlied with Period Clarinet
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George Silfies and Diane Haskell
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Laura Arden and Contemporary Quartet
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Henri Bok and Duo Bass Clarinet
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Bass Clarinetist Bourgue
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Julie DeRoche in Mendellsohn Concertpiece
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Seminar on Joseph Allard
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Kathleen Jones on Choro Music
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Ad Astrea Clarinet Quartet
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Keith Lemmons
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Stephan Vermeersch
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University of Florida Clarinet
Ensemble conducted by Mitchell Estrin with Soloist Todd Kerstetter performing
the Baermann Adagio
College Clarinet Choir under Mr
Estrin with soloist Peter Wright (Solo Clarinetist in the Jacksonville Symphony)
Festival Clarinet Choir conducted
by Dr Charles West from Virginia Commonwealth University
The last day
held 3 Clarinet Choirs/Ensembles, including the University of Florida Clarinet
Ensemble conducted by Mitchell Estrin with Soloist Todd Kerstetter performing
the Baermann Adagio (known as the Wagner Adagio), the College Clarinet
Choir under Mr Estrin with soloist Peter Wright (Solo Clarinetist in the
Jacksonville Symphony), and the Festival Clarinet Choir conducted by Dr Charles
West from Virginia Commonwealth University. This concluded this
Festival. Credit is due for the logistical preparation and smooth
carry-through by Director Jane Carol, Stephanie Zelnick, So Rhee, Executive
Director of the ICA in smooth management of this program, and the team of
volunteers who ran the behind the scenes support. Festivals of this
magnitude need dedication and here it paid off, with a successful attendance of
over 800 participants. The next ClarinetFest convenes next August 10 - 14
in Porto, Portugal. More information will be forthcoming as developments
happen.
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ClarinetFest® 2008 Preliminary Artist Roster
(as of May 15, 2008)
We featured a spectacular roster of artists from
around the country and around the globe. There was special
emphasis on chamber music, newer clarinet works, lesser
known works, and themed concerts. Tributes were paid to Fred
Ormand and George Silfies.
North American Artists:
Scott Andrews, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Laura Ardan, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Paul Bambach, University of California-Santa Barbara
Diane Barger, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Kristina Belisle, University of Akron
David Bourque, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Joanne Britz, Pittsburg State University, Kansas
Bonnie Campbell, Merit School of Music, Chicago
Lisa Canning, Palatine, Illinois
Patricia Card, Sam Houston State University
Jane Carl, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Nophachai Cholthitchanta, University of Arkansas
Cheryl Cifelli, Missouri Southern State University
Jonathan Cohler, New England Conservatory
Roger Cole, University of Idaho
Larry Combs, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Kevin Cox, Missouri Baptist University
Elizabeth Crawford, Ball State University
Paquito D’Rivera, New York City
Karen Dannessa, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Michael Dean, Southeast Missouri State University
Mary Druhan, Texas A&M University-Commerce
Dannene Drummond, Freelance Artist
Garry Evans, Texas Woman’s University
James Gai, University of Central Missouri
Paul Garritson, University of Missouri
Christopher Gibson, Northwest Missouri State University
Daniel Gilbert, University of Michigan
Rachelle Goter, Friends University, Wichita, Kansas
Steve Hanusofski, Phoenix Symphony
Diana Haskell, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
David Howard, Los Angeles Philharmonic
Brian David Jones, George Mason University
Kathleen Jones, Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra
Thomas Josenhans, University of Evansville
Tod Kerstetter, Kansas State University
Michelle Kiec, University of Mary, Bismarck, North
Dakota
Howard Klug, Indiana University
David Krakauer, New York City
Jesse Krebs, Truman State University
Thomas Labadorf, Central Connecticut State University
Keith Lemmons, University of New Mexico
Lee Livengood, Utah Symphony Orchestra
Richard MacDowell, University of Texas
Eric Mandat, Southern Illinois University
Erica Manzo, University of Missouri
Anthony McGill, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Malena McLaren, Northwestern State University,
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Cheryl Melfi, University of Missouri-Kansas City
James Meyer, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Leslie Moreau, Boise State University
Nicholas Morrison, Utah State University
Justin O’Dell, Michigan State University
Gregory Oakes, Iowa State University
Phillip Paglialonga, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Jeff Pelischek, Hutchinson Community College, Kansas
Timothy Phillips, Troy University, Alabama
Gregory Raden, Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Jeremy Reynolds, Tucson Symphony Orchestra
Kirt Saville, Washburn University, Kansas
Alucia Scalzo, Kansas City Symphony
Theodore Schoen, University of Minnesota-Duluth
David Shea, Texas Tech University
Daniel Sheridan, Cameron University, Lawton, Oklahoma
David Shifrin, Yale University
Robert Spring, Arizona State University
Jana Starling, Arizona State University
George Stoffan, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan
Allison Storochuk, Missouri State University
Timothy Sutfin, Oklahoma City Philharmonic
Jonathon Troy, Las Vegas Philharmonic
Todd Waldecker, Middle Tennessee State University
Robert Walzel, University of Utah
Carina Nyberg Washington, Freelance Artist
Michael Wayne, The Boston Symphony Orchestra
Charles West, Virginia Commonwealth University
Kennen White, Central Michigan University
Gary Whitman, Texas Christian University
Nathan Williams, Interlochen Arts Academy
Bradley Wong, Western Michigan University
Peter Wright, Jacksonville Symphony
Guy Yehuda, University of North Florida
Jeanine York-Garesche, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Timothy Zavadil, Minnesota Orchestra
Stephanie Zelnick, University of Kansas
Evan Ziporyn, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
International Artists:
Paolo Beltramini, Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana di
Lugano (Switzerland)
Philippe Berrod, Orchestre de Paris
Henri Bok, Professor of Bass Clarinet/Rotterdam Superior
Conservatoire
Duo “Hevans,” with Ann Evans, tenor saxophone
Marcos Cohen, Brasilia, Brazil
Stéphane Chausse, Paris, France
George Kovziridze, Mersin University State Conservatory,
Turkey
Cindy Lin, Orchestre de Chambre de Genève,
Switzerland
Heather Monkhouse, University of Tasmania,
Conservatorium of Music, Australia
Luis Rossi, Chile
António Saiote, Porto Superior Music School, Portugal
Fernando José Silveira, Rio de Janeiro State University
School of Music
Stephan Vermeersch, Belgium
Master Classes:
Daniel Gilbert, University of Michigan
Gregory Raden, Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Tributes:
Fred Ormand, University of Michigan
George Silfies, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
Ensembles:
Ad Astra Clarinet Quartet
Rachelle Goter, Tod Kerstetter, Jeff Pelischek,
Stephanie Zelnick
Allos Musica, James Falzone, Chicago
Chicago Clarinet Trio
Larry Combs, Julie DeRoche, Wagner Campos, De Paul
University
Clarinetes Ad Libitum, Portugal
Nuno Pinto, José Ricardo Freitas, Luís Felipe Santos,
Tiago Abrantes
Clarion Synthesis
F. Gerard Errante, Norfolk State University
D. Gause, College of Southern Nevada
D2 Clarinet Duet, Colombia
Mauricio Murcia
Mauricio Salguero
Edmund Welles: the bass clarinet quartet
Jeff Anderle, Cornelius Boots, Aaron Novik, Jonathan
Russell
Obsidian Clarinet Quartet
Annie Hutson, Catherine Keen, Holly Kortze, Robyn Brown
Zahand
Prestige Clarinet Quartet
Janice L. Minor, John Kurokawa, Sarah Nowlin, Anthony
Costa
Projecto XXI, António Rosa, Portugal
SAFA, François Houle, Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada
Stark Quartet, Italy
Vinibaldo Baccari, Antonio Fraioli, Simone Saccoccio,
Sergio Brusca
World Woodwind Duo
Thomas Aber and Dwight Frizzell
University of Florida Clarinet Ensemble. Mitchell S. Estrin,
Director
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3 - 4 July 2008
Bradwell Tovey,
Conductor of the New York Philharmonic Summertime Classics and Lieutenant
Colonel Timothy Holtan and the United States Military Academy Band from West
Point together Performing at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center
New York City USA
Clarinetists from
the United States Military Academy Band together with the New York Philharmonic
Clarinet Section including Stanley Drucker, Solo Clarinetist, Pascual Martinez
Forteza, 2nd, Clarinetist, and Stephen Freeman, Bass Clarinetist
USMA Band
Summertime Classics - Musical
Fireworks
Bramwell Tovey
BRAMWELL TOVEY
Urban Runway
Bramwell Tovey’s Urban
Runway, subtitled an
entertainment for orchestra, is a co-commission of the
New York Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and
is receiving its World Premiere performances on this
Summertime Classics
program. It was composed in March 2008. Mr. Tovey describes
the work as follows:
“The concept for Urban
Runway grew out of an amusing conversation with friends
concerning the colorful idiosyncrasies of those who offer
their patronage to the fashion houses on Fifth Avenue in New
York or Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles.
“New clothes, even those unseen inside designer shopping
bags, appear to influence the gait of shoppers as they strut
along the sidewalk. With a little imagination the listener
might care to speculate on the characters depicted in the
music.
“Based upon a simple
ostinato figure housed in a cakewalk rhythm, the score
is laced with jazz and minimalist flavors. A flugel horn,
high clarinet, and solo trombone introduce distinctive
elements, and perhaps characteristically, the violas take a
moment to remind us of the benefits of the ‘pre-owned’
grunge look.”
AARON COPLAND
Four Dance Episodes from
Rodeo
When the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, one of the successor
companies to Diaghilev’s original Ballets Russes, was
seeking a new work from an American choreographer, it
selected the relatively unknown Agnes de Mille. Since the
piece was to have a newly- commissioned score, de Mille
selected a person she considered to be “the best” composer:
Aaron Copland, whose Billy the Kid, choreographed by Eugene
Loring in 1938, had fired imaginations. Set in the Texas of
1900, the de Mille-Copland Rodeo tells the tale of a
tomboyish cowgirl who is caught in a classic romantic
triangle with a handsome, dashing wrangler and a comical,
charming champion roper.
Into his sweeping, lyrical score, Copland wove in
traditional American folk songs, some of them played in
their entirety, for a work that evokes the broad vistas and
rough-and-tumble society of the American West. Following the
work’s highly successful premiere in 1942, Copland devised a
suite of the work for larger orchestral forces, keeping the
central scenes of the ballet intact. Four Dance Episodes
from Rodeo remains one of Copland’s best-known works. The
New York Philharmonic’s first complete performance of the
Four Dance Episodes was in April 1960, led by Leonard
Bernstein; the most recent was in July 2004, led by Bramwell
Tovey.
JOHN PHILIP SOUSA
Marches
John Philip Sousa composed songs, suites, dances, and
several notable operettas, including
El Capitan (1895),
but he is overwhelmingly known for his band marches, which
earned him the nickname The March King. Within the
strictures of the traditional quickstep march, Sousa was
able to create a striking diversity of character and effect,
and his 135 marches are remarkable for their variety as well
as for their melodic invention. With their rousing energy
and patriotic titles, Sousa’s marches are quintessential
Americana; in 1987, his
The Stars and Stripes Forever was named the official
National March of the United States. The New York Symphony
(which merged with the New York Philharmonic in 1928 to form
today’s New York Philharmonic) first performed marches by
Sousa in June 1901 in Philadelphia, conducted by Walter
Damrosch. The most recent performances of Sousa marches were
in July 2007, led by Bramwell Tovey.
BRAMWELL TOVEY
British conductor Bramwell Tovey is music director of the
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO), and was recently named
principal guest conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at
the Hollywood Bowl. He works frequently with the Toronto
Symphony, Montreal Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, and
Bournemouth Symphony orchestras, among many others, and has
been the conductor and host of the New York Philharmonic’s
Summertime Classics
series since its founding in 2004. His tenures with the VSO,
Luxembourg Philharmonic, and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra
have showcased his expertise in the opera, choral, and
British repertoire.
Highlights of Mr. Tovey’s 2007–08 season include a 2007
Grammy Award for his recording with violinist James Ehnes
and the VSO of violin concertos by Walton, Korngold, and
Barber; a collaboration with tenor Ben Heppner and
percussionist Evelyn Glennie; a six-concert Beethoven
festival, featuring pianist Lang Lang and violinist
Anne-Sophie Mutter; and appearances with orchestras across
East Asia in the spring of 2008 in advance of the VSO’s fall
2008 tour of China.
For 12 years Bramwell Tovey served as music director of the
Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, where he founded its highly
regarded New Music Festival. From 2002 to 2006, he was music
director of the Luxembourg Philharmonic. Also a composer, he
has been commissioned by the Calgary Opera to compose the
company’s third, original, full-length opera,
The Inventor, which
will premiere in January 2011, and he received the Best
Canadian Classical Composition 2003 Juno Award for his
Requiem for a Charred
Skull. Mr. Tovey is also an accomplished jazz pianist.
Bramwell Tovey has been awarded several honorary degrees,
and in 1999 he received the M.
Joan Chalmers National Award for Artistic Direction, a
Canadian prize awarded to artists for outstanding
contributions in the performing arts. He last appeared with
the New York Philharmonic in July 2007, at the Bravo! Vail
Valley Music Festival.
THE UNITED STATES
MILITARY ACADEMY BAND
The United States Military Academy Band is a direct
descendant of the small Band of Musick that had assembled at
West Point by 1817. The modest 21-piece military band of
that era has evolved into the 48-member wind band of today.
The Band’s events annually attract thousands of visitors to
the academy. The most popular of these are the summer
concerts at West Point’s Trophy Point Amphitheatre.
The Concert Band has a history marked by close associations
with renowned composers, such as the late Percy Grainger,
one of the first composers to fully utilize the unique
instrumentation of the wind ensemble and often called upon
the band at West Point to proofread his new compositions and
occasionally appeared as soloist. In 1940 the Concert Band
premiered Grainger’s Hill Song #2. The Band also enjoyed its
relationship with American composer and conductor Morton
Gould. His 1952 contribution to the sesquicentennial of the
United States Military Academy, Symphony for Band,
commissioned by the Concert Band, still stands as a staple
in the contemporary wind band repertoire. The United States
Military Academy Band last appeared with the New York
Philharmonic in December 1964, performing Berlioz’s Grande
Symphonie, led by William Steinberg. The Band is under the
direction of Lt. Col. Timothy J. Holtan,
commander/conductor.
Summertime Classics is
sponsored by
Photo of Bramwell Tovey: Chris Lee
West Point Band and New York Philharmonic Collaborate after 44 Years
by SFC Eric Miller
As the West Point Band prepares for its popular Music Under the
Stars concert series, two particular summer performances resonate
with its members. On July 3rd and 4th, the Concert Band will
perform with the New York Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall in New
York City. The Philharmonic will perform the world premiere of
Bramwell Tovey’s Urban Runway and “Four Dance Episodes” from
Rodeo. The Academy Band will feature its Staff Arranger,
Master Sgt. Douglas Richard, performing his composition
Celebration for a New Era. The concert will also showcase
The Official West Point March and Donald Grantham’s Farewell
to Gray, a piece commissioned by the West Point Band in honor of
the U.S. Military Academy’s bicentennial celebration. The concert
will conclude with both the Philharmonic and the West Point Band
performing Sousa’s Liberty Bell and Stars and Stripes
as well as the service songs of the Armed Forces.\
The joint performance underscores a unique association between the
West Point Band and the New York Philharmonic. The Academy Band
performed with the Philharmonic in 1964, and Philip Egner, composer
of On Brave Old Army Team and The Official West Point
March, was actually a cellist in the Philharmonic prior to his
appointment as Teacher of Music and Bandmaster of the Academy Band
in 1909.
In February of 2008, Academy Band musician Staff Sgt. Denver Dill
performed with other principal players of the Philharmonic as a part
of its “Day of Berio” concert. Like Staff Sgt. Dill, many members
of the Academy Band have also garnered a relationship with musicians
in the Philharmonic during their musical studies. The West Point
Band and New York Philharmonic affiliation has also facilitated
recent solo performances for Philharmonic musicians to be showcased
at West Point. For many summers, the principal trombonist of the
Philharmonic, Joseph Alessi, has performed with the Academy Band.
This summer, Philip Smith, the Philharmonic’s principal trumpet,
will be featured on August 3rd at Trophy Point.
Undoubtedly, this unique Independence Day collaboration between both
musical organizations will not only be entertaining, but is destined
to evoke the patriotic sensibilities of its listeners.
Copyright ©
1999 WKA-Clarinet.org. All rights reserved.
Revised: January 10, 2013
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