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November 2010 Hot News

 

20 November 2010

Performances by Peruvian Bass Clarinetist Marco Antonio Mazzini - The "Concerto Silvestre" by Peruvian composer Rafael Leonardo Junchaya, is the first bass clarinet concerto ever written in Peru.

Lima, Peru

                                                                                                           


 
The "Concerto Silvestre" by Peruvian composer Rafael Leonardo Junchaya, is the first bass clarinet concerto ever written in Peru. It was commissioned by Marco Antonio Mazzini in 2008 and it has proved to be a very succesful piece.  Marco Antonio had already performed a piece by Junchaya called "Three episkenic dances" (written for Thelema Trio and recorded for Innova Recordings), that inspired him to ask Junchaya to start a new work for bass clarinet.

 
The concerto has two versions: "Concertino" (string orchestra and percussion) and "Concerto" (full orchestra). It has the traditional 3 movements (the first and second are linked).

Since its world premier in Spain, the "Concerto Silvestre" has been performed by Marco Antonio Mazzini with the following orchestras in Europe and South America:

 



1. 7th April, 2009: "Concerto Silvestre" (world premier)
Gent University Orchestra. Steven Decraene, conductor.
Valladolid, Spain.

2. 7th May 2009: "Concerto Silvestre"
Gent University Orchestra. Steven Decraene, conductor.
DeBijloke concert hall.
Belgium.

 
3. 9th May 2009: "Concerto Silvestre"
Gent University Orchestra. Steven Decraene, conductor. 
DeBijloke Concert Hall.
Belgium

 
 
4. 5th July 2009: "Concerto Silvestre"
National Symphony Orchestra of Peru. Eduardo Garcia Barrios, conductor (Mexico).
National Museum.
Lima, Peru.

 
5. 31rst July 2009: "Concertino Silvestre" (World premier)
Orquesta Camerata de Guatemala. Steven Decraene, conductor. 
Conservatorio Nacional de Música,
Guatemala.

 
6. 20th August 2010: "Concertino Silvestre" 
National Symphony Young Orchestra of Peru. Pablo Sabat, conductor. 
Colegio Mayor.
Lima, Peru.

7. 24th August 2010: "Concertino Silvestre" 
National Symphony Young Orchestra of Peru. Pablo Sabat, conductor. 
National Museum.
Lima, Peru.

 
 
8. 27th August 2010: "Concertino Silvestre" 
National Symphony Young Orchestra of Peru. Pablo Sabat, conductor. 
National Museum.
Lima, Peru.

 
 
9. 31rst August 2010: "Concertino Silvestre" 
National Symphony Young Orchestra of Peru. Pablo Sabat, conductor. 
Centro Comercial Mega Plaza.
Lima, Peru.

10. 17th September 2010: "Concertino Silvestre"
 
National Symphony Young Orchestra of Peru. Pablo Sabat, conductor. 
Auditorium EL Buen Pastor School.
Lima, Peru

 
 
11. 21rst September 2010: "Concertino Silvestre" 
National Symphony Young Orchestra of Peru. Pablo Sabat, conductor. 
Carapongo new church.
Lima, Peru.

 
 
12. 30th September 2010: "Concertino Silvestre" 
National Symphony Young Orchestra of Peru. Pablo Sabat, conductor. 
Auditorium Inmaculada school.
Lima, Peru.

 
 
13. 22nd October 2010: "Concertino Silvestre" 
National Symphony Orchestra of Trujillo. Teófilo Alvarez, conductor. 
Teatro Municipal.
Trujillo, Peru.

 
14. 20th November 2010: "Concertino Silvestre" 
National Symphony Young Orchestra of Peru. Pablo Sabat, conductor. 
National Museum (as a guest during the Clarinet Festival in Lima).
Lima, Peru 

 

 

 
Marco Mazzini live with the GUSO orchestra at the Bijloke Concert Hall in Belgium. First movement of the "Concertorto Silvestre":

 

 

OHEKA 2010 

17 November 2010

Stanley Drucker, New York Philharmonic Solo Clarinetist Emeritus, Inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame with other distinguished Artists

Huntington, New York USA

          Dr Stanley Drucker, one of the most important historical icons of the clarinet in the last century, was handed another Honor in being inducted into the Long Island (New York) Music Hall of Fame, an honor given to the most noteworthy of performing contributors to the culture of this area. Stanley Drucker's track record, as recorded in the Guiness Book of Records, and his Honorary membership in the New York Philharmonic-Symphony Society Roster of members (the only musician in the Orchestra to be listed), and his recently conferred Honorary Doctorate in Music from the University of Florida, gives a glowing story of accomplishment all should strive to achieve.  There are 2 pages on the WKA site dedicated to him,   VIP-Drucker, and 60th Year Commemoration with the New York Philharmonic which show his incredible history spanning since 1946.

            What has made his popularity in his home island from Massapequa is his and his wife's performing frequently to audiences on Long Island with the American Chamber Ensemble and the many chamber music recitals performed over a long time span.  On 13 November, he performed a full recital in Merrick Long Island with a near full house at the Calhoun High School for over 800 attendees. 

          At age 81, and still performing at high velocity, he is indeed a legend that will be active for many years to come.

           

30 October - 7 November 2010

1st European Clarinet Competition and Festival - Kortrijk, Belgium, Eddy Vanoosthuyse, Director

On 5 November 2010, the European Clarinet Association officially was inaugurated at the first European Clarinet Festival in Kortrijk, Belgium

Kortrijk, Belgium

           The first independently organized symposium of this magnitude was launched in this small town of Kortrijk, Belgium, with incredible national arts support as indicated on the website, including Patronage from the Queen of Belgium.  The event was handled in an agency class management quality, and the events, including appearances with the Brussels Philharmonic and the Flemish Chamber Orchestra and the Military Band of Belgium, and an International array of the finest clarinetists of this era acting as performers and judges in the International Clarinet Competition, which rivaled the competitions the Nielsen and the Munich Competitions.   The website has a detailed description of the events, the competition details, and the visiting groups performing.   A part of this festival concentrated on Clarinet Ensembles and Choirs from all of Europe.  Several of the principal faculty and judges, including the Festival Director Eddy Vanoosthuyse are WKA Officer VIP's.

           During this festival saw the Official start of the European Clarinet Association which was formed to serve clarinetists in Europe and Internationally.  Like the WKA, it is an online formatted group where information is more immediately available, and its purpose is to serve not only players and students, but affiliated organizations as well.  There are national clarinet associations throughout the continent, and ECA is designed to reinforce their goals and agendas.

           Performances held during this week were International class, and the competition attracted over 100 contestants, with 3 Prizes awarded. As the Repertoire indicated, the level of performance was treacherously high, with music that wouldn't be performed 40 years ago.  There were 2 prize winners, the 1st Prize a 2 Clarinet set of Buffet Toscas, valued at about $14,000 plus $10,000, and the 2nd Prize a Buffet Tosca Bb Clarinet and a cash prize.   Winners were 1st Prize:        Anna Hashimoto  - Japan, 

                              2nd Prize:      Valentin Uryupin - Russia 

As can be noted, this event opens doors for bright performance futures, as performance opportunities are part of the Prize won.  This certainly has raised the bar of standard and the win here is a well won credential. 

            It is hoped that this will be a first and continuing program and a show of European unity of purpose in promoting the instrument. Credit is due to the magnificent logistic planning and carry-through by all involved, especially Eddy Vanoosthuyse and his team who made this event a win for all clarinetists.

 

6 - 7 November 2010

Vandoren/Buffet 5th Clarinet Ensemble Festival - University of California at Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California USA

          The fifth Vandoren/Buffet Clarinet Ensemble Festival, in its trend setting evolution since the first one in Atlanta, Georgia, has grown into a major event involving Clarinet Choirs and related ensembles, including Chamber Quartets and other combinations performed to high standards. From its inception, Mitchell Estrin, Artistic Director, and Professor of Clarinet at the University of Florida in Gainesville, along with legend of the Clarinet Choir field Harvey Hermann, have made an important mark in expanding the interest and levels and reminding all of the history of the Choir movement, reaching back to Simeon Bellison (Solo Clarinetist in the New York Philharmonic and one of the most important teachers of the 20th Century, having mentored such American School icons as Daniel Bonade, Leon Russianoff, and several other greats). It was Bellison who organized a Clarinet Choir that performed regularly at Carnegie Hall in New York, and caught the interests of others who further made the Choirs popular.  Harvey Hermann was one of the foremost icons having built up his group at the University of Illinois at Champaign for many years, and being responsible for the transcription of many of the major Orchestral works for this combination.  Many other Directors since have expanded the contemporary repertoire and at this point there is a wealth of quality music to be played.

Studio Musician Seminar

Bass Clarinet Seminar

           The past Ensemble Festivals, from 2008, at North Illinois University emphasized the College teacher and Orchestral opportunities and trials for those headed for careers there, 2009 at the USAF Band in Washington emphasized the Military Band opportunities, and this year an emphasis was placed on the Los Angeles Studio Music field dealing with opportunities, the need to be fully prepared as a doubler with equal fluency in playing the entire clarinet family, the saxophone family, oboe, and flute.  The competence expected with no compromise was well talked about by 5 of the best doublers in LA such as Gary Bovyer, Gary Gray, Don Higgans, James Kanter, and Phil O'Connor.  A seminar with these players was held with questions and anectdotes from all over the room.  Another seminar was held regarding Bass Clarinet performance and trends.

             Like many events that happen, there were exhibits of products all familiar such as Clarinets, Accessories such as mouthpieces, reeds, ligatures, tools, stands, sheet music, most provided by Vandoren, Buffet-Crampon, Jeanne Music, and RDG Music.  There was ample time for everyone to browse, try things and purchase.

UCLA Clarinet Quartet and the Orange County Wind Symphony Clarinet Ensemble

Licorace Ananimous Clarinet Ensemble and University of Florida Clarinet Ensemble

Clare Fischer Clarinet Choir and the Cal Arts Clarinrt Ensemble under William Powell

Forte Clarinet Quartet and the Los Angeles Clarinet Choir under Margaret Thornhill

Free Mason Clarinet Quartet and the Orange County High School Arts Clarinet Ensemble

Edmond Wells the Bass Clarinet Quartet

Festival Clarinet Choir under Harvey Hermann

             As the galleries indicate, there were several top notch ensembles performing including the Los Angeles Clarinet Choir under Margaret Thornhill, The University of Florida Clarinet Ensemble under Mitchell Estrin (a group that has been nominated for a Grammy for their latest CD Clarinet Thunder), many University Chamber groups, the Wells Bass Clarinet Quartet, the Orange County Wind Symphony Clarinet Ensemble, the Chris Fischer Clarinet Ensemble, the Cal Arts Clarinet Ensemble under William Powell, the Licorice Ananimos Clarinet Ensemble, the Freemason Clarinet Quartet, and the UCLA Clarinet Quartet, and as the Finale, the Mass Clarinet Choir headed by Harvey Hermann, with a premiere and performance of the first movement of the Schubert Symphony #5.

             Credit for this success cannot be amiss with the organizational skills of Director Mitchell Estrin, Michael Skinner, President of DANSR (Vandoren importers), Professor Gary Gray, and the students who carried out the logistics to make this great event happen.  As has been said many times about conferences, every opportunity to come and grow is of serious importance for all who can attend.  It is a major educational and social event which can bring future opportunities especially developing students.  It is in fact a labor of love to go to the effort to organize and fulfill the mission of such an event as this.  The above directors are owed an intangible debt of gratitude from all who get involved.  This event was no fee for all who attended.

 

November 1, 2010

Richie Hawley will begin teaching at Rice's Shepherd School in 2011

HOUSTON -- (Nov. 1, 2010) -- Rice University announced today that it has appointed critically acclaimed clarinetist Richie Hawley as professor of clarinet in the Shepherd School of Music. Hawley is the principal clarinet of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO) and head of the Clarinet Department at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, which under his leadership became one of the most outstanding clarinet schools in the country.

"Richie Hawley is one of America's premiere clarinetists and pedagogues," said Robert Yekovich, dean of the Shepherd School. "His appointment as professor of clarinet adds further luster to an already stellar faculty roster. The Shepherd School is indeed fortunate to welcome Richie to our community of world-class artist teachers."

In the fall of 2011, Hawley will debut in his new role at the Shepherd School, which has become one of the nation's most prestigious music programs at a major university since its dedication 34 years ago. Its orchestral training program, of which Hawley will be a part, is widely considered to be among the very finest. Hawley succeeds Michael Webster, professor of clarinet, who will retire from a distinguished teaching career at the end of this academic year.

With his trademark velvety, sonorous tone, Hawley is dedicated to performing chamber music and appears regularly as a chamber musician and recitalist throughout the United States and abroad.

Hawley was appointed principal clarinet of the CSO in 1994 at the age of 23, only two years after graduating from the Curtis Institute of Music. He has since enjoyed a rewarding and multifaceted career as an orchestral clarinetist, recitalist, chamber musician, teacher and clinician.

During the summer season, Hawley serves on the faculty at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, one of the premiere summer festivals for exceptionally talented musicians from around the world.

As both a performer and an educator, Hawley has been the recipient of several coveted awards. In 1988 his trio, "Trio Con Brio," won first prize at the Coleman Chamber Music competition. That same year he was one of five musicians to receive the Gold Medal as a Presidential Scholar in the Arts from Ronald Reagan in a ceremony at the White House. He has received the Léni Fé Bland Foundation Career Grant twice, and he was awarded the 2009 Glover Award for Outstanding Teacher of the Year at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music's convocation ceremony.

Originally from Los Angeles, Hawley began his clarinet studies with Yehuda Gilad at the Colburn School of Performing Arts at the age 9. He made his orchestral solo debut at age 13, performing Weber with the Los Angeles Philharmonic as the winner of its student stars competition. At age 14 he performed Rossini's "Introduction, Theme and Variations" at one of the New York Philharmonic's young person's subscription concerts as a winner of the Philharmonic's national talent search competition. While a student of Donald Montanaro at the Curtis Institute of Music, Hawley appeared as a soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Hawley graduated from Curtis in 1992.

A Buffet-Crampon artist, Hawley performs on the Tosca model of clarinet. He is also a Rico Performing Artist and Clinician and plays exclusively on the Reserve Classic reeds.

Hawley is married to Shepherd alumna Maureen Nelson, who is a member of the Enso Quartet, which was the school's resident graduate string quartet from 2002 to 2004. 

Located in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked one of America's best teaching and research universities. Known for its "unconventional wisdom," Rice is distinguished by its: size -- 3,279 undergraduates and 2,277 graduate students; selectivity -- 12 applicants for each place in the freshman class; resources -- an undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 5-to-1; sixth largest endowment per student among American private research universities; residential college system, which builds communities that are both close-knit and diverse; and collaborative culture, which crosses disciplines, integrates teaching and research, and intermingles undergraduate and graduate work.


 

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Revised: November 27, 2010