The New York Philharmonic will perform the U.S Premiere of Émigré, in February 29 and March 1 at the Wu Tsai Theater in David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center.
Founded 1842, The New York Philharmonic is one of the most leading American orchestras and one of the one of the oldest musical institutions in the country. The orchestra was then just called the Philharmonic Society of New York and it was the third Philharmonic on American soil since 1799.
Émigré explores the little-known moment in history with an opulent, romantic score; beautiful music that exists in stark contrast to the reality that many went through. Different genres and styles converge in Zigman’s music, reflecting the rich and diverse musical landscape of 1930s Shanghai, known as “the Paris of the East.”
The premier in February 29 and March 1 will be semi-staged, featuring costumes and visual projection elements that will complement the music and showcase the city of Shanghai from various perspectives. Director Mary Birnbaum says, “Ultimately, we see this story as a contemporary vigil for those who find themselves far away from home,” and adds that Émigré is about “citizens of the world protecting each other.”Émigré, a musical of drama, hope, love and refuge composed by Aaron Zigman, with lyrics by Mark Campbell and Brock Walsh, conducted by Long Yu, and directed by Mary Birnbaum.
Tickets to the performances my be purchased online, or at the Welcome Center at David Geffen Hallor by calling (212) 875-5656.
NYC is hosting an extraordinary festival from February 20 to 24 to pay tribute to legendary guitarist, Paco de Lucia. The festival will take place in various location around NYC including Carnegie Hall, NYU, Instituto Cervantes, Symphony Space and more. The monumental event will feature over 30 artists, all coming together to honor the renowned Paco de Lucia, who passed on February 25, 2014.
Paco de Lucia in Havana in 2013
Paco de Lucia is regarded as the master of flamenco guitar by many of those who took up the art form. This city-wide event, The Paco de Lucia Legacy Festival will demonstrate that flamenco is alive and as influential as ever. The festival will kick off with a medley of music at Carnegie Hall and wrap up five days later with a screening of the movie, “La busqueda” and a concert of honor.
Program + Ticketing Information
UE 2.20 at 7:30 p.m. Paco de Lucía Festival @ Carnegie Hall
Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. 57th Street & 7th Avenue, New York CityTickets: $23-$120. Reserve at www.carnegiehall.orgor call Carnegie Charge 212-247-7800. Program: The festival kickstarts with this one-night musical tribute by 32+ artists.Performers: Karime Amaya, Farru and Farruquito(dancers); Al Di Meola, Josemi Carmona, Yerai Cortés, Antonio Rey, Rafael Riqueni, Niño Josele, J.M.Bandera and Pepe Habichuela(guitarists); Rubén Blades, Diego ‘El Cigala’, Duquende, Chonchi Heredia, Salif Keita, Carmen Linares, José Mercé, Sílvia Pérez Cruz and Makarines (vocalists), CarlesBenavent (bass), Alain Pérez (bass), Javier Colina (double bass), Rubem Dantas, Tino Di Geraldo and Israel Suárez ‘Piraña’ (percussion), MadouDiabaté (kora), Chano Domínguez (piano), Jorge Pardo (flute), NesrineBelmokh (voice + cello), harmonica by Antonio Serrano (harmonica), and more.
WED 2.21 at 6:00 p.m. Paco de Lucía Legacy Festival @ Instituto Cervantes
Instituto Cervantes, 211-215 East 49th Street, New York City Tickets: Free Admission.Presentation of César Suárez’s book ‘El enigma Paco de Lucía’and concert:‘Masters vs. Young Promises’.
WED 2.21 at 7:10 p.m. Paco de Lucía Festival @ Symphony Space
Symphony Space, Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, 2537 Broadway, New York CityTickets: $20-$50. To reserve, visit www.symphonyspace.orgor call Box Office at 212-864-5400.Program: Multi-GRAMMY winner Arturo O’Farrill and The Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra performs an evening of arrangements of Paco’s compositions, under the joint musical direction of Arturo O’Farrill and Valencian pianist and arranger, Alex Conde. Performers: Arturo O’Farrill Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, Alex Conde (piano), Antonio Rey (flamenco guitar), Chonchi Heredia (vocals), Karime Amaya (dancer), Antonio Serrano (harmonica), and Rubem Dantas (Brazilian percussion).
WED 2.21 @ 7:00 p.m. Paco de Lucía Festival @ LPR
Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street, New York CityTickets: $35-$65. Reserve at www.lpr.comor visit the LPR Box Office.Program: Le Poisson Rouge hosts some of the most significant flamenco artists from Andalucia, who performed with Paco de Lucía. The first set, ‘De Cerca’, comprises the work of Josemi Carmona, Javier Colina, featuring Israel Saurez‘Piraña’ and guest singer Silvia Perez Cruz. Jorge Pardo and pianist Chano Dominguez lead the second set in their vibrant tribute to the genius of Andalucia. They two have taken on the difficult proposition of reinterpreting “10 of Paco” – the best-known melodies without guitar, featuring ‘Farru’ (dancer), who was part of the Paco de Lucia global tour.Performers: Josemi Carmona, Javier Colina, ‘Piraña’, Sílvia Pérez Cruz, Jorge Pardo, Chano Dominguez, Tino di Geraldo, andguestdancerFarru.
THU 2.22 @ 12:00 p.m. Paco de Lucía Festival: Flamenco Master Class
KJCC-NYU, 53 Washington Square South, New York CityTickets: FREE and open to the public. Reservations strongly encouraged. Register at KJCC.org.Program: On February 22, percussionist ‘Piraña’ and singersand palmasduo Makarines will give a rhythm master class at KJCC-NYU. A Q&A session and reception will follow the master class.
THU 2.22 @ 7:30 p.m. Paco de Lucía Festival @ Town Hall
Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street, New York CityTickets:https://thetownhall.org/event/paco-de-lucia-legacy-flamenco-summits-meets-new-yorkReserve atwww.pacodelucialegacy.comor call the Box Office at 212-997-6661.Program: A specialgala called Flamenco Meets New York will promote an unprecedented meeting between flamenco artists and leading New York musicians. Performers: Niño Josele, Rubén Blades, Josemi Carmona, Salif Keita, Antonio Rey, Richard Bona, Pepe Habichuela, Farruquito, Farru, Karime Amaya, Alain Pérez, Rafael Riqueni, Antonio Sánchez, and Sílvia Pérez Cruz.
FRI 2.23 @ 6:00p.m. Paco de Lucía Festival @ Instituto Cervantes
Instituto Cervantes, 211-215 East 49th Street, New York CityTickets: FREE and open to the public. First come, first served. Program: Puro Flamenco recital.Performers: Pepe Habichuela, Rafael Riqueni, and Carmen Linares
FRI 2.23 at 7:30 p.m. Paco de Lucía Festival @ Mercado
Mercado, Little Spain Market, 10 Hudson Yards, New York CityTickets: FREE and open to the public. First come, first served.Program: FREE Fiesta Flamenca concert.
SAT 2.24 p.m Paco de Lucía Festival.
Program: A screening of the film ‘La búsqueda’ (‘The Search’) by the guitarist’s son, Curro Sánchez, followed by a concert, will culminate this multi-dimensional tribute.
On the 8th of April, Rochester will be one of the cities in the direct pathway of a total solar eclipse. A rare celestial event worthy of celebration and awe. In anticipation of the event, local chamber ensemble fivebyfive played a series of three sold out concerts at the Rochester Science and Museum’s Strasenburgh Planetarium the past two weekends.
“Light and Dark: Eclipse Music,” two years in the making, included five world premier pieces commissioned specifically for this concert, each written specifically in celebration of this monumental event. Each composer interpreted the concept of a solar eclipse in their own way. fivebyfive’s audio and visual engineer, and Executive Director, Marc Webster added his own interpretations, developing visuals for each to project on the dome of the planetarium. He approached the video treatments from a musician’s standpoint, taking cues directly from the scores. It was a feast for the ears and eyes for the audience, comfortably seated in recliners encircling the intimate space.
A unique event deserves to be celebrated in a unique way by a unique ensemble. Made up of Laura Lentz on flute, Marcy Bacon on clarinet, Ken Luk on electric guitar, Eric J. Polenik on bass and Haeyeun Jeun on piano, fivebyfive certainly fit the bill. But the compositions called for the band to stretch it’s legs even more with some auxiliary sounds and techniques. Finger-tapped guitar added to the data-driven melodies of Glenn McClure’s set opening “Totality,” as numbers rained down from the skies. Bass clarinet, alto flute and a bowed guitar added warmth to Jessica Meyer’s “In the Path of Totality,” tapping into the human emotional response to the eclipse’s grandness and beauty. Light literally controlled the music for Julie Herndon’s “I Can Take.” Guest conductor Armand Hall conducted using only light bulbs strewn through the band’s setup. Through composed sections and even some improvisation, the bulbs dimmed and brightened in the darkened room, as the music ebbed and flowed along the way.
The venue, the visuals, the music. It all came together perfectly in celebration and anticipation of an event that Rochester will remember forever. Las Vegas may have it’s much-hyped Sphere, but Rochester’s Strasenburgh Planetarium made an excellent host for these shows, and only one of those city’s is in the path of totality. With two more months to go there’s plenty more time to keep the celebration going so stay tuned for more events to come.
The internationally acclaimed Music from Copland House ensemble will bring their dazzling program to the Elebash Hall at The Graduate Center, CUNY on February 6.
Aaron Copland was one of the most celebrated and profoundly influential musical figures in American history. The composer lived and spent most of his time on a rocky hill atop three acres of woodland in the lower Hudson River Valley hamlet of Cortlandt Manor, less than one hour north of New York City. After his death in 1990, a coalition of local townspeople launched a genuine grassroots movement to preserve and restore this historic residence as the living, enduring embodiment of his seminal artistic and personal legacies and lifelong advocacy of American composers, hence Music from Copland House was formed.
Copland House officially became operational in 1998 following an extensive physical renovation. Ever since the not-for-profit creative center for American music was built, the house has provided support for composers with different opportunities that further advanced their careers.
The Copland House offers public programs throughout the country, the infamous house also provides recordings, broadcasts, webcasts, film screenings, visual exhibitions, and an annual performance series at its vast new satellite venue at the historic Merestead estate in nearby Mount Kisco.
The bold and adventurous ensemble will be performing at the Elebash Hall at The Graduate Center, CUNY on February 6. The free for all program aims to celebrate life and the sounds of living.
The program will then be followed by a lively post-performance conversations and Q&A with the ensemble and audience. Tickets are free, and reservations are strongly advised, and may be made online or by calling Copland House at (914) 788-4659.
On Sunday, January 28, the Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra, together with the combined choirs of the Southern Tier Singers’ Collective and the Binghamton University Chamber Singers, mounted a moving musical performance of Mozart’s Requiem at the Broome County Forum Theatre. It was a rare treat to hear this great work of the choral repertoire, especially when performed with such great mastery.
The orchestra and choir were joined by four up-and-coming young soloists from the Curtis Institute of Music: soprano Juliette Tacchino, mezzo-soprano Katie Trigg, tenor Jackson Allen, and bass Evan Gray. The quartet of singers, hailing from as far away as France and New Zealand, powerfully conveyed the profound human longing in Mozart’s vocal writing. Tacchino’s silvery sound blended beautifully with Trigg’s rich, plummy tones, and all four soloists distinguished themselves by their highly expressive musicality.
Amanda and Talia Rabineau
Maestro Daniel Hege led a tight, seamless ensemble through the wildly contrasting emotions of the Requiem; as usual with this group, the woodwinds were particularly strong. Hege’s tempos seemed to grow organically from one movement to the next, giving the work a living, breathing pulse and a satisfying sense of wholeness.
Carlos Perez, Cassi Lee, Ajen Lewis
But it was the chorus that was the true star of the show. Prepared by William Culverhouse, the combined choirs infused Mozart’s majestic work with energy, elegance, and intimacy. Culverhouse’s singers showed themselves capable of rigorous counterpoint and stunning pianissimi, their phrasing crisply commanding and meltingly lyrical by turns. Mozart’s demands on the chorus are almost soloistic, and this chorus was fully up to the challenge, cycling through his extremes of volume, speed, and emotion with virtuosity and aplomb.
Tenor Jackson Allen, Bass Evan Gray
Over 1100 concertgoers, including many younger music lovers, came out on a snowy midwinter day to hear Sunday’s stunning performance, demonstrating their appreciation with a standing ovation and several curtain calls. The Philharmonic’s foray into the great repertoire of choral music was a great success, one that bears repeating!
Le Patin Libre, the innovators of contemporary ice dance, prepare to dazzle audiences with their electrifying show, “Threshold al fresco.”
Winter Village in Bryant Park is about to witness an event unlike anything else. This modern fusion of contemporary dance and figure skating, set against the iconic backdrop of New York City, will push the limits of artistic expression on ice.
Le Patin Libre’sblend of figure skating and contemporary dance has revolutionized ice dance. Legendary figure skater Alexandre Hamel founded Le Patin Libre in 2005 with the goal of redefining the sport. The organization was born out of Québec’s frozen ponds and hockey arenas. Their special technique – “contemporary dance on ice” – has shown the grace of glide and the freedom of movement.
“Threshold al fresco” showcases the artistic talent of Le Patin Libre with its captivating choreography, upbeat music composed by Jasmin Boivin, and appealing lighting designed by Lucy Carter and Sean Gleason. International Dance Magazine has described the group as “rebels on ice,” cheering their daring demeanor and creative approach.
Experience an amazing evening of artistry with this talented group, Including Alexandre Hamel, Pascale Jodoin, Samory Ba, Taylor Dilley, and Jasmin Boivin. Additionally, VIP tickets are available, which include entry to an ice dancing party with the performers and choreographers.
Le Patin Libre is supported by organizations such as the Conseil des arts et lettres du Québec.
Visit “Threshold al fresco” at Bryant Park’s Winter Village to see the revolution, get tickets here.
The New York Youth Symphony (NYYS) has announced they will be appointing John Kilkenny as the new executive director, effective this March. NYYS has been extensively searching for an executive director after their last director of 12 years, Shauna Quill stepped down. Now with a promising future in the hands of John Kilkenny, NYYS is thrilled at what lies ahead.
John Kilkenny has served both the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera and the Sewanee Music Festival, where he was Executive Director. His experience in leading orchestra and chamber music is extraordinary. Mr. Kilkelly has also led programs in composition and has supported music education for aspiring young artists for years.
“We are thrilled to have John at the helm of our organization. John’s experience and impressive knowledge of music education will surely help to propel NYYS to the next level. We are excited to see what John can do as he helps to shape our future and make our mark on young musicians even stronger and more impactful.”
Bill Kappel, President of New York Youth Symphony’s Board of Trustees
As Executive Director, John Kilkenny will be overseeing community outreach, fundraising, artistic programming and marketing. He will also be in charge of all programs throughout the organization from writing and composition to musical theatre, conducting, and the newest orchestra – crescendo.
NYYS at Carnegie Hall
“NYYS is an incredible organization and a fantastic match for my passion and skillset – I cannot wait to get started and write the next chapter! They are one of the premiere arts education programs in the nation – leading the way in the training of young musicians. This is a dream opportunity for me!”
John Kilkenny’s enthusiastic response to his thoughts on being appointed Executive Director of NYYS
For more information on the New York Youth Symphony and its upcoming plans, visit NYYS.org.
The 2024 Oscar nominations were just announced, featuring Robbie Robertson receiving a posthumous nomination for Killers of the Flower Moon, Billie Eilish for Barbie, and more.
The 2024 Oscars will occur on Sunday, March 10, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. With an eclectic mix of musicians, the music nominees are bold and diverse, creating songs for some great films last year.
In the Best Original Score category, Robbie Robertson earned a posthumous Oscar nomination for his score for Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon. Robertson, composer, songwriter, and musician known for the influential group the Band, died Aug. 9 at age 80. He was a longtime collaborator with Scorsese, starting with 1978’s The Last Waltz. The iconic director acknowledged Robertson in a statement about the Oscar nom, writing ” I only wish that Robbie Robertson had lived to see his work recognized—our many years of friendship and Robbie’s growing consciousness of his own Native heritage played a crucial role in my desire to get this film onscreen.”
Other nominees in that category include Flushing native and infamous composer John Williams for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Williams has received almost 80 GRAMMY nominations for his work in iconic films, and 54 Oscar nominations, the most of any living person. Ludwig Göransson’s emotionally charged compositions for Oppenheimer earned a rightful nomination, and English musician Jerskin Fendrix received his first nom for Poor Things.
Robbie Robertson, photo by Matthew Eisman for Getty Images.
In the Best Original Song category, Diane Warren earned her seventh consecutive Oscar nom for “The Fire Inside” from Flamin’ Hot, her 15th overall. Jon Batiste, who won an Oscar three years ago for collaborating on the Soul score with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, got his first best original song nod for “It Never Went Away” from American Symphony, a documentary about a year in his life.
Killers of the Moon received another Oscar nomination with “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)” by Scott George. Barbie spawned two best song nominees, the first film since La La Land seven years ago. “I’m Just Ken” by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt and “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, which also received several GRAMMY noms, made it on the ballot.
To see the full list of 2024 Oscar nominees, visit here.
The Albany Symphony has announced the hiring of Interim Executive Director David Hyslop, a veteran of the orchestral industry. Hyslop brings with him decades of experience with a great number of orchestras, he is also a Schenectady native, bringing a local insight to the position.
Born in Schenectady, Hyslop’s resume includes 58 years of orchestrating, acting as the former CEO to the Minnesota Orchestra (1991-2003), St. Louis Symphony (1978-1991), Oregon Symphony (1972-1978), and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, as well as the interim executive director for more than 15 musical organizations.
Since 2004, David Hyslop has spearheaded consulting projects throughout the country including executive searches, strategic planning, development feasibility studies for endowment campaigns, and the Wheaton Grand Theater redevelopment and business planning project in Illinois.
“The Board of Directors of the Albany Symphony are thrilled that David Hyslop has agreed to be our new interim executive director as we look toward the future in 2024. His extensive career working with symphony orchestras around the country coupled with his knowledge and connections of the industry make him the ideal candidate as we continue to search for a permanent executive director.”
Faith Ann Takes, Albany Symphony board chair
Led by Music Director David Alan Miller, the Albany Symphony presents a core classical series throughout the region, a multi-day American Music Festival, performances by its cutting-edge new music chamber ensemble, the Dogs of Desire; and a family series and holiday concerts in collaboration with youth performing arts groups. The Albany Symphony’s award-winning education programs include Symphony in Our Schools, which brings musicians into classrooms for interactive music education.
We are so fortunate to welcome David Hyslop as our interim executive director. He is one of the great figures in the world of orchestra management, and we are thrilled to have a person of such broad experience and insight guide us through this very important transition period. He is also a dear friend, with whom I worked extensively at the Minnesota Orchestra many years ago. We are deeply honored that David has agreed to help us build a strong future for the Albany Symphony.
David Alan Miller, Albany Symphony music director and conductor
Hyslop has received many honors throughout his career. Among these, a Minnesota Orchestra Subscription Concert was dedicated to him in his final season with the Minnesota Orchestra.
“The David J. Hyslop Trumpet Chair” was Endowed in Perpetuity by the St. Louis Symphony. Fanfare for D.H. was commissioned by the St. Louis Symphony to honor Hyslop’s 10th Anniversary with the Symphony and was composed by Pulitzer Award winning composer Joseph Schwantner. Additionally, Hyslop was awarded a Martha Baird Rockefeller Grant in Performing Arts Management by the League of American Orchestras. Most recently, Hyslop was awarded a lifetime achievement award by his alma mater, Ithaca College.
“I look forward to working with Albany Symphony and helping them as they move through this transition period,” said Hyslop. “It’s also very exciting to be fostering my relationships back in the Capital Region, where I was born and spent many years before going off to college.”
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced its 2024 New York City Ballet (NYCB) season, featuring four unique programs from July 9-13 as part of NYCB’s historic 75 anniversary and its 58 season in Saratoga.
Called “the foremost creative ballet troupe in the world” by The New York Times, New York City Ballet will bring its roster of more than 90 dancers under the direction of Artistic Director Jonathan Stafford and Associate Artistic Director Wendy Whelan, accompanied by the New York City Ballet Orchestra, led by Music Director Andrew Litton. New York City Ballet, one of the foremost ballet companies in the world, was founded in 1948 by the legendary choreographer George Balanchine and arts patron Lincoln Kirstein and quickly became world-renowned for its athletic and contemporary style. Today, NYCB continues to be inspired by its founders who envisioned an authentically American expression of ballet with a company that reflects the rich cultural diversity of the city and nation.
“This season marks the occasion of our beloved New York City Ballet’s historic 75 anniversary. We look forward to an incredible week celebrating our shared history over the past nearly six decades, while also pointing toward our exciting future together,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Opening the season on July 9 is “NYCB On and Off Stage,” hosted by NYCB principal dancers for a unique “behind the curtain” experience featuring excerpts from the week’s ballets and culminating with a celebratory after-party.
Highlighting the residency is George Balanchine’s three-act work Jewels, returning for the first time since 2016 and featuring Fauré’s elegant Emeralds, Stravinsky’sjazz-inflected Rubies, and Tschaikovsky’s symphonic Diamonds.
Emily Kikta in “Rubies”, JEWELS, New York City Ballet, David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, Tuesday, September 17, 2019. Credit Photo: Erin Baiano
Also featured are two evenings dedicated to works by contemporary choreographers including a new work by Amy Hall Garner, which is set to hold its world premiere as part of NYCB’s 2024 spring season. Other works include Gustave le Gray No. 1, a SPAC debut choreographed by Pam Tanowitz and set to the music of Caroline Shaw, Ulysses Dove’s dynamically charged, abstract work Red Angels, and Justin Peck’s sneaker ballet The Times are Racing, heralded by audiences and critics alike since its premiere in 2017.
Rounding out the season will be two performances of some of Balanchine’s most beloved works, including the classic story ballet Swan Lake, the patriotic Stars and Stripes, the SPAC-commissioned work The Steadfast Tin Soldier, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s charming fairytale, and scenes from Coppélia, featuring children from the Capital Region, celebration the work’s 50 anniversary, which held its world premiere at SPAC in 1974.
Daniel Applebaum and Naomi Corti in Gustave Le Gray No. 2, choreography by Pam Tanowitz. New York City Ballet Art Series, Friday, April 29, 2022, David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center. Credit Photo: Erin Baiano
Tickets will be available beginning on February 9 at 10 a.m. for members (tiered by level) and on February 22 at 10 a.m. for the general public. Visit here for details.
NEW YORK CITY BALLET: JULY 9 – 13
NYCB On and Off Stage
TUESDAY, JULY 9 @ 7:30 P.M.
NYCB principal dancers host a unique “behind the curtain” experience featuring excerpts from the week’s ballets. A compelling evening for newcomers and fans alike. Immediately following the program is a celebratory “dance party” in the Hall of Springs.
Jewels
WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 @ 7:30 P.M.
THURSDAY, JULY 11 @ 2:00 P.M.
Emeralds (Fauré/Balanchine)
Rubies (Stravinsky/Balanchine)
Diamonds (Tschaikovsky/Balanchine)
Contemporary Choreography
THURSDAY, JULY 11 @ 7:30 P.M.
SATURDAY, JULY 13 @ 7:30 P.M.
New Garner* (TBA/Garner)
Red Angels (Einhorn/Dove)
Gustave le Gray No. 1* (Shaw/Tanowitz)
The Times Are Racing (Deacon/Peck)
Swan Lake & Stars and Stripes
FRIDAY, JULY 12 @ 7:30 P.M.
SATURDAY, JULY 13 @ 2 P.M.
Swan Lake (Tschaikovsky/Balanchine)
Scenes from Coppélia (Delibes/Balanchine and Danilova, after Petipa)
The Steadfast Tin Soldier (Bizet/Balanchine)
Stars and Stripes (Sousa, orch. by Kay/Balanchine)
