November, 2011
Conductor’s Corner
To celebrate the 100th birthday of Menotti, who founded the Spoleto Festivals in both Charleston and Italy, we are pleased to present the "neo-Rossinian" short comic opera THE TELEPHONE. The story revolves around two lovers (and a telephone), with the man trying to tell his love he wants to marry her, but she’s on the telephone so much he can’t get a word in edgewise. Orchestration for the work is only one musician per part, and consists of a small ensemble of 12-13 players. Our two soloists, who have performed THE TELEPHONE at Spoleto Festival USA and USC, both have extensive experience in Europe and wonderful voices.
THE RED VIOLIN is going to be the big undertaking, and is one of the most challenging works to perform. John Corigliano was a student of mine at the USC Conductors’ Institute and wrote this work with his father in mind, given he was the concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic for many years. John is one of the hottest American composers on the scene today and very much in demand, with the New York Philharmonic recently premiering one of his works. Michael Ludwig, our soloist, has received rave reviews for his recording of THE RED VIOLIN, and John took Michael to Russia to perform this work with the St. Petersburg orchestra. The solo violin part is very technical and showy, and the orchestral part employs unusual techniques, including clusters of sound between winds, brass, and strings, with the whole being very experimental in nature. The orchestration is huge with additional players in all sections and includes piano, celesta, harp, and 22 percussion instruments, i.e. practically everything but the kitchen sink.
I know the audience will enjoy this program because it is so varied, and it is a real feather in our cap for us to do it. Please join us for this exciting program and show your support for Brevard’s orchestra.
Letter from our President
What a great start to our wonderful 35th Season! If you weren't there for “A Tribute to Transylvania”, you really missed something. The orchestra received rave reviews (available on this website) and a record crowd attended. But that was just the beginning. On November 13, Michael Ludwig, renowned violinist, recently signed with Columbia Artists, brings us “ The Red Violin” Concerto. The film score for the movie of the same name won composer, John Corigliano, the 1997 Academy Award. And, on the same program, to commemorate Menotti's 100th birthday, “The Telephone,” a comic one-act opera will be sung by acclaimed soloists, Jacob Will and Diana Amos. We have Maestro Donald Portnoy to thank for this superb programming. Brevard Philharmonic and Brevard music lovers are blessed to reap the benefits of his fine professional experience and connections.
As a pre-concert offering to our November 13 concert, we will present “The Red Violin,” the movie that brought Corigliano his Oscar, in cooperation with the Transylvania County Library. Please join us for the showing on Thursday, November 10, 6:30 pm in the Rogow Room. Thanks to the Library, it is free!
The post concert Q & A with the Maestro and our distinguished soloist, Michael Ludwig, will be available to everyone in the audience. If you have not had the pleasure of joining this gathering, it is always enlightening to speak to our performers in person.
The Brevard Philharmonic Board of Directors is proud to announce that we have a new Public Relations Director, Val Leeper. She has a great background and familiarity with our local community. With her help, we just might be able to fill up the Porter Center with area music lovers this year.
It may happen on December 11 when the Christmas portion of “The Messiah,” under the baton of Maestro Portnoy, is performed, with professional soloists, by Brevard Philharmonic in partnership with the Transylvania Choral Society. The group is directed by David Gresham, Associate Professor of Voice and Choral Activities at Brevard College, which is also a sponsor of this special event. Be sure and look for the publicity surrounding one of the only performances of “The Messiah” in Western North Carolina this holiday season.
Also, this fall, Music in the Schools will be giving two presentations in local schools. All first graders in Transylvania County will be treated to a performance/demonstration by Camerata Antiqua, directed by Sharen Hafner. The group will showcase the history of woodwind instruments, presented in period costumes. Every third grade will have the good fortune to experience “The Opal String Quartet” with our own, Kara Pourbaugh, Amy Lovinger, Franklin Keel and new member, Qiao Solomon, playing for them. All elementary students will have the opportunity to attend the dress rehearsals before each Brevard Philharmonic performance. We believe education is essential to the preservation of classical music.
It takes a lot of resources to provide these important programs for our unique community. You help us make it unique by sustaining the identity of Brevard as a place where beautiful music is our natural heritage. There is so much Brevard Philharmonic can do with your support.
We'll look for you at our next brilliant concert!
