Bravi to…
Bravi to… is designed for NMC subscribers and supporters. We urge subscribers to submit your milestones and other good news to us so we may maintain this column as a service to all who are eligible, not just the talented NMC staff members, who make up most of the following column. BLC
William Bolcom, for his major tribute by Vocal Essence, Philip Brunelle, Director, and the University of Minnesota. “Illuminating Bolcom,” was presented in 13 concerts between April 12th and May 5th 2007 at Orchestra Hall, Minneapolis and elsewhere. The program was to include his masterful Songs of Innocence and Experience (on Blake), his music for concert band, cabaret songs, discussions and master classes …
Brian Fennelly, Professor Emeritus at New York University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, for his winning the 2nd Annual Portland Chamber Music Festival Composers Competition. The winning work, Skyscapes III, will be performed Saturday, August 25th at the final concert of this summer’s festival. In addition, Prof. Fennelly will receive a cash prize and will present the evening’s pre-concert discussion…
Andy Teirstein, for his selection as composer-in-residence at Emory University’s Brave New Works Festival in Atlanta, Georgia, during the month of March, creating music for a new-music theater project entitled, A Blessing on the Moon. He served as part of a collaborative team that included Rebecca Salzer, a choreographer from Oregon, and Rebecca Novick, a theater director from San Francisco …
Duo 46, represented by Robert Schneider, for its being awarded an Encore Grant by the American Composers Forum “to support repeat performances and rehearsal costs … of Trigger for violin and guitar by … John Mayrose.” Duo 46 is made up of violinist Beth Ilana Schneider and guitarist Matt Gould …
Fireworks Ensemble, for its consistent praise from the press, as “The Hottest New Classical Band in New York.” Andrew Pincus in the Berkshire Eagle said of their Rite of Spring, “[they bring to it] some of the raw energy of rock. There were hair-raising moments … Brave, skillful and refreshing. We should all be aflame with such passion.”
Chris and Deby Auerbach-Brown, on the birth of their daughter Caroline, August 30, 2006. Their son Caleb is now 4 and a half. Chris will be back reviewing for us very soon. See his essay on page 17 of this issue…
Frank Proto and his Liben Press, for his years of involvement with the dynamic International Society of Bassists. (There is much more to tell about this engaging and forward-looking gentleman, and we expect to cover these aspects in future issues.)…
Geraldine Lipschutz, our media researcher, whose socially concerned letters continue to appear in Manhattan’s Downtown Express, including a recent one anticipating an extension of the 92nd Street Y for the Lower Manhattan area, as well as recalling her days at the Y during World War II. (A more detailed article about Gerry is planned for a future issue.)…
Arlene Gottfried, The Singing Photographer (whom we call on often for candid photos), for carrying on a second career as a gospel performer. At the Middle Collegiate Church in June 2006 with The Jerriese Johnson East Village Gospel Choir under Freeman Palmer she brought the house down with a super solo performance of “Walk On By Faith…”
Yours truly, on the publication of a diagramless puzzle which appeared in the New York Times Magazine, June 17th, courtesy of the master, Will Shortz. He has urged this “puzzle freak” to “keep ‘em coming…”
Richard Rivera, NMC art director, for his outstanding professionalism as senior designer at St. Martin’s Press, whose clients happen to number among them all of the puzzle books of Mr. Shortz.