Exiles Know Freedom

Posted by a friend, Alan Eason:

I love this emotional rendition of "The Stars and Stripes Forever," conducted by then-National-Symphony conductor Mstislav Rostropovich on his return to his homeland of Russia in 1990. He had been stripped of his citizenship under the Soviets for sheltering and defending Alexander Solzhenitsyn, who also took refuge in the United States. Rostropovich loved his homeland of Russia, and his return concert, held in the Bolshoi Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, drew half of the intelligentsia of Moscow and was televised on Russian TV nationwide. After a mournful rendition of (his mentor as a youth) Shostakovich's #5 symphony, which depicted Stalinism and its terrors, he brought the audience to its feet with "The Stars and Stripes Forever" as a finale.

Event: FLMF Student Piano Ensemble Concert

Ensemble Festival postponed to Saturday, Feb. 22, John Champe High School, Aldie, 7:00 p.m.

 I am very excited about discovering the Fairfax Loudoun Music Fellowship.  Their piano ensemble concert looks very well done, from photos and all the information they have posted.

Concert Date:   Saturday, Feb. 15, Dominion High School, Sterling, 7:00 p.m.

Concert Snow Date:  Saturday, Feb. 22, John Champe High School, Aldie, 7:00 p.m.



They record the student's playing, which is such a great souvenir and gift for them to have.  This year's performances are listed here.

Some Concert Night Etiquette, provided by FLMF for students (applies to guests too)

1. Arrive for the concert no later than 6:40pm. Students must be in their seats by 6:45pm. The concert will begin promptly at 7:00pm.
2. The dress attire is .. Knee length or longer dresses/skirts for young ladies and shirts with collars and black pants for young men are recommended. ... No tennis shoes, flip flops, Uggs boots or short skirts or dresses. 
    
3. Please plan to stay for the entire concert. The start time of 7:00 should enable younger performers and family members to stay. It is important that all performers have a full audience to listen to and enjoy their hard work.   Please show respect for ALL of the performers in the festival.  Those who leave early are displaying their lack of respect and/or lack of knowledge of concert manners.
4. If you have an emergency during the performance please leave only during applause.
5. This concert is free to the public....There will be a donation box at the entrance to the auditorium. Please show your appreciation for such a unique educational opportunity for our children by making a donation at the concert.

Greater Pasco Youth Symphony Spring Recital

This is a neat event!  It would encourage any young musician to see others here.

Events: Week of Apr. 29 - May 5

Florida Orchestra:  Pops in the Park

Thu, May 3, 2012 at 7:30 PM
Curtis Hixon Park, Tampa   FREE!!!

Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a free Pops in the Park Concert under the stars with The Florida Orchestra  for a program of fun and familiar favorites

Events: Week of Apr. 22- 28



Monday, Apr. 23,  Choral Concerts, Concert,Southeastern College at First Presbyterian of Lakeland(Presbyterian Series), 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Apr. 22, 2012, 2 – 4 p.mThe Music of Olivier Messiaen

 University of Tampa,  Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values

-The works of the giant of 20th century composition include the masterpiece, Quartet for the End of Time, songs, the motet O Sacrum convivium and organ works performed by faculty artists.

Messiaen

Free!!!

Friday, Apr. 27, 7:30 pm
USF SYCOM
Concert Hall, USF
Free





Events: Week of Mar. 25- 31

 Mar. 30 ,Orchestra Concert,  Bush Chapel, Southeastern College  7:30 p.m. FREE


Just want to put this one out because Brian Moorhead is one of my favorite professors and clarinetists in the world -

Friday, Mar. 30, 6:00 pm
Resident Artist Series:
Calvin Falwell and Brian Moorhead 
Barness Recital Hall, USF
Advance Tickets: $8/$12

Events: Week of Mar. 18 - 24

Monday, Mar. 19  Kozmik String Quartet, Concert,Southeastern College at First Presbyterian of Lakeland (Presbyterian Series), 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Mar. 22, 7:30 pm USF Chamber Winds: Birdsong and other Nice Tunes Barness Recital Hall, USF Free Saturday, Mar. 24, 2012, 7:30 – 9 p.m University of Tampa,  Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values Free!!! Artistry of the Piano: The South African-born pianist with credits in major venues throughout the world has been called "formidable...dizzying...magical" by the press.

Petronel Malan, piano

The Claire Lynch Band - Bluegrass. March 22, 2012,
Christ our Redeemer Lutheran Church
 304 Druid Hills Drive, Temple Terrace FL
 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Ticket prices: 6 - $15.00 per person at door.  More info - please call Tom Henderson at 813-988-4277

One of my most unusual students...

Events: Week of Feb. 26 - March 3

http://www.youngahtak.com/

TODAY - Feb.  27 Young-Ah Tak Piano Concert,Southeastern College First Presbyterian (Presbyterian Series), 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 29, 7:30 pm
USF Student Composers' Concert
Barness Recital Hall, USF
Free Admission


Thursday, Mar. 1, 7:30 pm
USF SYCOM
Barness Recital Hall, USF
Free Admission

This Friday, March 2, the Friday Morning Musicale program, which begins at 11 a.m. will be a piano recital by 13 year old Nadia Azzi.  She will play works by Bach, Mozart and Chopin.  She entered 8 events at the festival this month.  At age 11, Nadia made her New York City debut at Carnegie Hall and returned as Grand Prize Winner of the Crescendo Int'l Competition this month.  She began piano lessons at the age of 5 with Kinuyo Engelbrecht.  Currently she studies piano with Leonidas Lipovetsky and Dr. Grigorios Zamparas and violin with Lei Lui.  FREE 
Musicale :809 West Horatio Street  Tampa, FL 33606 (south of the Crosstown Expressway and west of Bayshore Blvd.


Sunday, Mar. 4, 2:00 pm
Resident Artist Series:
Scott Kluksdahl, Bach Cello SuitesConcert Hall, USF
Advance Tickets: $8/$12 - Day of Performance Tickets: $10/$15


USF Jazz Combos
Barness Recital Hall, USF
Free Admission

Competitions for the Tampa Bay Area

 Researching piano competition in the area, and there are a lot of choices.  Thanks to Betty Chester for the info.

Florida State Music Teachers' Association*, the  Florida section of the The Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and  the Mid-State Music Teacher's Association (MSMTA) offer different competitions.  Teacher and student membership required.  MSMTA has two in Spring, March and May.    Under competition, MSMTA has judge's sheets along with application which list things that judges listen for - useful. 

This is an independent competition by prestigious pianists:
Piano 2 0 1 2  S o n a t i n a - S o n a t a F e s t i v a l   at St. Pete College - Brochure link:
http://www.spcollege.edu/spg/music/images/Sonata_brochure.pdf


A more broad annual youth competition with an emphasis on entertainment is Spotlight on Talent in Wesley Chapel.
 
Also, I am interested in looking into what Federated Music clubs has to offer as well, and they use Hillborough Community College facilities.

Many competitions are open to the public.  I would highly recommend a student attend one before participating, to learn and enjoy!

*P.S.   The February 2012 newsletter of the Florida State Music Teachers' Association contains further info on pianist competitions.  The next public competition is FSMTA Competitive Events, May 11-12 – HCC Ybor Campus, Tampa.

Events: Jan.8 - 14

Friday, Jan. 13, 8:00 pm
Guest Artist Recital: USAF Ceremonial Brass
Concert Hall, USF
Free Admission
For additional information click here

Sunday, Jan 15, 4:00 pm
Steinway Piano Series: Paul Orgel
Barness Recital Hall, USF
Advance :  ($6 with coupon) $8/$12 Day of Performance : $10/$15 
For additional information click here

A Gift from Mom for Graduation!

Events: Week of Dec. 4 - 10

Friday, December 9, 7:30pm at Shiloh Baptist Church.  Christmas by Candlelight   Members of my family and I will be singing in this beautiful varied concert!

Too bad it isn't free like last year!  5$ advance.  More infor below.



Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, 8 – 10 p.m.   Dancing with Winds, UT.   Free


Sunday, Dec. 11.  Don't forget the Messiah.  10$ advance.  This video is from Dr. Romanski's [past performances.

More on...Christmas by Candlelight

Shiloh Baptist Church, 905 W Terrace St, Plant City, FL

We took a group picture at Epcot last year, but this was a year before  when I wasn't there yet. :) We will be singing on December 30th. The program will begin with the Plant City Community Choir featuring: ~A Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas ~Still, Still, Still ~Carol of the Bells ... Also on the program, from the Plant City Vocal Ensemble: ~Ding Dong Merrily on High Then, the Plant City Community Choir will combine with a choral group from the University of South Florida to perform the 2011 Disney Candlelight Processional concert. This will include over 100 singers, a guest narrator, and guest conductors.



Want to sing in the Messiah?

All are welcome to participate in the performance of the MESSIAH!
This is a late notice. 

See the flyer about the December 11th concert.

<<Rehearsal Reminder

Brandon Choral Society Singers will resume rehearsals with the next one scheduled for tomorrow Tuesday November 29 at 7:00 PM Sharp. As every one is aware the rehearsal location will continue at Southside Baptist Church, 415 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon , Fl 33511.

Cd's, concert tickets, flyers and poster will be available for distribution.

See attached 2011 Handel's Messiah flyer.

Thank you and God Bless!

George Miecyjak
Program Coordinator
miecyjak@aol.com>>

Events: Week of Nov. 24-19

December 6, 2011 - "Holiday Magic" - 7:30pm - Youkey Theater, The Lakeland Center
Program: Four Shaw Cantatas (Lakeland Choral Society), Bennett; Seasonal Favorites.

 If you are a student at USF, the first and second concerts are free.  These are great events!

I'm So Excited about tonight!

The November 18th Organist event!

 University of Tampa - featuring Organist of Notre Dame, Paris! 

(Later:  Both showings were packed.  I disliked the modern atonal pieces, but the improvisation on a Brahms Symphony theme and 'Tis the Gift to Be Simple' was interesting!  Amazing place. 

Events: Week of Nov. 13-19

Brian Moorhead - soloist for upcoming USF Wind Ensemble Concert, Thursday, November 17, 7:30 PM, S.o.M. Concert Hall.  10- 12 $

 

Featuring the artistry of Brian Moorhead, USF Professor of Clarinet, as he performs the new clarinet concerto by Michael Daugherty entitled Brooklyn Bridge.

 "for an enticing combination of the  ‘new and  traditional ’  in fine instrumental major ensemble repertoire." 

                                                     

Fri, November 18, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Olivier Latry, organist of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris
at Sykes Chapel and Center for Faith and Values, University of Tampa.               Free!!

Events: Week of Nov. 6- 12

Monday, November 7, 2011, 7:30pm, Puckett Auditorium. program of Late Romantic art songs from around the world.  He wife, Shawn, (MM in Piano Performance) will accompany him on the piano. Free admission.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011, 5:30pm, Chorus Room, K223. We will hold a seminar with Scott Wyatt on “Christians in the Professional World of Music” in a less formal setting. All those with an interest in performing arts are welcome to attend.

Tuesday, Nov. 8, 7:30 pm   USF Jazz Combos    Barness Recital Hall, USF - Free

 

Wednesday, November 9, 2011, 4:30pm, Puckett Auditorium. Scott will conduct a masterclass with Florida College voice students. All are welcome. Free admission.


Saturday Nov. 12th -  USF - Jacob Dike's Percussion Recital -  at 2:00pm - free.  My colleague for the last 3 years. :)

Events for this week!

A little late on this...

University of Tampa Studio

Betty Chester emailed this to her students/colleagues. She is such a source of inspiration and information! :)
Piano Music Lovers,

This week a Summer Piano Camp is being held at the University of Tampa.  The evenng performances by the faculty are free and open to the public (free parking too).  I hope that you get to go to at least one:


Sunday, July 24th, 7:30 p.m.  Recital by Grigorios Zamparas [We've seen him in town before!]- Grand Salon,  Plant Hall

Tuesday, July 26th, 7:30 p.m.  Recital by   Duncan Macillan - Music Room, Plant Hall

Thursday, July 28th,  7:30 p.m.  Recital by Leonidas Lipovetsky - Fletcher Lounge 2nd Floor

Saturday, July 30th, 1:00 and 3:00 - Grand Finale Concerts of Student Performers (aged 12 - 18)  - Grand Salon, Plant Hall

Adult Piano Students are also invited to attend the free  Master Classes this Monday through Friday at 4:40 in the Grand Salon in Plant Hall. 
------

Thank you, Mrs. Chester!  I would call UT to check for the free Master Classes.  Check out more here: http://www.ut.edu/music/

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Another stellar performance by the Plant City Community Choir!!  The invitation read :

Plant City Community Choir will partner with East Hillsborough Community Band

to present a stirring patriotic concert...

theme will be the support of our troops overseas.

Each person attending is asked to bring a small item that can be mailed to our troops as they protect and serve our great USA.

Although the big band music was amazing, with all it's Sousian grandeur, it was the a capella singing of Rene' Claussen's Set Me As a Seal that resonated with my heart... Perhaps because of the story that the PCCC choir director, Joe Mendolia, told before hand, which he learned from Claussen in a question and answer session during a choral workshop at USF.  Joe asked him what piece he's written that he would never changed - that he is perfectly satisfied with.  He named Set Me As A Seal.  He was grieving the stillbirth of his fifth child due to an amniocentesis.  While his wife lay in the hospital recovering next to the nursary ward, he composed it in 45 minutes.

 He writes himself, "Some time ago my wife suffered 5 consecutive miscarriages. I wrote Set Me As A Seal the next evening. I am struck by the phrase "for love is strong as death", because when I wrote it my actual feeling was "for love is stronger than death"; abiding, all-encompassing love absorbs even the pain of death. If the piece is about anything, it is about the simple but powerful conviction of permanent love that seeks to overflow the boundary between life and death. I can't imagine a choir singing it without open hearts." 

How great is the music that flows from deep comfort.
 

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