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The Cello Festival of Southern Utah will be held on September 13-14, 2024 in Utah Tech University's Eccles Fine Arts Center.
Click above for detailed informtion and to Register online now! The $50 registration ($45 before July 15!) includes access to every performance, workshop and event in the festival.
************ "Music and other arts can bring awareness to concepts that are too damaging to silently hold inside and too painful and complex to put into words"
Xenia Pestova Bennett County Down, Northern Ireland
The Storyteller's Tale of a Music School
Published on July 14, 2024 by Rudy(Hrothulf) Moertl
Available in German:
This story is about a Music School that is halfway around the world and one of the smallest musical educational institutions in Germany. The Music School is in a small village where I began my own story some 76 years ago. I want to tell this story of the music school, the intertwining of my family and my own recent look back and recognition of some of the building blocks of who I am today. However, I also recognize that my own part in the story ends long before the music school history began. The story is therefore best told by storytellers that were there to see it unfold with their own eyes.
But first; a brief history of the school. Until 1974, children who wanted to learn an instrument had to attend music schools in the surrounding area and travel to neighbouring towns and cities. A territorial reform in 1972 led to the dissolution of the district music school and funding was not allocated to music education programs in the reorganized district. The residents of Schirnding and the neighbouring town of Hohenberg acted by founding a music school which was and is funded through tuition fees and donations from the area residents and businesses. A suitable location for music education and instrument instructions was found and provided within the halls of my grammar school, the Volksschule Schirnding.
The Volksschule Schirnding teachers (Ludwig Beigler and Alois Schwaegerl) who played a part in my own education, were instrumental in establishing the foundations for the music school and their passion and dedication to education and support of the arts again became evident.
Ludwig Beigler served as a school principal at the Volksschule Schirnding. He was known for his dedication to education and his role in supporting the arts within the community. His efforts helped lay the foundation for a vibrant musical education program that continues to benefit the community.
Alois Schwaegerl also played a significant role in the development of the music school. Like Beigler, Schwaegerl was deeply committed to education and the arts. Schwaegerl's dedication to fostering a love for music among students has left a lasting impact on the community. Both Beigler and Schwaegerl's legacies are remembered for their unwavering commitment to education and their pivotal roles in promoting music and the arts in Schirnding.
The music school now offers comprehensive, continuous music education for children from the age of four. The training program includes early musical education, individual instrumental lessons, and ensemble music. Music theory courses are offered on Saturdays, and crash courses help adults brush up on instruments they once learned. School Director Armin Rupprecht has been involved in the musical education of many Hohenberg and Schirnding residents for over 20 years. His dedication and personal touch and involvement in the music school is highly regarded in the surrounding communities. The commitment of musical directors Renate Hetz and Hermann Paulus, and that of the late treasurer Joerg Nappert, is also commendable.
This story is unique because of its humble beginnings in a small community of less than 3000 residents. Their story should be heard and it is best told by the storytellers that lived this story. There are challenges involving nine time zones, geographic distances of thousands of kilometers, language translation difficulties and the aging storytellers and the reality that some of these stories will never be heard. I make no claims to own these stories, but do I believe that we all have an obligation to facilitate these stories with the means available to all of us and thereby preserve the legacy of those that have contributed to our ability to do and to be who we are.
For upcoming stories about the topic of the music school. Watch this space!
The 2024 "Music with Attitude" Awards
Published on June 21, 2024 by Rudy(Hrothulf) Moertl
Great music and the people involved with the presentation of musical performances have a certain demeaner or an attitude that is an essential condition of excellence. That attitude is reflective of the passion, tenacity and spirit that drives their joyous rendition of what they do.
We again are on the cusp of the 2024-2025 season of music festivals and performances. It is therefore a time to look back and reflect upon those most impressive moments of the 2022-2023 seasons. There were indeed too many to mention however we would like to give you my take on those that have risen to the top and deserve further mention.
The "MW Music with Attitude Awards" for the 2022-2023 Season on global stage are:
For Piano ~ Khatia Buniatishvili: A Rising Star in Performance Artistry
Born in 1987 in Tbilisi, Georgia, Khatia Buniatishvili embarked on her musical journey at an early age. She began studying piano under her mother's guidance when she was just three years old. By the age of six, she had already given her first concert with the Tbilisi Chamber Orchestra, and at ten, she was making international appearances. Her formal education included studying with Tengiz Amirejibi in Tbilisi and Oleg Maisenberg at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna.
Technically proficient, Buniatishvili consistently performs at a level of excellence that elevates her total delivery into a creative class of exceptional performance artistry. Her comfort on the world stage allows her to share her passion for piano in diverse venues across the globe. Beyond her native Georgian language, she is fluent in Russian, German, French, and English.
Buniatishvili's interviews in English, German, and French provide insight into her musical, intellectual, and artistic talents.
Her performance of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 with the Orchestre de Paris exemplifies her "total performance" and embodies the spirit of "Music with Attitude."
The video production, camera work, and editing are also deserving of accolades. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire ensemble and producers at the Orchestre de Paris for sharing this masterpiece with us all. I invite you to indulge in this Piano Concerto of the most exquisite music and visually enticing imagery in this theatrical performance.
For Violin ~ Anne-Sophie Mutter
Anne-Sophie Mutter, born on June 29, 1963, is a celebrated German violinist. Her musical journey began at the tender age of five when she took up the violin. Over the years, she honed her skills through studies in both Germany and Switzerland. Interestingly, Mutter initially started with piano lessons but soon switched to the violin after being captivated by an album featuring Mendelssohn and Beethoven violin concertos - a gift exchanged by her parents during their engagement.
At just six years old, Mutter's exceptional talent earned her the National Music Prize. In 1972, she gave her debut concert alongside the venerable Musikkollegium Winterthur in Switzerland. Her career received early support from the legendary conductor Herbert von Karajan, and in 1977, she made her orchestral debut with the Berlin Philharmonic. Since then, she has graced the world's stages as a soloist, collaborating with leading orchestras and performing as a recitalist. Her instrument of choice is the Lord Dunn-Raven Stradivarius violin.
Mutter's accolades are numerous: she boasts four Grammy Awards (1994, 1999, 2000, and 2005), Echo Klassik awards (2009, 2014), and the Grand Decoration of Honour of Austria (2007). Additionally, she holds the Grand Cross Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (2009), France's Legion of Honour (2009), and Spain's Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts (2016). Romania awarded her the Grand Cross National Order of Merit (2017), and Poland recognized her with the Gold Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis (2018). Japan's Praemium Imperiale (2019) and the Polar Music Prize (2019) further attest to her global impact. Honorary memberships at the Royal Academy of Music (1986) and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2013) underscore her influence.
Beyond her performances, Mutter's philanthropic efforts shine. She founded the Association of Friends of the Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation e.V. in 1997 and established the Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation in 2008. These organizations support young string musicians, emphasizing her commitment to nurturing talent. Additionally, since 2021, she has served as the president of the German Cancer Aid.
Critics recognize Mutter for her versatile technique, expressive style, and rich tonal palette. Her meticulous approach involves studying historical documents, letters, and original scores to inform her interpretations. While some laud her sublime gracefulness, intellectual energy, and sophistication, others find fault in what they perceive as excessive refinement and idiosyncrasy. Mutter herself defines her art as "Music with Attitude", a passion she consistently brings to life in her performances, including this recent Save the Children Benefits Concerts.
For Viola ~ Vladimir Babeshko
Born in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russia, Vladimir Babeshko is an award-winning violist who frequently performs as a soloist and chamber musician worldwide.
As a soloist, Mr. Babeshko has collaborated with numerous orchestras, including the Kurpfaelzisches Kammerorchester in Mannheim, where he premiered Pierre-Dominique Ponnelle's viola concerto composed specifically for him in 2015. His passion extends to chamber music, where he shares the stage with acclaimed artists such as Anne-Sophie Mutter, Christoph Eschenbach, Gidon Kremer, Daniel-Mueller Schott, Gary Hoffman, Lynn Harrell, Lambert Orkis, Ksenia Bashmet, and the Henschel Quartet. His performances have graced prestigious festivals like the Lockenhaus Festival, Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival, Rheingau Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, Next Generation, Oberstdorfer Musiksommer, Chelsea Music Festival, Rio Music Week, and Moritzburg Festival.
From 2009 to 2018, Mr. Babeshko received scholarships from Anne-Sophie Mutter's foundation, a testament to his talent and dedication. Since 2011, he has been a regular member of her soloist ensemble, "Mutter's Virtuosi," captivating audiences across Europe, North and South America, and Asia.
In recent years, he embarked on a world tour alongside Anne-Sophie Mutter, Ye-Eun Choi, and Daniel Mueller-Schott, performing works by Beethoven and Joerg Widmann's Sixth String Quartet, "Study on Beethoven." Their journey included a memorable world premiere at Suntory Hall in Tokyo, as well as performances at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall in New York, Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Vienna Konzerthaus, and the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing.
Since 2022, Vladimir Babeshko has held the position of principal violist with the Musikkollegium Winterthur in Switzerland.
A highlight of the 2021/22 season was a charity concert with the Munich Philharmonic, Bavarian Radio Orchestra, and Bavarian State Opera, conducted by Lahav Shani. Mr. Babeshko took center stage as a soloist alongside Anne-Sophie Mutter, and the concert was broadcast live on BR Klassik, BR, and 3Sat.Together with Anne-Sophie Mutter, Babeshko achieved the remarkable effect of becoming what can be best be described a "Music with Attitude" artist.
Presented here is an excerpt from that charity concert.
You may also watch the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Munich Philharmonic and Orchestra of the Bavarian State Opera play with Anne-Sophie Mutter and Lahav Shani for "Save The Children" in its entirety.
For Cello ~ Bruno Phillipe
Born in 1993, Bruno Philippe studied the cello at the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique de Paris. From 2014-2018, he studied as a young soloist at the Kronberg Academy with Frans Helmerson and participated in masterclasses given by David Geringas, Steven Isserlis, Gary Hoffman, Pieter Wispelwey and Clemens Hagen at the Salzburg Mozarteum.
Bruno Philippe has appeared in prestigious venues and festivals in France (Festival de Paques, Aix-en-Provence, Philharmonie de Paris, Auditorium du Louvre, La Grange au Lac, Festival de Radio France Montpellier-Occitanie) and on the international scene, including the Berlin Konzerthaus, Alte Oper, Frankfurt, Teatro Colon, Bogota and Bavarian Radio, Munich. Bruno has performed with many of Europe's best orchestras including Radio-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt conducted by Christoph Eschenbach, Dijon-Bourgogne Orchestra under Gabor Takacs-Nagy, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Konzerthaus Orchester Berlin, Muenchener Kammerorchester, Orchestre National de Bordeaux, Orchestre de Chambre de Paris, Orchestre de Chambre de Lausanne and Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo.
An accomplished baroque cellist, Bruno has performed alongside Jean Rondeau, Thomas Dunford and Lea Desandre and regularly appears as a soloist in Ensemble Jupiter with whom he toured to the USA in spring 2022 (and again in 2023), to great critical acclaim. The most memorable of a cello concerto in G minor - showcased Philippe, sweetly aching in a duetting passage with ferocity, without losing airy suavity, in a very Vivaldian Allegro finale.
Philippe's principal virtues are the way he allows the music to dance and his easy, unforced manner of projection. A recent performance is one of his best of class and defines his passion and excellence of a master of the perfomance art. His mastery is what makes entertaining, performing and delivering his art in a single fell swoop as undemanding as it is rewarding, complete and deserving the "Music with Attitude" artistry award.
For Director/Conductor - Klaus Maekalae
Klaus Maekelae, born on January 17, 1996, is a distinguished Finnish conductor and cellist. He currently holds the prestigious positions of Chief Conductor at the Oslo Philharmonic, Music Director at the Orchestre de Paris, Artistic Partner and Chief Conductor-Designate at the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and Music Director-Designate at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Hailing from Helsinki, Maekelae was born into a musical lineage; his father, Sami Maekelae, is a renowned cellist, and his mother, Taru Myoehaenen-Maekelae, is an accomplished pianist. His grandfather, Tapio Myoehaenen, has made his mark as a violinist and violist, while his younger sister, Ellen Maekelae, graces the stage as a dancer with the Ballets de Catalunya.
Maekelae's musical education is rooted in the Sibelius Academy, where he studied conducting under the tutelage of Jorma Panula and honed his cello skills with Marko Yloenen, Timo Hanhinen, and Hannu Kiiski. His passion for conducting was ignited at the tender age of 12 during his time in the choir of the Finnish National Opera. As a soloist, he has collaborated with esteemed Finnish orchestras, including the Lahti Symphony Orchestra, the Kuopio Symphony Orchestra, and the Jyvaeskylae Sinfonia, and has been a featured performer at prominent Finnish music festivals like the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival and the Naantali Music Festival.
In 2018, Maekelae took on the role of Artistic Director at the Turku Music Festival. His debut guest-conducting performance with the Oslo Philharmonic in May of that year led to his appointment as Chief Conductor for the 2020-2021 season, a contract initially set for three seasons. This marked Maekelae's first chief conductorship. In May 2020, in a move that precedes his official start, the Oslo Philharmonic extended his contract for an additional four seasons, signaling their confidence in his vision. Maekelae has expressed his intention to conclude his tenure with the Oslo Philharmonic at the end of the 2026-2027 season.
Maekelae's collaboration with the Orchestre de Paris began with a guest-conducting stint in June 2019. The following year, he was announced as the orchestra's next Music Director, a role set to commence in the 2022-2023 season for a five-year term. Initially slated to serve as a musical advisor for two seasons, Maekelae stepped into the Music Director position in September 2021, a year ahead of schedule. He plans to step down from this role at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 season.
In September 2020, Maekelae's guest-conducting engagement with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra paved the way for his appointment as an Artistic Partner for 2022-2027, and subsequently, as Chief Conductor beginning with the 2027-2028 season, under a five-year contract.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a venerable institution led by legendary conductors such as Georg Solti, Daniel Barenboim, and Riccardo Muti, announced in April 2024 that Klaus Maekelae would be its next Music Director. Maekelae's initial guest-conducting appearance with the CSO in 2022, followed by a return in February 2023, showcased his exceptional talent. His tenure as Music Director will commence with the 2027-2028 season, making him, at 31, the youngest maestro in the orchestra's 133-year history and one of the youngest to lead a major U.S. orchestra.
Maekelae, who assumes the role of Music Director Designate immediately, believes that age holds no significance in music, a sentiment he has embodied since he began conducting at age 12. He is drawn to the Chicago Symphony's intense sound, reminiscent of its storied past.
Maekelae's unique approach to conducting, characterized by expressive left-hand gestures that sculpt musical phrases without uttering a word, has captivated musicians and audiences alike. His genius lies in his ability to communicate musical intent purely through movement, creating an immersive experience that transcends language.
His recent performance at the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra exemplifies his artistic creativity and demontrates his mastery.
With his performances of "Music with Attitude," Maekelae's influence will resonate across five of the world's top orchestras. His youthful vigor and commitment to excellence promise to invigorate "Music with Attitude" for generations to come.
The Producers - Savier Dubois & Francois Duplat for the opera ~ Il Barbiere De Sivigla at Arena de Verona
If you've never quite appreciated opera, then this might be the performance that ignites your interest. Envision a production set in an ancient Roman coliseum - an open-air venue under the night sky, complete with a full orchestra, ballet dancers, and, of course, the choir and opera singers. They deliver a spectacle against a stunning backdrop, with meticulously designed scenery, dramatic lighting, and acoustic excellence. It's truly deserving of a "Music with Attitude" award of the highest caliber. Allow me this deviation from the 2022/2023 season awards to retroactively bestow this honor upon the 2018 opera performance. The producers orchestrated a masterpiece, achieving what I believe to be the pinnacle of artistic expression.
The video production, camera work, and editing are also deserving of accolades. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire ensemble and producers for sharing this masterpiece with us all. I invite you to indulge in a few hours of the most exquisite music and theatrical performance.
For the Producers ~ Video Presentation/Camera and Editing ~ Orchestre de Paris
The performance of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 at the Orchestre de Paris exemplifies the "total performance" experiance and embodies the spirit of "Music with Attitude."
The video production, camera work, and editing are deserving the highest of accolades. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire ensemble and producers at the Orchestre de Paris for sharing this masterpiece with us all.
I invite you to indulge in this Piano Concerto of the most exquisite music and visually enticing imagery in this theatrical performance.
The 'MW Music with Attitude Awards' for the 2022-2023 Season on the local stage (Western United States) are:
The "Music with Attitude" Award ceremony is scheduled for the end of July 2024, however the winners have been selected and they are:
Chamber Music - Trio Hava at Concert in the Barn - Elisa Barston ~ Violin, Amy Sue Barston ~ Cello
Conductor - Dr Selma Spitzer ~ Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra
Orchestra Manager(s) and Producer(s) - Dr Selma Spitzer and Phyllis Spitzer ~ Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra
Producer(s) - Carylee Zwang and Rebekah Hughes for OSU's "Rock Gold"
Event Producer - Dr Ka-Wai Yu for Utah Tech's "Cello Festival"
Venue Production and Management - Leigh Hearn and Alan Iglitzin for Concert in the Barn
Academics - Kai Gleusteen at Concert in the Barn
OSU press release January 31, 2024 submitted by Rebekah Hughes ---- Updated by Rudy(Hrothulf) Moertl to reflect the events of the February 15, 2024 OSU Performance.
The Orchestra of Southern Utah offered a feast of traditional symphonic music conducted by Director Carylee Zwang, on Thursday February 15th, 2024 at the Heritage Theatre in Cedar City, Ut. The audience enjoyed the popular melodies from Mendolssohn, Holst and Dvorak as the Orchestra explored the inspiration that music provided in this concert themed "Enlightenment".
The evening opened with Richard Strauss' magnificent and bold "Also sprach Zarathustra". This famous and well known piece of music had been used as the theme song in BBC's coverage of the Apollo space missions, movie space themes, as well as the opening of Elvis' concerts. While the title of the piece was not commonly well known, this melody of epic proportions was known by all. Often used as the portent of a significant event to come, this piece heralded the opening of the orchestra's inspiring concert "Enlightenment".
The Orchestra then explored the inspired and otherworldly compositions and explorations of Gustav Holst, an enlightened creator inspired and ahead of his "time". Performing highlights from his collection of the planets the orchestra performed "Mars, the bringer of war", that had been inspiration for John Williams' "Imperial March" and also the Majestic "Jupiter, the bringer of jollity" whose poignant and beautiful melody had served to inspire the song "I Vow to Thee My Country".
Dvorak, enlightened composer of the New World Symphony No. 9 served as a representative of romantic and modern music heralding in a new age of exploration and creativity. The Orchestra performed the beloved and soulful Largo movement, that posed thoughtful contemplation amidst turmoil and brought peace to the soul in a world swirling with activity and excitement.
In the ultimate homage to enlightenment the orchestra performed the entire Symphony no. 5 in D Minor by Felix Mendolssohn, also known as the "Reformation Symphony". Each movement brought recognition of hymns, movie themes and classic tunes the audience enjoyed and was uplifted by. The melodies of Mendellson's inspiration served to bring joy that was unparalleled in person. The orchestra invited the audience to experience the energy and inspiration of these composers in person in a full symphonic orchestra performance that could not be replicated.
Lobby music before the concert was performed by Tanisa Crosby and April Richardson.
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The Mesquite Weekly proudly features and presents a musical tribute dedicated to our local Symphony Orchestras and Theatre Groups in southeastern Nevada, the Virgin River Valley and southwestern Utah. For your viewing pleasure we present a few of the past Selmer Spitzer's Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra (SS.SNSO) performances as well as some from the Southern Utah University (SUU) and Orchestra of Southern Utah (OSU). And on the stage at The Mesquite Community Theatre you will find the Virgin Valley Theatre Group. Enjoy!
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From Washington State and the great Northwest, the Mesquite Weekly is proud to present the 2023 season of "Concerts in the Barn" perfomances from Quilcene on the Olympic peninsula. Lots of talent presenting their musical art having fun in an informal farm setting. You will love it! ********
Watch this space for the future of today and other events
