December 18, 2024

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

UMW Philharmonic Hosts Richmond Ballet

by

The University of Mary Washington Philharmonic will host the Richmond Ballet for the conclusion of its 2014-15 season on Friday, April 24.   Richmond Ballet dancers in Ancient Airs and Dances by Stoner Winslett. Richmond Ballet. All rights reserved. The joint concert, titled “Classical Dance Party,” is the first collaboration between the two organizations and is possible through a $2,850 grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. Features within the program include the ballet’s performance of “Ancient Airs and Dances,” by Respighi and Peter Tchaikovsky’s stunning masterpiece “Symphony No. 5 in E Minor.” The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium on the Fredericksburg campus. “We are excited to be collaborating with the Philharmonic,” said Brett Bonda, managing director of the ballet. “I recall dancing with the ballet in Dodd Auditorium in the early 90’s. It will be great to be back because I know that Fredericksburg is a terrific arts town.” In 1984, Richmond Ballet became the first professional ballet company in Virginia and was designated the State Ballet of Virginia in 1990, by then Gov. Douglas Wilder. The UMW Philharmonic, in its 44th season, is comprised of both UMW students as well as talented community musicians. The orchestra, under the direction of Kevin Bartram, achieved national acclaim in 2009 with the American Prize, an award given to the top nine collegiate orchestras in the nation. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit philharmonic.umw.edu or call (540) 654-1324.

UMW Receives $1.25 Million Gift for Amphitheater Restoration

by

A $1.25 million pledge from a University of Mary Washington alumna has moved the university closer to its $3-million fundraising goal to restore its historic amphitheater.   Josephine McPherson Heslep’56 and her husband, Donald The pledge, made by Josephine McPherson Heslep’56 and her husband, Donald, of Richmond, Va., helps provide a total of $2.5 million toward the only capital project in the Mary Washington First Campaign. The amount raised includes a $1 million pledge from Robert and Alice Andrews Jepson ’64 of Savannah, Ga., and more than $250,000 in gifts and pledges from other alumni and friends, “We still need to raise another half a million for the project,” says UMW President Richard V. Hurley, “but with the tremendous amount of nostalgia and pride our alumni feel for the amphitheater, we’re confident we will reach the final goal soon.” For more than a century, the open air amphitheater has been an integral part of the Mary Washington experience. Located in the grove behind Lee and Trinkle halls, it was the venue of choice for commencements, May Day celebrations, plays, concerts and even weddings. With age and recent storm damage, however, the site has been declared a safety hazard. “I remember the amphitheater from my time as a student,” says Josephine Heslep. “We’re happy to offer our help so that once again it will be a great gathering place and performance venue.” In past years, the Hesleps have provided significant support to the UMW Philharmonic. They also are members of the UMW President’s Council, Washington Society and Heritage Society. When complete, the $3-million restoration will return the amphitheater to its 1952-1953 appearance by repairing and reconstructing damaged and missing pieces, and returning the surrounding woodlands to pristine condition. It also will provide seating for approximately 600 people on weather-resilient benches and chairs. The amphitheater is one of seven priorities of the $50-million Mary Washington First Campaign. The comprehensive fundraising initiative began July 1, 2011, went public April 26, 2014, and is expected to conclude June 30, 2016. For more information, go to marywashingtonfirst.umw.edu or call 540-654-1024.

UMW to Host Pianist Michael Feinstein, March 14

by

Legendary crooner and pianist Michael Feinstein will perform for the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic’s annual Celebrity Concert Series on Saturday, March 14 in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium. Tickets are still on sale.   Michael-Feinstein-1 A multiplatinum-selling, two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated entertainer, Feinstein is one of the premier interpreters of American standards. Performing more than 200 shows a year, his most notable concerts have included Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House and Buckingham Palace. The Celebrity Series was established in 2002 as a vehicle for attracting major artists to UMW to perform with the orchestra. Past artists in the series have included Marvin Hamlisch, Kenny Rogers, Sir James Galway, and Itzhak Perlman. The Philharmonic will celebrate Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday with Feinstein by performing a Sinatra show. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit philharmonic.umw.edu or call 540-654-1324.

UMW Philharmonic Hosts Holiday Pops Concert, Dec. 5

by

The University of Mary Washington Philharmonic will host its annual Holiday Pops Concert, “Home for the Holidays,” tonight, Friday, Dec. 5. UMW Philharmonic Holiday Pops Concert Orchestra The concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium, located in George Washington Hall on the university’s Fredericksburg campus. Tickets are $10 per person, and admission is free to children under eight years old. Show highlights include a live performance of “Frozen” and the original John Williams score to the film “Home Alone.” Mary Katherine Greenlaw, mayor of Fredericksburg, will narrate a stirring rendition of “Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus.” Finally, a special troupe of Highland dancers from Baffa Academy of Irish Dance in Stafford and Richmond will perform two numbers from Celtic Woman. The orchestra is welcoming back UMW faculty baritone In Dal Choi, who will sing “Ave Maria” and “O Holy Night.” Before joining the UMW faculty, Choi was a music director of the James Madison University Chorus. Past holiday concerts have featured some of the Philharmonic’s best efforts including last year’s Beethoven’s Ninth, a Polar Express segment in 2012 that actually had a train rolling through the auditorium, and “A Fiddler’s Holiday” in 2011 that became a national PBS pledge show. For more information or to purchase tickets for the Holiday Pops Concert, call (540) 654-1324 or visit philharmonic.umw.edu.

UMW Philharmonic Receives National Endowment

by

The University of Mary Washington Philharmonic has received a $2,850 grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts that will bring the Richmond Ballet to Fredericksburg after more than 20 years.   Richmond Ballet dancers in Ancient Airs and Dances by Stoner Winslett. Richmond Ballet. All rights reserved. A joint concert featuring Richmond’s professional ballet company and the UMW Philharmonic will be held April 24, 2015. The event will feature the ballet’s performance of “Ancient Airs and Dances,” by Respighi at 7:30 p.m. in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium on the Fredericksburg campus. “We are excited to be collaborating with the Philharmonic,” said Brett Bonda, managing director of the ballet. “I recall dancing with the ballet in Dodd Auditorium in the early 90’s. It will be great to be back because I know that Fredericksburg is a terrific arts town.” The collaboration will result in multiple performances in the coming years. The UMW Philharmonic has already traveled to Richmond to attend a ballet performance and will return again in December for a special performance of the Nutcracker and in April for rehearsals with the ballet. In 1984, Richmond Ballet became the first professional ballet company in Virginia and was designated the State Ballet of Virginia in 1990, by then Gov. Douglas Wilder. The UMW Philharmonic, in its 44th season, is comprised of both UMW students as well as talented community musicians. The orchestra, under the direction of Kevin Bartram, achieved national acclaim in 2009 with the American Prize, an award given to the top nine collegiate orchestras in the nation. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit philharmonic.umw.edu or call (540) 654-1324.

UMW Philharmonic Opens 44th Season

by

The UMW Philharmonic opens its 44th season on Saturday, Oct. 18, with a tribute to composer Leonard Bernstein.

Jamie Bernstein

Jamie Bernstein

The performance, narrated by Bernstein’s daughter Jamie, will take place at 7:30 p.m. in George Washington Hall’s Dodd Auditorium. Tickets for the concert start at $15.

The orchestra, hailed as one of the finest college-community ensembles in the country, is coming off a banner year in which it shared the stage with legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman. This year, the Philharmonic will feature four unique and groundbreaking concerts.

Considered one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th century, Leonard Bernstein wrote music for the concert stage as well as for Broadway.

“We decided to segment the show according to the genres of music Bernstein created during his career,” said Kevin Bartram, the Philharmonic’s music director. “That way, we can offer some of his best-known works alongside some of his lesser-known gems. Jamie will provide details about how her dad wrote the score, and add other personal anecdotes.”

The segment titled “For the Cinema” features Bernstein’s mammoth score to “On the Waterfront.” The 1954 classic, starring Marlon Brando, was ranked No. 8 on the list of all-time great films by the American Film Institute, and became Bernstein’s only film score not adapted from a stage play.

Another segment, “For the Opera,” includes his “Overture to Candide” and the song “Make our Garden Grow.” “Simple Song,” an addition to the “For the Stage” segment, was written for the opening of the Kennedy Center in 1971.

While Bernstein’s contributions to music were immense, he is best remembered for his Broadway scores. In the “For Broadway” segment, the Philharmonic will perform the original scores to both “Fancy Free” and “On the Town,” and conclude with the classic “West Side Story.”

To purchase tickets or become a Friend of the Philharmonic, visit philharmonic.umw.edu or call (540)654-1324.

UMW Philharmonic Launches New Children’s Concert Series

by

The University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra is launching a new major concert series for children, the “Fiddlestix Summer Concert Series.” The series will bring world-class children’s entertainment to Fredericksburg each summer as a part of Fiddlestix, the Philharmonic’s outreach program dedicated to enriching the musical lives and education of children.

The Fiddlestix Summer Concert Series will kick off with a performance by the Laurie Berkner Band.

The Fiddlestix Summer Concert Series will kick off with a performance by the Laurie Berkner Band.

The series will kick off on Saturday, August 9 in the William M. Anderson Center with a performance by the Laurie Berkner Band.  The Laurie Berkner Band has become one of the leading groups in the world of children’s entertainment. Tickets for the Laurie Berkner Band concert will go on sale at 9 a.m. on Monday, May 26 at philharmonic.umw.edu.

“With young children of my own, I have been frustrated with having to travel long distances for great kid’s entertainment,” said Kevin Bartram, director of the Philharmonic. “Since the Philharmonic has experience with concert production with our annual Celebrity Series, we wanted to offer similar opportunities for area children and their families.”

Critics widely acknowledge the band’s major contribution toward launching what is now dubbed the progressive “kiddie rock” movement. Laurie Berkner was the first recording artist ever to perform in music videos on Nick Jr., and appeared regularly on the network’s series “Jack’s Big Music Show.”  Her latest television project is a new short-form animated musical preschool series, “Sing It, Laurie!” which debuted in the spring of 2103 on 24-hour preschool television channel, Sprout.  “Sing It, Laurie!” stars Berkner’s voice and features her original music written for the series.

The series will continue in the summer of 2015 with concerts by Nickelodeon’s The Fresh Beat Band and Disney’s Imagination Movers, as well as events for older children from middle school through high school.

The UMW Philharmonic is partnering with Fredericksburg Parent & Family Magazine to promote the series. The concert promoters are currently seeking corporate sponsors as well as dedicated volunteers who are able to assist with production.

The UMW Philharmonic, conducted by Dr. Kevin Bartram, is comprised of both UMW students as well as talented community musicians. The group achieved national acclaim in 2009 with the American Prize, an award given to the top nine collegiate orchestras in the nation. In 2012, the group was featured on a national PBS fundraising show, “A Fiddler’s Holiday.”

For more information about the Fiddlestix Summer Concert Series, contact (540) 654-1324 or email philharmonic@umw.edu.

UMW Philharmonic Closes Season with Spring Concert, April 25

by

The University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra’s “happy ENDINGS” concert will close this year’s season on Friday, April 25. The concert, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium, will feature classical music with exciting conclusions.

Senior Lavar Edmonds will perform a solo during the UMW Philharmonic concert on April 25.

Senior Lavar Edmonds will perform a solo during the UMW Philharmonic concert on April 25.

Director Kevin Bartram used last month’s concert with Itzhak Perlman as inspiration for the program.

Seniors Lavar Edmonds, a violinist, and Rebecca Brown, a harpist, will be featured soloists, along with UMW faculty trumpet instructor Jim Ford. Edmonds will perform the “Symphonie Espagnol” by French composer Édouard Lalo, a work that requires both skill and expression. Brown will tackle the difficult “Dances Sacred and Profane for Harp and Orchestra” by the French impressionist Claude Debussy. Ford will perform the exciting “Trumpet Concerto in E Major” by Johann Nepomuk Hummel.

The program also will include “Farandole” by George Bizet, the epic “Symphony No. 5” by Dmitri Shostakovich, and Strauss’ “Champagne Polka.”

“The dancers in our community will enjoy this polka, and our music selections should also appeal to the younger generation as well as our loyal older patrons,” said Bartram. The concert, shorter than many others this season, will have no intermission.

The orchestra, composed of both students and community musicians, receives support from the Friends of the Philharmonic, and generous donations from local businesses which also help to fund music scholarships at UMW.

Tickets to the concert are $10 for general admission or $2 for UMW students and faculty, and are available at the Visitor’s Center and at philharmonic.umw.edu.

UMW Philharmonic Performs Sold-Out Show with Itzhak Perlman

by

Legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman performed with the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra at a sold-out concert on Saturday, March 29. Nearly 1,300 people packed Dodd Auditorium for the concert, which was part of the Philharmonic’s annual William M. Anderson Celebrity Series.

Itzhak Perlman performed with the UMW Philharmonic on Saturday, March 29.

Itzhak Perlman performed with the UMW Philharmonic on Saturday, March 29.

The UMW Philharmonic, conducted by Kevin Bartram, is comprised of both UMW students and community musicians. Since 2004, the orchestra has performed with famous artists such as Marvin Hamlisch, Judy Collins, Kenny Rogers, flutist Sir James Galway and the Canadian Brass.

“The audience was astonished at the sound he got from [his 1714 Stradivarius],” said Kevin Bartram, maestro of the UMW Philharmonic. “Even professional violinists are stunned by his capacity to achieve such a sound. The experience of performing such a demanding work with a living legend will live with us the rest of our lives.”

Perlman, a violin virtuoso, enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. He is treasured by audiences throughout the world who respond to his artistry and his irrepressible joy for making music.

Perlman performed the Beethoven Violin Concerto with the Philharmonic. Perlman has performed the work hundreds of times, but admits, “I could play that forever and never get tired of it. It’s an amazing piece,” he said.

Perlman has been honored with four Emmy Awards, most recently for the PBS documentary, “Fiddling for the Future,” a film about Perlman’s work as a teacher and conductor for the Perlman Music Program. During the 78th Annual Academy Awards in 2006, he performed a live medley from the five film scores nominated in the category of Best Original Score for a worldwide audience. Perlman also collaborated with film composer John Williams in Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award-winning film “Schindler’s List” in which he performed the violin solos.

Itzhak Perlman. Photo by Lisa Marie Mazzucco.

Itzhak Perlman. Photo by Lisa Marie Mazzucco.

In 2008, Itzhak Perlman was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in the recording arts. His recordings regularly appear on the best-seller charts and have earned him 15 Grammy Awards. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan honored Perlman with a Medal of Liberty and in 2000 President Bill Clinton awarded Perlman the National Medal of Arts.

The UMW Philharmonic achieved national acclaim in 2009 with the American Prize, an award given to the top nine collegiate orchestras in the nation. In 2012, the group was featured on a national PBS fundraising show, “A Fiddler’s Holiday.”

For information about upcoming concerts or to become a Friend of the Philharmonic, contact 540-654-1324 or email philharmonic@umw.edu.

UMW Philharmonic Performs Sold-Out Show with Itzhak Perlman

by

Legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman performed with The University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra at a sold-out concert at Dodd Auditorium on Saturday, March 29,. The concert was part of the Philharmonic’s annual William M. Anderson Celebrity Series.

Itzhak Perlman. Photo by Lisa Marie Mazzucco.

Itzhak Perlman. Photo by Lisa Marie Mazzucco.

The UMW Philharmonic, conducted by Kevin Bartram, is comprised of both UMW students and community musicians. Since 2004, the orchestra has performed with famous artists such as Marvin Hamlisch, Judy Collins, Kenny Rogers, flutist Sir James Galway and the Canadian Brass.

“We’ve been looking forward to this concert all year,” said Bartram.

Perlman, a violin virtuoso, enjoys superstar status rarely afforded a classical musician. He is treasured by audiences throughout the world who respond to his artistry and his irrepressible joy for making music.

Perlman performed the Beethoven Violin Concerto with the Philharmonic. Perlman has performed the work hundreds of times, but admits, “I could play that forever and never get tired of it. It’s an amazing piece,” he said.

Perlman has been honored with four Emmy Awards, most recently for the PBS documentary, “Fiddling for the Future,” a film about Perlman’s work as a teacher and conductor for the Perlman Music Program. During the 78th Annual Academy Awards in 2006, he performed a live medley from the five film scores nominated in the category of Best Original Score for a worldwide audience. Perlman also collaborated with film composer John Williams in Steven Spielberg’s Academy Award-winning film “Schindler’s List” in which he performed the violin solos.

In 2008, Itzhak Perlman was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in the recording arts. His recordings regularly appear on the best-seller charts and have earned him 15 Grammy Awards. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan honored Perlman with a Medal of Liberty and in 2000 President Bill Clinton awarded Perlman the National Medal of Arts.

The UMW Philharmonic achieved national acclaim in 2009 with the American Prize, an award given to the top nine collegiate orchestras in the nation. In 2012, the group was featured on a national PBS fundraising show, “A Fiddler’s Holiday.”

For information about the concert or to become a Friend of the Philharmonic, contact 540-654-1324 or email philharmonic@umw.edu.