November 17, 2024

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

UMW Philharmonic Presents “The Planets” with LeVar Burton on March 23

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UMW Philharmonic presents Gustav Holst's "The Planets" with guest narrator LeVar Burton.

UMW Philharmonic presents Gustav Holst’s “The Planets” with guest narrator LeVar Burton.

Tickets are still available for the UMW Philharmonic’s performance with guest narrator LeVar Burton on Saturday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Dodd Auditorium. Star Trek‘s legendary Geordi La Forge, Mr. Burton will join Maestro Kevin Bartram at the helm in this intergalactic concert featuring Gustav Holst’s “The Planets.” Together they will go where Fredericksburg has not gone before with this and other Sci-Fi classics, including music from John Williams’ E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial score and Star Trek. Tickets are $30-$60 and can be purchased at the ticket window in Dodd Auditorium on Saturday evening.

Visit umwphilharmonic.com or call (540) 654-1324 for more information.

Bartram Talks Christmas Carols on Virginia Public Radio Show

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Modern holiday songs are great, but nothing says “Christmastime” like a classic carol. UMW Philharmonic Orchestra Director Kevin Bartram will share his thoughts on some of the most famous yuletide compositions with audiences across the nation on the With Good Reason (WGR) radio show, beginning this Saturday, Dec. 22. The episode, Holiday Favorites and Memories, […]

UMW Philharmonic Performs Halloween Star Wars Concert

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The University of Mary Washington Philharmonic continues its 2017-18 season with a children’s Halloween concert on Friday, Oct. 27. The annual Fiddlestix Instrument Petting Zoo has become a cherished community tradition. This year’s theme, Star Wars, will feature the opportunity for children to meet the instruments of the orchestra and then to hear a concert. […]

UMW Philharmonic Season Opener Tickets on Sale

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Tickets will go on sale Monday, Aug. 21, for the 2017-18 season opener of the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic’s Celebrity Series featuring world-renowned opera star Renee Fleming. Called “An Evening with Renée Fleming,” the performance will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 26 in George Washington’s Hall, Dodd Auditorium. Known as “The People’s Diva,” Fleming […]

Bartram Leads Argentine Festival

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UMW Philharmonic Director Dr. Kevin Bartram has just returned from Argentina where he conducted a prestigious music festival. The festival, held in Isla Verde, Argentina, attracted top student and professional musicians from South America.

There were four ensembles in the festival, and Bartram directed the top group and also directed the ensemble composed of the festival professors. This was the 10th anniversary of the festival, and it received special attention and drew large local crowds.

Students, ranging from college to professional musicians, took classes each morning on their instrument, and participated in large ensemble rehearsals during the afternoon. Concerts were held each evening. “The quality of players was very high,” Bartram said. “They worked tremendously hard, and seemed to appreciate my efforts. Everyone was very friendly and dedicated to learning. Audiences for each concert demanded encores. They were so enthusiastic!”

The professional ensemble that Bartram led was composed of the festival professors who hailed from some of the top orchestras in Europe and the U.S., including the Chicago Symphony and orchestras from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Hungary, England and more. “What an outstanding group. I was honored to lead them,” said Bartram.

Bartram’s appearance in Argentina was part of a cultural exchange program titled Ibermusicas, which brings American conductors to South America and South American conductors to the U.S. The program is organized through the College Orchestra Directors Association, which Bartram leads as National President. Argentine conductor Lucia Zicos will conduct the UMW Philharmonic in April as part of that podium exchange.

Media Contact: Rita Snyder, 540-654-1324, philharmonic@umw.edu

 

 

 

 

UMW Philharmonic to Host José Carreras

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The University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra will present a concert featuring legendary tenor José Carreras on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the William M. Anderson Center. Tickets are still available for the performance. The concert at UMW will be his first and only U.S. performance in nearly a decade. Carreras is best-known […]

Local Business Owner Receives Philharmonic’s Citizen Salute

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Local business owner Jerry Ulman received the Citizen Salute Award, presented by the University of Mary Washington Philharmonic Orchestra at its April concert.   Jerry Ulman First awarded in 1980, the Citizen Salute Award is given by the board of directors of the Friends of the Philharmonic. Each year the award recognizes an individual who demonstrates support of and involvement with the music community of the area and makes a positive difference by his or her involvement in the community. “Jerry exemplifies perfectly the intent of the award,” said Kevin Bartram, director of the Philharmonic. “The award honors individuals who selflessly give their talents and time for the betterment of the community in which they live. Jerry is a quiet, humble man, but most deserving of this honor.” An owner and operator of several businesses in downtown Fredericksburg, Ulman has supported local charities and civic endeavors including the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center and Mental Health America in Fredericksburg. In the past, he has been a member of the Fredericksburg Kiwanis Club, the Fredericksburg Architectural Review Board and a Life Member of the Fredericksburg Rescue Squad. Currently, Ulman is a member of the Economic Restructuring Committee of Fredericksburg Virginia Main Street, Inc. Ulman’s jewelry store is marking its 87th anniversary this month. For more information, visit http://philharmonic.umw.edu/ or call (540) 654-1324.

UMW Philharmonic Hosts Richmond Ballet

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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

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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.