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Symphony of the Americas Appoints New Executive Director

Music

Published 3/23/21

Steven has nearly 30 years of performing arts management experience, having started his career in South Florida with the Boca Pops, Palm Beach Pops and the Florida Philharmonic Orchestra. He held key roles with major arts organizations across the country – as President and CEO with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Executive Director of San Francisco’s Stern Grove Festival, and most recently as CEO of Tucson Symphony Orchestra. “I know Steven will lead Symphony of the Americas to new heights,” said Robert M. Roselli, President of the Board of Directors. “One of our top priorities is to reposition the Symphony for a full return to performing while developing a strategy for significant growth. His track record of growth and expansion is exactly what we need.” “I am delighted to hear that Steven Haines will be returning to South Florida to assume the role of Executive Director of Symphony of the Americas. Mr. Haines’ storied career includes …

Symphonia Live Concert Announced!

Music

Published 3/19/21

The concert will be Sunday, May 2nd at 2 p.m., with a second performance at 5 p.m. in the Grand Oasis Ballroom of the Boca Raton Marriott. “Let the Trumpet Sound,” led by Principal Conductor, Maestro Alastair Willis, will include a 60-minute performance, without intermission, featuring soloist Jeffrey Kaye, Principal Trumpet.The program will include:Purcell - Suite from Abdelazer                         Handel - Suite in D for Trumpet and Strings               Baldassare - Sonata No.1 in F for Trumpet and strings         Holst - St Paul’s SuiteA reduced-sized orchestra will perform, enabling the musicians to socially distance on the stage. In addition, guest seating will be spatially distanced, per recommended CDC guidelines, and …

Picks of the Week: Film, Classical Music, and More...

Music

Published 2/25/21

VIRGINIA KEY BEACH PARK: TRUST BLACK HISTORY MONTH TOURSThrough February 28th Learn the iconic story of the only beach where Black Miami could recreate during the segregation period. A fun, safe socially distant tour experience showcasing Miami's best kept secret. Can't do the physical tour? They have a virtual experience too! More event details here.SANDRELL RIVERS THEATER: I WANNA DANCE WITH SOMEBODYFebruary 26th at 7:00pmJoin SRT for a Virtual Concert as they explore the iconic music created by African American artists in the 1980s. A plethora of icons released hit after hit that topped the charts across the US and around the world, including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Billy Ocean, Anita Baker, Patti Labelle and many more! More event details here.(photo: Music @ SRT)MIAMI BEACH URBAN STUDIOS: ZEN AND THE ART OF FILM - THE ARTIST'S WIFEMarch 1st at 7:00pmThe greatest art is learning how to love. Claire Smythson, wife of the renowned abstract artist Richard …

NWS celebrates the return of the WALLCAST to SoundScape Park!

Music

Published 2/16/21

NWS originally performed this Opening Fanfare concert on October 15, 2011—MTT and NWS Fellows musically heralding the first full season in the New World Center.With Michael Tilson Thomas as the conductor and Javier Perianes on the piano, the program for the evening is:Smetana - Overture to The Bartered BrideSchumann - Piano ConcertoLee - Sukkot Through Orion’s NebulaJanáček - SinfoniettaAdditional WALLCAST dates and programs will be announced soon.The February 19th Encore WALLCAST® Concert will be an in-person event in SoundScape Park. Seating opens at 6:00 PM and will be first come, first served with limited capacity. Please arrive with your complete party to guarantee seating together. All attendees, including children, must wear a mask unless actively eating or drinking, and practice social distancing from other guests. Chairs and blankets are allowed, but not tables or large set ups.

Open Call for Talented Miami Beach Youth Musicians

Music

Published 12/21/20

The festival will take place at the North Beach Bandshell on Saturday, March 13, 2021. “The Miami Beach Youth Music Festival has grown so much in the past five years, and we are so excited to combine everything we’ve learned so far to present the best young talent our community has to offer,” Deputy Director of The Rhythm Foundation Benton Galgay shared. “As in past years, we hope performances will range from school-based ensembles to amazing soloists, bedroom producers and budding garage bands with many of the artists hitting the big stage for the first time.”Auditions are now open for those aged 18 years and younger, and for bands or individuals that perform live music of any genre, including rock, jazz, Latin, electronic, folk, classical, funk and spoken word. Participants must be able to perform live and play a musical instrument; recorded music is not allowed. Additionally, at least one individual must also be a Miami Beach resident or attend a Miami Beach …

New World Symphony Celebrates the Season at the Drive-In

Music

Published 12/1/20

The concert broadcast, which is scheduled for December 19th at 7:30 pm, will feature seasonal favorites celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, and the most magical time of year, all pre-recorded at the New World Center. In addition to classics such as selections from The Nutcracker and Sleigh Ride, the program includes works by NWS alumni that reflect our South Florida community. Navidad Latina by Anthony DiLorenzo is a medley of Latin holiday songs and Chanukah 5776 by Sam Hyken, which honors the Jewish Festival of Lights. Both works celebrate the varied traditions observed in our community.  NWS’s annual Sounds of the Season concert is an audience favorite and frequently draws thousands to SoundScape Park for its WALLCAST® concert. This year, the audience at Dezerland Park will enjoy seeing NWS Fellows perform in holiday costumes and join the cherished finale—an audience-wide sing-a-long of “White Christmas”—from the safety of their vehicles.Chad Goodman, the current …

Flagler Museum Announces Return of Live Music to Whitehall

Music

Published 10/5/20

Organ & Piano Demonstrations, select Tuesdays at 1:30 pm (October 6 - November 10)At 1:30 p.m. every Tuesday starting October 6th through November 10th, professional musicians will be exercising two instruments original to the home. As visitors tour Whitehall, period music will be performed on the J.H. & C.S. Odell Co. organ in the Music Room or on Mary Lily Flagler's custom Steinway art case Model B grand piano in the Drawing Room. Each Tuesday's demonstration will be different from the last! The instrument demonstrations will span both the 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. general admission timed entry periods. Due to limited availability, visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets for those timed entry periods in advance. For safety, visitors will move along the fixed route during the demonstrations, enjoying the glorious volume of music echoing throughout the first floor.Piano Repertoire:- October 6th, Highlights from the Flagler Museum Archives- October 20th, Opening Numbers- November …

Michael Tilson Thomas: Where Now Is

Music

Published 9/25/20

The documentary sheds light on formative experiences in MTT’s musical life—the central influence of his father, his first time hearing the music of James Brown, his early clashes with classical music orthodoxy—all of which shaped his personality, artistry, and goals along his path to becoming one of America’s most important musical figures.Michael Tilson Thomas is Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the New World Symphony, Music Director Laureate of the San Francisco Symphony, and Conductor Laureate of the London Symphony Orchestra. In addition to conducting the world’s leading orchestras, MTT is also noted for his work as a composer and as a producer of multimedia projects dedicated to music education and reinventing the concert experience. He is an eleven-time Grammy Award winner whose wide-ranging discography includes more than 120 recordings, including most recently a recording of his compositions on SFS Media. His television work includes numerous performances for the …

SOTA introducing Pablo Mielgo

Music

Published 9/10/20

Mielgo studied at the Royal Conservatory of his hometown, Madrid, the Reina Sofia School and the London Guildhall School of Music. He has assisted conductors such as James Conlon, Jesus Lopez Cobos, Daniel Barenboim and Claudio Abbado. He regularly conducts on some of the world’s most famous stages, including Wiener Musikverein and Carnegie Hall and throughout Latin America and the Middle East. Since 2005, he has been the musical and artistic director of the SaludArte Foundation, and has collaborated with such institutions such as the Teatro Real Madrid, the Miami New World Symphony, El Sistema in Venezuela and the Florida Grand Opera, as well as with renowned artists, Placido Domingo, Gustavo Dudamel, José Antonio Abreu, and Michael Tilson Thomas.“It is a pleasure and an honor to start as the new SOTA artistic director, “ said Mielgo. “I am convinced that despite circumstances we face today, we will be able to make the Symphony of the Americas a benchmark for the arts in …

Virtual Symphony of Voices

Music

Published 8/3/20

‘A [Virtual] Symphony of Voices: A Celebration of Women in Philanthropy’ will be broadcast on Zoom, beginning with a live, interactive cocktail hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Zoom Rooms specific to each organization/individual being honored. All guests will then join together for the main program at 7 p.m.The virtual event will feature a special presentation about the 19th amendment by the League of Women Voters; profiles of each organization and honoree; and performances by several of the orchestra’s talented female musicians. The event is free (registration is required), though donations are welcome. Proceeds will benefit both the participating organization of the attendee’s choice and The Symphonia. For donations of $50 or more received by August 12, attendees will receive a special gift mailed to them prior to the celebration (HINT: it’s a delicious cocktail mix kit, perfect for the Zoom Room Happy Hour!)Honorees include Impact 100 Palm Beach County and its all-female …

Symphonia Announces New Conductor

Music

Published 7/2/20

Willis has guest conducted with The Symphonia for the past several seasons, as well as in its second season in 2005, and served as Principal Conductor for the orchestra’s ‘New Directions’ concert series in 2019. He also serves as Music Director of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra.Willis has guest conducted a number of premier orchestras around the world, including the Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, Mexico City Philharmonic, Orquestra Sinfonica de Rio de Janeiro, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchestra Berlin, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, China National Orchestra (Beijing), and Silk Road Ensemble (with Yo-Yo Ma), among others.  His recording of Ravel’s “L’Enfant et les Sortileges” with the Nashville Symphony and Opera for Naxos was Grammy-nominated for Best Classical Album in 2009. “Alastair is an incredible addition to our orchestra,” said Annabel Russell, Executive Director. “His …

The SYMPHONIA At Home

Music

Published 5/4/20

Jeffrey Kaye, M.M., Artistic Director and Principal Trumpet, kicked off the informal series, performing his trumpet straight from his back porch, alongside his rescue dog, Gidget.  “Just because we're all hunkered down at home doesn't mean we can't enjoy a little live music from the professional musicians of The Symphonia,” said Annabel Russell, Executive Director. “This series will hopefully bring a little joy to those who view it, and frankly, we don’t know what to expect – we’re leaving the artistic creativity up to each musician, so this should be fun!”  Since The Symphonia's performance season was cut short due to mandatory closures, the group is hoping this initiative will help bring the music into classical music lovers' homes and showcase the people and personalities behind the instruments in this informal series.For more information, visit Symphonia's facebook page.

New World Symphony offers digital music series

Music

Published 3/25/20

THE NWS ARCHIVE+NWS will debut a web-based series called NWS Archive+. Michael Tilson Thomas will moderate discussions with NWS Fellows, alumni, guest artists and visiting faculty about recorded performances from our archives. Their personal reflections will offer unique insights into the streamed concerts. Performances will be available at www.nws.edu.NEW WORLD SYMPHONY FELLOWS: LIVE FROM OUR LIVING ROOMNWS Fellows will play live, informal chamber music concerts from their homes in Miami Beach. This series, titled New World Symphony Fellows: Live from our Living Room, will be broadcast via Facebook Live.MUSAICNWS's ground-breaking online archive allows visitors to explore, engage and excel with NWS performances, master classes, tutorials and town halls. MUSAIC can be found at musaic.nws.edu.EDUCATIONAL CONCERTSFor the past 10 years, the Fellows have prepared and performed a series of one-hour concerts for local school children. Preparatory materials are shared with schoolteachers who …

Orchestra Miami's Virtual Concert Hal

Music

Published 3/25/20

To help you not lose your minds, Orchestra Miami is setting up a Virtual Concert Hall for all of you to enjoy! The rest of OM's 2019-20 programming is on pause until it is deemed safe for to gather again.Until then, experience OM's Virtual Concert Hall featuring the best of their past performances will be launching shortly. As this is being set up, OM encourages listeners to visit Paris by listening to Orchestra Miami perform Gershwin's "An American in Paris." You can also visit Orchestra Miami's YouTube channel for more performances!

Super Bowl of Piano

Music

Published 2/12/20

The Chopin Foundation of the United States is thrilled to present the 10th National Chopin Piano Competition in Miami. This city has been the home of the National Competition since 1975. Holding the event in a diverse cultural city like Miami attracts visitors from outside the region, as well as an enthusiastic local audience.Barbara E. Muze, the Chopin Foundation’s Executive Director, said, “America’s biggest celebration of the music of Chopin is coming to Miami this February and we are excited to welcome 26 of the country’s top young classical artists to the National Chopin Piano Competition for what some are calling the ‘Super Bowl of Piano.’ And like at the Big Game, the pianists are competing for top prizes and other important awards - like who will be the Competition’s most valuable Mazurka player,” Muze said with a smile. “As we have since 1975, we look forward to welcoming everyone to join us for the Competition where there are numerous chances for local …

SERAPHIC FIRE’S ENLIGHTENMENT FESTIVAL TO FOCUS ON HAYDN, BACH AND HANDEL

Music

Published 2/12/20

But with its inaugural Enlightenment Festival, the ensemble drastically narrows its focus. From Feb. 12-23 in various locations throughout South Florida and Naples, Seraphic Fire will perform notable works by 18th-century masters Haydn, Bach and Handel“This festival has been a long time coming for our organization,” says Patrick Dupre Quigley, conductor and artistic director of Seraphic Fire, which he founded in 2002. “In many ways, the forces that we put together are very much ideal for the music of the late Baroque and early Classical period.”Quigley and Seraphic Fire have been eager for some time to concentrate on these three composers.“We try to present a very varied season throughout the year. But we were trying to figure out a way to be able to perform more of the music of Bach, Haydn and Handel and their contemporaries, while not having to change our season format, so that we were solely an 18th-century presenting organization,” he said.“The idea of the festival is …

Symphonia Concert in Delray Goes in New Direction

Music

Published 11/7/19

Calling all music lovers! We are so excited for this new project that the Symphonia is planning. They are putting together a new kind of music series with theatrical elements and a multimedia component to attract a younger and more diverse audience. The series is called "New Directions" - a music series at the Crest Theatre at Old School Square. "New Directions" will combine powerful music with unique theatrical elements. Grammy-nominated Alastair Willis is the Principal Conductor and Music Advisor of the series. Willis is known for his strong podium presence and engaging and attractive personality. “When you come to a New Directions concert, be prepared for a unique, innovative experience that combines classical music with theater and multimedia elements in a meaningful and entertaining way. I’ve always loved music and theater and there’s a very natural connection between them. These concerts are where those two worlds meet,” Alastair Willis said.The New Directions Music …

Symphony of the Americas Bids Farewell to Iconic Maestro James Brooks-Bruzzese

Music

Published 11/4/19

By Larry SchwingelDuring the course of the season, three guest conductors, Lorenzo Turchi-Floris, Carlos Riazuelo, and Pablo Mielgo are being considered as a potential successor to the iconic Brooks-Bruzzese, and receive the coveted baton he so gracefully and skillfully used as the leader of the Symphony of the Americas. Through the years, the Maestro has compiled both domestic and international acclaim, gaining the appreciation of peers, and led hundreds of talented musicians playing compositions relevant to every genre from classical to pop. Described as “dynamic, exciting, remarkably controlled, and simultaneously free-spirited,” it is appropriate that “The Year of the Maestro” be dedicated to Maestro Brooks-Bruzzese. The Symphony of the Americas Concert Season, Matinee Series, Summerfest, and its new Serenades@ Sunset, provides audiences with a unique musical experience, and an opportunity to enjoy an amazing blend of music performed by some of the most talented …

Chopin Foundation of the United States Hosts the Tenth National Chopin Piano Competition as part of the 2019-2020 Season

Music

Published 10/11/19

In support of the Foundation’s mission to assist the career development of American pianists, its founder and president, Mrs. Blanka A. Rosenstiel decided to increase the first place prize to $100,000 based on this sentiment. “From an early age, these talented pianists are dedicated and disciplined. Their talent and hard work deserve this kind of reward and even more,” Mrs. Rosenstiel said. “The joy that their playing brings to this chaotic world is simply priceless. I hope that once the public experiences the beauty of Chopin’s music being performed so wonderfully, they too will cherish and support these fine pianists.”In addition to the $100,000 cash prize, the winner of the National Chopin Competition will automatically be accepted to compete in the International Chopin Competition in Warsaw. The Chopin Foundation also arranges an extensive concert tour in the U.S. and internationally for the first prize winner.The second prize winner will receive a cash prize of $30,000 …

MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS, CO-FOUNDER AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THE NEW WORLD SYMPHONY, TO RECEIVE 42ND ANNUAL KENNEDY CENTER HONORS

Music

Published 7/29/19

Co-founded by Michael Tilson Thomas and Lin and Ted Arison - the New World Symphony is a laboratory for the way music is taught, presented and experienced. NWS consists of 87 young musicians who are granted fellowships lasting up to three years. The fellowship program offers in-depth exposure to traditional and modern repertoire, professional development training and personalized experiences working with leading guest conductors, soloists and visiting faculty. Relationships with these artists are extended through NWS’ extensive distance learning via the internet. NWS Fellows take advantage of the innovative performance facilities and state-of-the art practice and ensemble rooms of the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center, the campus of the New World Symphony. In the hopes of joining NWS, more than 1,500 recent music school and conservatory graduates compete for about 35 available fellowships each year. The Fellows are selected for this highly competitive, prestigious opportunity …

INAUGURAL STRINGS & PIANO FESTIVAL LAUNCHES IN MIAMI

Music

Published 7/16/19

Josef Gingold’s principal exponent, Cuban-born violinist Andrés Cárdenes, leads the festival as Music Director.Fifty-five students from around the world descend on Miami for intensive study with 18 faculty members from top conservatories (such as Juilliard, Eastman School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Colburn School, and St. Petersburg Conservatory, among others) and orchestras (such as New York Philharmonic, Dallas and Pittsburgh Symphonies, among others).Public concerts occur during the 2019 festival featuring violinists Andrés Cárdenes and Gary Levinson, pianists Alexandre Moutouzkine and Alon Goldstein, cellists Andrés Diaz and Anne Martindale Williams, violists Paul Coletti and Michael Klotz, and other prestigious artists. This is a unique opportunity in Miami to hear some of the world’s foremost classical musicians in an intimate setting this summer.Further, the three-week educational program offers master classes, career management symposia, and lectures on …

CAP Summer Concert Series brings Jason Marsalis, Bria Skonberg and others to Coral Gables

Music

Published 6/19/19

From June through August, the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ presents its 34th annual series of jazz and classical concerts, welcoming world-renowned artists to its historic building across from the Biltmore Hotel. In addition to the big names, concertgoers will have a chance to see stars of the future as Miami-Dade County students from the church’s Community Arts Program (CAP) perform on opening night. And the public can join the students in master classes presented by several of the series’ performers.The first show, on June 13, features Tony Desare, who’s had three albums reach the top 10 on the Billboard jazz chart. Named a rising-star male vocalist some years back by the jazz magazine Downbeat, he’ll perform standards and classics. The CAP Miami Jazz Institute All-Star Jazz Ensemble will open the show. The group is one of several made up of youngsters who study at the CAP Conservatory of the Arts, which offers instruction on a sliding fee …

Start Chopin: Festival explores work of complicated composer

Music

Published 6/19/19

But what a difficult person under all that fame! “His character was indeed not easily understood,” composer Franz Liszt observed in “Life of Chopin,” his 1863 biography of his one-time close friend turned frenemy. “A thousand subtle shades, mingling, crossing, contradicting and disguising each other, rendered it almost undecipherable at a first view. Like the twisted folds of a serpent rolled upon itself, their feelings are half hidden, half revealed.”Or consider his dissing of longtime lover and novelist George Sand. During their storm-tossed affair, Sand frequently set aside her writing to nurse back to health the chronically ill composer during what would be his most productive period. Chopin’s works teem with dedications to women, but none honor Sand. Frank Cooper, a University of Miami musicologist and emeritus research professor, explains that for all his celebrity, Chopin concealed some raging insecurities. For instance, he wasn’t even the most famous Polish …

AT MAINLY MOZART FESTIVAL, RARELY HEARD WORKS PERFORMED BY AMERNET STRING QUARTET

Music

Published 5/29/19

Before the show, a packed audience received the bittersweet announcement that the performance would be violinist Franz Felkl’s last with the quartet, which also includes Misha Vitenson on violin, Michael Klotz on viola and Jason Calloway on cello. With that, the program opened to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “String Quartet in E-flat Major” (K. 428). The Kislak Center is the newly opened home to UM’s special collections and archives. As a presentation space for rare works (which on May 18 included a 1773 manuscript autographed by Mozart himself), it is stellar. As a performance space for chamber music, its dimensions muffled the sound.Still, the performance of the “String Quartet in E-flat Major” was a powerful reminder of the value the Mainly Mozart Festival brings to Miami’s classical music scene with well-thought-out programs featuring gorgeous and historically important works. The festival continues through June 29.Composed in 1783, the …

UNLEASHED ENERGY – FREE CONCERT

Music

Published 4/30/19

Bring your friends and family for a free concert. The Alhambra Orchestra, conducted by Daniel Andai, will close its 29th symphonic season with a program of orchestral showpieces: Debussy’s Afternoon of a Faun, the Bolero by Ravel, and Dvorak’s dramatic Symphony no. 8.Sunday evening, May 5, 2019, 7:30 pm, at FIU Wertheim Auditorium, 10910 SW 17th St., Miami 33199. FREE - NO TICKETS OR RESERVATIONS NEEDED   Additional info (305) 668-9260,  www.alhambramusic.org

BRAVA MAESTRA

Music

Published 3/1/18

Few entities have as much power to shape the artistic and cultural landscape of South Florida as the South Florida Symphony Orchestra. Satisfying the artistic needs of such a diverse and culturally spoiled community is certainly a hefty task many would crumble under, but not Sebrina Maria Alfonso. In fact, her aptitude for challenges is precisely what brought the orchestra’s Maestra to where she is in life, and to her next big challenge she is pondering from her sunny Fort Lauderdale office.The South Florida Symphony Orchestra has been Alfonso’s life’s work for the last two decades and luckily for the South Florida community, complacency is not an option. And how could it be, when the orchestra so harmoniously interweaves her two strongest passions - music and community outreach?What the Maestra has deemed worthy of her orchestra’s and community’s attention is Porgy and Bess, the iconic American opera, composed by the great George Gershwin, which introduced the now classic …

NWSA Cultivates the Artistic Leaders of Tomorrow

Music

Published 3/1/18

The road to becoming a musician is long and filled with many detours, each and every one of which holds a valuable takeaway for its starry-eyed residents. It’s a journey which has as much to do with music as it has to do with self-discovery and personal development. The aspiring musicians embarking on it need a visionary guide, one who can help them look beyond mere scales and notes and into the bigger picture, colored with the values and overarching purpose their music is meant to voice. This is where New World School of the Arts and its Dean of Music Dr. Daniel Andai come in. Having walked this very road himself as a professional violinist on 5 continents, a concert master, a conductor, as well as a student and a professor at New World School of the Arts, Dr. Daniel Andai has come to know first-hand all the overlooked aspects of being an artist. And he’s not the only one who has had the invaluable chance to tap into the school’s well of knowledge and wisdom. With …