Polish Concert Pianist Builds a ‘Viola Organista’ Based on a 500-Year-Old Sketch from Leonardo Da Vinci!!

John Tavener Dies at 69; Composer With Eye on God!!

John Tavener Dies at 69; Composer With Eye on God

 http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/13/arts/music/john-tavener-dies-at-69-composer-with-eye-on-god.html?hpw&rref=obituaries&_r=1

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Perpetual Light Shine upon him.  May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through The Mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

My Music History Facebook Page!!

The War of The Vendee!!

 

Normally I post things, on this blog, that are strictly music.  But, not this time, although the orchestral score to "The War of The Vendee" was composed by Kevin Kaska, which was very beautifully done!!

I've seen this movie twice -- both times on EWTN and within just a few days of each other. It is very superbly written by Jim Morlino and very superbly acted by the cast entirely made up of young Catholics -- 250, to be exact!!

You all have to see this, whether it's re-aired on EWTN again, sometime in the future, or if you purchase a DVD through the production company's web site here:  http://www.navispictures.com/Default.asp   

I just can't speak highly enough about this movie. Not only is it Catholic, it's also historical!! 

The Story of my Youth (Gramophone, December 1932) by Pablo Casals!!

  http://www.gramophone.co.uk/HallofFame/Casals/Feature/Storyofmyyouth

Gustavo Dudamel News!!

Gustavo Dudamel is an absolutely F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C symphony orchestra Conductor!! He's probably one of the top, if not the top, best Conductor in the world!! As odd as this may sound to state this -- I would LOVE to see HIM in concert!! I wouldn't go to the concert to see and hear the orchestra -- well, all right; to hear the orchestra, yes -- I'd go to the concert to see HIM!! And, I would LOVE to meet him, too, and get his autograph, as well!!

Anyway, here's a bit of recent news about him:  http://gustavodudamel.com/news

Patrice Chéreau Has Died!!

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Perpetual Light Shine upon him.  May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through The Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

http://www.gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/patrice-ch%C3%A9reau-has-died

Oct. 10: Requiem Live Webcast!!

Although I posted this article/link previously, it's worth posting again as a reminder!! It's also so nice to know that I share the same birthday as Verdi, except that he's 200 years older than I am!!  

http://csofeatures.org/verdi/oct-10-requiem-webcast/

Congrats To The 2013 Classic BRIT Awards Winners!!

Classic BRIT Awards 2013 - all the winners

http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/classic-brit-awards-2013-all-the-winners/056258

New York City Opera Announces It Will Shut Down!!

How sad!! 

http://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2013/10/News/City_Opera_Close.html

Who is the World's Favourite Orchestra? Vote Here!!

You orchestra lovers, THIS is the place for YOU!! Come vote for YOUR favorite orchestra here: http://www.bachtrack.com/worlds-favourite-orchestra-2013 

Firefighters Called to London's Royal Albert Hall as Thousands are Evacuated!!

PRAISE GOD AND BLESSED BE GOD FOREVER THAT NOBODY WAS INJURED AND THAT IT WASN'T ANYTHING SERIOUS!! Here's the article:  http://www.gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/firefighters-called-to-londons-royal-albert-hall-as-thousands-are-evacuated

MENDELSSOHN & ADÈS FESTIVAL!!

 

For those of you who live in the San Francisco area, this is something you might be interested in:  http://www.sfsymphony.org/mendades

Seeking New Compositions For Low Brass Trio!!

"Trio scores for horn, trombone, and tuba only (no electronics)."

So for any of you, who compose music for horn, trombone and tuba, this is definitely something you will want to look into!! For more information, please click on the following link: http://www.composerssite.com/opportunity/3869

ORCHESTRA VITAE!!

Orchestra Vitae are emerging musicians who desire to communicate their enthusiasm for performance. Based upon the idea of injecting something special into classical music, Orchestra Vitae aims to inspire audiences by creating a refreshing atmosphere.

This concert will be accompanied by an outreach project that will explore the role of the conductor, and provide insight into the programme. (http://sjss.org.uk/events/orchestra-vitae)

For more information, please click on the above link!! 

Has YouTube Changed the Tone of Classical Music?

This is a very, very good article to read:  http://southernsinfonia.blogspot.com/2013/09/has-youtube-changed-tone-of-classical.html?showComment=1380007592381#c1647983696121126797

The London Symphony Orchestra Has Administrative Job Openings!!

For more information, please click on the following link:  http://lso.co.uk/administration-vacancies

J.S. Bach: St Matthew Passion!!

 

Nicholas Hurndall Smith

St Matthew Passion
23 November 2013, Durham Cathedral

A complete performance, in German, of Bach's great retelling of Christ's trial and crucifixion. Bach's music draws every single person, performers and audience alike, into the heart of the story, and so we will be taking it to the very centre of Durham Cathedral, with the audience in the nave and transepts, drawing everyone together. We will be joined by outstanding young soloists from the North East and the chamber choir of Durham Johnston School, along with professional soloists Nicholas Hurndall Smith and Richard Strivens, and a fully professional period instrument orchestra, made up of some of the UK's leading period players.  (http://www.durham-singers.org/st-matthew-passion.html)

For more information, please click on the following link:  http://www.durham-singers.org/concert.html

Esther Gartner, 1947 - 2013!!

 
Please click on the following link to read a nice little article about Esther Gartner, who played the cello for The Toronto Symphony Orchestra:  http://tso.ca/About-The-TSO/Members-of-the-Orchestra/Esther-Gartner.aspx


Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let Perpetual Light Shine upon her.  May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

Sir Colin Davis, 1927 - 2013!!

   
Sir Colin Davis was called Home, to his Eternal Reward, on April 14, 2013.  To read his biography and to leave a message of condolence, please click on the following link:  http://lso.co.uk/sir-colin-davis-1927-2013



Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Perpetual Light Shine upon him.  May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.