[We believe that this image was painted by Joseph Citro, but the information we were able to find online was not conclusive. If you have more info about the painting, please let us know in the comments. Thanks.]
Posted on Facebook 2/20
Did you enjoy one or more of the “Shakespeare Winterfest” concerts? Then come back for “the main event” (per Rob Hubbard) tonight or tomorrow night.
In his review for the Pioneer Press, Mr. Hubbard also says, “So Thursday's midday concert at Minneapolis' Orchestra Hall was a significant arts event for the Twin Cities and beyond. Vanska and the orchestra showed off their expertise with the sound of Sibelius, painting one evocative scene after another with an intricately layered interpretation full of emotional depth. Preceded by a fine performance of Hector Berlioz's song cycle, ‘Les nuits d'ete,’ it proved a grand festival finale.” Read his full review here: http://www.twincities.com/music/ci_27561387/review-minnesota-orchestras-shakespeares-winterfest-finale-was-main
And for the StarTribune, Michael Anthony writes: “This is Sibelius in a lighter vein — atmospheric, colorful, descriptive — with music as enchanted as the play it illustrates. It is also music of high contrast. A fearful storm — surging seas and howling gusts of wind — opens the suite. Later comes the haunting ‘Oak-Tree’ with its anguished flute solo and an eloquent lullaby — an inspired piece scored for two clarinets, harp and muted strings.” Read his full review here: http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/292789771.html
Don’t miss this one! Tickets and more info here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/372/-/shakespeare-winterfest-the-tempest
We hope to see you this weekend!
Did you enjoy one or more of the “Shakespeare Winterfest” concerts? Then come back for “the main event” (per Rob Hubbard) tonight or tomorrow night.
In his review for the Pioneer Press, Mr. Hubbard also says, “So Thursday's midday concert at Minneapolis' Orchestra Hall was a significant arts event for the Twin Cities and beyond. Vanska and the orchestra showed off their expertise with the sound of Sibelius, painting one evocative scene after another with an intricately layered interpretation full of emotional depth. Preceded by a fine performance of Hector Berlioz's song cycle, ‘Les nuits d'ete,’ it proved a grand festival finale.” Read his full review here: http://www.twincities.com/music/ci_27561387/review-minnesota-orchestras-shakespeares-winterfest-finale-was-main
And for the StarTribune, Michael Anthony writes: “This is Sibelius in a lighter vein — atmospheric, colorful, descriptive — with music as enchanted as the play it illustrates. It is also music of high contrast. A fearful storm — surging seas and howling gusts of wind — opens the suite. Later comes the haunting ‘Oak-Tree’ with its anguished flute solo and an eloquent lullaby — an inspired piece scored for two clarinets, harp and muted strings.” Read his full review here: http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/292789771.html
Don’t miss this one! Tickets and more info here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/372/-/shakespeare-winterfest-the-tempest
We hope to see you this weekend!
Posted on Facebook 2/18
Osmo Vänskä speaks with MinnPost’s Pamela Espeland about Sibelius, the premier of his suite from “The Tempest” and his history with the larger work, the importance of soft dynamics (“you feel the music on your skin”), his very busy schedule, working with Kevin Smith, the Cuba tour, Judy Dayton, how the Orchestra is playing these days, involving the players in all kinds of decisions, and more.
Take a few minutes to read Pamela’s extensive interview – you will be glad you did! Find it here: http://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2015/02/osmo-v-nsk-sibelius-softness-cuba-tour-and-minnesota-orchestra-today
Thanks, Pamela!
We hope to see you at this weekend’s concerts. More details and tickets here:
http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/371/-/shakespeare-winterfest-the-tempest#.VNS4453F_l8
Osmo Vänskä speaks with MinnPost’s Pamela Espeland about Sibelius, the premier of his suite from “The Tempest” and his history with the larger work, the importance of soft dynamics (“you feel the music on your skin”), his very busy schedule, working with Kevin Smith, the Cuba tour, Judy Dayton, how the Orchestra is playing these days, involving the players in all kinds of decisions, and more.
Take a few minutes to read Pamela’s extensive interview – you will be glad you did! Find it here: http://www.minnpost.com/artscape/2015/02/osmo-v-nsk-sibelius-softness-cuba-tour-and-minnesota-orchestra-today
Thanks, Pamela!
We hope to see you at this weekend’s concerts. More details and tickets here:
http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/371/-/shakespeare-winterfest-the-tempest#.VNS4453F_l8
Posted on Facebook 2/17
Sibelius & Berlioz! Suds & Cider! Mosaic Unveiling! Lobby Festivities! What a week!
The final concert in the Minnesota Orchestra’s “Shakespeare Winterfest” series will be performed this Thursday morning and Friday & Saturday evenings at Orchestra Hall, with Osmo Vänskä conducting Berlioz’ “Les Nuits d’été” and Sibelius’ Selections from “The Tempest” (with Joe Dowling narrating and Mezzo Heather Johnson singing on “The Tempest”). Read our perspectives on this program here: http://www.saveoursymphonymn.org/february-2015/february-19-21-concerts-the-tempest
Thursday night the first of two “Symphony, Suds & Cider” events will be held at Sociable Cider Werks (1500 Fillmore St. NE in Minneapolis), featuring a brass quintet from the Orchestra. Watch a 1-minute video promo of this event here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/u38ipht38yjgozq/MNO_Suds-Cider_02-09-15%20h264.mov?dl=0
On Friday night the “All Together Now” mosaic for which many of you had your picture taken on Opening Weekend will be unveiled! Find more details (including a ticket discount code) from our friends at Orchestrate Excellence here: http://www.orchestrateexcellence.org/minnesota-orchestra-excitement-continues-giant-mosaic-suds-and-cider-carnegie-hall/
On Thursday Phillip Gainsley presents a free concert preview at 10:15 am in the auditorium. On Friday and Saturday he interviews Glenda Dawn Goss, noted Sibelius scholar, and Joe Dowling in the Target Atrium at 7:15 pm. And in the lobby you will find a costume exhibit presented by Guthrie Theater Costume Rentals.
We hope to see you at one or more of these events this weekend!
Sibelius & Berlioz! Suds & Cider! Mosaic Unveiling! Lobby Festivities! What a week!
The final concert in the Minnesota Orchestra’s “Shakespeare Winterfest” series will be performed this Thursday morning and Friday & Saturday evenings at Orchestra Hall, with Osmo Vänskä conducting Berlioz’ “Les Nuits d’été” and Sibelius’ Selections from “The Tempest” (with Joe Dowling narrating and Mezzo Heather Johnson singing on “The Tempest”). Read our perspectives on this program here: http://www.saveoursymphonymn.org/february-2015/february-19-21-concerts-the-tempest
Thursday night the first of two “Symphony, Suds & Cider” events will be held at Sociable Cider Werks (1500 Fillmore St. NE in Minneapolis), featuring a brass quintet from the Orchestra. Watch a 1-minute video promo of this event here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/u38ipht38yjgozq/MNO_Suds-Cider_02-09-15%20h264.mov?dl=0
On Friday night the “All Together Now” mosaic for which many of you had your picture taken on Opening Weekend will be unveiled! Find more details (including a ticket discount code) from our friends at Orchestrate Excellence here: http://www.orchestrateexcellence.org/minnesota-orchestra-excitement-continues-giant-mosaic-suds-and-cider-carnegie-hall/
On Thursday Phillip Gainsley presents a free concert preview at 10:15 am in the auditorium. On Friday and Saturday he interviews Glenda Dawn Goss, noted Sibelius scholar, and Joe Dowling in the Target Atrium at 7:15 pm. And in the lobby you will find a costume exhibit presented by Guthrie Theater Costume Rentals.
We hope to see you at one or more of these events this weekend!
Posted on Facebook 2/10
“Original” – we hear that a lot. “Wholly original” – hmmm, what else is going on here? “Wholly original masterpieces” – OK, that really demands one’s attention! Who can back up such a claim? Well, our friend Scott Chamberlain can! He uses that phrase relative to Berlioz’s “Les nuits d’été” and selections from Sibelius’s “The Tempest” (the two pieces on the final “Shakespeare Winterfest” concert Feb. 19-20-21). Furthermore, he says “Berlioz and Sibelius were two of the most relentlessly creative, original composers to have ever lived.”
Read his rationale in his blog post from this morning: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/02/10/genius-shakespeare-berlioz-and-sibelius/
Then come to one of the concerts to hear the wholly original sound worlds of these masterpieces. Tickets, more info (and even recordings of these pieces via Spotify) can be found here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/371/-/shakespeare-winterfest-the-tempest#.VNS4453F_l8
Thanks for the fabulous insights, Scott!
“Original” – we hear that a lot. “Wholly original” – hmmm, what else is going on here? “Wholly original masterpieces” – OK, that really demands one’s attention! Who can back up such a claim? Well, our friend Scott Chamberlain can! He uses that phrase relative to Berlioz’s “Les nuits d’été” and selections from Sibelius’s “The Tempest” (the two pieces on the final “Shakespeare Winterfest” concert Feb. 19-20-21). Furthermore, he says “Berlioz and Sibelius were two of the most relentlessly creative, original composers to have ever lived.”
Read his rationale in his blog post from this morning: https://maskoftheflowerprince.wordpress.com/2015/02/10/genius-shakespeare-berlioz-and-sibelius/
Then come to one of the concerts to hear the wholly original sound worlds of these masterpieces. Tickets, more info (and even recordings of these pieces via Spotify) can be found here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/371/-/shakespeare-winterfest-the-tempest#.VNS4453F_l8
Thanks for the fabulous insights, Scott!
Posted on Facebook 2/6
Music. Poetry. Sibelius. Osmo. Julie Stewart, a member of SOSMN’s Leadership Team, wants you to catch the excitement about the Feb 19-20-21 concert (two weeks from now), just as she did when she was learning more about the program.
Julie writes: “When my husband and I first bought tickets to the Minnesota Orchestra’s final ‘Shakespeare’ concert (The Tempest – Feb. 19-21), we selected the concert for one simple reason: Osmo was conducting. Frankly, we’d be willing to hear just about anything Osmo chose to perform. But the selections that night – well, I wasn’t all that enthusiastic. There was going to be ‘incidental music’ written for ‘The Tempest,’ and even if the composer was Sibelius, I’m a bit of a snob about incidental music. It just seems – well, incidental. Not major. And the other work was going to be something song-y by Berlioz, you know, the guy who wrote ‘Symphonie Fantastique’ - not my favorite work, or at least, it wasn’t when I last really listened closely to it, which was about forty years ago.
“Then I decided I’d better educate myself a bit about these selections. Oh my – what a difference a little knowledge will make! Let’s start with Berlioz’s ‘Summer Nights’ (Les Nuits d’été). Based on gorgeous poems by Theophile Gautier, these songs are sensuous, delicate, passionate, filled with longing – I haven’t heard anything so lovely in a long time. And if the orchestra and mezzo soprano Lilli Paasikivi do these even half as beautifully as the recording I heard, we’ll be in for a huge treat. As for ‘The Tempest’ – have you heard this music? I take back everything snobby I ever said about incidental music – this is real music, it’s Sibelius, and the world’s foremost Sibelius interpreter will be on the podium to reveal it to us. It will be fascinating to see and hear how Sibelius has used his musical gifts to interpret Shakespeare’s masterpiece, and along with Paasikivi singing Ariel’s songs we’ll have Joe Dowling to pronounce those immortal lines, ‘This rough magic I here abjure ….’
“So now? I’m going for the music. It’s great music, not to mention great poetry. Hope to see you there!”
Thanks, Julie, we’ll see you at the concert!
More info and tickets here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/371/-/shakespeare-winterfest-the-tempest#.VNS4453F_l8
Music. Poetry. Sibelius. Osmo. Julie Stewart, a member of SOSMN’s Leadership Team, wants you to catch the excitement about the Feb 19-20-21 concert (two weeks from now), just as she did when she was learning more about the program.
Julie writes: “When my husband and I first bought tickets to the Minnesota Orchestra’s final ‘Shakespeare’ concert (The Tempest – Feb. 19-21), we selected the concert for one simple reason: Osmo was conducting. Frankly, we’d be willing to hear just about anything Osmo chose to perform. But the selections that night – well, I wasn’t all that enthusiastic. There was going to be ‘incidental music’ written for ‘The Tempest,’ and even if the composer was Sibelius, I’m a bit of a snob about incidental music. It just seems – well, incidental. Not major. And the other work was going to be something song-y by Berlioz, you know, the guy who wrote ‘Symphonie Fantastique’ - not my favorite work, or at least, it wasn’t when I last really listened closely to it, which was about forty years ago.
“Then I decided I’d better educate myself a bit about these selections. Oh my – what a difference a little knowledge will make! Let’s start with Berlioz’s ‘Summer Nights’ (Les Nuits d’été). Based on gorgeous poems by Theophile Gautier, these songs are sensuous, delicate, passionate, filled with longing – I haven’t heard anything so lovely in a long time. And if the orchestra and mezzo soprano Lilli Paasikivi do these even half as beautifully as the recording I heard, we’ll be in for a huge treat. As for ‘The Tempest’ – have you heard this music? I take back everything snobby I ever said about incidental music – this is real music, it’s Sibelius, and the world’s foremost Sibelius interpreter will be on the podium to reveal it to us. It will be fascinating to see and hear how Sibelius has used his musical gifts to interpret Shakespeare’s masterpiece, and along with Paasikivi singing Ariel’s songs we’ll have Joe Dowling to pronounce those immortal lines, ‘This rough magic I here abjure ….’
“So now? I’m going for the music. It’s great music, not to mention great poetry. Hope to see you there!”
Thanks, Julie, we’ll see you at the concert!
More info and tickets here: http://www.minnesotaorchestra.org/buy/tickets/browse-calendar/eventdetail/371/-/shakespeare-winterfest-the-tempest#.VNS4453F_l8