In a previous post, I commended the Southern Great Lakes Symphony for trying new things this season. One of them was a concerto competition where over fifty musicians vied for the chance to solo with the orchestra, with thirteen finalists completed in the semifinal round and four musicians coming out on top. These four will perform solos with the symphony on Sunday, February 24th, 3:00 at the Flat Rock Auditorium.
The four finalists include Russian violinist Maria Bessemltseva, now residing in Bowling Green, Ohio, flute/clarinet duo Sam and Kassia Martin of Hazel Park. flutist Alexis Czajka of Riverview.
This should be an great musical experiment for our listening enjoyment. Again, the SGLS is trying some exciting and innovative things.
Learn more about these musicians at:
http://sgls.org/join_us/american-favorites/
If you attended this concert, please comment on the performance.
Peace,
Annette DeMaggio
Songs of Joy
www.songsofjoymi.com
Friday, February 22, 2013
Friday, February 8, 2013
"How Music Works", David Byrne
I've read a few books on music and how human beings interpret this art form. Most books are informative, but many are too technical and high brow to leisurely enjoy.
"How Music Works" by David Byrne is quite enjoyable and really is a thought provoking journey into the history and context of creating music, recording and performing, and music in our modern times. So far, I've enjoyed his analysis of classical music and the venues in which they were performed. The music was impacted by the performance venue.
Additionally, he makes the point that many people now enjoy music as a passive observer versus a participant. Before recorded music, one could only experience music as a participant -- this included being part of the audience. This would include the visual and social aspects of the performance.
As a regular participant in live music (performer or audience member), I agree that there are many aspects to live music that make it superior to recorded. I regularly enjoy recorded music, but there is the thrill of the unexpected that electrifies through an audience. It's truly like walking a tight rope without a net. Anything can happen!
If you don't have a library card, get one. This book was available through the Lincoln Park Library, which means it is available through participating libraries downriver.
"How Music Works" by David Byrne is quite enjoyable and really is a thought provoking journey into the history and context of creating music, recording and performing, and music in our modern times. So far, I've enjoyed his analysis of classical music and the venues in which they were performed. The music was impacted by the performance venue.
Additionally, he makes the point that many people now enjoy music as a passive observer versus a participant. Before recorded music, one could only experience music as a participant -- this included being part of the audience. This would include the visual and social aspects of the performance.
As a regular participant in live music (performer or audience member), I agree that there are many aspects to live music that make it superior to recorded. I regularly enjoy recorded music, but there is the thrill of the unexpected that electrifies through an audience. It's truly like walking a tight rope without a net. Anything can happen!
If you don't have a library card, get one. This book was available through the Lincoln Park Library, which means it is available through participating libraries downriver.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Kudos to the Southern Great Lakes Symphony
Kudos to the Southern Great Lakes Symphony for stepping out and creating some new performance experiences. Formed in 1954, as the Allen Park Symphony, the SGLS is celebrating its 58th season. This is downriver's community symphony. I have great memories of playing second violin with the symphony as a teenager in the 1970's and again as an adult in the late 1980's.
Earlier in January, the SGLS performed Handel's Messiah as a sign-a-long. The audience was invited to bring their scores and join the choir. This event was held at St. Henry's in Lincoln Park.
Also this month, the SGLS sponsored the Downriver Concerto Competition. Thirteen soloists from as far as Boston and Baltimore, along with many local talents, entered the competition. Among the instruments were violin, viola, piano, flute, flute/clarinet duo and french horn.
Adding to the excitement was a live performance at the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church where judges and the audience selected the winner. This is a unique and exciting adventure for the orchestra, soloists and audience.
Visit their website to learn about the finalist in the competition and the rest of the season:
www.sgls.org
Way to go!
Earlier in January, the SGLS performed Handel's Messiah as a sign-a-long. The audience was invited to bring their scores and join the choir. This event was held at St. Henry's in Lincoln Park.
Also this month, the SGLS sponsored the Downriver Concerto Competition. Thirteen soloists from as far as Boston and Baltimore, along with many local talents, entered the competition. Among the instruments were violin, viola, piano, flute, flute/clarinet duo and french horn.
Adding to the excitement was a live performance at the Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church where judges and the audience selected the winner. This is a unique and exciting adventure for the orchestra, soloists and audience.
Visit their website to learn about the finalist in the competition and the rest of the season:
www.sgls.org
Way to go!
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