Andris Nelsons has been appointed the 15th Music Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra since its founding in 1881. The announcement was made today by Chairman of the BSO Board of Trustees Ted Kelly, BSO Board of Trustees Vice Chairs Stephen B. Kay and Robert O’Block, and BSO Managing Director Mark Volpe, following a meeting of the orchestra’s Board of Trustees earlier in the day at Symphony Hall. At 34 years old, Andris Nelsons is the youngest music director to lead the Boston Symphony Orchestra in over 100 years; he is also the first Latvian-born conductor to take on the post.
It can small, but it all adds up. This sweet couple could really use our help. Won’t you please consider a donation?
Some friends of mine are dealing with tough times. Cooper and Namju, I pray for you daily, and I think of you so frequently.
This is from another oboe playing pal, Anne Krabill:
Cooper and Namju Wright live in Arizona where Cooper, a talented oboist, is finishing his doctoral degree at ASU. They have been married for seven years.
In October, 2012, during a visit to her family in Korea, Namju was diagnosed with breast cancer just a few days before Cooper was scheduled to play an important doctoral recital. Namju is still in Korea, having endured surgery and chemo, and then more surgery. Her doctors have advised a course of treatment which will require Namju to remain in Korea for at least another six months.
There is no convenient time for cancer to strike, but for this young couple the timing could not be worse. Namju has not been able to return to her job in Arizona, Cooper has been studying and teaching while his wife is in Korea and the separation has been extremely difficult for them.
Expenses have been mounting – medical bills, mortgage payments, student loans, and general living expenses. Cooper spent a couple of months in Korea immediately after Namju’s diagnosis, but had to return to Arizona in December. He will go back to Korea in May to be with Namju until October.
It is always difficult to ask for help but it is time for friends and family, and even those who have not met this lovely couple, to help in any way they can. No amount is too small or too large.
Any amount which you could contribute would be gratefully received.
Just click here to give. Thank you so much!
PUBLIC MEMORIAL TRIBUTE TO SF SYMPHONY PRINCIPAL OBOIST WILLIAM BENNETT TO BE HELD MAY 6 AT 4 PM AT DAVIES SYMPHONY HALL
Members of the Bennett family and friends, Michael Tilson Thomas, SFS musicians, SFS President Sakurako Fisher, and SFS Executive Director Brent Assink to participate
SAN FRANCISCO, April 23, 2013 – The San Francisco Symphony and the family of the late William Bennett, the Principal Oboist for the Orchestra who passed away in February, invite the public to a memorial tribute in celebration of his life on Monday, May 6 at 4 pm in Davies Symphony Hall. This event is free and all seating is general admission; no tickets are required.
Paying tribute to Bill and honoring his life, in words and music, will be members of his family and friends, SF Symphony Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas, musicians of the San Francisco Symphony, SF Symphony President Sakurako Fisher, and SFS Executive Director Brent Assink.
Bennett suffered a brain hemorrhage during his performance of the Strauss Oboe Concerto with the San Francisco Symphony February 23 at Davies Symphony Hall. He died February 28. Bennett was born in 1956 in New Haven, Connecticut. He joined the San Francisco Symphony in 1979 and became Principal Oboist in 1987. During his many years as a mainstay of the Orchestra, he attracted the esteem and admiration of colleagues and listeners. A regular soloist with the Orchestra, in 1992 he gave the world premiere of John Harbison’s Oboe Concerto with Herbert Blomstedt conducting—music commissioned for him by the SFS and which Bennett went on to perform with the Orchestra on tour in Carnegie Hall and throughout Europe, including performances in Vienna and London. He recorded that work with the Orchestra for Decca. Bennett’s other solo performances with the SFS included Francaix’s The Flower Clock and the Mozart Oboe Concerto, as well as concertos by Vivaldi, Bach, Haydn, Barber, Martin, and Cordero-Saldivia.
Bennett appeared in solo recital, concerto, chamber, and orchestral engagements throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. He performed at the Marlboro Festival, the Festival de Inverno in São Paulo, the Aspen Festival, and at the Berkshire Music Center and Music@Menlo. He was soloist and woodwind coach with the Asian Youth Orchestra. An active soloist in the Bay Area and Northern California, he performed numerous concerts with the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players, the Parlante Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Parnassus, and the orchestras of Berkeley, Fresno, Modesto, Napa, Santa Cruz, and Stockton. He was frequently featured in his own realizations/transcriptions and orchestrations of such works as the lost Beethoven Concerto and music by Debussy, Ellington, and Pasculli. He served on the faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Bennett was a graduate of Yale University, and studied oboe with Robert Bloom at Yale and at the Juilliard School of Music.
I’m so grateful for those who have been able to help Cooper and Namju. I can’t imagine going through what they are dealing with. Here is a repost of the original message in case more of you would care to help. Every dollar counts!
Some friends of mine are dealing with tough times. Cooper and Namju, I pray for you daily, and I think of you so frequently.
This is from another oboe playing pal, Anne Krabill:
Cooper and Namju Wright live in Arizona where Cooper, a talented oboist, is finishing his doctoral degree at ASU. They have been married for seven years.
In October, 2012, during a visit to her family in Korea, Namju was diagnosed with breast cancer just a few days before Cooper was scheduled to play an important doctoral recital. Namju is still in Korea, having endured surgery and chemo, and then more surgery. Her doctors have advised a course of treatment which will require Namju to remain in Korea for at least another six months.
There is no convenient time for cancer to strike, but for this young couple the timing could not be worse. Namju has not been able to return to her job in Arizona, Cooper has been studying and teaching while his wife is in Korea and the separation has been extremely difficult for them.
Expenses have been mounting – medical bills, mortgage payments, student loans, and general living expenses. Cooper spent a couple of months in Korea immediately after Namju’s diagnosis, but had to return to Arizona in December. He will go back to Korea in May to be with Namju until October.
It is always difficult to ask for help but it is time for friends and family, and even those who have not met this lovely couple, to help in any way they can. No amount is too small or too large.
Any amount which you could contribute would be gratefully received.
Every amount counts, as it all adds up. If you can help, just click here. Thank you so much!
I just received this message:
Due to security reasons related to the bombings during today’s Boston Marathon, this evening’s Boston Symphony Orchestra concert at Symphony Hall will NOT take place. The BSO will be in touch with with all patrons who were planning on attending this evening’s concert about possibly rescheduling the concert or refunds.
Sometimes this world makes me so very, very sad. My heart goes out to the families and friends of those who have been killed or are injured.
KDFC will keep the recording up, as you can read below. And yes, I’m listening at the moment. I’m sure I’ll listen again.
A tribute to SF Symphony Oboist William Bennett
In early March, our entire music community was stunned and saddened by the passing of the San Francisco Symphony’s longtime principal oboe, William Bennett. Tonight’s San Francisco Symphony broadcast is a very special tribute: the Oboe Concerto by Richard Strauss, a wonderful showcase for the virtuosity, elegance and lyricism of Bill’s playing (recorded in February).
We are fortunate to be able to share this special SF Symphony broadcast for on-demand streaming at KDFC.com beginning tonight at 10pm.
Check back at 10pm PST to stream the San Francisco Symphony Broadcast.
I still can’t wrap my brain around the loss of Bill Bennett. How those who were close can is beyond me. It really is heart breaking.
Tonight at 8:00 PM PST KDFC will be broadcasting one of his performances of the Strauss.
Just go here to listen.
Update
In addition, you can read about Bill on the SFCV site.
The video put up by Sydne Sullivan:
BOSTON POPS ORCHESTRA RELEASES NEW LIVE RECORDING OF JOHN WILLIAMS’S OBOE CONCERTO, IN CELEBRATION OF THE COMPOSER’S 81ST BIRTHDAY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8 AT BOSTONPOPS.ORG
NEWLY RELEASED DIGITAL RECORDING FEATURES JOHN WILLIAMS AS CONDUCTOR AND BOSTON POPS PRINCIPAL OBOIST KEISUKE WAKAO AS SOLOIST
I was given a link to a “limited time” recording and it’s quite accesible. You might enjoy it!
One of the wonderful things about the internet is that we can share information, and we can share it quickly. We can also help others. I have permission, via another friend, by Ron’s wife to share this information here (I always like to check before sharing information like this). I am certain every little bit will help. Please consider a donation, no matter how small.
Ron Sipes is an extraordinary musician and friend and for all of you out there who have had the pleasure to meet or know him, you know what a special man and artist he is! My friend Ron suffered a massive stroke last month, December, 2012* and is battling his way back from the brink! Ron was best man at my wedding and is not only a dear friend, but one of the most passionate musicians I know.
I’m appealing to all who have met or know Ron and even those of you who don’t, to help a fellow artist in need. Ron’s medical bills are and will continue to be astronomical and every dollar will help. No donation is too great, but more importantly, no donation is too small and every dollar will help this wonderful artist quite literally get back on his feet. I ask everyone to share this link with their fellow artists and implore the entire artistic community to help one of their colleagues in this direct and extremely effective way by donating even the equivalent of one cup of coffee. Every dollar will be appreciated equally and will help this wonderful man and artist in the most tangible way possible. Please, please take a moment to donate a small gift toward helping Ron!
I gratefully thank each and every one of you!
Dan Bowling
Please go here to help.
*In reading the link’s info the stroke was actually October 31, 2012, I believe.
Irene Dalis will be stepping down from OSJ. I read it here.
“She is the iconic San Jose cultural figure; there’s nobody to touch her,” said Andrew Bales, general director of Symphony Silicon Valley.” She aspired to be among the world’s greats and achieved it, then came back to set a standard for San Jose that had not been set before. It’s a spectacular legacy.”
It will be difficult to replace Miss Dalis. I am hopeful they will find someone who has a great knowledge of how an opera company is run, has had the appropriate experience in the big world of opera, and perhaps even raises the opera to an even higher level. I know it can happen. It will just take the right person.
… and yep, another young’un!
Mary Lynch joins The Cleveland Orchestra as second oboe in August 2012, succeeding Elizabeth Camus, who became a member of the Orchestra in 1979 and retired in August 2011. Born in Washington, DC, Ms. Lynch is currently completing her master of music degree at the Juilliard School, where she studies with Elaine Douvas and Nathan Hughes. She holds a bachelor of music degree from the New England Conservatory, where she studied with John Ferrillo. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, where she was a student of Daniel Stolper.
Ms. Lynch was principal oboe of the New York String Orchestra in 2009 and 2010. While a student in Boston, she performed as co-principal oboe of the Discovery Ensemble (2008-10), and as a frequent substitute with the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. During recent summers, she has performed at the Marlboro Music Festival, Music Academy of the West, Tanglewood Music Center, and at the Aspen Music Festival and School. Ms. Lynch was the soloist in the premiere of Benjamin Pesetsky’s Oboe Concerto, which took place in Boston in 2009. She also performed as soloist with the Borromeo String Quartet as a winner of their 2009 Guest Artist Award. In 2010, the Boston Woodwind Society selected her as winner of the Ralph Gomberg Oboe Award. Ms. Lynch is currently a Morse Fellow at the Juilliard School, and earlier was awarded a Community Performances and Partnerships Fellowship from the New England Conservatory as a member of the woodwind quintet Sirocco Winds. With Sirocco, she presented educational concerts sponsored by the Virginia Arts Festival, Rockport Chamber Music, and Concord Chamber Music Society.
Continue reading here.
Congratulations to her!
It’s funny to read about her predecessor, who started in 1979 and is now retired. Oh dear … I joined San Jose Symphony (RIP) in 1975. Hmm.
Retirement time, maybe?
Then again, I’m guessing a career in Cleveland meant a wee bit better salary, and the ability too retire?!
On Tuesday, February 14th, it was announced that David Finckel would be be leaving the the Emerson Quartet at the end of the 2012-2013 season after more than thirty remarkable years. In this special blog post, David recounts his decision and discusses his thoughts on the Emerson Quartet and his own future.
Mr. Finckel and his wife, Wu Han, run the Music @ Menlo festival and institute. I’ve yet to get up there to hear anything, but they bring in a lot of top-notch, mostly (from what I can tell anyway) non-local folks for chamber music performances, and I believe they have workshops for talented up and coming younger musicians as well. I’ve heard the concerts are mighty fine.
Here is the Emerson Quartet just a “few” years ago!
Here they are a bit more recently:
Drum roll …
The Pearl Fishers September 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 18, 21, 23
Die Fledermaus November 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 20, 23, 25
Il trovatore February 9, 10, 14, 16, 17, 19, 22, 24
Suor Angelica/Gianni Schicchi April 13, 14, 18, 20, 21, 23, 26, 28Time: All performances at 8 pm, except Sundays at 3 pm
Location: California Theatre, 345 South First Street between San Carlos and San Salvador streets, downtown San José
What a surprise to find this information (pdf) online already! I knew what the operas were to be, but knew nothing else. (I didn’t post anything here earlier, as I always wait until the season announcement has been made.) This is quite early to see Opera San José‘s season going public … makes it easier for me to figure out what San Francisco Opera series we can attend! Now to find out Symphony Silicon Valley dates.
… and for my colleagues who mostly wonder “Who is conducting what?” here you go: In this order: Anthony Quartuccio, David Rohrbaugh, David Rohrbaugh, Joseph Marcheso
It has been too long since we have given these beloved operas to the public – Bizet’s beautiful and exotic Pearl Fishers, Johann Strauss’ happy high jinx, a riveting, dramatic masterpiece of Verdi, and a double-bill of Puccini operas – one a poignantly sorrowful story, the other a sly comedy.” says General Director Irene Dalis. We will also welcome six new principal artists to our resident ensemble this season. I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate the 29th season, which I hope our audience will greatly enjoy.
Of course we still have two operas for THIS season! Next up is Traviata. We received our music nice and early and I’m looking forward to getting back into the pit!
I was sorry to read this:
After nearly 40 years on the concert scene, German bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff has decided to retire from singing due to health reasons.
The news was first reported in the German news media on Wednesday and immediately spread across international outlets. It comes on the heels of Quasthoff announcing in September that he was cancelling the remainder of his 2011 engagements due to persistent laryngitis.
In a press release on his Web site (and reposted by arts blogger Norman Lebrecht), Quasthoff stated:
“My health no longer allows me to live up to the high standard that I have always set for my art and myself. I owe a lot to this wonderful profession and leave without a trace of bitterness. On the contrary, I am looking forward to the new challenges that will now enter my life. I would like to thank all my fellow musicians and colleagues, with whom I stood together on stage, all the organizers, and my audience for their loyalty.”
No further details were given on the nature of Quasthoff’s health problems. The 52-year-old singer was born with serious birth defects caused by his mother’s exposure during pregnancy to the drug thalidomide. He spent his first years in hospitals and was initially not expected to live long.
Ahhh, that voice! Incredible.
Norman Lebrecht has a link to his interview with Mr. Quasthoff.
… I thought I’d post this information that Jeffrey left in the comment section of an FBQD:
FYI: I just started a new blog for classical musicians: Improv Insights – articles, improv games, tips, quotes for classical players who would like to know more about nonjazz improvisation. Improv Insights
-Jeffrey Agrell
