Concert at Festival on the Greene
REGISTER-STAR
Chamber Orchestra at Bard and Caruso Contest in Hudson
The Conservatory 'Chamber Orchestra of Bard College performed an outstanding program at the Sosnoff Theatre in the Richard B. Fisher Center at Bard on May 11th. The program opened with Joseph Haydn's (1732-1809) "Te Deum" of 1800. This great late Haydn work is without vocal soloists. The Bard College Chamber Singers, Directed byJames Bagwell, sang the work with rich sonority and beautiful Latin diction.
Maestro Leon Botstein conducted both chorus and orchestra with marvelous elan. This writer has not heard Botstein conduct since he did Schumann's "Das Paradies und die Pei" many seasons ago. Botstein has grown both in musical sensitivity and conducting technique and shows a relaxed mastery that brings the best from his musicians. One could sum up this marvelous Haydn piece with the composers own words "The thought of God fills me with suck confidence, such joy, that I should set even a 'miserere' to cheerful music." The double fugue to the words "0 Lord, in Thee I have trusted: let me never be confounded" soared movingly towards the heavenlies.
The greatest joy of the evening was the performance of Louis Spohr's (1784-1859) "Violin Concerto No. 8 in A Minor, op. 47" of 1816 played by the l8-year-old violinist Luosha Fang. Miss Fang is a find just like Ashley Bathgate was several seasons ago. Sphor, a great violinist-composer of his time and the inventor of the chin-rest for the violin wrote this concerto in the bel canto vocal style of 19th Century Italian Opera. It is a gorgeous work, unduly neglected. Luosha Fang in the radiance of her playing reminded one of the young Annie Sophie Mutter. She achieved on the violin, a vocal beauty reminiscent of the great singing of the late Brazilian Soprano Bidu Sayao. Her technique is quite astounding and her lartistic focus and platform ease most impressive. Maestro Botstein accomoanied the violinist said that Concert Master Di Wu in the seat of first violinist was superb. The audience loved the concert if one counted the bravos.
The Hudson City School District hosted the Altamura Caruso International voice competition semi-finals and an operatic Gala Concert was held at the Hudson High Auditorium on May 12.
The concert could have been billed "The Thirteen Sopranos" for among the finalists there were only four baritones, two tenors, and two mezzo-sopranos. All the semi-finalists has fine voices and some were extraordinary.
The concert began with the "Improvise" from Giordano's Andrea Chenier. Tenor Francsesco Valpa looked a bit like Enrico Caruso and though light voiced for the aria, sang with wondetful expression. Michele Serrano Mauritz tackled Firodeligi's perilous "Come Scoglio" from Mozart's "Cois Fan Tutte" and had the bad vocal habit of not keeping her head straight and crimped the tone as she looked to the floor. Soprano Alison Bolshoi's rich voice reminded one of Helen Traubel. She sang Leonora's aria from Beethoven's "Fidelio" more wondetfully than the artist that recently sang the role in a "Met" broadcast. Audrey Luna was dazzling in Zerbinetta's long coloratura scene from Richard Strauss' opera "Ariadne auf Naxos". A high point of the evening was Soprano Son Hyun Hee's glorious singing of Casta Diva from Bellini's "Norma". Neli Riemer brought brilliant coloratura and fine theatricality to the Doll Song from Offenbach's "Tales of Hoffinan". Christine Steyer was right in character as Nedda in her scene from "Pagliacci". Takish Kizart brought memories of Leontvne Price in her aria form Verdi's "Forza del Destine", Soprano Dara Rahming sang "Tacea La Notte" from Verdi's "Trovatore" with exquisite vocal sound and brought the cabaletta off superbly. Baritone Jose Andrade declaimed his scene from Wagner's "Das Rheingold" tellingly. Baritone Jason Switzer produced a swallowed vocal tone in the first act.
The program, ended with the "Eroica Symphony No.3 in E flat Major opus 55" of Beethoven (1770-1827). Written in 1803, the symphony was originally to be dedicated to Napoleon, but when Bonaparte had himself crowned Emperor of France, Beethoven struck down the dedication in furious indignation. This historic Beethoven symphony expanded the scale of the symphony becoming a point of departure for the great composers of the 19th century and well into the 20th. It was a particular pleasure to hear this work, often treated as a 'War Horse" played by the young musicians with an inspired combination of fresh beauty and wonder which only young gifted artists can bring to a great work.
It must be tone rang out impressively oboist Pamela Slater accompanied by Michael Fennel played a delicious medley of the operas of Donizetti.
And so it went Michael Fennel and David Maiulo were marvelously supportive panists.
It is wonderful that the 'I' Counties have in their midst charismatic Altamuras which contribution to world opera is significant and their artistic presence in the Hudson Valley, enrichment. At the entrance the auditorium the "Can Museum" located in Brook had a stunning display of Memorabilia on view for additional enjoyment of the concert audience.
John Paul Keeter
Register-Star
REGISTER-STAR
"The final weekend of the 2001 Altamura Festival of Arts and Cultures was so exciting it recalled the beginnings of the Marlboro Festival 50 years ago. While the Beethoven Fifth Symphony was performed with exquisite brio, the outstanding musical event of the weekend was Maestro Karel Chichon's reading of Beethoven's monumental Seventh Symphony. On the strength of his interpretation, one hopes this youthful conductor of genius will become a household name.
The Altamura Festival at Round Top deserved the enthusiastic response of classical music lovers of the twin counties. The entire community and its businesses will undoubtedly benefit greatly from this new international cultural summer festival."
John Paul Keeter
Register-Star
THE GREENVILLE PRESS
"Tucked away in the mountains at Round Top, New York, the newly-opened Altamura Festival of Arts and Cultures is a magical place. At the heart of the magic is the internationally known soprano, Carmela Altamura, who sees a 'dream come true' on Winter Clove Road. Already the festival sparkles with the creativity and talent of vocal and instrumental musicians from around the world."
Dollie Gull
The Greenville Press
THE DAILY MAIL
"Philanthropists Leonard and Carmela Altamura, a local couple, have played a starring role in bringing performances of international quality to Greene County. During the 2001 Festival, the orchestra and soloists' performance of the hauntingly beautiful Faure Requiem was an inspiration."
Kathryn Caggianelli
The Daily Mail
THE DAILY MAIL
"The scenes from Bellini's opera were ravishingly sung and acted. In their closing duet, mezzo Anna Tonna and the beautiful soprano, Ana Camelia Stefanescu, a Modigliani portrait come to life, merged soaring intensity and caressing 'bel canto' in a perfection that would proudly grace any of the world's great opera houses."
John Paul Keeter
The Daily Mail
ROMANIA YOUTH COUNCIL
May 7, 2003
Dear Mrs. Altamura:
We send you our warmest wishes.
We are so impressed by your energy and goodwill, and by the projects you initiated at the placement Center Number 8 here in Bacau. We hope these initiatives represent just the beginning of a fruitful collaboration in the future. We await with interest the development of your proposed project.
Our children have gained such confidence because of the great goodwill and love shown them during your visit. Please receive our sincere expression of gratitude and warm thanks.
We wish you long, lasting health and many professional achievements.
Sorin Brasoveanu, General Director
Romanian Youth Council
Bacau, Romania
TELEGRAM FROM THE POPE
On the occasion off the VI Altamura/Enrico Caruso International Voice Competition, USA, his Excellency, the Pontefice, extends his best wishes. He expresses his appreciation for the noble initiatives the competition has established, and hopes that this event contributes, through the gift of song, to the spiritual growth and solidarity among participants. May the music promote a spirit of brotherhood and peace. His Excellency sends to all competition organizers his apostolic benediction.
Cardinal Angelo Sodano
Secretary of His Sanctity
Telegram, Igio Co Cittą del Vaticano
Chamber Orchestra at Bard and Caruso Contest in Hudson
The Conservatory 'Chamber Orchestra of Bard College performed an outstanding program at the Sosnoff Theatre in the Richard B. Fisher Center at Bard on May 11th. The program opened with Joseph Haydn's (1732-1809) "Te Deum" of 1800. This great late Haydn work is without vocal soloists. The Bard College Chamber Singers, Directed byJames Bagwell, sang the work with rich sonority and beautiful Latin diction.
Maestro Leon Botstein conducted both chorus and orchestra with marvelous elan. This writer has not heard Botstein conduct since he did Schumann's "Das Paradies und die Pei" many seasons ago. Botstein has grown both in musical sensitivity and conducting technique and shows a relaxed mastery that brings the best from his musicians. One could sum up this marvelous Haydn piece with the composers own words "The thought of God fills me with suck confidence, such joy, that I should set even a 'miserere' to cheerful music." The double fugue to the words "0 Lord, in Thee I have trusted: let me never be confounded" soared movingly towards the heavenlies.
The greatest joy of the evening was the performance of Louis Spohr's (1784-1859) "Violin Concerto No. 8 in A Minor, op. 47" of 1816 played by the l8-year-old violinist Luosha Fang. Miss Fang is a find just like Ashley Bathgate was several seasons ago. Sphor, a great violinist-composer of his time and the inventor of the chin-rest for the violin wrote this concerto in the bel canto vocal style of 19th Century Italian Opera. It is a gorgeous work, unduly neglected. Luosha Fang in the radiance of her playing reminded one of the young Annie Sophie Mutter. She achieved on the violin, a vocal beauty reminiscent of the great singing of the late Brazilian Soprano Bidu Sayao. Her technique is quite astounding and her lartistic focus and platform ease most impressive. Maestro Botstein accomoanied the violinist said that Concert Master Di Wu in the seat of first violinist was superb. The audience loved the concert if one counted the bravos.
The Hudson City School District hosted the Altamura Caruso International voice competition semi-finals and an operatic Gala Concert was held at the Hudson High Auditorium on May 12.
The concert could have been billed "The Thirteen Sopranos" for among the finalists there were only four baritones, two tenors, and two mezzo-sopranos. All the semi-finalists has fine voices and some were extraordinary.
The concert began with the "Improvise" from Giordano's Andrea Chenier. Tenor Francsesco Valpa looked a bit like Enrico Caruso and though light voiced for the aria, sang with wondetful expression. Michele Serrano Mauritz tackled Firodeligi's perilous "Come Scoglio" from Mozart's "Cois Fan Tutte" and had the bad vocal habit of not keeping her head straight and crimped the tone as she looked to the floor. Soprano Alison Bolshoi's rich voice reminded one of Helen Traubel. She sang Leonora's aria from Beethoven's "Fidelio" more wondetfully than the artist that recently sang the role in a "Met" broadcast. Audrey Luna was dazzling in Zerbinetta's long coloratura scene from Richard Strauss' opera "Ariadne auf Naxos". A high point of the evening was Soprano Son Hyun Hee's glorious singing of Casta Diva from Bellini's "Norma". Neli Riemer brought brilliant coloratura and fine theatricality to the Doll Song from Offenbach's "Tales of Hoffinan". Christine Steyer was right in character as Nedda in her scene from "Pagliacci". Takish Kizart brought memories of Leontvne Price in her aria form Verdi's "Forza del Destine", Soprano Dara Rahming sang "Tacea La Notte" from Verdi's "Trovatore" with exquisite vocal sound and brought the cabaletta off superbly. Baritone Jose Andrade declaimed his scene from Wagner's "Das Rheingold" tellingly. Baritone Jason Switzer produced a swallowed vocal tone in the first act.
The program, ended with the "Eroica Symphony No.3 in E flat Major opus 55" of Beethoven (1770-1827). Written in 1803, the symphony was originally to be dedicated to Napoleon, but when Bonaparte had himself crowned Emperor of France, Beethoven struck down the dedication in furious indignation. This historic Beethoven symphony expanded the scale of the symphony becoming a point of departure for the great composers of the 19th century and well into the 20th. It was a particular pleasure to hear this work, often treated as a 'War Horse" played by the young musicians with an inspired combination of fresh beauty and wonder which only young gifted artists can bring to a great work.
It must be tone rang out impressively oboist Pamela Slater accompanied by Michael Fennel played a delicious medley of the operas of Donizetti.
And so it went Michael Fennel and David Maiulo were marvelously supportive panists.
It is wonderful that the 'I' Counties have in their midst charismatic Altamuras which contribution to world opera is significant and their artistic presence in the Hudson Valley, enrichment. At the entrance the auditorium the "Can Museum" located in Brook had a stunning display of Memorabilia on view for additional enjoyment of the concert audience.
John Paul Keeter
Register-Star
REGISTER-STAR
"The final weekend of the 2001 Altamura Festival of Arts and Cultures was so exciting it recalled the beginnings of the Marlboro Festival 50 years ago. While the Beethoven Fifth Symphony was performed with exquisite brio, the outstanding musical event of the weekend was Maestro Karel Chichon's reading of Beethoven's monumental Seventh Symphony. On the strength of his interpretation, one hopes this youthful conductor of genius will become a household name.
The Altamura Festival at Round Top deserved the enthusiastic response of classical music lovers of the twin counties. The entire community and its businesses will undoubtedly benefit greatly from this new international cultural summer festival."
John Paul Keeter
Register-Star
THE GREENVILLE PRESS
"Tucked away in the mountains at Round Top, New York, the newly-opened Altamura Festival of Arts and Cultures is a magical place. At the heart of the magic is the internationally known soprano, Carmela Altamura, who sees a 'dream come true' on Winter Clove Road. Already the festival sparkles with the creativity and talent of vocal and instrumental musicians from around the world."
Dollie Gull
The Greenville Press
THE DAILY MAIL
"Philanthropists Leonard and Carmela Altamura, a local couple, have played a starring role in bringing performances of international quality to Greene County. During the 2001 Festival, the orchestra and soloists' performance of the hauntingly beautiful Faure Requiem was an inspiration."
Kathryn Caggianelli
The Daily Mail
THE DAILY MAIL
"The scenes from Bellini's opera were ravishingly sung and acted. In their closing duet, mezzo Anna Tonna and the beautiful soprano, Ana Camelia Stefanescu, a Modigliani portrait come to life, merged soaring intensity and caressing 'bel canto' in a perfection that would proudly grace any of the world's great opera houses."
John Paul Keeter
The Daily Mail
ROMANIA YOUTH COUNCIL
May 7, 2003
Dear Mrs. Altamura:
We send you our warmest wishes.
We are so impressed by your energy and goodwill, and by the projects you initiated at the placement Center Number 8 here in Bacau. We hope these initiatives represent just the beginning of a fruitful collaboration in the future. We await with interest the development of your proposed project.
Our children have gained such confidence because of the great goodwill and love shown them during your visit. Please receive our sincere expression of gratitude and warm thanks.
We wish you long, lasting health and many professional achievements.
Sorin Brasoveanu, General Director
Romanian Youth Council
Bacau, Romania
TELEGRAM FROM THE POPE
On the occasion off the VI Altamura/Enrico Caruso International Voice Competition, USA, his Excellency, the Pontefice, extends his best wishes. He expresses his appreciation for the noble initiatives the competition has established, and hopes that this event contributes, through the gift of song, to the spiritual growth and solidarity among participants. May the music promote a spirit of brotherhood and peace. His Excellency sends to all competition organizers his apostolic benediction.
Cardinal Angelo Sodano
Secretary of His Sanctity
Telegram, Igio Co Cittą del Vaticano
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