Mandolin Concerts of Note

[Alex Timmerman]

Hi MLT,

That's a great idea! I would love to come with Het CONSORT to a future CMSA meeting. Have to think about that, but it sure is something to work on!

Best, Alex.

[Alex Timmerman]

Hi All,


To keep you all informed:

Ο Δήμος Πρέβεζας & η Περιφερειακή Ενότητα Πρέβεζας σε συνεργασία με την Ολλανδική πρεσβεία και τον Ελληνο-Ολλανδικό Εμπορικό και Βιομηχανικό Σύνδεσμο (HEDA) παρουσιάζουν τρεις νέους σολίστ κλασικής μουσικής από την Ολλανδία, βραβευμένους από το ίδρυμα «Πριγκίπισσα Χριστίνα». Η εκδήλωση γίνεται αποκλειστικά στην Αθήνα και την Πρέβεζα. Οι βραβευμένοι μουσικοί είναι: Valentina Toth (πιάνο) Dineke Nauta, (σαξόφωνο) Ferdinand Binnendijk (μαντολίνο) Θα παρουσιάσουν έργα J.S.Bach, B.Bartόk,Z.Kodaly κ.α. Πέμπτη 10 Νοεμβρίου, στις 8.30 μμ. Πολιτιστικό Κέντρο Δήμου Πρέβεζας. Με την υποστήριξη των ωδείων της πόλης.


Translation:

The Municipality of Preveza and and the Regional Section of Preveza, in cooperation with the Dutch embassy and the Greek-Dutch Commerce & Industry Association (HEDA) invited three young classical music soloists from the Netherlands, all awarded by the Foundation "Princess Christina" to give concerts. The events takes place exclusively in Athens and Preveza.
The award-winning musicians are: Valentina Toth (piano), Dineke Nauta, (saxophone) and Ferdinand Binnendijk (mandolin). They will perform works by i.e. J.S. Bach, B. Bartok, Z. Kodaly.
Thursday, November 10, at 8.30 pm in the Cultural Center of Preveza. Concert made possible with the support of the city's conservatories.


Tuesday, November 8th, 2011, Athens, Greece.
Concert on the invitation of the Dutch Ambassy in Greece and the HEDA (Hellenic Dutch Association of Commerce and Industry) -
For more info please contact the Dutch Embassy in Greece.

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011, Athens, Greece.
Concert in the Residentie of the Dutch Ambassader in Greece -
For more info please contact the Dutch Embassy in Greece.

Thursday, November 10, at 8.30 pm in the Cultural Center of Preveza. Concert made possible with the support of the city's conservatories.
For more info please contact the Cultural Center of Preveza, Greece.


Best from Holland,

Alex.

[vkioulaphides]

Hmm... Remarkable! With the aid of that book I just brought you, only last weekend, you have managed to master writing in Greek instantly! ;-)

Seriously, now: best of luck to young Ferdinand. I hope my birthplace becomes one of his favorite places, as has his for me. :-)

Cheers,

Victor

[Martin Jonas]

Rather short notice, I'm afraid (and probably not particularly of note):

Our ensemble, the Wirrall Mandoliers, play a short free concert at Wallasey Central Library today, Saturday 19 November, from 1530h to 1615h. All welcome! Set will be largely Italian ballo liscio tunes with a few early 20th century mandolin orchestra tunes and one Bernardo de Pace piece.

Martin

[brunello97]

Wish I could be there, Martin. Any chance of the performance being recorded or filmed?

Mick

[Ferdinand Binnendijk]

Hello everyone,

As one of the awards in the Prinses Christina Concours, 11 december there will be a concert 'Ferdinand Binnendijk & Friends' in the Musis Sacrum in Arnhem (The Netherlands)

The program:
Ferdinand Binnendijk, mandoline & Annegreet Rouw, harp:
Ludwig von Beethoven – Adagio ma non Troppo
Maurice Ravel – Pièce en forme de Habanera
Raffaele Calace – Rondò
Astor Piazzolla – Café 1930
Vittorio Monti – Czardas
--Break--
Het Consort o.l.v. Alex Timmerman
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Symphony 23
Yasuo Kuwahara - The Song of the Japanese Autumn
Carlo Munier - Capriccio Spagnuolo (mandolin solo: Ferdinand Binnendijk)

[Alex Timmerman]

And it was a really nice concert! Thanks Ferdinand, Annegreet and all the fine players of Het CONSORT.

For those who could not be there; here are some photo's to share:

[Alex Timmerman]

... ... ... Listen how beautiful music can be!

[mandobuzz]

Love the music, performance, and harp/mando combination. Thanks for sharing, Alex. A++ stuff.

[Alex Timmerman]

Hello Mandobuzz,

Your reply is really appreciated! And I'll forward it to Ferdinand and Annegreet. Thanks!

Here is for those who would have liked to come to the concert, but who couldn't; a new video recording of Mozart's Symphony No. 23 (KV 181) performed by Het CONSORT at last week's concert.


Enjoy and best greetings from a gray and rainy Zwolle, Alex & Consorters.

[Alex Timmerman]

And from the same concert: "Café 1930" by Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) performed by the Dutch Mandolin & Harp Duo Ferdinand Binnendijk & Annegreet Rouw .

Best, Alex.

[Steven C. Antonelli]

The New York Mandolin Ensemble is happy to announce our upcoming concert.
Here are the details:
New York Mandolin Ensemble
January 8, 2012 2:00 p.m.
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Auditorium
331 East 70th Street
New York City
Admission is by Donation

The Program

Symphony in D / Gervasio
Apples and Oranges / Antonelli
Passacaglia Pizzacata / Kioulaphides
Diamonds in the Rough / Carter
Two Bourrees / Praetorius
Sonia Raga / Goldberg
Intermission
Four Machines / Antonelli
Goldberg Variation / Bach (Arranger Fugate)
Bourree I: English Suite II / Bach (Arranger Fugate)
Little Spot in Heaven / Marty Robbins
Round Midnight / Monk (Arranger Fugate)
Two Sonatas (87 and 430) / Scarlatti (Arranger Kioulaphides)

The Ensemble
Steven Antonelli / Mandolin, Mandocello, Guitar / Co-Director
Victor Kioulaphides / Mandolin / Co-Director
Wayne Fugate / Mandolin, Mandola, Octave Mandolin
Stephanie Mack / Bass
Rich Robinson / Guitar
Khabu (Douglas Young) / Ukulele, Cavaqhinho
Roy Goldberg / Mandolin
Diane McKoy / Vocals
Alfonso Mogaburo / Percussion

[Acquavella]

Hello,

I will be travelling a little bit in February. Just want to let all you west coast people know about my upcoming concerts and workshops. Please help spread the word. Hope to see you there.


2012, February

1st
7:00pm - Solo concert at Cardiff by the Sea Public Library. Chris Acquavella will be presenting an hour long solo mandolin concert titled, "La Storia del Mandolino". Music will range from baroque to contemporary periods, performed on baroque and modern instruments, using period techniques. Music by O'Carolan, Bach, Calace, Persichini, Munoz, Kioulaphides, Ochi. This will be a 1 hour concert with a reception after. Venue: Cardiff By The Sea Public Library, 2081 Newcastle Ave., Cardiff, CA. 92007. Tickets: FREE (performance sponsored by Friends of the Cardiff by the Sea Library).

12th
1:00pm - 4:00pm: Matinee Workshop in Walnut Creek, CA. Chris will be teaching a workshop & performing an evening concert of solo repertoire (7:00pm). The Classical Mandolinist Overview - Left & Right Hand technique: This workshop is an overview of the techniques needed for classical mandolin repertoire. We will work on left & right hand coordination, left hand dexterity & accuracy, as well as classical right hand technique. The class will learn exercises & simple pieces from the classical repertoire. We will start in the 1700s and work our way to modern day (Leone, Calace & Strauss). Chris designs his workshops to be educational and fun for all levels of playing. Venue: Home of Mark M. Rubenstein M.D., 147 Los Altos Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. Tickets: Workshop only: $50/Workshop & Evening Concert: $60. Booking Information: 925-932-6650/email: markmd@earthlink.net. To reserve your spot & purchase tickets please send checks to: Mark M. Rubenstein, M.D., 147 Los Altos Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94598.

12th
7:00pm - Solo Concert in Walnut Creek, CA. Chris Acquavella will be presenting a lovely evening of solo mandolin repertoire from the baroque to contemporary periods. Music by Sauli, Munoz, Kioulaphides, Ochi, Calace, Bach, Hlouschek, Nakano, Kalberer and much more. This will be a 2 hour concert with intermission. Venue: Home of Mark M. Rubenstein M.D., 147 Los Altos Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. Tickets: Concert Only: $25/ Workshop (1:00pm) & Evening Concert: $60. Booking Information: 925-932-6650/email: markmd@earthlink.net. To reserve your spot & purchase tickets please send checks to: Mark M. Rubenstein, M.D., 147 Los Altos Avenue, Walnut Creek, CA 94598. Note: Seating is limited so please book your tickets early.

17th
7:30pm - Solo Concert in Seattle, WA. Chris Acquavella will be presenting an evening of solo mandolin repertoire from the baroque to contemporary periods. Music by Sauli, Munoz, Kioulaphides, Ochi, Calace, Bach, Telemann, Nakano, Kalberer and much more. This will be a 2 hour concert with intermission to meet the artist. Venue: Home of Sue Lesser. Tickets: $25. To book tickets please contact Sue Lesser at Sulesser@gmail.com. SEATS ARE VERY LIMITED. RESERVE YOUR TICKETS ASAP. - ONLY 4 TICKETS LEFT!!! 1/11/12

18th
2:30pm - Mandolin Workshop in Seattle, WA. The Classical Mandolinist Overview - Left & Right Hand technique: This workshop is an overview of the techniques needed for classical mandolin repertoire. We will work on left & right hand coordination, left hand dexterity & accuracy, as well as classical right hand technique. The class will learn exercises & simple pieces from the classical repertoire. We will start in the 1700s and work our way to modern day (Leone, Calace & Strauss). Chris designs his workshops to be educational and fun for all levels of playing. Venue: Cornish College of the Arts, PONCHO Concert Hall : 710 East Roy St. Seattle WA 98102. Tickets: FREE to Public. (sponsored by Cornish College of the Arts) For more information or to reserve tickets, please email Sue Lesser at Sulesser@gmail.com.

19th
1:00pm - Mandolin Workshop in Portland, OR. The Classical Mandolinist Overview - Left & Right Hand technique: This workshop is an overview of the techniques needed for classical mandolin repertoire. We will work on left & right hand coordination, left hand dexterity & accuracy, as well as classical right hand technique. The class will learn exercises & simple pieces from the classical repertoire. We will start in the 1700s and work our way to modern day (Leone, Calace & Strauss). The workshop will end with the ensemble learning & playing a piece together. Come learn from this year's 2011 Mandolin Symposium & CMSA classical mandolin teacher. Chris designs his workshops to be educational and fun for all levels of playing. Venue: Outer SE Portland near 156th and Division, Portland, OR. (exact address will be provided once reservation is booked.) Tickets: $50. Booking Information: Contact Anna Steirer at Anna_steirer@yahoo.com or call 503-780-8315.

19th
6:00pm - Chris Acquavella & Rio con Brio Concert in Portland, OR. Chris will be sharing the stage with Portland friends, Rio con Brio, for an evening of Brazilian choro, jazz and original acoustic music. Rio con Brio will be joined on stage by a Portuguese fado singer. This is sure to be a very special evening of exciting acoustic music. Seating is limited so reserve your tickets asap. Venue: House Concert; Mt. Tabor Neighborhood, SE Portland (exact address will be provided once reservation is booked.) Tickets: $15 donation. Booking Information: Tim Connell: connman1971@yahoo.com.


Best wishes,

Chris Acquavella

[Nick Royal]

Mike Marshall presented his Mandolin Concerto last weekend as a part of the New Music Works program here in Santa Cruz, CA.
I was involved in helping to put on another concert, and couldn't attend, but feedback I got fr. friends who did go and hear Mike said they really enjoyed both his piece and his playing.

[margora]

The Providence Mandolin Orchestra is pleased to announce the following concert:

The Providence Mandolin Orchestra
Mark Davis, Director
Arts in the Village Concert Series
Goff Memorial Hall, 127 Bay State Road, Rehoboth MA


Saturday, February 11, 2012, 8 PM

I

Concerto #3 ("Brandenburg"), BWV 1048 J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Allegro moderato
Adagio
Allegro

Sinfonia a pizzico (2009) Victor Kioulaphides
Overture: Allegro brilliante
Canzonetta: Andante con moto
Scherzo: Presto assai
Finale: Allegro assai

II.

Nocturne (2010)* Frank Wallace

Neponset Valley Suite (2011) Owen Hartford
River Bottom
Currents
Evening

Oblivion Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992)
arr. R. A. Margo

Sky Colored Lake (1994) Robert Martel

*US Premiere

Program Notes by Robert A. Margo

Of the six works by Bach known as the Brandenburg Concertos, #3 in G Major is the one most suited for and frequently performed on plucked strings. The arrangement performed this evening by the Providence Mandolin Orchestra assigns two of the three cello parts to classical guitar.

Born in Athens, Greece in 1961, the composer Victor Kioulaphides has produced a lengthy catalog of solo and ensemble works for mandolin that has enjoyed widespread critical and popular acclaim. Set in four movements, Kioulaphides’ "Sinfonia a pizzico" pays homage to Felix Mendelssohn in commemoration of the composer’s bicentennial (1809-2009). Kioulaphides writes that he “always felt that Mendelssohn's light, delicate touch, his magical skill of conjuring up musical imagery, his consummate mastery of articulation would lend itself perfectly to plucked instruments. My Sinfonia is a large-scale, challenging, perhaps even daunting work: it develops one, single musical idea, all the way from the opening strains of the first movement to the concluding chords of the last movement.”

A prolific composer for modern classical guitar and an eminent performer on early plucked strings and modern guitar, Frank Wallace’s "Nocturne" is his first large scale composition for mandolin ensemble. The ten minute work in one movement was jointly commissioned by the German mandolin ensemble, “JugendZupfOrchester Northrhine Westfalia” (JZO NRW), and by Robert Margo for the PMO. The work was premiered in Europe recently by JZO NRW and receives its first US performance this evening by the PMO.

Owen Hartford has written many works for the PMO over his long tenure with the group. His latest composition, in three movements, is the "Neponset Valley Suite". The main theme of the first movement, “River Bottom”, is undulated and jagged, while the second movement, “Currents”, eddies back and forth between gentle harmonies and starkly chromatic lines in 13/8. Drawing on minimalist impulses, “Evening” alternates between 4/4 and 3/4 before the “River Bottom” theme returns.

Astor Piazzolla composed "Oblivion" for Marco Bellocchio’s film Enrico IV, an adaptation of the classic play by Luigi Pirandello. With its soaring, nostalgic theme set against the insistent milonga rhythm, Oblivion is one of Piazzolla’s most enduring and popular works. The concert closes with an old PMO favorite, Robert Martel’s rock-influenced Sky Colored Lake, a staple of the modern repertoire for mandolin ensemble.

Director: Mark Davis
First Mandolin: Joshua Bell (concertmaster), Yvette Cote, Duane Golumb, Chang Lee, David Miller
Second Mandolin: Lynne Bell, Christine Chito, Owen Hartford, Paul Wilde
Mandola: Mark Chuoke, Mack Johnston, Robert Margo
Mandocello: Dan Moore, Matt Snyder
Guitar: Mark Armstrong, Beverly Davis, Michael Hession
Bass: Hiatt Knapp

The original Providence Mandolin Orchestra was founded in 1913 by William Place Jr., one of the leading virtuosos of the mandolin in the United States during the instrument’s “Golden Age” of the early 20th century. The modern version of the PMO dates from 1971, when it was revived by Hibbard Perry. Since then the PMO has become the leading American mandolin ensemble with regular performances throughout the eastern United States and Western Europe. Currently the PMO is directed by Mark Davis, who pursues an active career as an educator, conductor, and performer. The PMO is dedicated to the performance of contemporary music, including pieces written for the ensemble. In the past five years the PMO has given US or world premieres of new works by Clarice Assad, Betty Beath, Richard Charlton, Owen Hartford, Victor Kioulaphides, Annette Kruisbrink, Stephen Lalor, Olaf Naslund, Robert Schultz, Emile Stopler, Caroline Szeto, Francine Trester, and Frank Wallace. Also over the past five years the PMO has embarked on an ambitious program of joint performances with leading European mandolin ensembles, including Het Consort (The Netherlands, directed by Alex Timmerman); the Ensemble a Plectre de Toulouse (France, directed by Alain Corvocchiola); the JZO NRW (Germany, directed by Christain de Witt); and the Orchestra of the International Mandolin Academy (Italy, directed by Carlo Aonzo).

[joebrent]

Anyone planning on being in New York on March 2? I'm recording a live album with Kelli Rae Powell at Jalopy. We're doing the whole set once at 7 and again at 10 so we get two good takes of everything, and so if you can't make one, there's always the other. Pretty excited about it, it's a real family affair. Kelli's husband is Jim McNamara, the harmonica player is Shaky Dave Pollack, and they're three of my best friends in the world. And the picture for the poster below was taken by my reallyratherveryspecial ladyfriend Jen. And I live just around the corner from Jalopy, a reallyratherveryspecial place. So anyone who comes to either show must stop by my place for a between/after show beverage with the band.

[margora]

CORRECTION: The PMO concert at Goff Hall on Saturday, February 11, is at 7:30 PM.

[eightmoremiles]

Not exactly a concert, but the Louisville Mandolin Orchestra will be performing for the Italian Cultural Institute at its "Carnevale" on Tuesday night. This is the Italian version of Mardi Gras, with maskers, performing artists (blush), excellent cannolis, but none of that bawdiness (alas) that distinguishes the New Orleans version. I am getting my tremolo ready.

[vkioulaphides]

I know that famed mando-virtuosa Gertrud Weyhofen is currently on tour, with my Sonata Marittima on her programs, among (of course) several other works. She and I corresponded briefly as she was about to depart (from Germany) and I was busy rolling on the floor with my nephews (in Greece).

So I know precious little by way of detail; should anyone know more regarding Gertrud's stops along that tour, pray, tell... Her concerts, no doubt, are "of note"— and then some!

Cheers,

Victor

[Alex Timmerman]

For those not yet familiar with that wonderful Sonata for mandolin and guitar by Victor, here is a video link to Ferdinand Binnendijk and Saskia Spinder performing it.

Best, Alex.

[vkioulaphides]

Indeed, that is a FANTASTIC performance of the piece! I cannot think of anything more that a composer could ever dream of.

And what a proud history this score has had! Written for Tove Flensborg, Denmark's premier mandolinist, then performed by such a brilliant young star like Ferdinand, currently on Gertrud Weyhofen's tour programs— and then I just find out that it will be recorded by Mauro Squillante, a peerless Italian artist!

I could not be happier. The performers of my works do me more honor than I could ever thank them for. All I can say is Tutti bravi! Each one's unique artistic personality shines through. And that is how it should be. (There is a wonderful comment by noted author/musician Charles Rosen that I would like to quote on this subject; let me please look it up...)

Cheers to one and all,

Victor

[Eugene]

Nicely done, and nice nautical theme!

[vkioulaphides]

Thank you, Eugene! And what an IMMENSE pleasure it truly is, to see you in these parts of cyberspace again!

As for all things maritime, my family has in fact been at sea since the 12th century, going back to Venetian and Genovese times in the Eastern Mediterranean. You can take the boy out of the saltwater, but not the opposite, so to speak.

---

Found that quote, and offer it for everyone's artistic contemplation:

"The problem is a delicate one, and it lies at the heart of our conception of music. If music is not a mere notation on paper, then its realization in sound is crucial. We assume generally that the ideal performance is the one the composer imagined as he wrote the piece, and that this imagined ideal performance is the real piece [italics are mine], not the notes on the paper [...] But this assumption is flimsy and fails to stand up under examination. And none of these— not the imagined or the actual performance or the schematic representation on paper— can be simply equated with a work of music."

Charles Rosen, The Classical Style

Merge this healthy dose of skepticism with my innate artistic liberalism and you will easily see why I am so delighted to find my works in the hands of so many, wonderful, wonderfully different performers. It does not get any better than this sort of pluralism.

Cheers,

Victor

[vkioulaphides]

Terribly sorry to not have mentioned the illustrious journey of the Sonata up the New England coast, then across the pond to maritime France, in the hands of my nearest and dearest Mark & Beverly Davis. Memory fails, sometimes. I sure hope that such negligence is among the more forgivable Sins of Omission.

Cheers,

Victor

[vkioulaphides]

This is admittedly tenuous as a "mandolin" concert but, truth be told, it was indeed a performance of a work for mandolins, later re-orchestrated for an ensemble combining a wind quintet with (orchestral) string quintet. It is none other than my Quartetto Classico No.3, appropriately subtitled "Manhattan" that was the origin of the later piece. I am happy to attach the very, very positive review. As for the mandolin quartet itself, it still is on offer, and at zero cost.

http://cityarts.info/2012/02/22/musi...nds-modernity/

Cheers,

Victor