The New Mexico Philharmonic announces its Zoo Concert Series with four unique and diverse concerts held at the Rio Grande Zoo Amphitheater.

Saturday, May 11, 2013, 8pm
A Night at the Movies

Sunday, May 12, 2013, 2pm
Mother’s Day Concert

Saturday, May 18, 2013, 8pm
Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra

Saturday, May 25, 2013, 8pm
Memorial Day Weekend Concert

Please visit our Zoo Concert page for complete details and ticket information on the NMPhil’s Zoo Concert Series.

Zoo Concert Flyer (pdf)

Watch and listen to NMPhil interviews and read concert reviews!

Interview: Guitarist Ottmar Liebert (Video)

Interview: Conductor Andrew Grams (audio)

REVIEW: Russian Masterworks, Saturday, April 13, 2013

REVIEW: Rachmaninoff & Ravel, Saturday, March 9th, 2013

Interview:  Pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk on Good Day New Mexico (Video)

REVIEW:  Wagner, Mendelssohn, Prokofiev: Saturday,  January 19, 2013

Conductor Grant Cooper discusses  the NMPhil’s upcoming performances of Romeo & Juliet with KUNM’s Spencer Beckwith.

REVIEW:  Verdi, Elgar, and Brahms, November 10, 2012

Conductor Dante Anzolini discusses the Brahms Requiem and Elgar’s Enigma Variations with Spencer Beckwith on KUNM

Watch NMPhil’s Executive Director Marian Tanau interviewed on Good Day New Mexico

Listen to Conductor Clark Suttle and Host Brent Stevens Discuss Introduction to the Classics I on KHFM

Listen to Uriel Segal interviewed on KUNM

REVIEW:  Mahler  Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection,” September 15, 2012

The New Mexico Philharmonic would like to congratulate Rachel Gallegos and Maria Vigil for their first prize wins at the 2013 McGehee Young Artists’ Competition.  They will both perform with the New Mexico Philharmonic on its February 23rd and 24th concerts.  Congratulations to you both!

Rachel Gallegos, violin, will perform Mozart’s Concerto No. 5 in A Major.

At the age of six, Rachel Gallegos began playing the violin in Albuquerque, New Mexico under the instruction of Kristin Cram. She joined Mad About Music, a touring youth string ensemble directed by Susan Kempter during her fifth grade year. At this same time she became introduced to the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program as a member in the Albuquerque Junior String orchestra. She continued with Mad About Music until her eigth grade year, auditioning and making the Albuquerque Junior Symphony as a first violinist.She continued in the program entering high school as second violinist in the Albuquerque Youth Symphony and making first violin her sophomore year. Over the past several summers, Rachel has been involved in the Ottawa, Kansas string music camp, Sound Encounters, as well as the joint AYS and University of New Mexico’s Sandia Music Festival. As a junior at Albuquerque High School she is involved in tutoring violin students, various ensembles, a member of the AYS orchestra, first violinist in the AYS, and a volunteer at Sunday Chatter. She is committed to maintaining a high academic performance and plans to pursue violin performance in college, continuing to share her love for music. Rachel’s parents are Daniel and Elena Gallegos. Her violin teacher is Kristin Cram.

Maria Vigil, piano, will perform Schumann’s Piano Concerto in a minor.

Maria Vigil is a junior at Albuquerque Academy, which she has attended since eighth grade. She has been playing piano for thirteen years, since the age of four. She has competed in local and regional competitions since the age of nine, in both the Honors Auditions and the MTNA Junior/Senior Performance Competitions. This past November, she received an Honorable Mention in the MTNA Senior performance Competition in Santa Fe, playing a program which included the first movement of Beethoven’s “Waldstein” Sonata and Two Rachmaninoff Preludes, in addition to other selections of music. She plans to continue competing on piano in the future. In addition to playing piano, she is also involved in several choral groups at the Academy, one of which will be performing at Carnegie Hall in March, 2013. She hopes to study medicine in college and become a medical professional, but will undoubtedly continue to include music as an integral part of her life. Maria’s parents are Dr. Anthony and Kristin Vigil. Her piano teacher is Lawrence Blind.

For more information on these performances, or to buy tickets, please visit:

February 23 & 24 Neighborhood Concerts

Here’s Your Chance to Drive a New Lexus for $100!

New Mexico Philharmonic Holding Drawing—Only 1,000 Tickets Available

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – ALBUQUERQUE, NM, February 6, 2013—If you missed your chance to win a brand new Lexus CT 200h in last season’s drawing sponsored by the New Mexico Philharmonic, don’t make that mistake again!

The winner of the 2013 Annual Car Raffle will drive away in a quality automobile that is not only beautifully designed, but an economical hybrid that is easy on the budget as well. This sleek hybrid that is the Top Safety Pick of the Insurance Industry for Highway Safety is valued at over $30,000 and features the pre-collision system that is a breakthrough in automobile safety.

Tickets to enter the June drawing for the Lexus are only $100 per person, and only 1,000 tickets will be sold, greatly increasing each ticketholder’s opportunity to win. The winner need not be present at the drawing

To purchase tickets for the drawing, entrants can either mail a check in an amount totaling the number of tickets being purchased payable to New Mexico Philharmonic, P.O. Box 21428, Albuquerque, NM 87154 and note “Lexus” on the check, or they may call (505)323-4343 to purchase with a credit card. The winner will be responsible for paying taxes and registration.

All net proceeds will benefit the New Mexico Philharmonic, which is in its exciting second season of concert series that include: the Classical Series at Popejoy Hall; Sunday Afternoons at the National Hispanic Cultural Center; the Pops Series at Popejoy Hall and Kiva Auditorium; the Neighborhood Concert Series at area houses of worship; and the Introduction to the Classics Series held at the KiMo Theatre. 

As the major professional orchestra in the state, the New Mexico Philharmonic is committed to inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds through its artistic excellence, innovative programming and educational and community engagement. The New Mexico Philharmonic is a non-profit corporation recognized as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS. To learn more about upcoming performances or to become a volunteer, please visit www.nmphil.org. Donations are gratefully accepted at www.nmphil.org/contrib.

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Media Contact: Chris Rancier    505-263-2959    crancier@comcast.net

Conductor Grant Cooper discusses the NMPhil’s upcoming performances of Romeo & Juliet  with KUNM’s Spencer Beckwith.  Listen here.

Performances take place at the National Hispanic Cultural Center on Saturday, January 12, 6pm, and Sunday, January 13, 2pm.

BUY TICKETS

New Mexico Philharmonic Grateful for Generous Donation of Stock Valued at $130,000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBUQUERQUE, NM, October 17, 2012—The New Mexico Philharmonic today announced that it has received a very generous gift of stock valued at over $130,000 from Linda Buffett. “We are so pleased with the generosity of this individual, who has over this past year seen the growth of the New Mexico Philharmonic from a fledgling organization to a vital cultural force in Albuquerque and New Mexico,” said Executive Director Marian Tanau. “Linda Buffett was proud to provide this gift in support of the New Mexico Philharmonic and has been a long-standing ticket holder. This gift was given in recognition of our creative programming, commitment to youth education and plans for long-term growth.”

The New Mexico Philharmonic was organized in the late spring of 2011, and in its first season presented a Classical Concert Series at Popejoy Hall that featured five performances. In the spring, two concerts in the Neighborhood Series were presented in area religious facilities.  An avant gard PULSE program at the KiMo Theatre brought international talent to the stage that combined electronic music and film. Community concerts, youth concerts and outdoor concerts at the Albuquerque Biological Park Zoo completed the orchestra’s inaugural season.

In the 2012-2013 Season the NM Phil offers seven performances in the Classical Series at Popejoy Hall and eight Sunday Afternoons at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, six of which are unique to this series.

The very popular Pops Series brings national and international talent to the stage with three concerts at Popejoy and two at the Kiva Auditorium. The Introduction to the Classics Series at the KiMo Theatre offers educational and entertaining talks on the development of classical music, followed by stirring performances of music of the period.

The Neighborhood Concert Series brings four distinctive programs in five performances held in the more intimate settings of area religious facilities. One performance will feature the winners of the Jackie McGehee Young Artists Competition in Piano and Strings.

The orchestra performs at various community concerts and will end the 2012-2013 Season with outdoor performances at the Albuquerque Biological Park Zoo.

This fall the New Mexico Philharmonic introduced a greatly expanded educational platform that involves children from kindergarten through high school. The Music Education Mission creates powerful musical experiences and in-depth learning for young audiences, and develops partnerships with community organizations to support and sustain a music education program of the highest quality.

El Sistema offers in-depth, hands-on music education to 20 elementary students in a Title 1 APS school. Ensemble Visits offer performances and teachable moments to small groups of elementary students. Popejoy Hall Concerts for Children bring over 12,000 4th and 5th grade students and parent chaperones to hear live performances of music selected especially for their age level. Fusion Performances offer joint music and visual events to ten APS middle and high schools to engage students in a new experience of aural and visual learning about music. Music in Four Corners will bring concerts to area middle and high schools.

As the major professional orchestra in the state, the New Mexico Philharmonic is committed to inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds through its artistic excellence, innovative programming and educational and community engagement. The New Mexico Philharmonic is a non-profit corporation recognized as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS. To learn more about upcoming performances or to become a volunteer, please visit www.nmphil.org. Donations are gratefully accepted at www.nmphil.org/contrib. Those interested in donating securities to the New Mexico Philharmonic can contact Christine Rancier at 505-263-2959.
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Media Contact: Chris Rancier
505-263-2959
crancier@comcast.net

Congratulations to the NMPhil 2012 Raffle Car Winner, Alan B. Ray, holder of ticket number 104.

Thank you all for supporting the NMPhil!

Alan B. Ray (left), Winner of the 2012 NMPhil Car Raffle, pictured with NMPhil Executive Director, Marian Tanau (right).

NEWS RELEASE

New Mexico Philharmonic Announces Programming for 2012-2013 Neighborhood Concert Series

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBUQUERQUE, NM, August 17, 2012—The New Mexico Philharmonic today announced an expanded Neighborhood Concert Series that features five exciting programs in eight performances. The series was introduced in the 2011-2012 Season and is designed to present exceptional musical performances in a more intimate atmosphere.

The Series will open at the Cathedral of St. John on Sunday, October 14^th at 4 p.m. when Grant Cooper conducts the New Mexico Philharmonic in a performance of Berlioz’s “Hungarian March” from The Damnation of Faust, plus Poulenc’s Organ Concerto and Saint-Saens’s Symphony No. 3, ” Organ Symphony” with Maxine Thevenot at the organ.

The ever-popular holiday favorite, Handels’ Messiah, will be performed on Saturday, December 8^th at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 9^th at 3 p.m. at the Central United Methodist Church. David Felberg conducts the New Mexico Philharmonic, with Jerilyn Foster conducting the Central United Methodist Choir.

On Saturday, February 2^nd at 7 p.m. Byron Herrington will conduct the orchestra in a performance of Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante for Flute, Oboe, French Horn and Bassoon, K297b, with Valerie Potter on flute, Kevin Vigneau on oboe, Stefanie Przybylska on bassoon and Nathan Ukens on horn. The program will include Bizet’s Symphony in C. The concert will be performed at Congregation Albert.

A special treat is in store for those who love hearing our best young talent when the winners of the Jackie McGehee Young Artists Competition perform with the New Mexico Philharmonic at St. John’s United Methodist Church. Performances are scheduled for Saturday, February 23^rd at 7 p.m. and Sunday, February 24^th at 3 p.m. Matthew Greer will conduct the St. John’s United Methodist Chancel Choir, with soloists Cammy Cook, soprano, Jacqueline Zander-Wall, mezzo-soprano, Javier Gonzalez, tenor, and Ivan Conrad, bass in a performance of Beethoven’s Mass in C. Solo concertos by the winners of the competition will be announced at a later date.

The season finale will take place on Friday, March 15^th at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 17th at 3 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. John when Bach’s powerful St. John Passion will be performed under the baton of Maxine Thevenot. Featuring Polyphony: Voices of New Mexico and soloists Paula Swalin, soprano, Patrick Fennig, countertenor, Lawrence Jones, tenor, Christopher Herbert, baritone, and Edmund Connolly, bass-baritone. Steven Caldicott Wilson will perform the role of the evangelist.

Season tickets are now available by calling NMPhil office at 323-4343. Single concert tickets are also available at this time at www.nmphil.org. Single ticket prices are $25, $40, and a $55 VIP ticket, which includes a post-concert reception with the artists. Season ticket buyers save 20 percent on the five-concert package.

All concert venues are centrally located: Cathedral of St. John is at 318 Silver Avenue SW (at 3^rd Street); Central United Methodist Church is at 201 University Blvd. NE, just north of Central; Congregation Albert is at 3800 Louisiana Blvd. NE, just south of Montgomery; St. John’s United Methodist Church is at 2626 Arizona NE, just north of Menaul.

As the major professional orchestra in the state, the New Mexico Philharmonic is committed to inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds through its artistic excellence, innovative programming and educational and community engagement. The New Mexico Philharmonic is a non-profit corporation recognized as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS. To learn more about upcoming performances or to become a volunteer, please visit www.nmphil.org. Donations are gratefully accepted at www. nmphil.org/contrib.

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Media Contact: Chris Rancier
505-263-2959
crancier@comcast.net

 NEWS RELEASE

New Mexico Philharmonic Pops Series Concerts

Season and Single Tickets Now Available

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBUQUERQUE, NM, June 26, 2012—Season and single concert tickets for the five-concert New Mexico Philharmonic Pops Series are now available for fans of the genre.

The Pops Series begins at Popejoy Hall on Saturday, September 8^th at 6 p.m. with “Dave Bennett’s Tribute to Benny Goodman,” a night of swing-era classics by a clarinet prodigy who brings to life the music of “The King of Swing.”

On December 15^th at 6 p.m. the sounds of the season will fill Popejoy Hall with the “Holiday Joy” concert conducted by Randol Bass, who is joined by The Choir of the Cathedral of St. John, the Manzano Day School Choir, and special guest, Mayor Richard J. Berry, narrating the beloved poem, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Moving to the Kiva Auditorium at the Albuquerque Convention Center, on Saturday, October 13^th at 6 p.m. the Pops Series offers an evening of music and comedy with mime Dan Kamin in a program entitled “Charlie Chaplin at the Symphony.” Everything goes wrong at a classical concert when the Classical Clown shows up to wreak havoc. Two timeless Chaplin comedies, Easy Street and The Immigrant are introduced, accompanied by new symphonic scores by the evening’s conductor, Grant Cooper, music director of the West Virginia Symphony.

Popejoy Hall becomes the scene for romance on Saturday, February 9,2013 at 6 p.m. with the program, “Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Ann Hampton Callaway.” Nominated for a “Best Actress in a Musical” Tony® Award for her role in “Swing!,” Callaway won the Theatre World Award for “Outstanding Broadway Debut,” and garnered a number of other prestigious awards.  Roger Melone conducts the New Mexico Philharmonic in a performance that will leave the audience in a romantic mood!

Head back to the ‘70s at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 6^th when “The Music of ABBA” comes alive on the Kiva Auditorium stage. Some of the most danceable music ever performed is resurrected by the talented Swedish group, “Arrival.” Since their formation in 1995, Arrival has toured over 35 nations and appeared on television and radio shows throughout the world. They are the only group with the exclusive right to copy ABBA’s original colorful outfits, and the only group to receive an unreleased ABBA song directly from the original group. This is the closest you will ever get to seeing the real ABBA.

Fans of the Pops Concerts should purchase tickets early as the popular series is expected to sell out quickly. A 10% discount is available by subscribing to the five-concert series. Details and an order form are available at www.nmphil.org or by calling 505-323-4343.

Ticket prices for all Pops concerts are: A Section $68.50; B Section $46.50; C Section $35.50; D Section $19.50.

Single tickets for Pops concerts at Popejoy Hall can be purchased at www.unmtickets.com, UNM Ticket Offices at The Pit (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.), at the UNM Bookstore (Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.), and at all Albertsons supermarkets in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Santa Fe. They can be purchased by phone at 505-925-5858 (Monday – Friday10 a.m.- 4 p.m.).
Single tickets for Pops concerts at the Kiva Auditorium can be purchased at www.holdmyticket.com, the Hold My Ticket box office in the Sunshine Building at 112 2nd St. SW, or by calling 505-886-1251.

For quick links to purchasing single tickets on line, visit www.nmphil.org.

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Media Contact: Chris Rancier    505-263-2959    crancier@comcast.net

Saturday, September 15, 2012, 6pm, Popejoy

Mahler Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection”

Uriel Segal, conductor
Paulette Berman Fagen, soprano
Susan Platts, alto
New Mexico Symphonic Chorus

 BUY TICKETS

Join the New Mexico Philharmonic for eight Sunday afternoon concerts at the NHCC!

New Mexico Philharmonic Announces 2012-2013 Concert Series at the National Hispanic Cultural Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBUQUERQUE, NM, June 14, 2012—The New Mexico Philharmonic today announced a new series of concerts to be performed at the National Hispanic Cultural Center that includes eight matinee performances.

The NHCC Series begins on Sunday, September 16^th at 2 p.m. with Uriel Segal conducting an encore performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection,” with soprano Paulette Berman Fagen and mezzo-soprano Susan Platts. The program will be a repeat of the concert performed at Popejoy Hall on Saturday, September 15^th.

Next on the NHCC Series schedule on Sunday, September 23^rd at 2 p.m. will be Clark Suttle conducting an all-Bach program that includes the Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, the Concerto in D Minor, Concerto in G Minor, and the Brandenburg Concerto No. 5. Seán Duggan, two time winner of the Bach Competition in Washington D.C. and a Benedictine monk, will solo on piano.

On Sunday, November 11^th at 2 p.m. Dante Anzolini conducts soprano Sharla Nafziger, baritone Edmund Connolly, the New Mexico Philharmonic and The Choir of the Cathedral of St. John in Verdi’s Overture to La Forza del destino, Elgar’s Enigma Variations, and Brahms’s Requiem.

The fourth installment in our NHCC series is on Sunday, January 13^th at 2 p.m. Grant Cooper will conduct Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet Ballet with the New Mexico Ballet Company. And on Sunday, January 27^th at 2 p.m. Christopher Confessore will conduct a program featuring Craft’s From a Distant Mesa, with tenor Brian Cheney, and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7.

The Sunday, February 10^th 2 p.m. concert features local favorite David Felberg conducting Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1, and Shostakovich’s Symphony No 1. Special guest will be 11-year-old piano prodigy Ishan Loomba.

Philip Mann takes the podium on Sunday, March 3^rd at 2 p.m. to conduct Rossini’s Overture to The Barber of Seville, Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A Major with guest artist James Shields, and Schubert’s Symphony No. 9.

The final concert of the season is scheduled for Sunday, April 7^th at 2 p.m. Santa Fe resident Robert Tweten will conduct and solo on piano in a program that includes Mozart’s Overture to Le nozze di Figaro and his Piano Concerto K488, plus Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 3.

For information on subscription savings, call 323-4343. Individual tickets are available now at the National Hispanic Cultural Center Box Office, online by clicking the Buy Tickets links on the individual concerts, or by calling 724-4771.

BUY THE FULL SERIES AND SAVE 10%

NHCC Subscription Form (pdf)

NHCC Complete Schedule (pdf)

As the major professional orchestra in the state, the New Mexico Philharmonic is committed to inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds through its artistic excellence, innovative programming and educational and community engagement. The New Mexico Philharmonic is a non-profit corporation recognized as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS. To learn more about upcoming performances or to become a volunteer, please visit www.nmphil.org. Donations are gratefully accepted at www.nmphil.org/support.

Media Contact: Marian Tanau
734-308-5372
mtanau@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBUQUERQUE, NM, June 11, 2012—The New Mexico Philharmonic today announced the opening of single ticket sales for the 2012-2013 Classical Series at Popejoy Hall.

The Classical Series will offer seven concerts. Sales of series subscriptions have been underway for two months, and the ability to purchase single-performance tickets is now available to all fans of the New Mexico Philharmonic.

Single ticket prices for these Classical concerts are:
A Section $68.50
B Section $46.50
C Section $35.50
D Section $19.50

Single performance tickets for the Popejoy Hall Classical Series concerts can be purchased as follows:
Order online.
Call UNM Ticketing Services at 925-5858.
Visit either of the UNM ticketing offices: Main Campus Bookstore at Central & Cornell NE, Tuesday through Friday 10 AM – 6 PM; Pit Ticket Office, northeast corner, 1111 University Blvd. SE. Monday through Friday 8:30 AM – 5 PM
At most Albertsons supermarkets.

As the major professional orchestra in the state, the New Mexico Philharmonic is committed to inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds through its artistic excellence, innovative programming and educational and community engagement. The New Mexico Philharmonic is a non-profit corporation recognized as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS. To learn more about upcoming performances or to become a volunteer, please visit www.nmphil.org. Donations are gratefully accepted at www.nmphil.org/support.

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Media Contact: Marian Tanau
734-308-5372
mtanau@gmail.com

Ruxandra Simionescu-Marquardt, violin

Romanian-born violinist Ruxandra Simionescu-Marquardt attended the ‘George Enescu’ School of Music and Conservatory of Music in Bucharest, where she was profoundly influenced by professors Stefan Gheorghiu and Modest Iftinchi. As a young musician, she won several prizes and medals in international competitions such as “Concertino” Prague (1981), Henri Wieniawski (1983), Tibor Varga (1985), All-Romania Prize (1981, 1982) and participated in the Yehudi Menuhin Competition.

In 1986, she left Communist Romania to participate in the Indianapolis Violin Competition, defecting to the U.S. immediately afterward. She continued her studies at Indiana University with Joseph Gingold and at Syracuse University, where she joined the faculty from 1990 to 1998. In 1988, she became the youngest Associate Concertmaster in the U.S., a position she held for 13 years. She was also Principal Second Violin and Concertmaster (2008-2009) of the Jacksonville Symphony in Florida from 2002 to 2012 and appeared as guest Concertmaster of the Rhode Island Philharmonic and the New Mexico Philharmonic (2013). She played under many noted conductors, including Kazuyoshi Akiyama, Fabio Mechetti, James DePriest, Raymond Leppard, and Andrew Litton.

Ms. Simionescu-Marquardt’s solo performances include appearances with the Bucharest Philharmonic, the Bucharest Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Syracuse Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, Gainesville Chamber Orchestra, Boston Virtuosi, Coastal Symphony of Georgia and the San Marco Chamber Society. As a chamber musician, she has participated in the Bayreuth Festival (1985), Skaneateles Music Festival (1991-2000), Eastern Music Festival (2002), and the Grand Tetons Festival (2003).

Ms. Simionescu-Marquardt is a dedicated and highly prized violin teacher. She has maintained successful studios for the last 25 years and has prepared several young musicians for competitions and noted conservatories around the country. She is also highly sought after as a coach and clinician for musicians preparing for auditions in professional and youth orchestras.

In 2012, she moved to the beautiful state of New Mexico and lives in Rio Rancho with her husband, Paul Marquardt, a composer and pianist. They are appear frequently as musical partners in numerous duo recitals and chamber music concerts.

John Morris Russell

The 2012/2013 marks John Morris Russell’s second full season as Conductor of the Cincinnati Pops, one of Cincinnati’s most treasured assets and one of the world’s most respected pops orchestras.  Consistently winning international praise for his extraordinary music-making and visionary leadership, he was recently named Music Director of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, in Hilton Head, South Carolina.  He completed his role as Music Director of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra in Ontario, Canada at the end of the 11/12 season whereupon he was named that orchestra’s first Conductor Laureate.

With his position at the Pops, Mr. Russell leads performances at Cincinnati’s Music Hall and the Riverbend Music Center; additionally he conducts the orchestra in concerts throughout the Greater Cincinnati region as well as on tour—serving as a musical ambassador to help cultivate the reputation of the Cincinnati region as one of the world’s leading cultural centers.  No stranger to Cincinnati audiences, for many seasons John Morris Russell served as Associate Conductor of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.  He was recognized for his innovative programming and commitment to attracting new and diverse audiences to orchestral music, creating the Classical Roots: Spiritual Heights series, which brought the music of African-American composers and performers to thousands of listeners in area churches, and was also the co-creator of the Christmas spectacular, Home for the Holidays.

As a guest conductor, Mr. Russell has worked with many of North America’s most distinguished ensembles, leading Canadian orchestras that include Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Orchestra London.  In the US he has conducted the orchestras of Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Dallas, Louisville, Miami’s New World Symphony, the Minnesota Orchestra, Oregon Symphony, Colorado Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, New York Pops, New York City Ballet, New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl, and the Cleveland Orchestra at the Blossom Music Festival.   Abroad he conducted at the famed Musikverein in Vienna in a concert that featured the Harlem Boychoir, the Vienna Choir Boys and the actor Gregory Peck. The performance continues to be televised throughout Europe, Japan and in the USA on PBS.

2011-2012 marked Mr. Russell’s eleventh and final season as Music Director of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra.  While at Windsor he fostered a decade of unprecedented artistic growth and invigorated the musical life of the Windsor-Essex region.  Under John Morris Russell’s baton, the WSO made seventeen national broadcasts on CBC Radio 2; the most recent broadcast recording of Aurora Borealis by Jordon Nobles, was selected to represent Canada in June, 2010 in the 57th annual International Rostrum of Composers in Lisbon, Portugal. The WSO’s first nationally televised production was created with Mr. Russell for the CBC Television series Opening Night, and subsequently won the Gold Worldmedal for “Best Performance Program” at the New York Festivals Awards for Television and New Media, as well as a Gemini Award Nomination. In 2006 the Windsor Symphony Orchestra released Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf narrated by the internationally acclaimed actor, Colm Feore, and Last Minute Lulu, composed by WSO Composer-in-Residence, Brent Lee, with text by the Newbery Medal winning author, Christopher Paul Curtis. The recording won Mr. Russell and the WSO its first Juno nomination for Best Children’s Album in 2008.  Mr. Russell helped nurture many new voices in Canadian music, conducting numerous Windsor premiers of important Canadian works and over 45 world premiers of commissioned compositions.  He created the WSO’s first multi-year composer-in-residence position, and was deeply involved in the production of the annual Windsor Canadian Music Festival, described by CBC producer David Jaeger as, “one of the most exciting and innovative developments to appear lately in the Canadian musical scene.”  A two-time recipient of Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor’s Award for the Arts, as well as the Ontario Arts Council’s Vida Peene Award for Artistic Excellence, in 2010 Mr. Russell received the prestigious Herb Gray Harmony Award by the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County, in recognition of the WSO’s programming and outreach activities. In October of 2010 he was honored as the first recipient of the Arts Leadership Award by the Windsor Endowment for the Arts, in recognition of the enormous contribution he has made to the region’s cultural life.   And in the spring of 2011 the University of Windsor awarded John Morris Russell an Honorary Doctor of Law degree.

John Morris Russell is widely considered one of North America’s leaders in orchestral educational programming. From 1997 to 2009 he conducted the “LinkUP!” educational concert series at Carnegie Hall, the oldest and most celebrated series of its kind, created by Walter Damrosch in 1891 and made famous by Leonard Bernstein. The “Sound Discoveries” series Mr. Russell developed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra remains a leading model for educational concerts. In Windsor, his commitment to education was evidenced by his creation of concert series and projects that included Peanut Butter n’ Jam, Family Jamboree and One Community—One Symphony plus he spearheaded the creation of The Windsor-Essex Youth Choir and the Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestra.

John Morris Russell has also served as associate conductor of the Savannah Symphony Orchestra, director of the orchestral program at Vanderbilt University, and music director with the College Light Opera Company in Falmouth, Massachusetts. He received a Master of Music degree in conducting from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Williams College in Massachusetts. He has also studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Aspen Music Festival in Colorado, and the Pierre Monteux School for Conductors in Hancock, Maine.

Bosque School Choir

Cantate is one of five vocal ensembles at Bosque School in Albuquerque, New Mexico and is an auditioned choir comprised of students in grades 9-12. Cantate performs works of all genres and has commissioned two contemporary a cappella works in the past six years. In addition to regular performances for morning meeting, Cantate is routinely asked to perform for prestigious campus events, numerous community events, and has traveled and performed in Los Angeles, CA, Savannah, GA, Houston and Dallas, TX, and on the world famous Carnegie Hall stage in New York City. Most recently, the choir performed on stage at Disneyland as part of the Disneyland Permorming Artists series.  During the 2011-2012 school year, Cantate was asked to perform with Quintessence and in 2012-13 participated in a Master Class with VOCES8 at Bosque School. Along with regular choir concerts, members of the choir are showcased in a very popular Spaghetti and Serenades evening of solos and ensembles.  Treble Ensemble is one of the five vocal ensembles at Bosque School and showcases unchanged voices in a non-competitive class that focuses on vocal technique and projection.  Treble Ensemble is comprised of students in grades 9-12 and performs for many functions at Bosque School including morning meeting and other fun opportunities such as Otter Day!

Joanna Carlson Hart, director

Joanna Carlson Hart is a graduate of the Master’s Program in Vocal Performance at the University of New Mexico and received her bachelor’s degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, where she studied under the renowned conductor and composer, René Clausen. Ms. Hart has sung roles with the Santa Fe Opera, Opera Southwest, UNM Opera Theatre, and the International Opera Academy in Rome, and as a soloist with the Albuquerque Philharmonic, Concordia Choir, St. Joseph Symphony, UNM Orchestra, and the Concordia College Orchestra. In the fall of 2011, Ms. Hart performed the soprano solo under the direction of Dr. Clausen at Avery Fischer Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City for his piece, Memorial.  She is in her eighth year as director of choirs at Bosque School, an independent College Preparatory School, and has found another love in teaching. Under her direction, the choirs have grown from six students to seventy five in the upper school, and doubled in size in the middle school.  Ms. Hart conducts five different choirs ranging from sixth through twelfth grade.   Ms. Hart is often invited to adjudicate solo and ensemble and choral festivals throughout New Mexico and around the country.

Kisma Jordan, soprano

Kisma Jordan, soprano, a native of Detroit, is emerging as one of the country’s most luminous vocal talents. On the opera stage as well as in concert and recital, she has been recognized for her soul-stirring communicative ability and “shimmering soprano voice,” as noted by The New York Times.  She has won top prizes in The Fritz and Lavinia Jensen Vocal Competition, The Belcanto Vocal Scholarship, The Baltimore Music Club and The National Association of Teachers of Singing. As a Semi-finalist of the 2010 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, she has been privileged to receive gracious Education Fund Awards from the Met.

In 2011, Jordan was awarded the A. Grace Lee Mims Vocal Scholarship by the Cleveland Foundation. She also made solo debuts with the Omaha Symphony Orchestra as part of their Masterworks Series, followed by the Louisiana Philharmonic and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Her most recent performances include Nedda in Repertory Opera Theatre of Washington’s production of Pagliacci, and Anne Trulove at the Baltimore Lyric Opera in their production of The Rake’s Progress. This fall, Jordan performed the Vier Letze lieder (The Four Last Songs) with the Peabody Symphony Orchestra as part of her award as winner of the Sylvia L. Green Voice Competition.

Jordan began her undergraduate studies at Kentucky State University where she was awarded a full academic and vocal music scholarship. Although not a vocal performance major upon entering KSU, her love of music, private voice studies, opera theatre experiences and concert choir activities proved too strong a passion to ignore. She earned the Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance in 2004, and now holds graduate degrees in vocal performance from Bowling Green State and most recently, Peabody Conservatory.

Hugh Panero, tenor

Hugh Panaro has been described as “the leader of Broadway’s dwindling supply of great leading men.” Critically lauded and adored by fans, he demonstrates versatility, charisma, tremendous vocal talent, and, in the words of one former co-star, movie star good looks.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 19, 1964, Hugh’s love of animals interested him in a career in veterinary medicine. However, after seeing his first Broadway show, Hugh immediately fell in love with theatre. His first role, Friedrich, in a regional production of The Sound of Music, came when he was twelve.

Hugh, who was a church organist at Saint Helena’s Roman Catholic Church during high school and accompanied his mother on the organ or piano at weddings, studied music at Temple University (BA in voice, class of ’85)

Moving to New York City immediately after graduation, Hugh quickly found a role in I Have Found Home. He played a German immigrant in the show which took place on a ferry to the Statue of Liberty. He later obtained his Equity card with the role of Mary Sunshine in regional production of Chicago.  In 1988, Hugh originated the role of Marius Pontmercy in the first national touring production of Les Miserables, moving up to the Broadway company several months later. He was then cast by Hal Prince as Raoul de Chagny, the romantic young hero in Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical The Phantom of the Opera. His next role was as Julian Craster in Jules Styne’s final musical, the ill-fated The Red Shoes in 1993.  Subsequent roles included Gaylord Ravenal in Show Boat (Broadway, Toronto, and London), Buddy Foster in the original production of Side Show, and David in the independent film, Broadway Damage.

In 1999, Hugh returned to the Majestic Theatre, this time to don the iconic mask in The Phantom of the Opera. Six months later, he originated the title role in the U.S. tour of Martin Guerre. Following Martin Guerre, Hugh drew praise for performances in Gentleman Prefer Blondes and Merrily We Roll Along in Los Angeles and as Anthony Hope in the Kennedy Center’s 2002 production of Sweeney Todd.

After an off-Broadway run in LaChiusa’s Little Fish, Hugh returned to play The Phantom in 2003. One of the most popular actors to fill the role, he remained with the show until October 2005, leaving to play the seductive, conflicted vampire Lestat in the Elton John musical based on Anne Rice’s successful novels.

In autumn 2006, Hugh was invited to play Bobby in the 5th Avenue Theater (Seattle) production of Sondheim’s pivotal musical, Company. His performance was praised as “exquisitely accomplished.” Following Company, Hugh has appeared in a number of concerts, including benefit shows at Joe’s Pub, Birdland Jazz Club, and City Center.

In 2008, he starred as Jean Valjean in the Walnut Street Theatre’s outstanding production of Les Miserables, a role which earned him praise from audiences and reviewers alike, as well as the Barrymore award.  The following spring, he played the title role in the 5th Avenue Theatre’s production of Sunday In The Park With George.  He then starred in Oliver!, again at The Walnut in his native Philly, and also maintained an active concert schedule performing with symphonies around the world.

On September 7, 2010, Hugh returned to Broadway’s Majestic Theatre to again play the iconic Phantom, a role he continues to play at present.

His genuine charm and humility, matched with a gorgeous smile, have made him a true fan favorite at many stage doors. While Hugh embraced a career in the theatre over one as a veterinarian, he remains a self-described animal freak with a particular fondness for dogs (especially his black Labradoodle, Soot).

Christiane Noll, soprano

CHRISTIANE NOLL starred on Broadway in the Kennedy Center Revival of Ragtime, receiving Tony and Drama Desk award nominations and winning a Helen Hayes award for her portrayal of Mother.  Broadway and National Tour appearances include Chaplin, Urinetown (Ovation Award), The Mambo Kings (pre-Broadway), It Ain’t Nothin’ but the Blues, Jekyll & Hyde, Grease, Miss Saigon, and South Pacific (Australia/Thailand). She is a frequent guest soloist with symphony orchestras around the world, including the National Symphony Orchestra with Marvin Hamlisch, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra with Eric Kunzel, Jerusalem Symphony with Don Pippin, Philadelphia Pops with Peter Nero, Boston Pops with Keith Lockhart, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra with Jeff Tyzik, as well as international appearances with Sinfonica Brasileira in Rio, China Philharmonic with concert pianist Lang Lang, and orchestras in Hong Kong, Czech Republic, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She made her Carnegie Hall debut with Skitch Henderson, in his last pops performance with The New York Pops, and more recently sang with Steven Reineke for Stephen Sondheim’s 80th Birthday Celebration at Carnegie Hall. She made her Hollywood Bowl debut singing with Julie Andrews, and her opera debut with Placido Domingo in The Merry Widow, as well as City Center Encores! The New Moon, The Student Prince, Pirates Of Penzance and The Mikado.

Her Premieres include The Witches Of Eastwick, Frankenstein, Ace (Helen Hayes nom), Call the Children Home, Little by Little, and Lizzie Borden; Film credits: The King & I (Singing Anna – Warner Brothers Animated Feature); and Favorites: Closer Than Ever revival, Little Shop of Horrors, Mack & Mabel (Conn. Critics Circle Award), The Baker’s Wife, Into the Woods, and Carousel. She has made appearances with Town Hall’s Broadway by the Year, Lincoln Center American Songbook Series, Feinstein’s, Joe’s Pub, 54 Below, and Birdland. Ms. Noll’s Solo Recordings include A Broadway Love Story, Live at the West Bank Café, The Ira Gershwin Album,

For more information, please visit ChristianeNoll.com.

by D. S. Crafts
for the Journal

There is probably no better piece with which to open a symphony concert than the Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila by Glinka. It is full of a vivacious, irresistible energy that immediately pulls the audience into the proper spirit. That is exactly what happened Saturday night when it began the New Mexico Philharmonic concert in Popejoy Auditorium–a program of Russian classics that brought pianist Daniel Goiti and guest conductor Oriol Sans to town.

Romanian pianist Daniel Goiti is renowned throughout his native country and Eastern Europe especially, but has performed to acclaim with many of the great orchestras. No wonder, as he played with command and sensitivity beginning with the bold sequence of chords which opens the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto. Oddly, the grandly bombastic theme which everyone recalls does not return and the movement is built almost entirely from the secondary theme.

Fulsome sonorities and thunderous octaves combined with light filigree passagework, traversing the full range of modern pianistic technique, as Goiti quickly ingratiated himself to the Popejoy audience. With the cadenza it was clear he had a story to tell with the rhetoric of a master orator. The Andantino semplice became a generous partnership with a play of winds and strings, the brass ultimately joining the affair. The nimble folk-like theme of the Allegro con fuoco gave way to the lyrical grandeur summoned compellingly in the final moments.

The performance was fresh, never routine. A classic work well and truly played and for it Goiti was treated to the high volume of congratulatory applause for which Albuquerque audiences have become reputed, and which has made New Mexico an anticipated stop on a concert tour.  After the third curtain call, Goiti repaid the ovation with an encore, Rachmaninoff’s Romance.

If there were stories implicit in the Tchaikovsky, they came centerstage in Scheherazade. Believe it or not, Rimsky-Korsakov is primarily known in Russia as an opera composer. Inspired by Wagner, he wrote some fifteen operas based on Russian fairy tales and legends, full of exotic locales and magical events. Scheherazade, his great symphonic poem in four movements brings all those elements in the form of the fantastic stories of 1,001 nights keeping the Sultan amused.

The opening movement “The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship” was awash in opulently lush harmonies, the hypnotic sounds of Sirens luring Ulysses—or here Sinbad—to death by ecstasy. Sans gave the work a majestic sweep when necessary, still allowing room for individual expression.

The solo violin part is extensive enough that it is credited specifically on recordings. Concert master Krzysztof Zimowski gave a noble yet pathos-laden rendering of the theme which signifies the story-teller herself, Scheherazade. The work is replete with numerous other solos from bassoon (Stephanie Przybylska), flute (Valerie Potter), clarinet (Lori Lovato), oboe (Melissa Sassaman), solo cello (Joan Zucker) and French horn (Nate Ukens).

Some years ago I heard a performance of this piece by the St. Petersburg Orchestra that paled in comparison, lacking the vitality and enthusiasm of our own NM Philharmonic. Bravo!

Debut season a rousing success

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2012-2013 Classical and Pops Season Details (pdf)
Classical New Subscription Form 2012 (pdf)
Pops New Subscription Form 2012 (pdf)
Seating Chart Popejoy (pdf)

• Evan Rice, Chairman
• Clarke Cagle, Secretary Treasurer, Finance Committee Chair
• Maureen Baca, Vice President for Operations
• Thomas Bird
• Ruth Bitsui
• Anne Eisfeller
• Kimberly Fredenburgh
• Dr. Larry B. Lubar
• Dodie Stevens
• Al Stotts
• Nathan Ukens
• Richard White

Maestro Uriel Segal interviewed on KHFM before our season finale concert:

NM Phil Uriel Segal NM Phil Uriel Segal

Violinist and soloist David Felberg speaks with KUNM’s Spencer Beckwith, Thursday, April 19, 10am on 89.9 FM.

Listen here: http://kunm.org/programs/performance-new-mexico

New Mexico Philharmonic Announces 2012-2013 Season

Season Features Seven Classics and Five Pops Concerts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ALBUQUERQUE, NM, April 6, 2012—In its second season, the New Mexico Philharmonic is launching a full schedule of concerts at UNM’s Popejoy Hall that include seven Classics Series and three Pops Series concerts, plus an additional two Pops concerts presented at the Kiva Auditorium.

The classics season opens at Popejoy on Saturday, September 15th with a performance of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection” under the leadership of maestro Uriel Segal, with guest artists soprano Paulette Berman Fagen, alto Susan Platts, and the New Mexico Symphonic Choir.

On Saturday, November 10th the program will include Verdi’s La Forza del Destino, Enigma Variations by Edward Elgar and the Brahms Requiem. Dante Anzolini conducts, with guests Sharla Nafziger, soprano, Edmund Connolly, baritone, and the Choir of the Cathedral of St. John.

On Saturday, January 19, 2013 guest artist Rachel Barton Pine will perform Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with the New Mexico Philharmonic. Also on the program is Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 5. Robert Tweten conducts.

On Saturday, March 9th, Alexander Gavrylyuk will perform Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with Hélène Bouchez conducting. Completing the program is Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe Suites.

Sibelius’ Violin Concerto with Ilya Kaler on violin and the Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 will be conducted by Victor Yampolsky on Saturday, March 23rd.

On Saturday, April 13th, Daniel Goiti will perform Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto under the baton of Oriol Sans. Scheherazade completes the program.

The final classics concert of the season on Saturday, April 27th is “Celebrating 100 Years of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring” with Andrew Grams conducting.

The Pops season at Popejoy begins on Saturday, September 8th with “Dave Bennett’s Tribute to Benny Goodman” with the Dave Bennett Sextet and Roger Melone conducting. Next up is “Charlie Chaplin at the Symphony” on Saturday, October 13th at the Kiva Auditorium with Grant Cooper conducting and mime Dan Kamin playing the Chaplin role.

The ever-popular Holiday Joy Pops Concert will take place on Saturday, December 15th with Randol Bass conducting and performances by the Choir of the Cathedral of St. John and the Manzano Day School Choir.

Singer Ann Hampton Callaway joins the orchestra to “Celebrate Valentine’s Day” at the Popejoy on Saturday, February 9th with Roger Melone conducting. And everyone should bring their dancing shoes to the big Pops Season finale on Saturday, April 6th with the Swedish group Arrival performing “The Music of ABBA” at the Kiva Auditorium.

Season ticket renewals begin on April 11th, with a closing date of May 12th. New subscription sales will start on April 20 and single ticket sales will begin later in May. 

The New Mexico Philharmonic was formed in the spring of 2011 by a group of professional musicians and supporters whose goal it is to present exceptional live performances of classical music to audiences in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico. The New Mexico Philharmonic is a non-profit corporation recognized as a charitable 501(c)(3) organization by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by the IRS. To learn more about upcoming performances or to become a volunteer, please visit www.nmphil.org. Donations are gratefully accepted at www.nmphil.org/support.
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Media Contact: Chris Rancier 505-263-2959 crancier@comcast.net

Awadagin Pratt, piano

Among his generation of concert artists, pianist Awadagin Pratt is acclaimed for his musical insight and intensely involving performances in recital and with symphony orchestras.

Born in Pittsburgh, Awadagin Pratt began studying piano at the age of six. Three years later, having moved to Normal, Illinois with his family, he also began studying violin. At the age of 16 he entered the University of Illinois where he studied piano, violin, and conducting. He subsequently enrolled at the Peabody Conservatory of Music where he became the first student in the school’s history to receive diplomas in three performance areas – piano, violin and conducting. In recognition of this achievement and for his work in the field of classical music, Mr. Pratt recently received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Johns Hopkins.

In 1992 Mr. Pratt won the Naumburg International Piano Competition and two years later was awarded an Avery Fisher Career Grant. Since then, he has played numerous recitals throughout the U.S. including performances at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, and Chicago’s Orchestra Hall. His many orchestral performances include appearances with the New York Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra and the Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Baltimore, St. Louis, National, Detroit and New Jersey symphonies, among many others. Summer festival engagements include Ravinia, Blossom, Wolftrap, Caramoor and Aspen, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Mostly Mozart Festival in Tokyo. Mr. Pratt was also the Artistic Director of the Next Generation Festival, a chamber music festival in Lancaster, PA and appears with cellist Zuill Bailey in duo recitals throughout the U.S.

Recent and upcoming appearances include recital engagements at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark and in Baltimore, La Jolla, Los Angeles and at Duke University, as well as appearances with the orchestras of Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Seattle, Colorado, Portland ME, Utah, Richmond, Grand Rapids, Winston-Salem, Springfield IL and Mobile. He played a recital in Carnegie Hall for the Naumburg Foundation in November 2010 and appears at the 2012 Ravinia Festival in a duo recital with Zuill Bailey.

As a conductor, Mr. Pratt has participated in the American Symphony Orchestra League and Conductor’s Guild workshops and the National Conducting Institute, where he worked closely with Leonard Slatkin and conducted the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center. He has also conducted the Toledo, New Mexico, Winston-Salem, Santa Fe and Prince George County symphonies, the Concertante di Chicago and several orchestras in Japan.

A great favorite on college and university performing arts series and a strong advocate of music education, Awadagin Pratt participates in numerous residency and outreach activities wherever he appears; these activities may include master classes, children’s recitals, play/talk demonstrations and question/answer sessions for students of all ages.

Internationally, Mr. Pratt has toured Japan four times and performed in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Israel and South Africa.

Awadagin Pratt has been the subject of numerous articles in the national press, including Newsweek, People Magazine, and New York Newsday. He was named one of the 50 Leaders of Tomorrow in Ebony Magazine‘s special 50th anniversary issue and has been featured on National Public Radio’s “Performance Today,” and St. Paul’s “Sunday Morning and Weekend Edition.” On television, Mr. Pratt has performed on the Today Show, Good Morning America, and Sesame Street, been profiled on CBS Sunday Morning, and was one of the featured soloists on PBS’s “Live from the Kennedy Center – A Salute to Slava.” In November 2009, Mr. Pratt was one of four artists selected to perform at a White House classical music event that included student workshops hosted by the First Lady, Michelle Obama, and performing in concert for guests including President Obama. He has performed two other times at the White House, both at the invitation of President and Mrs. Clinton.

Mr. Pratt’s recordings for Angel/EMI include A Long Way From Normal, an all Beethoven Sonata CD, Live From South Africa, Transformations, and an all Bach disc with the St. Lawrence String Quartet. His most recent recordings are the Brahms Sonatas for Cello and Piano with Zuill Bailey for Telarc and a recording of the music of Judith Lang Zaimont with the Harlem Quartet for Navona Records.

Mr. Pratt is currently an Associate Professor of Piano and Artist in Residence at the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. For further information please visit www.awadagin.com