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- Lafayette Symphony shines in Mahler concert
- Like classical music? Keller winners deliver
- Made in America - Maestro Palmer’s, LSO’s mark of excellence
- Lafayette Symphony awarded $15,000 grant from Clowes Foundation
- The Lafayette Symphony mourns a long-time member and friend
- Lafayette Symphony Orchestra Receives Grant from Target
Lafayette Symphony Shines in Mahler concert
It was a bird of rare plumage that flew over Long Center on Saturday evening when Maestro Nicholas Palmer and a larger than usual orchestra brought an audience to its feet, applauding wildly and granting six curtain calls to the performers.
And the standing ovation was not of the normal type where one jumps to his feet at the mere completion of the show.
There were many highlights, not the least of which was the second half with the performance of Gustav Mahler’s "Symphony No. 1 in D Major," a work that challenges the greatest of orchestras and conductors. More on that later.
Opening the concert with a little ditty confusingly named "A Festive Violet Pulse" which was loud and mercifully short, the program proceeded to Jacques Ibert’s "Homage a Mozart." The piece has all the elements of Ibert’s mastery of orchestration with the joyful abandon of a Three Stooges pie fight.
The composer was well known as a provider of French movie scores as well as his more familiar "Divertissement" and "The Entrance of the Clowns." Palmer skimmed the fun without sacrificing the musical elements.
The guest soloist of the evening was French hornist Richard "Rick" Graef, a master of that instrument that is capable of producing haunting moods as well as rich brass contributions.
The Mozart "Horn Concerto No. 3" is one of many he wrote for his friend Ignaz Lelutgeb.
He delighted in writing dazzling elements for the horn which at the time was not a valved instrument.
Instead, colorations and pitch variations were controlled by the player’s embrochure and the hand position within the bell of the horn. Graef used a modern valved horn but the dazzle was evident in the scales, trills and the sensitivity of shading and phrasing which Mozart made sure were included.
The composer was especially fond of the sound of the hunting horn.
Gustav Mahler was born in 1860 into a Jewish-Bohemian household. He was not raised in poverty as he often averred but his music contains images of a troubled life fraught with neuroticism and chronic angst.
During his lifetime he was better known as an orchestral conductor, especially of operas where he was principal conductor of the prestigious Vienna Opera.
When his early symphonies were not exactly Top 40 hits, he said, "My time will come," and the late Leonard Bernstein saw to it that it did. Bernstein began to feature Mahler’s works in the 1950s and even wrote a monograph entitled "His Time Has Come" as indeed it had.
The symphony is a rich compendium of sounds of nature, a sprightly waltz that is probably undanceable and a funeral march based rather incongruously on a the children’s round, "Freres Jacques" which is hauntingly mindful of Mahler’s fixation on death. The irony of this morphing into a sound resembling Jewish folk music is apparent.
He was familiar with the death and dying because of the 12 children born into the Mahler family, five died in childbirth, his favorite brother died at age 13 and his older brother committed suicide.
The orchestra handled the requisite pianissimos and fortes with restraint and vigor as Palmer was in total command at all times.
His mission was to probe the nuances and sensitivity in the music and not merely beat time with his baton.
The result was a touching yet thrilling musical experience that scholars and rank and file listeners could relate to and appreciate.
It is exciting to hear our local symphony orchestra begin to expand its musical horizons into horizons not heretofore explored. Let us hope this trend continues.
Jaeger is a retired choral music director and may be contacted by calling the Journal & Courier at (765) 420-5226.
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Like classical music? Keller winners deliver
Those music lovers who braved the tantrum Mother Nature threw on Saturday evening were rewarded with a holiday concert that canceled the gloom of a raging snowstorm with some astounding young musicians who were the winners of the annual Alan Keller Memorial competition.
While the audience didn’t fill the house, the musicians filled the Long Center with memorable performances and even offered a cheery chance to sing along with the orchestra on some old favorite songs and carols of the season. Maestro Nicholas Palmer, in a pair of holiday pants, became a choral conductor and led the "500-voice choir" to a rousing conclusion.
But it was what came before the finale that had the listeners cheering at the accomplishments of cellist Christian Schrock, violinist Jinty McTavish and pianist Nathan Kross. These kids strode onto the stage and without any show of nervousness or peacockery, treated Haydn, Bruch and Liszt like a piece of holiday cake.
After opening the concert with Carl Maria von Weber’s "Overture to Oberon" by the orchestra, Schrock performed the first movement of Haydn’s "Cello Concerto in C Major" as though it was an everyday occurrence like brushing your teeth. Only this was far more satisfying and the results more shining. The rich, warm tone and the careful phrasing were a complement to Papa Haydn’s genius and Schrock displayed a mature affinity with the 18th century master.
Second soloist on the program was McTavish who handled the Max Bruch "Violin concerto in G Minor." Bruch, who is primarily remembered as a choral composer is often referred to as a purveyor of treacley melodies.
She put to rest the nay-sayers who often minimize the gorgeous melodic strains that the composer is noted for. Her careful phrasing and dynamic control suited the piece so well while Maestro Palmer led the orchestra as though it was the caring schoolmarm who was supporting and guiding this young musical charge. The sensitivity of McTavish whom we have watched grow into her musical maturity, was musically enriching.
The third Keller winner of the evening was an astounding, dynamic and challenging performance of the "Totentanz" (Dance of Death) by that giant of pianistic fame, Franz Liszt, who is legendary in the annals of piano literature.
Crashing chords, dazzling scales and arpeggios and double (yes, double) glissandos cause one to wonder if this outstanding pianist has any skin left on his knuckles or any fingernail remaining after this performance. I consulted a friend who is a reknowned keyboard artist himself on the performance of this work. He indicated that few pianists actually "play that work" but with all the musical challenges it contains, it would be difficult to determine if ever there were any wrong notes. But that does not in any way attenuate Kross’ thrilling performance
The second half of the concert was a series of more familiar holiday music, sort of. Bizet’s "Farandole" more familiarly known as the "March of the Men of Harlech," four dances from Tachaikovsky’s Nutcracker and less familiar "Channukah Overture" before the final Christmas Community Sing-a-long.
In spite of the grungy weather, many of the audience stayed around to eat holiday cake and congratulate the winning contestants who proved once again that the musical world is enriched by the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra and the Alan Keller competition that offers the brightest and the best.
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’Made in America
In 1921, the
That didn’t exactly apply to music although you couldn’t tell from the Lafayette Symphony’s "Made in
Maestro Nicholas Palmer fronted the orchestra in his easy, elegant manner and the audience was delighted.
Opening with a somewhat unfamiliar "Jubilee" by George Whitfield Chadwick, we noted the somewhat Romantic influences of his European forebearers. But this piece showed the new leanings toward the Jazz Age in the
I recall seeing the late Martha Graham and her American Modern Dance Company perform Aaron Copland’s exciting "Appalachian Spring Suite" back when it was practically new in the late 1940s.
Taking snippets of American "mountain music," Copland also chose the Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts" to express the joy and delight of a simple country wedding. At times the music reflects the rich, almost bawdy joy of a Breughel painting while the final section is a quiet study in what we assume to be the settling down of the young couple into their early wedded bliss.
Taking a distinctly patriotic turn was the featured narrator of "Lincoln Portrait," also by Copland, beautifully read by famed radio commentator John Hultman, a not-so-recent
One almost expected to see Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron bound on to the stage with the playing of Gershwin’s taut, pictorial movie score of "American In Paris." The familiar themes with their American jazzy feel were pleasantly recalled.
Palmer took a few liberties with the score, namely in the slower tempo of the secondary theme. His slow "andante" gave a feeling of a bluesy, moody jazz which recalled a pair of adagio dancers in one "boy beats girl" style of movement.
The final section wanders a bit in its development giving the impression that the composer was lost in the streets of
Jaeger is a retired choral music director and may be contacted by calling the Journal & Courier at 420-5226.
Lafayette Symphony awarded $15,000 grant from Clowes Foundation
Lafayette Indiana December 5 , 2007LAFAYETTE,
The Clowes Charitable Foundation, which was established in 1990 by Allen W. Clowes, has a mission to support the arts and humanities in central Indiana. Allen Clowes was an investor and philanthropist who died Nov. 1, 2000. The foundation was the principal beneficiary of his estate.
"A primary goal of this new initiative at the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra is to make symphonic music available to those families with limited financial resources, whose lives would be enhanced by exposure to classical music," said Ken Bootsma, executive director of the Lafayette Symphony.
Through the one-year Clowes grant, the Lafayette Symphony will expand access to musical programs to families with limited financial means and bolster educational outreach to middle school and high school students, according to Nick Palmer, music director for the LSO.
"Within an eight-block radius of the Long Center, where we perform our concerts, are hundreds of individuals and families who cannot afford to purchase a ticket to see or hear the Lafayette Symphony," Palmer said. "This will help the LSO open our doors to those families and children who might now be able to afford a ticket to one of our performances."
William Marshall, president of the Clowes Foundation, said the Lafayette Symphony’s initiative fit perfectly with the mission of the Indianapolis-based organization.
"The Clowes Foundation is a family foundation that seeks out opportunities to help local and regional musical organizations in Central Indiana enhance the common good and establish programs that foster creativity and the growth of knowledge," Marshall said.
"We pursue these goals by awarding grants to the arts and humanities. Our mission is to help organizations like the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra reach further into their communities with a goal to entertain and educate."
The Lafayette Symphony is in the midst of its first season under the musical leadership of Palmer, who was appointed to the position on July 1 to succeed Ann Harrigan. During the 2007-08 season, the symphony will provide eight performances, which is one more than last year, along with three children’s concerts.
The LSO’s next performance is the Keller Concert-Classical Holiday Celebration at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15. The symphony will present its 2007 Keller Competition winners: Christian Schrock on cello, Jinty McTavish on violin, and Nathan Kross on the piano.
Launched in 1950 as a non-profit organization, the 70-person Lafayette Symphony Orchestra is focused on enriching the cultural life of the West Central Indiana community and 14 surrounding counties through excellence in orchestral music and educational experience.
About 80 percent of its patrons are from Lafayette, West Lafayette, and Tippecanoe County, while the remainder are from the surrounding counties of Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Howard, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Pulaski, Tipton, Warren, and White.
The Lafayette Symphony mourns a long-time member and friend
The Lafayette Journal & Courier February 16, 2007Mary Rita Cassidy died Thursday morning in Rosewalk Village. She was born to the late John and Mary Elizabeth Gleason in Chicago, Illinois, on September 3, 1913. She married Joseph P. Cassidy there on April 27, 1940. He preceded her in death March 16, 2001.
Mrs. Cassidy graduated from Loretta Academy and the United School of Music in Chicago and taught private violin lessons. She was a member of Sigma Theta Rho sorority and the National Council of Catholic Women.
Mrs. Cassidy moved to Greenville, South Carolina in 1946, where she played in the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and the Furman University Symphony. She was also a member of the Crescent String Quartet and the Junior Palmetto Club. In 1952, she moved to Dallas, Texas, where she participated as both a Girl Scout and a Brownie Troup leader and was active in the PTA at Christ the King school, where her children were students.
In 1958 Mrs. Cassidy moved to Lafayette, Indiana. She was a member of St. Mary Cathedral and the Altar and Rosary Society. She was a past vice-grand regent and past financial secretary of the Catholic Daughters of America. She volunteered at St. Elizabeth Hospital for many years and was a longtime member of the Guild.
Mrs. Cassidy was a violinist in the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra from 1963 until her retirement in 2005. She received the Dr. Nolan Hibner Award for Musicianship and Dedication from the Symphony and also served on the Board of Directors. In addition, she was a past president of the West Lafayette Musicale.
She was secretary-treasurer of Flavored Meats, Inc., and Geriatric Robotics, which were companies she and her husband founded in Lafayette.
She is survived by four daughters: Pat Clayton (husband: Rusty), Rosemary Speaker (husband: Tom), Maribeth Schmitt (husband: Terry), and Joanne Sanders (husband: Tom); and by two sons: Gerald J. and Michael F. (wife: Patty) all of Lafayette. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Her only sibling, Sr. Mary Rosita C.S.C., a sister of the Holy Cross, preceded her in death along with two grandchildren.
Mrs. Cassidy was a devout Catholic, sharing a special devotion to Mary the Mother of God. She was a loving mother and grandmother who will be remembered for her sense of humor, her wise counsel, and for the many rosaries she offered to keep everyone safe and sound. Her peaceful passing into Heaven will leave a void in the hearts of everyone who knew her.
Lafayette Symphony Orchestra Receives Grant from Target for Magic and Fantasy Symphony on the Go and Family Concert
LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - DECEMBER 9, 2005 - The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra today announced a partnership with Target in recognition of its efforts in providing educational opportunities and affordable concerts to youth and families. This grant will be used to help fund "Symphony on the Go," a free concert for 4th graders, taking place on February 10, 2006, and our family concert, taking place February 12, 2006. The concert is entitled "Magic and Fantasy."
We thank Target for its ongoing support of our efforts in presenting educational opportunities in music. Community partnerships such as our partnership with Target are vital and we are thankful for their support.
This grant is a part of the ongoing support Target provides to local communities throughout the country. Every week Target gives more than $2 million to strengthen families and communities across the nation, with a focus on education, the arts, social services and other vital community partnerships.
"At Target, we are making a real difference every day through our grantmaking program," said Laysha Ward, Vice President, Community Relations, Target. "We’re proud to partner with the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work."
Additionally, Target also gives back through signature programs that are designed to inspire learning in children and families. Programs include:
- Take Charge of Education,® a school fundraising program
- Ready. Sit. Read!, a program dedicated to fostering a life-long love of reading in children
- Start Something, ® a partnership between Target and the Tiger Woods Foundation, which helps kids build core values
- Target House, ® which serves as a home away from home for families of children receiveing life-saving treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis and
- Target Volunteers, where Target team members and retirees annually donate more than 300,000 hours of time to more than 7,500 community-based projects
About Target
Target gives back more than $2 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs. Additionally, Target team members and retirees donate more than 300,000 hours to more than 7,500 projects each year.
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