THE PHILADELPHIA VIRTUOSI CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Combining intense enthusiasm and blazing passion, the 15 members of this internationally celebrated chamber orchestra join with the exciting and versatile percussion group Ethos, to open the 26 th Bermuda Festival. Conducted by the renowned Daniel Spalding, this fine group of brilliant musicians presents the spectacular music of the Carmen Ballet Suite by Radion Shchedrin. The second half of the programme features pianist Gabriela Imreh in special arrangements by maestro Spalding, of the Memphisto Waltz by Franz Liszt, and the dynamic Sabre Dance by Aram Khachaturian. Recognized as a fast rising virtuoso, Miss Imreh is well-known for her beauty, brilliance and extraordinary stage presence. Performance Ruth Seaton James Centre
THE PHILADELPHIA VIRTUOSI CHAMBER ORCHESTRA In a more intimate setting, this popular chamber orchestra, conducted by Daniel Spalding, performs The Malediction by Franz Liszt for Piano and Strings, featuring the captivating Romainian pianist, Gabriela Imreh, as the soloist. The second part of this evening’s programme will feature the very beautiful Serenade for Strings by Josef Suk. Both of these programmes provide a rare treat for local audiences. Performance City Hall Theatre
THE ETHOS PERCUSSION GROUP This thrilling percussion group is dedicated to the advancement of the percussive arts in performance and education. Their success is a result of virtuosic and entertaining performances in which they present a wide variety of musical styles on an eclectic assortment of instruments from around the world. Local choral group WORD, a talented group of 19 members drawn from various churches throughout the Island and directed by Lloyd Matthew, join them to perform Missa Luba, a Congolese mass for mixed chorus, tenor soloist and percussion. This work arranged by Guido Haazen features the basic rhythm of the tom-tom drums forming a canvas on which the other instruments base their improvisations, making for an inspiring and uplifting performance. Performance Ruth Seaton James Centre
THE AMERICAN BOYCHOIR 15th January Truly a unique American institution, The American Boychoir has thrilled audiences around the world since 1937. Its success is a testimony to its founders whose aim was “to help enrich the cultural life of our nation and produce a musical organization that is recognized throughout the country as the finest of its kind”. The Bermuda Festival is honoured to present this fine choir under the direction of its well-respected choral conductor, Dr. James Litton. In part of this evening’s performance the choir joins forces with Bermuda ’s own St. John’s Youth Choir and The Cathedral Boys’ Choir of Bermuda . Performance Ruth Seaton James Centre
16th January 2001 This famous choir of about 40 boys has earned its reputation by singing and performing in many arts centres, universities and churches. The choir has sung with the world’s major orchestras, and regularly performs at New York ’s Lincoln Centre and Carnegie Hall, Boston ’s Symphony Hall, Philadelphia ’s Academy of Music and the Kennedy Centre in Washington , D.C. The choir continually thrills audiences with the musical sophistication, rich sound, imaginative programming and emotional power that has made it America ’s premier concert boys’ choir. Dr. James Litton who is one of America ’s best-known choral conductors leads the choir in a varied programme of music. Performance Ruth Seaton James Centre
17th January 2001 Scott Dettra has appeared in over one hundred performances annually with The American Boychoir in addition to maintaining an active career as an organist, accompanist and recording artist. He has appeared with such distinguished conductors as Claudio Abbado, Joseph Flummerfelt, Zdenek Macal, Kurt Masur and André Previn. The setting of this concert provides the opportunity to feature the choir’s highly talented resident organist with the wonderful sounds of the American Boychoir. This evening is the last opportunity to experience the music of this talented choir and organist under the baton of Dr. James Litton who will be retiring as director of the choir at the end of this academic year. In the quiet and lovely setting of St. Paul ’s Church, this promises to be an evening of sacred and secular music not to be missed. Performance St. Paul ’s Church, Paget
A TRIBUTE TO PAUL ROBESON Few singers have been a greater force or a greater ambassador for his people than the black American bass singer, Paul Robeson. Through the medium of song and his many international performances he worked tirelessly for the struggle for civil rights. The great bass, Willard White was so inspired by Robeson’s recordings that he became a singer and now walks in Robeson’s footsteps in an evening celebrating his life. Accompanied by The Matrix Ensemble directed by Robert Zeigler, Willard White will pay homage to one of America ’s greatest ambassadors. With Trevor Philips as the narrator, the story of Paul Robeson’s life will be illustrated by the performance of music and song which will include I got plenty of nuttin’ Eriskay Love Lit, Oh! No John, All Through the Night, Ol Man River , Jerusalem and Go Down Moses. Performance Ruth Seaton James Centre
THE BATTLE OF THE SEXES Husband and wife team, Timothy West, who has appeared in many well known films of which the most recent is Joan of Arc, and Prunella Scales, who will be remembered for her performance in An Evening with Queen Victoria, present a delightful lighthearted programme of poetry, play extracts and prose, finding fun in the vagaries of human relationships and in the somewhat threatened institution of marriage. Performance City Hall Theatre
CELEBRITY CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT “...his tone is big and silvery, his musicianship prodigious, and his intellectual grasp profound. He has a unique personal affinity for his instrument and for music.” The Daily Telegraph. Violinist Ernst Kovacic has performed all the major works for violin of the baroque, classical and romantic periods and is known for his special energy and commitment to twentieth century music and to new music and composers. Join him for a very special, short lunchtime recital in the lovely National Gallery where only 100 seats will be available for this concert. The programme will include:
Performance Bermuda National Gallery
CELEBRITY CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT A group of eight renowned classical musicians, lead by violinist, Ernst Kovacic, present an exquisite evening of chamber music to include:
The performers are Ernst Kovacic violin, Clemens Linder violin, Judith Busbridge violin, Vicci Wardman viola, Raphael Wallfisch cello, Keith Harvey cello, Pascal Moragues clarinet, and David Owen Norris piano. Performance City Hall Theatre
ODYSSEY: BACH AND THE CELLO An odyssey through the musical world of Bach’s age illustrating various times and events in his own life. From an angry young man in Arnstadt to his death in Leipzig, the life of J.S. Bach is told by Timothy West, reader, and a selection of his music is performed by Raphael Wallfisch, cello, and John Butt, harpsichord. A sample of the music included in this evening’s performance is:
Performance City Hall Theatre
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CELEBRITY CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT This ensemble of brilliant musicians returns to the City Hall stage for its second performance of exquisite chamber music. Programme II includes:
The performers are: Ernst Kovacic violin, David Owen Norris piano, Pascal Moragues clarinet, Clemens Linder violin, Judith Busbridge violin Raphael Wallfisch cello, Vicci Wardman viola, and Keith Harvey cello. Performance City Hall Theatre
A COCKTAIL RECITAL OF HARPSICHORD MUSIC John Butt is the centre of attention in an uplifting harpsichord recital in the romantic atmosphere of the National Gallery. This concert is timed to provide a relaxing end to a busy day or a prelude to an evening at the City Hall Theatre. From the time that he was an undergraduate at Cambridge University , Mr. Butt has developed a very special interest in the music of Bach and other composers of the same period. He is an active choir director, organist, harpsichordist and conductor of several orchestras. His programme for this evening includes:
Performance Bermuda National Gallery
THE DUKES OF DIXIELAND Celebrating more than 50 years, the Dukes of Dixieland still get raves for their fresh sound! Returning to the Bermuda Festival by popular demand, the six-member ensemble are among the most versatile, playing the New Orleans sound – a distinctive blend of Dixieland, blues and innovative jazz, always recalling the jazz rhythms and tones of the warm humid languor of the Mississippi River port of New Orleans, where it all began in 1949. Included are old favourites like Bourbon Street Parade, Basin Street Blues and hand clapping and toe-tapping ragtime including Scott Joplin’s The Entertainer and Maple Street Rag. The Dukes are: Earl Bonie – Clarinet; Kevin Clark – Trumpet; Ben Smith – Trombone and vocals; Jamie Wight – Piano; Everett Link – Bass; Richard Taylor – Drums and Leader Performance City Hall Theatre
THE PASCAL RIOULT DANCE THEATRE The unabashed grandeur of his choreographic vision, the natural ability to tell stories and his eight years with the Martha Graham Dance Company are evident in the dances, which Pascal Rioult will present to the audiences at this year’s festival. Pascal Rioult is a Frenchmen, influenced by his French culture and background, who has been living in America for the past 17 years. Performance Ruth Seaton James Centre
THE KATONA TWINS Not one, but two guitarists – twins! Peter and Zoltán Katona were born in Hungary but went to London to study at the Royal Academy of Music where they won the Academy’s highest award in 1997. Since their student days, they have continued to win numerous awards in Europe and to perform at most of the major festivals in England and Europe . The twins display flawless harmony and perfect intonation in their performances; their guitars sound as one powerful instrument and their sense of rhythm is precise and brilliant. They possess real musical authority and stature. The programme includes:
Performance City Hall Theatre 6th February 2001 Guitar Music From Handel To Bartok The Katona Twins give a second performance of guitar music, displaying again their flawless harmony and perfect intonation; their guitars sound as one powerful instrument and their sense of rhythm is precise and brilliant. They possess real musical authority and stature. The programme comprises an eclectic choice of music from several periods:
Performance City Hall Theatre
LESLIE HOWARD Pianist Leslie Howard was described in The Guardian as “ … a virtuoso in the true Romantic style with its emphasis on musicality as much as bravura”. Best known for his dedication to the music of Liszt, he presents two different programmes; the first a varied one and the second devoted to the music of Liszt. 9th February Programme I
10th February Programme II
Performance City Hall Theatre
CARMEN Assisted by The
Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Bermuda The Bermuda Festival is proud to present the full-length opera Carmen. Set in Spain , Bizet’s popular and colourful opera revolves around the passionate love of the fickle gypsy girl, Carmen.. The opera is produced by The English Pocket Opera Company with the assistance of the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Bermuda , ensuring a first-class production and a rewarding community event. Soloists are professionals, chosen locally and from opera companies in the UK and local singers have been auditioned to provide the chorus. The production is under the direction of Mark Tinkler of the English Pocket Opera Company, with musical direction by Mark Dorrell who is will known to local audiences for his presentation of the G & S productions of Les Misérables and Anything Goes. This production promises to be one of the most colourful and exciting events of the Bermuda Festival 2001. Performance Ruth Seaton James Centre
SIMUNYE With I FAGIOLINI and THE SDASA CHORALE Simunye, which means “We are One”, is the result of an unusual and heartwarming alliance between two vocal ensembles of fundamentally different traditions. The a capella vocal ensemble, I Fagiolini, originating from Oxford University, undertook a concert tour of South Africa, which introduced it to the African Gospel Ensemble, The SDASA Chorale. The result of this exciting collaboration allows both musical genres to be represented in their natural form as well as to be transformed, in a glorious fusion of the European and African traditions. This unique blend combines the purity and refinement of the one, with the vitality and rhythmic freedom of the other. Performance Ruth Seaton James Centre
I FAGIOLINI Sometimes affectionately called the ‘Kings Singers with Girls’ the members of this a capella vocal ensemble demonstrate their skill in a lighthearted evening of perfect harmony. The varied programme includes a strong theatrical element with Janequin’s La Chasse, and in Banchieri’s Una barca de Venetia per Padua , one of the great madrigal comedies, in which the audience is musically transported from one Italian city to another. The group’s ability to shift gear from earthy humour to high seriousness guarantees a truly memorable evening. Performance City Hall Theatre
BALLETHNIC DANCE COMPANY The youthful Ballethnic Dance Company is committed to performing classical ballet, while blending that traditional discipline with modern, jazz, African and other ethnic dance forms. The result is an exciting mix that combines the various disciplines in an energetic and exotic display of remarkable expertise. Performance Ruth Seaton James Centre |
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