Music in NYC: Music of the 18th Century Grand Tour

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Music in NYC: Music of the 18th Century Grand Tour

The season finale of the Aspect Foundation concert series features soprano Pascale Beaudin and the Four Nations Ensemble with an illustrated talk by the author and historian John Brewer; at Bohemian National Hall on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 7.30 pm

The Grand Tourist Francis Basset by Pompeo Batoni; Four Nations Ensemble and soprano Pascale Beaudin
The Grand Tourist Francis Basset by Pompeo Batoni; Four Nations Ensemble and soprano Pascale Beaudin / Photo credit David Rogers and Pierre-Etienne Bergeron

Touring the continent while learning its customs, history, and culture first hand was an educational standard for high society young people in the 18th century Europe. Instructive and entertaining, the rite of passage would take them through France and Italy with additional stops in Switzerland, Austria or Germany.

The Aspect Foundation offers to take us back in time on a virtual tour with musical stops in Paris, Venice, Rome, and Naples. An illustrated talk by John Brewer, author of The Pleasures of the Imagination, will accompany the journey. Featuring The Four Nations Ensemble and soprano Pascale Beaudin, the program will celebrate 18th century culture with music closely identified with the time and place.

Music of the Grand Tour on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 7.30 pm concludes Aspect Foundation’s successful 2018-2019 season of enlightening concerts and talks.

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    Theater in NYC: Chekhov’s The Seagull in Aleksey Burago’s Production

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    Theater in NYC: Chekhov’s The Seagull in Aleksey Burago’s Production

    The Russian Arts Theater & Studio’s lively production of Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull retells a timeless story of despair, vanity, and the fleeting power of success; EXTENDED till June 1, 2019 at Pushkin Hall

    A scene from The Seagull by Anton Chekhov by The Russian Arts Theater & Studio
    A scene from The Seagull by Anton Chekhov by The Russian Arts Theater & Studio; Photo by Jared Biunno

    The world of Chekov’s contemporaries masterfully recreated in the script by the genius playwright is vividly staged by the esteemed theater director Aleksey Burago of The Russian Arts Theater & Studio. It’s an all too familiar story of the misunderstandings and missed opportunities accentuated by the ultimate insensitivity and selfishness of the characters tied together by circumstances and family connections.

    Ranging from the veteran theater actors to those who are just launching their artistic careers, the cast in this enthusiastic and engaging production makes Chekhov’s drama accessible and relatable. And while each of character is thinking of doing good to others, egotism subverts their actions and leads to a disastrous finale.

     

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    Theater in NYC: Hans Christian Andersen – Tales Real & Imagined

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    Theater in NYC: Hans Christian Andersen – Tales Real & Imagined

    A play about the life of the beloved author of fairy-tales Hans Christian Andersen opens at The Duke on 42nd Street from May 5 – May 25, 2019

    Jimmy Ray Bennett in the title role of HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN: TALES REAL & IMAGINED by Ensemble for the Romantic Century
    Jimmy Ray Bennett as HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN: TALES REAL & IMAGINED by Ensemble for the Romantic Century; Photo credit: Shirin Tinati

    The Ensemble for the Romantic Century tells a story about Andersen’s life by weaving in Andersen’s autobiographical writings, his fairy tales, and the emotionally deep musical scores by Britten, Purcell, Part, Stravinsky, and Barber. The production about the beloved children’s book writer is much more serious and deep than the name suggests. It runs at The Duke on 42nd Street from May 5 – May 25, 2019.

    The artistic directors of the Hans Christian Andersen: Tales Real & Imagined use the genre of theatrical concert, combining theater, classical music repertoire, voice, and puppets. Accompanied by highly sensual music, Eve Wolf’s script tells the touching story of Andersen’s life by intertwining biographical details with references to the characters from his famous fairy tales. The scores by Purcell, Britten, Arvo Part, Stravinsky, and Barber organically color the episodes of Andersen’s life in tense, poetic, and desperate hues. Performed by the outstanding pianists Max Barros and Carlos Avila, and a formidable percussionist Shiqi Zhong, the music often takes an upper hand over the rest of the production’s components.

    Jimmy Ray Bennet stars as Andersen with countertenors Daniel Moody and Randall Scotting alternating as Andersen’s dearest friend Edvard Collin. They are joined on stage by the familiar puppets from The Ugly Duckling, The Princess and the Pea, The Little Mermaid, and other fairy tales. While giving a nod to Andersen’s childhood interests in the puppet theater, the puppets and the puppeteers are a tenuous addition to the show. The musicians and singers, on the other hand, save the day by making the music tell it all.

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    Theater in NYC: The Tempest by Shakespeare at The Public Theater

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    Theater in NYC: The Tempest by Shakespeare at The Public Theater

    Mobile Unit presents a dynamic production of The Tempest by William Shakespeare at The Public Theater from May 3 – May 19, 2019

    The Public Theater’s Mobile Unit production of The Tempest.
    The Public Theater’s Mobile Unit production of The Tempest. Photo credit: Joan Marcus

    Mobile Unit, a touring company that seeks to bring theater and culture to people, is “parking” at The Public Theater at Astor’s Place until May 19, 2019 with William Shakespeare’s The Tempest . The engaging and energetic production has already traveled to 17 diverse communities such as recreational centers, chapels, and correctional facilities. The idea that culture belongs to everyone drives the production creators’ passion and excitement.

    The Tempest by William Shakespeare.Laurie Woolery, production director, reimagines the traditional gender roles in Shakespeare’s play and brings a feminine touch to the characters of Prospero, and others in this fluid and fun take on a theatrical classic. Myra Lucretia Taylor as Prospero softens the spell of dark magic while a rowdy bunch of anti-heroes skillfully keep the audience entertained and amused. The villains and conspirators genuinely played by Christopher Ryan Grant, Reza Salazar, and Dan Domingues are enthralled by the spell of kindness and reconciliation propagated by the spirit Ariel, who is  gracefully played by Danaya Esperanza. The talented cast gets a standing ovation for its mastery
    and authenticity. Enjoy this fast-paced and fun production and celebrate the love and kindness in the company of like-minded peers.

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    Beyond NYC: Sparkill Concert Series 2018-2019 Season Finale

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    Beyond NYC: Sparkill Concert Series 2018-2019 Season Finale

    An all-Beethoven program with pianists Vassily Primakov and Oxana Mikhailoff and cellist Ben Capps concludes the 2018-2019 concert season at the Union Arts Center in Sparkill, NY on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 3 pm

    Benn Capps, cello • Oxana Mikhailoff, piano • Vassily Primakov, piano
    Ludwig van Beethoven; Ben Capps, cello, Oxana Mikhailoff, piano, Vassily Primakov, piano / Images are courtesy of the artists

    Opting for a program of Beethoven’s sonatas wasn’t a difficult decision for the music directors of the Sparkill Concert Series. Beethoven’s music is both familiar and beloved and is always a treat in a chamber setting. The range of  selections presented by the Sparkill Concert Series throughout the year offered a diversity of styles and arrangements. To wrap-up the season with Beethoven’s music is a pleasant and memorable touch.

    A sonata as a music form was meant to be a piece played as opposed to a cantata, a piece sung. Starting from the Baroque period, the form was used by generations of composers. Beethoven was particularly fond of the form judging by the sheer number of expansive sonatas composed by him.

    The Union Arts Center is inviting music lovers to a wonderful finale to mark its triumphant 2018 – 2019 concert season. The concert program features Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas “Appassionata” and “Les Adieux”, and Cello Sonatas No. 2, Op 5 and No. 3, Op 69 performed by Ben Capps, cello, Oxana Mikhailoff, piano, Vassily Primakov, piano.

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    Online prices: $25; At the door prices: $40

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