National Opera Week, Nov. 13-22

07. November 2009 · Comments Off on National Opera Week, Nov. 13-22 · Categories: Announcements

(How confusing is it that “National Opera Week” is longer than a week? Hmmm.)

Opera San José is proud to announce its participation in Opera America’s National Opera Week, November 13-22, 2009. An “unprecedented critical mass of opera activity in the United States,” National Opera Week will celebrate the vitality of opera in America as a contemporary cultural expression.

To commemorate the occasion, Mayor Chuck Reed will be making a special proclamation at the opening night performance of Rossini’s La Cenerentola (Cinderella) on November 14th.

As a part of this week-long celebration, residents from Opera San José will be performing a free concert for commuters at Diridon Station, between 5-6pm on November 18th, 2009.

While you’re enjoying the music, enter to win two tickets to La Cenerentola! This beautiful opera tells the classic tale of Angelina, a kind and beautiful girl who captures the heart of a prince, despite the schemes of her horrid stepsisters. A
family-friendly comedy, this opera will charm you with hilarious antics, dazzling music, gorgeous costumes and spectacular sets.

Student tickets to Opera San José productions are only $11 for ages 25 and under. Bring the family to our matinee on Sunday, November 15th, and stay after the performance to meet Cinderella and her Prince!

Opera San José performs at the California Theatre in downtown San José, on the corner of S. First Street and E. San Carlos – less than a block from San Antonio station and dozens of delicious restaurants. VTA and Caltrain monthly pass holders: save 20% on tickets to La Cenerentola! Visit http://www.operasj.org for more information.

Willow Ensemble

07. November 2009 · Comments Off on Willow Ensemble · Categories: Concert Announcements

Timothy Emerson is my brother, and a very fine bassoonist. If you are in the New York area check out the Willow Ensemble!

Friends:

Following a brief hiatus due to the necessary repairs to our regular performance space, the Willow Ensemble is back! Come join us for an evening of great chamber music in the newly-renovated gorgeous Grace Church Chantry.

On the program:
Ravel: Le tombeau de Couperin (for woodwind quintet)
Mozart: Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major
Ravel: String Quartet in F Major

Time & Place:
8PM on Thursday, November 12 and Friday, November 13

Grace Church Chantry at 10th & Broadway

Tickets:
$15 in advance and $20 at the door

If you would like to reserve seats at the $15 price, email temerson [at] Inmagic [dot] com with your name, number of tickets and preferred date.

Thanks!
Timothy Emerson
Artistic Director, Willow Ensemble

Done

07. November 2009 · 1 comment · Categories: Ramble

Since I complained about the not so very nice lick in the UCSC recital concert, it’s only fair that I now tattle on myself and fill you in on how it went.

Not so very well.

Everything else felt pretty darn good. Aside from reed death; why is it that reeds decide that the should kick the bucket on recital days, I wonder?

But that lick? Truth be told, I should have blogged about it. I think I set myself up for disaster. And that’s what I had. I actually don’t even know what I played, but it wasn’t pretty and it wasn’t what was written. Fortunately I came out of it okay, and managed to get back on track. But I’m more than a bit angry with myself.

But hey, if Joshua Bell can forget two measures (this is at the very end of the hour video), tell the audience, and (I hope) forgive himself, I guess I have to give myself that allowance as well.

Maybe.

Just not today.