GPAC announces piano recitals
3/15/08
GPAC announces piano recitals
By Christopher Blank
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The addition of a new Steinway piano at the Germantown Performing Arts Centre -- with a price tag of more than $100,000 -- was more than enough reason to invite a handful of the world's best pianists to take it for a spin.
Yefim Bronfman, Olga Kern, George Winston, Dave Brubeck, and Leon Fleisher will perform a series of piano recitals at GPAC for the 2008-09 Season, which is officially announced today.
The world-renowned Bronfman selected the piano himself. It was purchased after a capital campaign at GPAC.
Though there will be more musical events at GPAC next season, the facility run by executive director Tania Castroverde-Moskalenko will have three dance programs instead of four, and only one comedy show, "Capitol Steps."
Broadway-style revues, however, return to the stage in the form of a big-band song-and-dance show called "In the Mood" and the musical roundup "Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway."
Flex subscriptions are now on sale, allowing buyers to select any five shows for a 20 percent discount over single tickets. Subscriptions to the five-concert piano series are $150-$225 before Sept. 1. Subscribers also have ticket exchange privileges.
The IRIS Orchestra, whose concert dates and soloists have been previously announced, will continue to perform in residence at GPAC.
Call 751-7500 for more information.
Germantown Performing Arts Centres 2008-09 Season
The Capitol Steps, Sept. 20: The political parody troupe returns for the fourth season.
Leon Fleisher, Sept. 27: Renowned pianist, conductor and teacher.
Steve Tyrell, Sept. 28: Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist and producer Steve Tyrell has worked with artists ranging from Dionne Warwick to Rod Stewart.
Sphinx Orchestra, Oct. 7: Musical ensemble made up of young black and Hispanic classical musicians, co-sponsored by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.
Red Priest: "Nightmare in Venice," Oct. 25: English chamber ensemble redefines the art of baroque music performance with costumes and a Halloween-timed show.
Ballet Flamenco Jose Porcel, Nov. 9: Performance showcases the fascinating and continually evolving art form, blending traditional flamenco with contemporary music, moves and looks.
Dave Brubeck (and sons), Nov. 15: The composer of jazz's famous "Take Five" will be joined by his musical progeny.
"In the Mood," Nov. 22: 1940's swing revue combines a big band, singers and dancers to re-create the music that defined an era.
George Winston, Dec. 12: His solo recitals feature a variety of musical styles, including melodic folk piano, stride piano, R&B; piano, tunes by Vince Guaraldi, and more.
"Don Quixote" with Russian National Ballet Theatre, Jan. 18: The full-length ballet, with choreography based on Petipa, makes its GPAC debut, bringing virtuoso classical dance.
"Universe of Dreams," Jan. 23: Multimedia concert explores the mysteries of the universe through poetry and prose narrated by NPR's Neal Conan and featuring images from the Hubble Space Telescope against a backdrop of music from the Celtic/early music group Ensemble Galilei.
"Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway," Feb. 7: Five Broadway stars perform in this all-star musical theater concert revue.
D.B.R. (Daniel Bernard Roumain), Feb. 22: Haitian-American composer and performer blends his classical music roots with myriad soundscapes. He is joined by his group, The Mission.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Feb. 27: Critically acclaimed 10-year-old company brings fresh and innovative style of classical and contemporary ballet.
Blue Note Records 70th Anniversary -- On Tour, March 1: Marking the anniversary of Blue Note Records, the premier jazz label, this all-star band features Bill Charlap, Ravi Coltrane, Pat Martino, Lewis Nash, Nicholas Payton, Peter Washington and Steve Wilson.
Jil Aigrot, March 21: The voice of Edith Piaf in the Academy Award-winning film "La Vie En Rose," Aigrot has been described as the living reincarnation of the great French chanteuse.
Olga Kern, March 28: In 2001, she became the first female in more than 30 years to win the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
Mariza, April 3: One of the most commanding Portuguese fado singers of all time.
GPAC Ports of Call Gala, April 18: Annual fundraising event.
Yefim Bronfman, April 25: Widely regarded as one of the most talented virtuoso pianists performing today.
TPO: "Farfalle" ("Butterflies"), April 22-26: Weeklong installation in GPAC's Black Box Theatre. Butterflies and gardens come to life through a combination of vivid projections, advanced sensors, sound and live actors to produce an interactive theatrical experience.
- Christopher Blank: 529-2305
