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< Back František Brikcius Cello Learn More Videos About Czech cellist František Brikcius was born in Prague, into a family with a distinguished cultural background. He has been playing the cello since early childhood. Following his cello studies at the Prague Conservatoire, he completed his Master's degree at the Janáček Academy of Music (JAMU) in the Czech republic. He furthered his cello skills at the Toho Gakuen Academy in Japan and later under the guidance of legendary cellist Prof. Anna Shuttleworth (student of Pablo Casals) in the United Kingdom (Eton Cello Master Classes and the University of Leeds). He won the 2nd prizes at the Anglo-Czech Competition in London (1999), the International String Competition London (2000) and the International String Competition Jihlava (2003). He has been awarded many scholarships and fellowships, including the Czech Music Foundation (CHF), the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, the Music Foundation OSA, the Socrates-Erasmus, and the Gideon Klein Foundation for the propagation of works written by Jewish Holocaust Composers. František chose to dedicate his life to the interpretation of cello compositions written by composers of the 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, giving special consideration to compositions for solo cello. His favourites are cello suites by Johann Sebastian Bach, Max Reger, Ernest Bloch and Benjamin Britten. He is particularly involved in researching, studying and performing works by Czech (Antonín Dvořák, Leoš Janáček, Bohuslav Martinů, Josef Suk and Irena Kosíková), Jewish & Terezín (Gideon Klein, Erwin Schulhoff, Zikmund Schul, Jaromír Weinberger, James Simon and David Popper) and contemporary composers (Conrad Beck, Luciano Berio, Pierre Boulez, Benjamin Britten, Henri Dutilleux, Wolfgang Fortner, Alberto Ginastera, Cristobal Halffter, Hans Werner Henze, Heinz Holliger, Klaus Huber and Witold Lutoslawski), playing on a " George Kriwalski " cello made in 1904. Together with his sister Anna Brikciusová, he is a founder member of the "Duo Brikcius". He is artistic director of Festival Brikcius - Chamber Music Concert Series in Prague, Bach Festival Gers in France and Waltham Forest Cello Fest (the 1st London Borough of Culture meets Classical Music) in London. František works as independent film-maker as well. His first music documentary film MAKANNA (in the cooperation with the Jewish Museum in Prague and under the auspices of Sir Tom Stoppard and Václav Havel) was already screened in the Czech republic, China, Mexico and Portugal. He is currently working on new music documentary film eSACHERe (2022). As a soloist František has performed at many festivals in Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liberland, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Turkey, Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom. František has been teaching cello for many years. He is experienced at taking students at all levels, able to give master classes as well as support beginners. He is giving cello master classes in the United Kingdom, France, Italy and remotely online via Zoom/Skype. Served as a jury member in various competitions including the Berliner International Music Competition in Germany, the Music and Stars Awards, the Music International Grand Prix, the Sound Espressivo Global Competition, the Palm Beach International Music Awards, the King's Peak International Music Competition and the Baku International Cinema Festival in Azerbaijan. More information about František Brikcius and his many cello projects is available on the websites https://www.Brikcius.com , https://www.Brikcius.com/CelloTutor and https://www.Twitter.com/Brikcius Previous Next

< Back Massimiliano Donninelli Conductor Judge Learn More Videos About Massimiliano DONNINELLI, represents one of the best interpreters of his generation. From the beginning of his carreer he was passionate about contemporary music as a privileged way to live his time and the repertoire of the tradition. Through conducting classical and modern repertoire he collaborated with prestigious festivals in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Slovenija, Croatia, Portugal, United Kingdom, Usa, Switzerland, Austria, Finland, Holland, Canada, Serbia, Moldova, Greece. He collaborated with prestigious artists as Luciano Berio, Valeria Moriconi, Brett Deubner and many others, conducting orchestra as Orchestra Bel'Arte (Paris), Southern Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Filarmonica Nationala "Serghei Lunchevici”, Orchestra Nazionale TeleRadio - Moldova, Coro Nazionale "Moldova"... at the same time he dedicates himself to composition and his works are performed in Italy, Germany, Slovenia, France, Croatia, Brasil, Spain, USA, broadcasted by RssSky, Rete A, Telequattro, RadioVaticana, RAI, UN Radio (Colombia), Discovery Channel, RadioShalom, RTVSlovenija (Koper). He recorded for CBC, Rai, Rai-Slo, RNE, Rusty Records, Palomar Records, Radio-Moldova, RadioFrance. M°Massimiliano DONNINELLI as conductor it is distinguished by a special interpretative sensitivity and dedication to the composer's idea through a deep and particularly respectful knowledge of the score. www.massimilianodonninelli.com press@massimilianodonninelli.com www.progettogiorgiocambissa.com twitter.com/donninellim www.youtube.com/user/mdonninelli www.facebook.com/massimiliano.donninelli tel.+33781785536 Previous Next

< Back Claire Eichhorn Clarinet/Chamber Learn More Videos About Clarinetist Claire Eichhorn, Artistic Director of the Ensemble da Camera of Washington , was born in Stuttgart. She has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center Orchestra, Baltimore Opera, Virginia Chamber Orchestra, Washington Concert Opera, National Gallery Orchestra and for ten years was a member of the Washington Chamber Symphony. She has been heard in many venues throughout the area including at the Library of Congress, National Gallery of Art, Corcoran Gallery, French and German Embassies, The Highlands Chamber Music Festival in Highlands, N.C. among many others. She has been a frequent guest artist at the annual Brahms Festival at Florida Atlantic University and among the artists with whom she has collaborated are members of the NSO, the Shanghai String Quartet, the Sistrum New Music Ensemble, cellist Tsuyoshi Tsusumi, pianist Judith Burganger(Claire's Mom!), and the Stratford Chamber Players. Ms Eichhorn recorded for the Vernissage Records Label. Her most recent CD, released Spring 2003, is dedicated to the composer Johannes Brahms. She and members of the National Symphony Orchestra - violinist Ricardo Cyncynates, violinist Jane Stewart, violist Nancy Weller and cellist Steven Honigsberg - perform the Brahms Clarinet Quintet. Ms. Eichhorn is a sought after teacher, both at The Eichhorn Clarinet Studio in Fairfax County ( www.claireeichhorn.com ) and as a faculty member of the Levine School of Music , where she spearheaded the Clarinet Workshop for high school students, an intensive one-week camp which ran for 10 years. She also led the development of the clarinet curriculum for Levine. Her students regularly place in the top chairs at District and State auditions. She is a sought after adjudicator, judging the Inaugural Sound Espressivo Competition , the NVMTA Concerto Competition and Woodwind Achievement Awards and the SidneyForrest Competition. Claire was instrumental in developing the Chamber Ensemble Program at the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras . Now in its 9th year, the program is highly successful and continues to receive support from the National Endowment for the Arts. Students receive coaching from the acclaimed Ensemble da Camera of Washington, have public master classes and are given performance opportunities throughout the year. On March 10, 2016, a quartet from the AYPO Chamber Ensemble Program performed in the East Landing of the White House for guests entering the Canada State Dinner, which was hosted by The President and the First Lady. Ms. Eichhorn is a graduate of the University of Michigan having also attended Indiana University. Among her teachers were Alfred Zetzer, Fred Ormand, Sidney Forrest and Bernard Portnoy. She also worked with Menachem Pressler, Rostislav Dubinsky, and James Buswell in Chamber Music. In 1983 she was the recipient of the Alfonso D’Emilia Award given by the School of Music at Indiana University. Previous Next

< Back Michał Szostak Organ/Baroque Judge, Board Member Learn More Videos About I started studying the organ at the age of 17 in Warsaw, Poland. I am a graduate of the Józef Elsner Public School of Music in Warsaw in the organ class of Dr Roman Szlaużys and organ improvisation in the class of Prof. Marian Sawa. I had been studying organ performance as part of an artistic internship at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw in Prof. Andrzej Chorosiński’s class, as well as organ improvisation at the Pontificio Istituto Ambrosiano di Musica Sacra in Milan (Italy) in Maestro Davide Paleari’s class. I participated in master classes on the subject matter of organ works (Ullrich Böhme, Andrew Dewar, Pieter van Dijk, François Espinasse, Bernhard Gfrerer, François-Henri Houbart, Oliver Penin, Louis Robilliard, Daniel Roth , Jean-Claude Zehnder and others), organ improvisation (Frédéric Blanc, Sophie-Véronique Cauchefer-Choplin, Thierry Escaich , Gaétan Jarry, Samuel Liégeon, Baptiste-Florian Marle-Ouvrard, Wolfgang Seifen, Sietze de Vries and others) and liturgical music (Roman Catholic and Anglican). In February 2019, I obtained an academic degree of Doctor of Musical Arts in the field of 'Instrumental Studies' in the discipline of 'Organ Performance' based on the dissertation of "Organ, as a source of inspiration in the art of improvisation and performance practice" written under the direction of prof. Andrzej Chorosiński and defended at the Białystok faculty of the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw. I am an international concert organist and I have the pleasure to perform regular solo recitals in countries of Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Africa: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brasil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Monaco, Nigeria, Panama, Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, and the USA. I conduct international (Nigeria, Poland, Ukraine) didactic activities in the field of organ improvisation and practice of interpretation of organ literature from different periods, among others in cooperation with The Royal School of Church Music. I participate in international academic conferences on organ and sacred music (Belgium, Nigeria, Poland). My organological publications are issued regularly by prestigious organ magazines: British "The Organ" , Canadian "Organ Canada" , as well as American "The Diapason" and "The Vox Humana" . Since 2013 I have been a member of The Royal College of Organists, based in London, and since 2014 (as the first Pole) I have had a certificate (certRCO) from this organization. Since 2017 I have been a member of The American Guild of Organists, based in New York City, USA and since 2018 I have been a member of The Organ Historical Society based in the USA. In the years 2002-2011, I was an organist at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Warsaw; I wrote a monograph on the history of the organ (J.G. Meinert, 1782) of this church, and I recorded a CD (organ literature and improvisations) , which is the only record of the sound of this instrument which no longer exists. At that time I co-authored a series of broadcasts on “Radio Warszawa 106.2” about organs in the Warsaw-Prague Diocese. In the years 2011-2018, I held the position of Music Director and the Leading Organist at the Sanctuary of the Virgin Mary in Lichen Stary, where I played the largest organ in Poland (Zych, 157, 6M+P) located in the Basilica in Licheń Stary (the largest church in Poland). In 2017, I wrote the book "The Lichen Organ in relation to the Largest Instruments in Poland, Europe and the World" and recorded a compact disc, “Ave Regina Caelorum” with improvisations on the biggest organ in Poland (in the Basilica in Licheń Stary - can be bought on eBay ). In 2018 I recorded a second compact disc in the Basilica in Licheń Stary, Poland with French literature and improvisations, "French Inspirations: 2nd half of the 19th century" ( eBay ). In addition, I have completed Masters and PhD studies in the area of economics at the Leon Kozminski Academy in Warsaw. Since 2019, as an Associate Professor, I work at the University of Social Sciences in Warsaw, where I conduct interdisciplinary scientific and research work at the interface between management and art, as well as didactic activities for English-language BA, MA, and MBA programs and at the Polish campus of the Clark University, Worcester, USA, in the area of international finance, corporate finance, financial analysis, financial and managerial accounting, self-presentation, business presentations, marketing of visual arts, business ethics, and CSR. I am a Deputy Dean for international student affairs of the Faculty of Management and Security. Since 2021, as an Assistant Professor, I work at the Collegium Civitas in Warsaw. I am also the founder and president of the Jan Drzewoski Foundation dealing with a wide range of organ themes. For more detailed information, please visit www.michalszostak.org/cv Michał Szostak, D.Mus.A., Associate Professor Previous Next

< Back Natalia Preziosi Composition Learn More Videos About Maestro Natalia Preziosi lives in Milan (Italy) Natalia Preziosi , born in Russia, began studying the piano at the age of seven in Hungary. She began writing music at the age of twelve, creating her first composition called " Polka-joke " for the piano. She graduated from the Belarusian State University of Arts and Culture in the city of Minsk in orchestral conducting . She studied composition and orchestral conducting under the guidance of the famous composer, organist and conductor of Moscow, national honourable artist of the Russian Federation Oleg Jancenko . Natalia has worked as a conductor performing numerous concerts and tours in Russia, Belarus, the Ukraine and Poland . But she debuted to the general public with her own music at the age of twenty-five in the "national" theaters of Brest and Minsk with the drama "All about Monica" directed by A.Dolnikov and with the funny opera based on the famous comedy by Oscar Wilde "The importance of being Earnest" directed by E. Milovanov. Since 1993 she lives in Italy with her family . And it is where she studied the aesthetics of composition at the Turin conservatory with the first Italian musicologist Enzo Restagno. Natalia had the fortunate opportunity to merge the great Russian musical culture with the centuries-old Italian musical tradition together with deepening her musical knowledge of lyrical and symphonic works. From this study of both Russian and Italian works she managed to give rise to a new compositional style that mixes the best of the two cultures and thanks to which she managed to compose innovative symphonic works, for chamber and ballet, such as: Concert n ° 1 for violin and orchestra in LA min . dedicated to Pyotr Tchaikovsky published in Italy and Germany in the encyclopedia by Tobias Broecher, as the best works of the twentieth century for a conceptual violin (1894-2006); "Soufflè" - a ballet for a string orchestra, dedicated to Igor Stravinsky. Published in Milan. A Ballet- a Fable "The wooden eagle" in two acts . It is Dedicated to her own son Marcello Massetti and all children of the world. Published in Milan. "Light and Shadow" - a vocal cycle for four voices and piano. Dedicated to W.A.Mozart. Published in Milan. Clavier trio. A Tribute to piano composers. Dedicated to various composers. A String Quarte t . Dedicated to W.A.Mozart. Published in Milan. Symphony No. 1 "Italian" . Symphony No. 2 "Little Symphony" . Songs for flute, violin, guitar. "Gathered the tears of all women" for soprano, mezzo soprano and orchestra. Dedicated to all women in the world. " The figure of Maestro Natalia Preziosi is one of the most important composers and talents of the vast European music scene, thanks to the collaboration with great artists, theaters and concert halls of the highest prestige and level, " a Milanese publishing house writes. Natalia Preziosi is a member of the following institutions and foundations: * the National Committee of Italian Composers CIDIM of Rome since 2006, * of S.I.A.E (music, opera, DOR) since 1994. * The National CIDIM Italian Composers Committee in Rome since 2006. * of the international foundation "Women in music", Rome, since 2005. * She is a finalist and winner of international composition competitions, such as "Women in Music" (200, 2008), T.I.M. Rome (2010). M.A.P. Milan (2014) for Carnegie Hall. "Eurodonne" Rome Award (2016). * Knight of honor of the Federation United European Nobility (2018.) Diploma 2019 SanMarino Republic. Click on photo to enlargeHers music is performed in theaters, auditoriums, houses-museums of the main Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, Turin, Bari, Pesaro, San Sepolcro, Cuneo, Vittorio Veneto, Regio Emilia, Republica San Marino in monographic concerts and in concerts with composers classics: Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, Schubert, Mascagni, Clara Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Biset, Fanny Mendelssohn, Debussy, Ravel, Dvorak, Brahms, Albeniź, Coplamd, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Puccini, Britten. Natalia Preziozi periodically works with the singers, pianists, violinists of Carnegie Hall, Berlin Opera, Alla Scala Theater, Arena of Verona, Regio Theater of Turin, the Bolshoi and Moscow Kremlin theatres and Erevan Opera, with Montecarlo Philharmonic orchestra, Eurorchestra, Amadeus of Rome, Geneva conservatory. Duet Dorian. Her music is broadcast by some radio stations including Vatican Radio. The works of Natalia are published in Italy and Germany Newspapers and periodicals such as "La Stampa", "Culture and Entertainment", "Ozero Como", "Basilicata Magazine", Italian TV talk about her. Violin Concert by Natalia Preziosi. (Click on photo to enlarge). She has written in collaboration with Alex Miozi the novel " Cincilla " the history of Russian ballets . The preface is written by madam Marie Stravinsky, great-granddaughter of the Great Composer Igor Stravinsky, granddaughter creator of the Stravinsky Foundation in Geneva. The pool was realised last year and now can be found at the Alla Scala theater, Triennale Museum, Fashion Museum and theater costume in Milan, Igor Stravinsky Foundation in Geneva. It will shortly arrive at the Dante Alighieri Society of Turin, Milan Conservatory. Recently she has started writing the third ballet "Rusalka" on the lyrics of A.Pushkin. English translation: Yulia Turovskaya. Previous Next

< Back Galina Ivannikova Dramatic Mezzo-Soprano Learn More Videos About Ukrainian-American dramatic mezzo-soprano Galina Ivannikova is hailed by critics and audiences alike for her rich, lustrous voice as well as for her passionate dramatic portrayals. Bruce Michael Gelbert of NY Art Review raved “ Ivannikova's timbre was ruby in color, her chest register aptly gutsy, and her emotion pitch-perfect. She possessed a big glorious Verdi voice reminiscent of the Golden Age tradition.” She kept busy during the pandemic, performing online concerts, judging competitions, and recording several works by modern composers. The 2019-2020 season successfully kicked off with such performances as Brangäne in Wagner's Tristan and Isolde with Connecticut Lyric opera, as well as an acclaimed aria concert with Northern Art Center, Yellowknife, NT, Canada. During the 2018-2019 season, Ivannikova performed the roles of Amneris in Verdi's Aida with Gateway Classical Opera society, as the Mezzo Soloist in Mahler's Das Lied von Erde, Eboli in Verdi's Don Carlo with Connecticut Lyric Opera, Waltraute in Wagner's Götterdämmerung with NYVWOG, Azucena in Verdi's Il Trovatore and The Witch in Humperdink's Hansel and Gretel with Regina Opera, Ulrica in Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera with Amore Opera, in addition to numerous concert appearances. The 2017-2018 season included engagements as Carmen in Bizet's Carmen with Lyric Theater D'Europa, Waltraute in Wagner's Götterdämmerung, Leonora in Donizetti's La Favorite with NYWSO, and Amneris with both Connecticut Lyric Opera and West Side Opera Society. In 2016-2017, Ivannikova appeared as La Cieca in Ponchielli's La Gioconda with NJ Verismo Opera, Amneris with Lyric Theater D'Europa, Odarka in Hulak-Artemovsky's The Cossack beyond the Danube, Inkeeper/Marina Mnishek in Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov with Commonwealth Opera Theater of Boston, of which Opera Magazine(London) said, "Ivannikova has an imposing instrument and passion!" In previous seasons, she brought critical acclaim to the roles Amneris in Verdi's Aida, Azucena in Verdi's Il Trovatore, Ulrica in Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera, Maddalena in Verdi's Rigoletto, Marta in Tchaikovsky's Iolanta with VP NYC, Principessa in Cilea's Adriana Lecouvreur, Nicklausse/Muse in Tales of Hoffmann, Waltraute in Wagner's Götterdämmerung, Fricka in Wagner's Die Walküre, Olga/Nurse/Larina in TchaikovskyEugene Onegin, the Mezzo Soloist in the Verdi Requiem, Santuzza in Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana, and Fricka in Wagner's Die Walküre. Previous Next

< Back Grzegorz Nowak Conductor Learn More Videos About "[San Diego] Symphony Comes Alive Under Nowak … Nowak elicited a brilliance and depth from the orchestra … restored the magic and innocent ebullience." - Los Angeles Times Grzegorz Nowak is Principal Associate Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Grand-Prize Winner of the Ernest Ansermet Competition for Conductors and a recipient of the Patek Philippe Award. Maestro Nowak has worked with such prestigious ensembles as the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre National de France, Orchestre Lamoureaux in Paris, Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, the National Orchestra of Spain and the Gulbenkian Orchestra in Lisbon. Mr. Nowak has also performed alongside many of the most widely respected soloists of our time, including Henryk Szeryng, Anne-Sophie Mutter, Pinchas Zukerman, Midori, Nigel Kennedy, and Kathleen Battle. "Outstanding… in every way this matches and even outshines the superb account which Sir Georg Solti recorded with the Chicago Orchestra on Decca… the vitality of the piece is superbly caught."- Gramophone Magazine, London "Nowak … had a firm grip on the score's potential for liquid line and colorful sonority … the performance virtually oozed with excitement." -The Buffalo News ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA REVIEWS ‘Nowak directed a very fine account of Tchaikovsky’s last symphony… If the Royal Philharmonic hadn’t secured the services of Charles Dutoit I would be demanding that Grzegorz Nowak be immediately appointed chief conductor for he has a rapport with the musicians and they obviously enjoy playing for him. His concerts are always worth attending and with the RPO on top form we have as exciting a combination of musicians as one could hope for in London. I can hardly wait for the next show when they all get together again.’ Bob Briggs, MusicWeb International, London, 2010-10-05 ‘There can be no doubt in anyone’s mind, after hearing this show, that together Grzegorz Nowak and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra make a truly winning combination. I have heard quite a few performances by these musicians and Nowak always commands playing of the very highest standard from the orchestra. We, the audience, are lucky that the RPO has his services. Tonight’s performance of the 4th Symphony showed all that is best in musical performance. Starting with the richest and most sumptuous declamation of the fate motif from the horns – a real dream team here – Nowak led us through Tchaikovsky’s tortured mind in the first movement, seldom allowing for respite – with only a slight slackening of tension for the second subject – this was highly powered and agonising in its intensity… beautiful… marvellous… delightfully mellifluous… joyous… Nowak… made the final appearance of the fate motif a real event, blowing the roof off our expectations of a mere repeat of earlier music, and bringing a kind of Armageddon to the work. A towering interpretation and as fine a piece of orchestral playing as I have heard all year… splendid concert’ Bob Briggs, MusicWeb International, London, 2010-06-08 ‘Grzegorz Nowak Excels in Tchaikovsky with the RPO …he is a conductor of great ability… His performance of Romeo and Juliet was outstanding: he secured immaculate playing, with particularly sharp, brilliant attack; he generated high tension in the Montague and Capulets episode and he inspired beautiful, atmospheric warmth of phrase in the love musicĺ… Nowak directed a cheerful, highly rhythmic performance of the Polonaise from Eugene Onegin , and a deliciously pointed, characterful account of seven numbers from The Nutcracker – the familiar suite, that is to say, less the opening Miniature Overture. What a wonderful ballet conductor he must be (or maybe would be) with his acute sense of rhythm and pulse. Finally, we heard a finely shaped, urgent performance of 1812 that made it seem like a dramatic masterpiece: maybe it is when it is allowed to flower as it did here…And so the hero of the evening was undoubtedly Grzegorz Nowak, who thoroughly deserved the standing ovation that was given to him at the conclusion of the programme.’ Alan Sanders, Seen and Hear International, Royal Albert Hall, London, 2017-06-22 ‘The RPO always plays well for Nowak… brilliant… Nowak succeeded magnificently… With the RPO on top form, utterly responsive to their conductor’s demands, this was a great performance of a great Symphony, an evening which will remain long in the memory.’ Bob Briggs, Musical Pointers, London, 2010-04-09 ‘ Grzegorz Nowak impresses … a very accomplished conductor. The Mozart overture was played in a very lively, vivacious fashion and then there was a complete change of mood for Delius’s intermezzo. The performance of this exquisite piece left nothing to be desired, for Nowak kept the music flowing forward in just the right fashion, and his judgment of its natural ebb and flow and turns of phrase was immaculately sympathetic… The Tchaikovsky ballet numbers were played with imagination and in a rhythmic style that reflected their dance origins rather than their use as concert fare. And in the Bizet suites there was much to admire in the character and zest of the RPO’s playing and the composer’s wonderful orchestration, which came across more vividly in this live performance than in even the finest recordings.’ Alan Sanders, MusicWeb International, London, 2015-02-14 'Nowak did a good job in bringing out the richness of the romantic textures while at the same time ensuring they remained clear… excellent… played with vigour and gusto bringing the piece to its triumphant conclusion… Nowak and the RPO did an excellent job… wonderfully atmospheric. The RPO brought a wide range of colour… and succeeded in bringing out the sense of wonderment and emotional engagement… pointed phrasing… expressive… restrained sensuality… delightful playing… nicely shaped and crafted… Nowak and the RPO performed it with lightness and grace, while there was some deft orchestral colouring… Nowak brought immense clarity to the contrapuntal elements… extremely well articulated and voiced… delivered with an emotional charge and punch. Robert Beatle, MusicWeb International, London, 2012-03-14 ‘neat and graceful… the tone quality was penetrating yet sparkled with finesse, cutting and beautiful at the same time. There was always a tremendous buoyant enthusiasm in the dance rhythms… The interpretation was faultlessly enthusiastic… the orchestra came to life, boiling over with enthusiasm and excitement… perfectly poised and yet heartfelt, a truly touching rendition… handled with dignity and emotion… the music was freshly and emotionally presented, an immense pleasure to listen to… clearly enjoyed by audience and players alike… enjoyably bewildering, the cheekiness of phrase after phrase bickering with each other… exuberant’ Madelaine Jones, Bachtrack.com , 2012-11-07 ‘Symphony No 5 earned lengthy applause and rightly so. The impressive dynamic shaping and clarity of phrasing were particularly powerful… the unity of this huge orchestra, the playing from all sections… ensured a gripping mix and balance of emotion and mood throughout: pain, restlessness, conflict, demented obsession, sneering cynicism, humour and defiant exuberance were all there, though under control… spell-binding… keeping listeners suspended in a magical, emotional flow.’ Eileen Caiger Grey, DigYorkshire, Leeds, 2010-04-21 ‘Nowak's energetic conducting and attention, especially to dynamic detail, was abundantly evident… admirably captured in tonight's performance… Nowak and the orchestra were superb… Nowak moulded an intense musical line, a kind of great arc of symphonic drama which also projected the difference, diversity of each movement - indeed the diversity within each movement… It was in the 'Largo' in particular that Nowak found an almost unbearable dramatic/brooding quality. I have seldom heard the development of unbroken cadences, after the first impassioned D minor climax, mutating into regions of ill - defined tonality captured with such conviction… inspired event’ Geoff Digginess, MusicWeb International, London, 2010-04-09 ‘one of the greats… exciting… heavenly… under the spell… dazzling… livid colours… I appreciated that I have had the privilege of being there, it is one of the music world’s great shows… The evening was enhanced by being in such capable hands. Grzegorz Nowak took the fractions of a stripped down orchestra and edited versions of the pieces and made them add up to a larger number than the sum of their parts.’ Melanie Gow, Beat, London, 2010-09-25 ‘high standards… a refined handling of the romantic tragedy with some truly ecstatic moments. Here the interpretive skills of Nowak were well shown, to produce a deep and satisfying performance… splendid… vivid rendering’ Stan Mears, Bucks Free Press, High Wycombe, 2010-02-21 ‘compelling account… outstanding… achingly intense in climaxes… a thought-provoking performance’ Colin Anderson, ClassicalSource, London, 2010-04-09 ‘The musicians of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra were at their best… The orchestra was led by… Grzegorz Nowak who is Principal Associate Conductor of the RPO. Nowak is an energetic conductor with an exquisite presence… his enthusiasm for the music is intense and contagious; at times he almost appears to grow, towering above the orchestra, like a Nordic god commanding a storm; his hair swirling around his head as if taken by a sudden, furious wind! He led the RPO in a vibrant but romantic rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture… his and the orchestra’s greatest moment came with the final piece: the composer’s magnificent Symphony No. 5… the music was delivered with great technical precision and well judged passion… leading the orchestra in an exceptionally fine, exciting interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s music. Nowak’s and the RPO’s performance was excellent throughout and one of the best that I have so far seen and heard’ Margarida Mota-Bull, MusicWeb International, London, 2010-02-18 ‘An evening of music-making I shall never forget.‘ Jeffrey Taylor, Express, London, 2010-10-05 ‘Grzegorz Nowak, a supremely musicianly conductor… drew a magnificent Shostakovich Fifth Symphony from his marvellously pliant orchestra’ Bernard Lee, Sheffield Telegraph, 2010-04-22 ’Grzegorz Nowak, the RPO's Principal Associate Conductor, brought masterly expression to the performance, a shining example of his highly acclaimed and award-winning interpretations… the RPO and Grzegorz Nowak rendered one of the most memorable performances of Antonin Dvorak's Symphony No 9 in E minor.’ Simon Ames, Croydon Today, 2011-01-28 ‘this was as sprightly a performance as you could have wished for… I loved every second of it… The Royal Philharmonic played expertly and obviously appear to enjoy working with Nowak. Long may this collaboration continue!’ Bob Briggs, MusicWeb International, London, 2009-11-25 ‘quite exquisite… a delight… Nowak directed a very dramatic performance, full of fire and spirit, relishing every twist and turn of the music… Here was a New World full of drama, tension, passion and tragedy… the music held together better than I have ever heard it. With playing of the utmost excitement and refinement, this was a performance to savour.’ Bob Briggs, MusicWeb International, London, 2009-10-13 ‘Nowak demonstrated exactly how to play Mozart without relegating all responsibility to the original instruments brigade… Nowak directed both Concertos in a spritely manner, full of bounce and spirit… But, to be honest, it was the Dvořák I wanted to hear… The music moved forwards at a very nice pace… This was a superb performance… and made this glorious Symphony into a real Symphonic experience rather than just a pleasant walk in the country… handled with aplomb, the tension never dropped, the drama, rather than tragedy, was well handled and we were kept on the edges of our seats as the music progressed from one highpoint to the next… superb’ Bob Briggs, MusicWeb International, London, 2009-10-06 'A robust reading… Judiciously played… tenderly phrased… beautifully played… every delicate nuance detectable… an excitingly-paced accelerando bring it all to a thrilling conclusion… the music is nicely paced as it builds seamlessly to the Allegro. Nowak keeps the development from wandering too far from the main path… The scherzo is the nearest Schumann gets to Mendelssohnian lightness of touch… brilliant.… ensemble is immaculate and the final chords are crisply punctuated to thrill. The slow movement is expressively warm, in which the woodwinds shine. Passion builds in the strings… a broad reading… excellent… very fine… Nowak coaxes some impressively quiet playing at pianissimo moments' Christopher Fifield, MusicWeb International, 2010-03-10 “Explosive.” This concert certainly lived up to its title… thanks to the conducting of Grzegorz Nowak and the magnificent orchestra… displayed the full force and talents of the orchestra’ Bella Bartock, Croydon Today, 2011-04-08 ‘the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Grzegorz Nowak… were on fine form at the Cadogan Hall… fantastically colourful… Brahms’s Symphony no. 1 in C minor… rich string section… exciting… The beautiful pastoral theme was also a breath of fresh air in the midst of the building tension… a rousing ending’ Emily Owen, BachTrack.com , 2013-10-11 ‘Grzegorz Nowak… a commanding figure on the podium… stimulating introduction… Fantastic sound… Gorgeous… It was all very enthralling and enjoyable… the audience responded most warmly and with great respect.’ Classical, The Real Chirsparkle, Northampton, 2011-05-09 Previous Next

< Back Melanie Ragge Oboe Learn More Videos About Melanie Ragge has performed nationally and internationally as a recitalist, chamber musician and orchestral player. She’s played in venues as far flung as Vancouver Island, Malta, and Northern Sweden as well as UK venues such as St John’s Smith Square, the Royal Opera House and Wigmore Hall. A founding member of the New London Chamber Ensemble, she has released several CDs, including Nielsen’s Wind & Piano Chamber Music. ‘…Performances and sound quality are outstanding in every regard’ International Record Review. Originally a medical student at King’s College Cambridge, Melanie ultimately graduated with a Master of Philosophy degree in Musicology. She was subsequently awarded a Leverhulme Fellowship at the Royal College of Music where she studied oboe with Michael Winfield, contemporary oboe with Edwin Roxburgh and piano with Phyllis Sellick. Melanie has since collaborated with numerous artists including the Dante, Schidlof and Emperor string quartets, pianists Ann Martin-Davis, Michael Dussek and Angela Hewitt, and baritone Gerald Finlay. Over the last few years, her performances have included recitals with Angela Hewitt and the New London Chamber Ensemble at Wigmore Hall, the premiere of the ensemble’s newly commissioned Nonet by Martin Butler with the Dante Quartet at the Cheltenham Festival, touring and recording Mahler’s 10th Symphony at Philharmonie Hall in Berlin with the International Mahler Orchestra, and recitals at the Royal Opera House with the Ellipsis Ensemble. Her most recent recording was a disc Martin Butler’s chamber music with the New London Chamber Ensemble and Navarra Quartet for NMC. She regularly coaches and gives masterclasses; she has been a guest tutor for numerous projects, including Chamber Music International, the Aberystwyth Music Festival, Hamburg Hochschule für Musik und Theater and the Penderecki Musik Akademie, and was for many years Associate Director and woodwind tutor for the National Youth Chamber Orchestra. As well as her work at the Royal Academy, she teaches at the Purcell School of Music, and coaches for Cambridge University. Her scientific interest continues in the form of ongoing research into the use of Electromyography to help to reduce strain injuries in musical training. In 2018, the New London Chamber Ensemble recorded Philip Cashian’s dectet Settala’s Machine in the Royal Academy of Music’s Angela Burgess Recital Hall, with Moriarty Winds, recent graduates, and Leverhulme Chamber Music Fellows at the Academy. With support from the Royal Academy of Music’s Research Department, Melanie Ragge commissioned film-maker David Lefeber to make a short film of the recording project, exploring the educational value of side-by-side projects in preparing young musicians for the profession. You can watch a film about Mel’s work developing her online teaching – From No Tech To High Tech – here: https://vimeo.com/352064378/78d0f118b5 You can view another short film of Melanie’s work with oboe students from the Royal Academy of Music, Creativity in a Crisis; lockdown miniatures by oboists at the Academy here: https://vimeo.com/459367076 You can see the film Settala’s Machine by Philip Cashian here: https://vimeo.com/352064378/78d0f118b5 or listen to the audio file here: https://soundcloud.com/nlce-1/philip-cashian-settalas-machine-for-wind-dectet-new-london-chamber-ensemble-and-moriarty-winds Previous Next

< Back James Welch Piano,/Music Theater Learn More Videos About Known for his performances on three continents, JAMES WELCH maintains an active career as a piano soloist, chamber musician, conductor and instructor of piano at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia School of Music. He was a prize winner in many piano competitions including the John Pierce Langs and the Bradshaw and Buono International. He has performed solo and lecturer recitals for the SUNY at Buffalo; the SUNY at Fredonia; Morgan State University; East Carolina University; Jamestown Community College; all throughout the Portland, OR area; Lucca, Italy; and festivals throughout southern France. His chamber music performances have been heard on the stages of the Rocky Ridge Music Center in Estes Park with the Southwest String Quartet and a premiere performance with saxophonist Grant Larson of Philip Wharton’s Prohibition ; the Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society in Ontario with the Antero Winds; the Sydney Music Conservatorium in Sydney, Australia with soprano, Lianna Valente on the premiere performance of Dr. Timothy Brown’s Dreams Kept, Dreams Deferred ; the many stages of the SUNY at Fredonia with various artists and repertoire including John Corigliano’s Mr. Tambourine Man and Lukas Foss’s Time Cycle ; The Bop Stop in Cleveland, OH with The META Trio; stages along Italy’s Adriatic Coast with the Postacchini String Quartet; and his Carnegie Hall Debut in New York with violinist, Kaden Culp. His performances have been praised for his creative artistry by composers Lee Hoiby, John Corigliano, Eric Ewazen, Ian Clarke and Jason Robert Brown; to name a few. He has worked under the batons of Glen Cortese, Joann Falletta, William Weinert, Hugh Floyd, Joel Revzen, and Hans Schellevis. Additionally, he has played in workshops for William Eddins, Thomas Sauer, Renee Fleming, Giuseppe Sabatini, Victoria Clark, and Karen Akers. You can hear some of James’s performances with Jacob Swanson on their premiere recording titled, Invisible Cities . James is also an active conductor and director of musical theatre. Recent credits include: Sweet Charity, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Ordinary Days (the Buffalo, NY premiere performance); The Last 5 Years (in performance for the composer, Jason Robert Brown); Spring Awakening; Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson; Godspell (2012 version); Little Shop of Horrors; Little Women; Once Upon a Mattress; Annie Get Your Gun; The Pirates of Penzance; and John & Jen; with theatre companies Sierra Repertory Theatre in Sonora, CA; University of Fredonia in Fredonia, NY; East Carolina University; O’Connell & Company, and New Buffalo Productions. Concert highlights include: A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt with headliner Yesnia McNett; a revue of Jason Robert Brown’s music (with Jason Robert Brown), and a Broadway revue concert featuring singer/actor Keith Buterbaugh on the Chautauqua Institute’s Amphitheater concert series. Other musical and operatic credits include: The Pirates of Penzance, Pippin, Kiss Me Kate, The Sound of Music, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Urinetown, Chicago, Anything Goes, Don Giovanni, Suor Angelica, Così fan tutte, La Cenerentola, The Abduction of Figaro and Carmen. In recent years, James has arranged many workshops and benefit concerts to help support education, performance, and fundraisers. Highlights include: Workshops for singers and actors with Judy Kuhn (Disney’s Pocahontas); Tony Award winning musical director, Brian Usifer; an alumni piano recital to support endowments for the SUNY at Fredonia School of Music; and a church benefit concert which raised over $5,000 to build a self-sustaining medical clinic in LeCayes, Hatti. James also has over 20 years of experience as a singer, conductor, educator, and administrator. Currently he is the pianist for the Western New York Chamber Orchestra; and a collaborative pianist for the Rocky Ridge Music Center in Estes Park, CO. In previous years, he worked for the New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) Choral Program; the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp; the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus; Director of many church music programs including choral, handbell, contemporary, orchestral, and instrumental chamber ensembles; and served as the board President for the Akron Community Band of Akron, NY.James received his MM in Piano Performance from East Carolina University, and his BM in Piano Performance and Performer’s Certificate from the SUNY at Fredonia; with additional studies in piano from Music at Ambialet (now Music at Chateau D’AIX) in France; and operatic coaching and conducting at the Accademia Europea Dell’ Opera (AEDO) program in Lucca, Italy. His primary piano instructors have included, Robert Jordan, Dr. Paul Tardif, Paul Roberts, Brian Preston, and Mark Westcott. Additionally, James has studied conducting with Dr. Daniel Bara and Simone Luti; voice from Beverly Panten; and stringed instruments from Holly Meides. “ Music is an artistic cornerstone that brings together math, history and art/imagery. It can be appreciated by many, but never be perfected. While performing, a musician must be able to simultaneously count beats, subdivide beats into duplets, triplets, quarters, quintuplets and beyond all within a steady pulse. Music highlights many cultures, many of our world’s biggest historical events, and continues to inspire stories, movies, dance, and social gatherings. Every student begins their musical training at different skill levels and varying abilities, and within any standard or curriculum there will always be varying results from one musician to the next. Some key ingredients to strong musical training include supportive instructors, supportive family, a disciplined practice routine, and much exposure to other musical artists. This combination will aid to produce endless musical possibilities. I am thrilled to be working with the Progressive Musicians team where I continue with the privilege of educating, encouraging, and rewarding musicians of all ages. ~ James Welch ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ James Welch is on the faculty for The SUNY at Fredonia School of Music as an instructor of class piano. He also serves on the faculty for the Rocky Ridge Music Center in Estes Park, CO, as a collaborative pianist. In past years he has worked on the faculties for the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, and The New York State Summer School of the Arts Choral Program. He has performed for Peter Schickele, Renee Fleming, Lee Hoiby, Dawn Upshaw, Jake Heggie, Ian Clarke, Eric Ewazen, and Jason Robert Brown. Recent performance highlights include his debut at the Kitchener-Waterloo Music Society with the Antero Winds Quintet; his music directing debut with O’Connell & Company in Buffalo, NY; a premiere recording with euphoniumist, Erik Lundquist of a sonata from euphonium and piano by Neil Flory; a debut performance with violinist Kaden Culp in Weill Recital Hall in New York, NY; an album release titled Invisible Cities with soprano saxophonist, Jacob Swanson; the New York State premiere performance of Amanda Harberg’s sonata for clarinet and piano with clarinetist, Elizabeth Widzinski; and the Australian premiere of Timothy Brown’s Dreams Deferred at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. James holds a M.M. in Piano Performance from East Carolina University and a B.M. in Piano Performance and a Performer’s Certificate from The SUNY at Fredonia, with additional studies in piano at the Music at Ambialet summer piano festival in Ambialet, France; and in collaborative piano and opera at the Accademia Europea Dell’ Opera in Lucca, Italy. He was the second prize recipient of the 2007 Bradshaw and Bouno International Piano Competition. Teaching Interests Exercises and techniques that aid in the development of the fundamentals needed for rudimentary keyboard use in all the professional disciplines of music and the arts. Instrumental Repertoire, Vocal Repertoire, Opera, Musical Theater, Jazz, Rock, Pop music. Research Interests New and innovated beginning keyboard techniques. Studies from young adults that teach beginning keyboard technique and incorporate numeric and sequential analyses of exercises and physical movement. (This study is currently under trial/discovery and has yet to be titled) Theoretical Analyses and Historical Research of music, pertaining to the improved styling of practice and performance. Previous Next

< Back Samuel Magill Cello Learn More Videos About Cellist Samuel Magill has been called “…a world-class artist…” by Fanfare Magazine in 2018. Of his Centaur release of Andrew Rudin’s Cello Sonata, Fanfare wrote “Throughout, Magill’s beautiful cello tone is in evidence, endlessly expressive, subtle in shading…..He is a firstrate artist and instrumentalist.” His first Naxos CD of Vernon Duke’s Cello Concerto was hailed as “flat-out magnificent” by the American Record Guide.In 2014 The Strad Magazine raved about Magill’s “sumptuous tone” in his 2014 recital at New York’s Bargemusic series, in which he and Beth Levin played the rarely heard Czerny arrangement of Beethoven’s Kreutzer Violin Sonata. This led to their 2016 Navona CD which includes the Kreutzer, the Solo Cello Sonata by Artur Schnabel, and the Ballade by Emanuel Moór. Writing in Classics Today, Jed Distler said “…Magill’s superb technique, range of color, and intelligent pacing make a compelling case (for the Schnabel)” He wrote about the Beethoven, “ The point is that the musical message transcends any questions of instrument on account of Magill’s supple bow arm, spotless intonation, and tonal evenness, abetted by Levin’s intense response to Beethoven’s subito dynamics and her sound collaborative instincts.” Mr Magill has appeared as soloist throughout Japan and the U.S., including performances of both the Schumann Concerto and the Brahms Double Concerto in Tokyo’s famed Suntory Hall, and the Brahms and the Haydn D Major Concerto in Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. He has partnered with the pianists Oxana Yablonskaya, Pascal Rogé, and the late Grant Johannesen, and has given annual recitals since 1994 at Lincoln Center’s New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. He is a co-founder, with flutist Lucian Rinando and harpist Mélanie Genin, of the flute, cello, and harp trio Sono Auros. They made their New York debut a Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall to critical acclaim. Strings Magazine declared them “masters of their instruments.” Magill is also a founding member of the New York Piano Quartet. A pupil of the late Zara Nelsova, Mr. Magill also studied with Laurence Lesser at the Peabody Institute and with Shirley Trepel at Rice University. He is the former Associate Principal Cello with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, former member of the Houston Symphony, and a former member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Previous Next

< Back Raffaele Livio Ponti Conductor Learn More Videos About "Internationally recognized Italian Conductor, Raffaele Livio Ponti is one of the most exciting, and popular conductors of his generation." An artist of Dynamic Personality, Charismatic Performances, and Superb Musicianship, known for his powerful musical interpretations, rich and unique quality of sound, and breath of colors that he inspires, and draws from every orchestra he conducts. Making his mark as a model for today’s conductors, Raffaele Ponti is recognized for his commitment to creative artistry, innovative programming, and to audience and community engagement. https://www.priceattractions.com/raffaele-ponti-conductor Raffaele Livio Ponti is the Music Director of Paducah Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Ponti maintains an active worldwide conducting schedule with the Lviv National Philharmonic of Ukraine, Sofia Symphony of Bulgaria, and multiple return engagements with the orchestras of Roma, Pescara, Siena, Arezzo, Pistoia, Lucca, Pisa, Firenze, Grosseto, Venezia, Padova, Pienza, Treviso, Spello, Milano, Perugia, Massa, Terni, Bologna, Ferrara, Ripatransone, Pesaro, Civitavecchia, San Gimignano, Genoa, Sinalunga, Cortona, Tocco da Casauria, Montepulciano, Montacatini Terme, Bagno Vignoni, and Prato. In the United States the Buffalo Philharmonic, Elgin Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Austin Symphony, Youngstown Symphony, Paducah Symphony, Billings Symphony, Binghamton Philharmonic, Charlotte Symphony, Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes, Utica Symphony, and Schenectady Symphony. Winner of numerous awards including winner of the Mario Gusella International Conductors Competition in Pescara, Italy; Italian Musician of the Year, and the prestigious Bernard Adelstein Prize from the Cleveland Institute of Music. He carries on the teachings and philosophies of his mentor and teacher, Giuseppe Sinopoli, and is an inspiring musician, expert teacher, and speaker who enjoys inspiring musicians, and audiences of all ages. He is a popular conducting teacher, who leads conducting seminars in Italy, Canada, and the United States. Especially recognized for his interpretations of the core repertoire, Raffaele Ponti has also collaborated closely with many extraordinary living composers including Kenneth Fuchs, Roberto Sierra, and Jennifer Higdon. In recent seasons he has collaborated with world class artists David Kim, Ilya Kaler, William Wolfram, Terrance Wilson, Glenn Dicterow. Franklin Cohen, Joseph Alessi, Fabio Bidini, Eugenia Zukerman, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, Jeffrey Biegel, Stewart Goodyear, Juana Zayas, Timothy McAllister, Joan Kwuon, Serena Huang, Roman Rabinovich, Sabrina-Vivian Hopcker, Elena Urioste, Michael Ludwig, David Halen, Philippe Quint, Jeffrey Multer, all led to rave reviews. Maestro Ponti is equally in demand as an opera conductor. In 1998 he was appointed Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Italia Konzert Opera Internationale where he tours Italy annually with triumph performances of Tosca, Il Trovatore, Nabucco, Madama Butterfly, L’Elisir d’amore, Carmen, Aida, La Boheme, and Rigoletto. His Italian opera tours include the Sofia Symphony Orchestra, Varna State Opera, and Italia Konzert Opera Internationale. Among the international opera stars collaborated with are Paola Romano, Vittorio Grigolo, Maurizio Graziani, Stefano Algieri, Mariana Paunova, Silvia dalla Benetta, Ettore Nova, George Petean, Claudia Marci, Salvador Carbo, Tatiana Lisnic, Carlos Almaguer, Patrizia Cigna, Michele Sburlati, Galina Kalinina, Mina Tasca, Stanislas Arraez, Alessandro Busi, Mauro Augustini, Rubens Pelizzari, Davide Pastretti, and Ambra Vespasiani. Ponti’s effective technique, and enthusiastic conducting style is from his professional performance experiences with Lorin Maazel, Sir Colin Davis, David Zinman, Yoel Levi, and Eric Leinsdorf. Before becoming a conductor, he played with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, beginning at the age of seventeen, and the Cleveland Orchestra, at nineteen. Other ensembles include the Cleveland Opera, Erie Philharmonic, Eastern Brass Quintet, Metropolitan Brass Quintet, and the Casals Music Festival. Reviews "Raffaele Livio Ponti brings an exhilarating energy level to center stage. It’s an electrifying swagger - empowering and enabling him to pull music from light to darkness and back again.” The Courier News (Chicago) “A bold yet sensitive conductor, Ponti highlights Brahms’ interplay between the instruments, expertly balancing the sections – emphasizing the delightful winds and fine trombones while holding in check ESO’s formidable string section – to illustrate the multiple layers that makes this work so sublime.” Daily Herald (Chicago) “Ponti is regarded as a rising star, someone gaining international acclaim and attention.” The Courier News (Chicago) “The music was exciting, and the performance was flawless. Ponti showed us how passionate he is about the music, and the orchestra demonstrated how committed they are to excellence.” Billings Gazette “…it’s clear he has a tremendous zest for music, an exuberance recalling both the roar and rush of a roller coaster ride.” The Courier News (Chicago) “Fans worldwide say that his passion shows.” The Courier News (Chicago) “And, of course, the biggest collaborator of all was the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Raffaele Ponti. The orchestra’s musicians were the ultimate accompaniment, accentuating each song’s moods, nuances, and sounds. The sound was superb, as was the playing, but never overwhelmed the piano in the center of the stage…” Buffalo News “Eyes hold an entire ensemble. A moment passes. Then, through a series of wordless impulses, an exceptional conductor, Ponti changes the human chemistry in an orchestra and audience.” The Courier News (Chicago) “Ponti interprets the music beautifully. He brings the most modest of details out. He sees the picture he wants them to paint. They respond to the environment he creates. They are a beautifully rehearsed orchestra. It was a moving performance. So clear, so wonderful. One of the best I have seen so far. In less than five years, Ponti will be sought by orchestras all over the country.” Charlotte Sun (Florida) “…guest conductor Raffaele Ponti, whose passionate approach to music has captured international attention.” The Courier News (Chicago) “Heads bobbed and smiles broke out both on and off the stage Saturday night as the Billings Symphony Orchestra performed under the baton of Raffaele Ponti.” Billings Gazette “The sound was big, and the orchestra played with great heart. By its end, musicians’ brows were wet, and some members of the audience were teetering on the edge of their seats.” Billings Gazette “Led by last minute replacement conductor Raffaele Ponti of the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, the BPO gave an expressive performance of the achingly beautiful score (Swan Lake).” Buffalo News “We have a great orchestra, a great hall, a great public, and a great Maestro.” Charlotte Sun (Florida) Previous Next

< Back Devin Patrick Hughes Conductor Learn More Videos About Highly regarded for his exhilarating score interpretations, advocacy for music accessibility, innate passion and entrepreneurial vigor, Devin Patrick Hughes is an American orchestral and operatic conductor of Irish and Guatemalan descent. He is concurrently serving as Music Director and Conductor of the Boulder Symphony and Arapahoe Philharmonic . Previously he has held artistic leadership positions with the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Santa Fe Youth Symphony Association, Denver Young Artists Orchestra, and Denver Philharmonic Orchestra. Devin was recently invited to the Antal Dorati Conducting Competition and featured in Maestro, the Solti International Conducting Competition as a semi-finalist in Budapest. He was the only American selected with eleven other conductors worldwide to compete in the Toscanini International Conducting Competition , and was a conducting fellow at the American Academy of Conducting at Aspen . He has conducted orchestras across North America and Europe including the Winnipeg Symphony, Colorado Symphony, Des Moines Symphony, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Salina Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, San Antonio Symphony, Green Bay Symphony, Filarmonica Arturo Toscanini, and Orchestra of the Hungarian State Opera. In response to COVID-19, Devin has created multiple programs connecting orchestras to their communities including the Virtual Virtuoso Series & Music Connects Series , partnering with organizations such as Balfour Senior Assisted Living and Community Food Share to produce performances and dinners both virtually and live. In addition to producing outdoor and drive in concerts, including Boulder Arts Outdoors , Brass in the Park-ing Lot , and the world-renowned Takács Quartet, Devin can be heard on One Symphony , his new podcast amplifying the voices of composers and other artistic entrepreneurs. Devoted to music existing for a greater communal purpose, Devin attracts and creatively engages audiences of all stripes by bringing the stories behind the music to life and inspiring critically acclaimed performances. Showcasing his passion for outreach, Devin founded and developed a high school apprenticeship program, a community chamber music initiative and play-in, a summer camp for all ages, and has held benefit concerts for organizations such as the Red Cross , Oxfam International , Cultures in Harmony , and the Colorado Haiti Project . He has also served as an AmeriCorps tutor, mentor and coach for Nothing But Achievers , and the Sangamon Valley Youth Symphony, where he arranged spirituals for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. March, and created the Boulder Symphony Music Academy , which offers an environment in which students of diverse backgrounds and ages have the opportunity to explore their unique musical talents and to bring the best of themselves, their creativity, and their intellectual skills to their music and life, Devin has partnered to make music more universally accessible through organizations such as Carnegie Hall’s LinkUp , I Have A Dream , Circle of Care, Freemasons, Boulder Muse , El Sistema , Flatirons Strings Academy , and Pinnacle Charter School in Denver. Through the Glow Project and other sensory-friendly performances geared to those with autism and dementia, Devin has created programs tailored to those who cannot experience the full sound and stimulation of a symphony live. He has chaired multiple foundational competitions nurturing the development of young performers, composers, and conductors, and serves as guest clinician for multiple school districts across Colorado. Aside from Devin's frequent appearances as a clinician and speaker, he has taught courses at the Denver Academy for Lifelong Learning and the Music Schools of the University of Denver, Ithaca College in New York, and New Mexico School for the Arts and serves as an annual guest artist and adjudicator with the International Keyboard Odyssiad and Festival and Sound Espressivo Global Music Competition . Equally active in choral and operatic repertoire, Devin has made community collaborations a recurrent part of orchestral life. He has combined local orchestras, businesses and non-profits to begin a community-based opera program which combines seasoned operatic professionals with aspiring artists and enthusiastic community members to create unique operatic experiences. This grassroots opera initiative based in Colorado attracts dozens of vocalists nationwide per season for critically acclaimed opera and operetta productions along the Front Range, and spawned a new Opera Chorus that performs with orchestras across the region. Among others, Devin has led productions of Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Puccini’s La Bohème, Bizet’s Carmen, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, Brahms’ German Requiem, and has also premiered choral-orchestral works by living composers such as Ozie Cargile, Austin Wintory & Gregory T.S. Walker. A zealous performer and promoter of the music of our time, Devin has fostered multiple composer-in-residency programs premiering dozens of new works. He has also constructed innovative avenues to bring new music to the forefront of the classical music scene. Under his baton, the Arapahoe Philharmonic and the Boulder Symphony have soared to new artistic heights and become a centralized hub for community-wide outreach and education initiatives, major collaborations, operatic performances, and premieres and recordings of exciting new music. Dedicated to highlighting local composers and exploring the interplay of music, theatre, art, and dance, Devin also commissioned and performed multiple musical responses to exhibitions in the Museum of Contemporary Art during Denver Arts Week . Recently Devin has brought premieres of award winning composer Sarah Kirkland Snider’s music to Colorado and initiated a collaboration between abstract painter Will Day and composer Jonathan Bingham which resulted in music and art extemporaneously being created in real-time in collaboration with the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. As a civic-minded citizen and ambassador for the arts, Devin was appointed by City Council to serve as Arts & Culture Commissioner for the City of Boulder . Devin’s education includes studies at Ithaca College School of Music, University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music, Grinnell College, Vienna Conservatory of Music, and Ball State University. See Devin Patrick Hughes on 9News! Listen to Devin Patrick Hughes on One Symphony Previous Next