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| American SongFest | First Looks at the Fringe |
| American SongFest | First Looks at the Fringe |
American SongFest
the perceval duo
Russell Podgorsek, violin and voice
Dennis Sullivan, percussion and voice
Dennis Sullivan, percussion and voice
SONGS FOR THE SANE, August 26, 5pm | MORE SONGS FOR THE SANE, August 27, 5pm
truly avant-garde performances that are boldly energetic and wildly uninhibited, the perceval duo blends the excitement and immediacy of instrumental music with the clarity and expression of the voice in a unique musical/theatrical experience. Avant-garde composer/musican/singer performance artists, this is a violin and percussion duo that specializes in contemporary music, utilizing the voice in conjunction with (and sometimes away from) their instruments and a broad array of percussion instruments, including objects that were never designed to be percussion instruments! Come see and hear what happens when you allow a violinist who “sings” to perform with a percussionist who “sings”? Words are divided and contorted, and ideas are interrupted in a manner that often leaves the listener breathless. Underlying themes abound, and the virtuosity of these performers will dazzle everyone. Among the works performed is A Contest for the Future (based upon George W. Bush’s acceptance speech at the 2004 Republican Convention) and Songs for the Sane (a commentary about life inside an insane asylum). Dennis Sullivan has numerous awards for excellence and began his professional career with the Cleveland Orchestra "percussion festival" at the age of 16. Russell Podgorsek is active as both a performer and composer. May of last year saw the New York premiere of his 5 Pieces for 8 Players, commissioned by the Fireworks ensemble.
An Evening With Charles Mays, Jr.
Charles Mays, Jr., Bass-Baritone
Marguerita Oundjian Smith, piano
Larry Alan Smith, pianist and composer
Marguerita Oundjian Smith, piano
Larry Alan Smith, pianist and composer
“Mays is destined to play great houses in lead roles, swept along by his magnificent instrument.” “Wherever Mays graces an audience, they will know a joyous flood of human spirit.” – Kingston Freeman. Charles Mays, Jr. returns to Woodstock after his inspired performance at last year’s woodstock fringe, in a concert of songs by Franz Schubert, Hugo Wolf, William Bolcom and the world premiere of a new song cycle by American SongFest Artistic Director, Larry Alan Smith. Winner of the Metropolitan Opera’s 2004 New England Regional auditions, this is a rare chance to hear an exceptional young artist, well on his way to a major career, sing in the intimate and acoustically perfect Byrdcliffe Theatre. Those who were lucky enough to hear last year’s concert are already clamoring for tickets to his return engagement. One performance only, Friday, August 26, 8pm.
The Nights of Summer
Kathleen Callahan-Hardman, Soprano
Prize Winner, 2005 Elardo International Opera Competition
Ray Hardman, Baritone
Marguerita Oundjian Smith, piano
Larry Alan Smith, pianist and composer
Prize Winner, 2005 Elardo International Opera Competition
Ray Hardman, Baritone
Marguerita Oundjian Smith, piano
Larry Alan Smith, pianist and composer
American SongFest, in conjunction with the Elardo International Opera Competition, will present Kathleen Callahan-Hardman, a soprano of rare beauty and artistry, in a recital of art songs. Ms. Callahan-Hardman was one of the Competition’s 2005 prize winners and this evening of song promises to be one of the highlights of the summer. Ms. Callahan-Hardman’s husband, baritone Ray Hardman, will make a special guest appearance. Mr. Hardman is also a radio personality in the Greater Hartford (CT) area where he hosts the local broadcast of Morning Edition on WNPR. In a delightfully varied program of great music, the following will be heard: Three movements from Les nuits d’été by Hector Berlioz, four songs from Ariettes Oubliées by Claude Debussy, Five songs from Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson by Aaron Copland, the world premiere of Emily Dickinson Songs, a new song cycle by American SongFest Artistic Director, Larry Alan Smith and a song cycle by New York Composer, Michael White, that makes use of three poems by Robert Louis Stevenson (sung in English) and a single poem by Garcia Lorca (sung in Spanish), and selections from the great American Musicals. To hear a voice of this caliber sing this great music in the acoustically perfect Byrdcliffe Theatre will be a rare treat. One performance only, Saturday, September 3, 8pm
