Weekend in the Crescent City

My short trip to New Orleans this weekend was full of music-making and wonderful food!  The LMEA/ACDA District Youth Honor Chorus sang a beautiful concert today of Handel, Nancy Hill Cobb, Ken Berg, Rollo Dillworth and my JABBERWOCKY in Loyola University's music hall.  Big thanks go to Melissa Brocado, coordinator, for expert planning, Amanda Wadsworth for her easy collaboration at the piano, and Cheryl Dupont, for the many things she is and does.  The food, as always, was spectacular -- seafood gumbo and shrimp and grits at Ye Olde College Inn (the real name!), shrimp po'boy at the American Sector, and beignets in the fog this morning at Cafe du Monde.  Mmm - mm!

The Beautiful Pacific Northwest

On my way home from one of my favorite parts of the country and flying on a perfect Sunday morning over the snow capped Rocky mountains. The Oregon Music Educators Association hosted me in Eugene for the All-State Middle School Boys Choir, an intense few days of rehearsal with a group of boys exploring the possibilities for their emerging voices and the expressive opportunities of Purcell, Gastoldi, Beethoven, Ken Berg's excellent arrangements, and my YO LE CANTO TODO EL DIA. Thanks to coordinator Brice Cloyd and accompanist Julie Cherry for all they did for the boys and for me. Their concert in the fabulous Hult Center was one of which we were all proud. The Hult is an exceptionally gorgeous space with impeccable sound, where I had not been since my days as a young conductor at the Oregon Bach Festival (Rilling's performances of the Bach B Minor and Monteverdi Vespers still unforgettable.) While in Eugene I had a great reunion with friend and colleague Rick Greenwood, really fine Japanese food at Sushi Pure and Toshi's Ramen, a Voodoo donut and my new passion -- savory waffles at Off The Waffle. The bacon, fresh basil, havarti cheese, syrup and sunny side up egg on a homemade waffle was especially yummy! (OK, I admit, I had it more than one morning...) An extra day in Portland allowed a few of of my favorite destinations: Stumptown Coffee, Pearl Bakery, Powell's City of Books, the incredible Japanese Gardens (where I observe something new each visit), and new favorite Indian street food restaurant Bollywood Theatre.

The Best of New Mexico!

What an incredible time with 240 of the best singers in New Mexico this past weekend.  The NMMEA All-State High School Mixed Choir singers were amazing from the moment I stepped into the rehearsal room Thursday morning until we left the stage of Popejoy auditorium Saturday at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. They sang an expressive performance that included Mozart, Kallmann, Ticheli, Caldwell & Ivory and my I AM IN NEED OF MUSIC and BRAINSTORM.  Thanks to Brian Uerling for the kind invitation, Kayla Paulk for impeccable musicianship and collaborative piano skills, Bob Ippel and Gail De Young, co-coordinators, for all they did to insure the success of this choir, and the young singers of New Mexico who brought a joyful spirit and deep commitment to this music and each other.  Memorable meals while in Albuquerque were at the Indigo Crow in Corrales, seated near the pinon fireplace   (I can still smell it!), an interesting fresh take on tacos at Zacatecas, and a few ancho chili-cinnamon-chocolate-espresso lattes with long-time friend and colleague Lynn Gackle, conductor of the Treble All-State Choir.  I treasure the handmade pot made by Loretta Joe from the Acoma Pueblo.  Thanks to everyone for a really wonderful time.  

Venetian Vespers

The University of Central Florida Chamber Singers' collaboration with Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra players under the direction of Maestro Christopher Wilkins over the weekend was a true delight!  The program featured Vivaldi's Magnificat and excerpts from Monteverdi's 1610 Vespers.  Also on the program were Gabrieli works for brass and one of Vivaldi's astounding piccolo (flautino) concertos.  The singers loved the music (who often has the opportunity to sing Monteverdi?) and sang with great energy, precision, and Baroque attitude!  Bravo to all involved on this, our last collaboration with departing music director Chris Wilkins.  Our association goes back a number of years and we have vivid memories of Beethoven 9, Mahler 2 and 3, Bach and Vivaldi, Verdi and Puccini.  All marvelous.  Bravo tutti!

A Really Big Choir

Just home from Norman, Oklahoma, where I conducted the 27th annual All-City 5th grade chorus -- all 1,100 of the city's 5th graders and their teachers.  What a huge event!  I've been in Norman for this event several times before and have always experienced well-prepared and well-behaved singers.  These music teachers are the best! Bravo to all involed -- singers, teachers, the Norman High School Chamber Orchestra and prfoessional musicians -- and special thanks to Director of Fine Arts Brad Benson, good friend and host Sandy Knudson, and fantastic accompanist Andrea Isaacson. The concert featured a wide variety of musics and my FOR SPACIOUS SKIES and ALL THY GIFTS OF LOVE.  Libby Larson's Norman Anthem and a rousing Oklahoma concluded the concert.  A special treat is always taking up residence in the Montford Inn, a homey and comfortable B&B with gracious hospitality.