Mythical Dances at Carnegie Hall - About Nino Rota's Dances from the film Il Gattopardo (The Leopard)

From the Music Director:

Our 2014/15 season kicks off with a program entitled "Mythical Dances" on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 7:30pm - Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall.

This will be a wonderful evening focusing on works for small orchestra. The program includes Respighi's lush Deita Silvane, and lighthearted Serenata, Richard Strauss' absolutely enchanting Morgen, and the seldom performed Dances for the film Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) by Italian film composer Nino Rota. We will also give the world premiere of Oraculum Apollonis by Respighi Prize winner Daniel Muck of Austria. American soprano Stacey Mastrian will be the featured artist on Respighi's Deita and Strauss' Morgen.

Most of the these works are part of the standard repertoire, aside from the new work by Muck and  Respighi's Serenata which was only printed recently thanks to the Respighi family's permission to allow me to publish its first printed edition in 2012.

It is the Dances from the film Il Gattopardo (The Leopard) that truly deserves our special attention. A work which has probably never been performed in New York, or at least by a professional New York orchestra. We are more familiar with Rota's films scores to many Fellini films and, of course, his monumental scores to The Godfather films. Il Gattopardo is a recognized masterpiece of Italian cinema directed by Luchino Visconti. It recounts the story of the Italian Risorgimento, as experienced through the lives of a Sicilian Prince, Fabrizio Salina, and his family. American actor Burt Lancaster starred in the film.

The Dances are loosely based on the music of Giuseppe Verdi, yet the freedom of the musical lines and light, intelligent orchestration allows us to witness the true genius of Nino Rota. The work is enchanting, and lifts up the spirit - bringing us back to the times of waltzes, banquets and long summer afternoons. It will be a joy to have this on the program together with 20th century music of Richard Strauss and Ottorino Respighi - and the world premiere of a 21st century work!

Wont you join us?! Please share our e-newsletter with family, friends and colleagues.

http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/281490/b35ef1e3c2/1218004868/2b37f72c24/

Hope to meet you after the concert!

Salvatore Di Vittorio
Music Director & Conductor
Chamber Orchestra of New York

Photo: Nino Rota

Music Director Salvatore Di Vittorio & Chamber Orchestra of New York Announce 2014/15 Season

Chamber Orchestra of New York and its Music Director Salvatore Di Vittorio announce its 2014/15 Season. The orchestra continues its Masterwork Series at Carnegie Hall, along with its community concerts such as its debut at the Adelphi Performing Arts Center in Long Island and other performances throughout the season.

Read more from the season e-newsletter!

A Note from the Music Director: About "To English Masters"
Thursday, May 29th at 7:30pm - Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall

Dear Friends,

I am writing to you about our wonderful upcoming program on May 29th at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. This is indeed a very special musical celebration.

It is uncommon enough for an orchestra to celebrate any major composer in affiliation with his/her archive or foundation. And we have been honored to showcase the legacy of Ottorino Respighi over the years.

Read more from the e-newsletter... 

Buy tickets online

The Beatles 50th Anniversary of U.S. Debut, and WQXR's Timeline "The Beatles Meet Classical Music"

From our Music Director, Salvatore Di Vittorio:

9, February 2014 - New York

WQXR 105.9FM, New York's leading classical music radio station, has published a very interesting timeline surrounding The Beatles' 50th anniversary of their U.S. debut (on February 9th).

WQXR "The Beatles Meet Classical Music"

I felt compelled to write about this event since, as a composer, I am often confronted by friends, family and colleagues especially about the nature of (and even the debate over musical quality) in composition - including songwriting.

Why are The Beatles still alive and a part of our musical culture? Posterity (for the most part) excludes mediocrity. If John Lennon and Paul McCartney were born during the Renaissance period, they would have been great polyphonic composers. If you study music history you can actually trace and make connections between their music and English Renaissance music. I was therefore not at all surprised to see Paul McCartney move into classical music later on in life. (This comes from a composer who began his first few years in composition as a songwriter.)

Finally, The Beatles' sound and overall production was enhanced by the vision and the orchestral arrangements of their brilliant producer George Martin, a classical composer. No George Martin, no Beatles - at least as we know and appreciate the group today.

I hope that we continue to remind young students and musicians alike (including professional musicians) about this sort of thing when they hear silly comments about the possible death of classical music.

Speaking of English music: Chamber Orchestra of New York will feature a program of English music entitled "To English Masters" on Thursday, May 29, 2014 at 7:30pm at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. The program will include first printed editions by Oxford University Press of rediscovered early works of Ralph Vaughan Williams (in collaboration with the Vaughan Williams Trust in London) alongside rare works of William Walton (in collaboration with the Walton Trust) and Benjamin Britten's Simple Symphony in honor of the Britten centennial anniversary.

To English Masters at Weill/Carnegie Hall on May 29th

Our next concert is Thursday, February 13th at Weill Hall/Carnegie Hall:
The Italian Baroque at Weill/Carnegie Hall on February 13th

For more information, please visit our Concert Season webpage:
2013/2014 Concert Season

2013 End of Year Giving - Show Your Support!

2013 End of Year Giving: Show Your Support for the
Chamber Orchestra of New York and its Musicians!

To our concert attendees who have experienced the excitement and innovative programming of the Chamber Orchestra of New York, we appreciate your support and ask you to consider a year end gift.  

Read More

 

Vote for Respighi on WQXR's 2013 Classical Countdown!

Vote for Respighi on WQXR's 2013 Classical Countdown!

Vote Now! Your favorite classical music! Until December 22nd, WQXR 105.9 Classical Radio in New York is asking for votes of people's favorite classical music works and their composers. Cast your vote here: http://www.wqxr.org/#!/story/wqxrs-2013-classical-countdown/

We have posted some of our own favorite Ottorino Respighi pieces, and hope you do as well:

Pines of Rome
Fountains of Rome
The Birds
Trittico Botticelliano (Botticelli Pictures)
Rossiniana Suite
Violin Concerto (in A Major) 

Happy Holidays!
Chamber Orchestra of New York

Christmas Concert at St. Agnes Church (near Grand Central), December 12, 2013 at 6pm

Christmas Concert at Church of St. Agnes (near Grand Central) on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 6pm.  

Chamber Orchestra of New York and Schola Cantorum of St. Agnes Church

For more information and to purchase tickets: 
http://www.chamberorchestraofnewyork.org/concert_season_Christmas_Benefit_Saint_Agnes.html

PROGRAM:
Mozart - Ave Verum Corpus, K. 618
Vaughan Williams - Fantasia on Greensleeves
Adam - Cantique de Noel (O Holy Night)
Corelli - Concerto Grosso in G Minor, Op. 6, No. 8 "Christmas"
Handel - Messiah, H.W.V. 56 (Selections)

plus festive works by William Byrd, Herbert Howells and Christmas carols

GUEST ARTISTS:
Schola Cantorum of St. Agnes Church
James D. Wetzel, Organist & Choirmaster

Church of St. Agnes (across from Grand Central Terminal)
143 E. 43rd Street (between Lexington & Third Avenues)
New York, NY 10017

All proceeds benefit the Church of St. Agnes.

Tickets include the Concert & Reception

General Admission:
Single Tickets, $40
Pairs of Tickets, $70 ($35/each)
*Tickets purchased in advance will be held at will-call.
*Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Program Notes:
Join us for a festive Christmas Concert at St. Agnes Church featuring some of your favorite holiday music for orchestra, chorus and chorus with orchestra. Schola Cantorum of St. Agnes Church and Organist/Choirmaster James D. Wetzel join forces with the Chamber Orchestra of New York in a delightful program including Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus, Corelli's Christmas Concerto, Vaughan Williams's Fantasia on Greensleeves and selections from Handel's Messiah. The evening will conclude with Christmas Carols such as O Holy Night and Silent Night.

A post-concert reception will follow the musical program. 

For more information, please contact us at info@chamberorchestraofnewyork.org.

Happy Birthday to our Maestro Salvatore Di Vittorio (October 22nd)

Happy Birthday to our Music Director/Conductor, Italian composer Salvatore Di Vittorio, born in Palermo, Italy on October 22, 1967.

We honor his tireless leadership of the Chamber Orchestra of New York, and his achievements as a composer following commissions from the Respighi family archive and leading orchestras in Italy.

Here is his latest symphony, Sinfonia No. 3 "Templi di Sicilia", world premiered under his baton with Palermo Philharmonic's Orchestra Sinfonica Siciliana on November 2012 at the Teatro Politeama Garibaldi of Palermo: 

http://bit.ly/16uxjgw

Columbus Day Weekend in New York - Carnegie Hall concert with Chamber Orchestra of New York, October 12, 2013

Looking for something to do this Columbus Day weekend? 

Come see a concert at Carnegie Hall with the Chamber Orchestra of New York tomorrow night, October 12th at 7:30pm.

"From Austrian, American Voices" featuring the famous Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber, Mountain Suite (World Premiere) by Ezra Donner, Italian Serenade by Hugo Wolf, and Piano Concerto No. 12 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. 

The concert features our guest artists as the Winners of the first annual Respighi Prize competition: Brazilian pianist Victor Cayres de Mendonca (Soloist) and American composer Ezra Donner (Composition).

Click Here to Buy Tickets!

A Mother's Day Gift

Happy Mother's Day! Treat Mom with tickets to a concert at Weill Hall/Carnegie Hall on Thursday, May 16th at 7:30pm, and enjoy a glass of champagne with us!

"Petite Gems", our final concert of the season includes Respighi's Trittico Botticelliano, Haydn's Cello Concerto in C Major, Verdi's La Traviata Prelude to Act III, and Wagner's Siegfried Idyll. Tickets selling fast! Purchase here: http://bit.ly/128c3vF 

College Music Society Symposium: Respighi Rediscoveries

For music scholars and Respighi enthusiasts! 

In February of 2013, the College Music Society Symposium published Salvatore Di Vittorio's scholarly/research paper on the rediscovered early works of Respighi. The paper is entitled "Ottorino Respighi Before Fountains of Rome: Rediscovered Early Works Foreshadow Later Masterpieces". 

Read the full article here: http://bit.ly/1301g4Z

Fifth Concert Season & Latest News

From our e-newsletter of January 15, 2013:

Fifth Season 2012/13
Chamber Orchestra of New York presents its Fifth Season with concerts at the Church of St. Jean Baptiste, Caspary Auditorium at The Rockefeller University and Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall.  The season will conclude with the recording of our third CD for Naxos Records....

Our Music Director Award Medal of Palermo

On November 25, 2012, Mayor Leoluca Orlando awarded the Medal of the City to Palermo native Salvatore Di Vittorio following his successful debut and premieres on November 23 and 24 with Palermo's Philharmonic - Orchestra Sinfonica Siciliana at Teatro Politeama....

For more on both stories, please read our latest e-newsletter:
Fifth Concert Season & Latest News

You can also visit our website:
Chamber Orchestra of New York - Concert Season

End of Year Gifts of Music!

Help the Chamber Orchestra as it supports the careers of many leading young professional orchestral musicians in New York. Make an end of year tax-deductible donation by ordering one of our Naxos CDs.

To order, please visit: http://www.chamberorchestraofnewyork.org/discography.html

If you have any questions regarding ordering the CDs, please contact us at info@chamberorchestraofnewyork.org

To make general donations, please visit: http://www.chamberorchestraofnewyork.org/support_us.html

Read our complete End of Year Newsletter: http://bit.ly/10teTwG

End of Season News! Photos & Videos

Enjoy photos and videos of our End-of-Season Concerts:
May 10th at Merkin Concert Hall & May 31st at The Morgan Library & Museum

 

Click here to view our latest e-newsletter:

End-of-Season News!

Merkin Hall, May 10, 2012 Concert Promo Video

Chamber Orchestra of New York will perform at Merkin Concert Hall/Kaufman Center in New York on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 7pm. Antinori Wines will sponsor the post-concert reception.

Below is our promotional video with details of this special program, which includes rediscovered works of Ottorino Respighi and Claudio Monteverdi.

 
Also on the program, music of Gabrieli, Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, and John Barry. For more info:
http://www.chamberorchestraofnewyork.org/concert_season.html

Or visit Merkin Concert Hall/Kaufman Center Box Office:
http://kaufman-center.org/mch/event/chamber-orchestra-of-new-york-gala-concert-2012

About Rhapsodic Themes Concert at Merkin Hall, May 10th

Our Rhapsodic Themes concert begins with Giovanni Gabrieli’s Canzona Septimi Toni, an exciting fanfare which serves as an appetizer for the music to come.

We will present the U.S. Premiere of the historically-significant restoration of Ottorino Respighi’s Tre Liriche (Three Art Songs) together with Respighi’s orchestration of Claudio Monteverdi’s famous Lamento di Arianna (Ariadne’s Lament) - from Monteverdi’s lost second opera "Arianna," which premiered in 1608. Both works are scored for mezzo-soprano and orchestra, and are part of an ongoing commission that Music Director (composer) Salvatore Di Vittorio received from Respighi’s family descendents and archive curator in Italy. We will feature the wonderful Argentinian mezzo Daniela Mack.

The Tre Liriche (Three Art Songs) include Notte (Night), Nebbie (Fog) and Pioggia (Rain), which Respighi had originally set as separate works for mezzo and piano between 1906 and 1912, and then decided to orchestrate as Tre Liriche in 1913 – the same year of its world premiere with the Santa Cecilia Orchestra in Rome. Potito Pedarra, the cataloguer of Respighi’s works, himself added the work’s title after the publication of his complete Respighi listing, as Tre Liriche, P. 99a. Luciano Pavarotti had also championed two of the three songs in the 1990s. With permission of the Respighi affiliates, Maestro Di Vittorio has completed Respighi’s orchestration of the extant orchestral manuscript.

The Lamento di Arianna (Ariadne’s Lament) was world premiered in 1908 by the Berlin Philharmonic under conductor Artur Nikisch. Not to be mistaken with other Monteverdi works of the same name, this Lamento is the only extant music from Monteverdi’s lost second opera “Arianna”. Monteverdi later used the music including the now famous “lasciatemi morire” motif in three other works of the same name, including the well-known madrigal Lamento di Arianna which is part of his Madrigals Book VI.

Respighi’ masterful orchestration of Lamento is here restored and edited by Maestro Di Vittorio. Di Vittorio’s critical (first, printed) editions of both the Three Art Songs and Ariadne’s Lament will be published in Italy following their New York premieres on May 10th.

We will then showcase 21-year old Canadian pianist Marika Bournaki in her New York orchestral debut, with a performance of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on Theme by Paganini. This will be an exciting moment for the rising star, and the Chamber Orchestra of New York.

Following intermission, the Chamber Orchestra will give an introductory tribute to legendary English film composer John Barry, by performing one of the composer’s most beloved and famous works – the theme for his Academy Award-winning 1985 score for the film Out of Africa. The orchestra plans a full tribute concert next season in honor of John Barry, especially famous for his James Bond film scores.

The program will conclude with Ludwig van Beethoven’s rhythmically-charged, masterful Symphony No. 8.

For tickets, visit the Merkin Hall Box Office.

Don't miss it!

Vogue Italia & Fashion Week Daily mention AcnePaper Event at Pace Gallery, March 14, 2012

The Chamber Orchestra of New York's strings provided live classical music at Pace Gallery on Wednesday for a fantastic Acne Paper event in celebration of Issue No. 13, elegantly organized by PR Consulting. 

Read about the event at Fashion Week Daily's website: http://bit.ly/yCX31C and Blouin Art Info blog: http://bit.ly/ztbMmy. Vogue Italia also mentioned the Chamber Orchestra of NY:http://bit.ly/ynWZzL

"È stato un evento all'insegna della musica quello organizzato da Acne lo scorso 14 marzo alla Pace Gallery di New York per festeggiare il lancio dell'Acne Paper n° 13. La New York Chamber Orchestra ha infatti suonato dal vivo creando l'atmosfera ideale per fare da cornice alle immagini del nuovo issue che questa volta ha come tema conduttore il corpo umano, interpretato da alcuni dei più importanti artisti visivi, e non solo, internazionali.

Tra i personaggi presenti all'evento, solo per citarne alcuni, c'erano Iris Apfel, Joseph Altuzarra, Francisco Costa, Sophie Theallet, Narciso Rodriguez, Michelle Harper, Hanne Gaby Odiele, Linda Fargo, Nicole Miller, Bianca Balti e Derek Blasberg.

"Nella nostra era digitale - ha affermato Thomas Persson, Editor in Chief e direttore creativo di Acne Paper - è rincuorante vedere come la nostra pubblicazione sia diventata un oggetto da collezionisti tra gli amanti di magazine e stampe di tutto il mondo. Diciamo sempre che il nostro ultimo numero è il migliore e la cosa vale anche per il numero 13. Con i suoi numerosi contributi di artisti, fotografi e scrittori eccezionali sarà una gioia lanciarlo nel mondo". - Barbara Sini (Vogue.it) 

Photo courtesy of BFA - more photos can be viewed on the BFA website.

Spring 2012 News!

Read our spring 2012 newsletter:  Check out video clips and photos from a standing room only concert at Rockefeller University's Caspary Auditorium on February 3rd. Also read the preview of our next concert "Rhapsodic Themes" at Merkin Concert Hall on Thursday, May 10th at 7:00pm.   http://bit.ly/xVN1wi

"Respighi Lives in the Chamber Orchestra of New York"

"Respighi Lives in the Chamber Orchestra of New York" - Read Domenic Ambrose's review on his blog about our Feb. 3, 2012 concert at Caspary Auditorium, Rockefeller University: http://bit.ly/yZcaAp

The performance included the U.S. Premiere of Ottorino Respighi's Serenata for small orchestra, Richard Strauss' Duet Concertino, Aaron Copland's Appalachian Spring (original chamber version for 13 instruments), with an encore of Respighi's Aria for strings. It was a full house, standing room only!

Baroque Garden of Roses Concert - Dec. 3rd 8PM

BAROQUE GARDEN OF ROSES

Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 8:00pm

Presented in part by the Church of St. Jean Baptiste - Music Under the Dome

 

HOLST, G.  St. Paul Suite

ELGAR, E.  Sospiri (Sighs)

RESPIGHI, O. (ed. Di Vittorio)  Suite in G Major, for organ (U.S. Premiere)

          Kyler Brown (Director of Music, Church of St. Jean Baptiste), organ

SCARLATTI, A.  Oratorio "The Garden of Roses" (U.S. Premiere)

          The Virgin Consort, Kyler Brown (organ)

Church of St. Jean Baptiste

Lexington Avenue at 76th Street, New York, NY 10021 

Our Baroque Garden of Roses begins with two English gems: Holst's energetic St. Paul Suite and Elgar's sentimental Sospiri. The program features Respighi's rediscovered Suite for Organ and strings, which will be premiered with organist Kyler Brown (Director of Music, Church of St. Jean Baptiste). Mr. Brown and The Virgin Consort will then join the Chamber Orchestra and Maestro Di Vittorio with its premiere of the recently published Oratorio "The Garden of Roses" by Alessandro Scarlatti. A gorgeous display of madrigal-like arias, this recently restored oratorio was considered one of Scarlatti's masterpieces. Songs from this Oratorio have recently been championed by mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli.

Visit the Concert Season page for information and to purchase tickets.

http://www.chamberorchestraofnewyork.org