RSS 2.0 FeedFebruary 9, 2011, Featured Articles, Jazz, Dance, Classical
Harriman-Jewell Series announces 2011–12 season
There is no shortage of stars on the Harriman-Jewell Series' 2011–12 season. Vocalists, dancers, jazz greats, pianists, and instrumentalists abound across the eighteen concerts and three performance venues: the Folly Theater and the Kauffman Center's Helzberg Hall and Muriel Kauffman Theatre.
There is a temptation to describe the Harriman-Jewell Series’ upcoming 2011–12 season as “star-studded,” but any such description has to be overused when considering Harriman-Jewell programming, as almost any year deserves that adjective. For the first season in which the Series will have the Kauffman Center facilities available for some of its events, however, the Series, masterminded by director Clark Morris, indeed features a number of stellar performers.
The internationally renowned tenor Juan Diego Flórez headlines the Great Masters portion of the series, performing in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center on April 7, 2012. This will be Flórez’ fourth appearance on the Harriman-Jewell Series, a stunning achievement for the Series, reminiscent of the many appearances of the legendary Luciano Pavarotti here in Kansas City. Flórez, who just turned 38 years old, is already recognized as one of the greatest tenors of all time, and it is truly astonishing that Kansas City audiences have had so many opportunities to hear his extraordinary voice with such delicious frequency.
Pianists Marc-André Hamelin and Murray Perahia will both return to Kansas City. Hamelin, one of the most brilliant virtuosos of our time and an engaging personality to boot, will perform on October 15 and Perahia is featured on March 14. Both recitals will be at the Folly Theater.
Violinist Midori, not heard in Kansas City since her appearance with the Kansas City Symphony several years ago, will perform on October 27 at the Folly. Her distinctive brand of playing and brilliant musicianship have earned her an honored place among today’s violinists; among professional violinists themselves, she is a special favorite. This is her fourth Series appearance over the past twenty years.
Flutist Sir James Galway performs on November 3 at the Folly. Galway, whose brilliant career started with the Berlin Philharmonic under the legendary Herbert von Karajan, has carved out a solo career with both classical repertoire and popular favorites; the programming is likely to be eclectic and crowd-pleasing. It was Galway who dubbed the Folly Theater “Kansas City’s Carnegie Hall.”
For fans of vocal music, Juan Diego Flórez is not the only treat in store. This reviewer is eagerly awaiting the brilliant and feisty coloratura mezzo-soprano Vivica Genaux, a favorite of European audiences, in her first Midwestern appearance with the Europa Galante chamber orchestra. If her delectable recordings are any indication, the evening should be memorable indeed. The program is called “Vivaldi’s Pyrotechnics.” Come prepared.
Also in store is the Italian tenor Giuseppe Filianoti in his American recital debut on April 21 at the Folly. Filianoti is a specialist in Rossini and Donizetti, and has starred with La Scala, the Berlin Opera, the Paris Opera, in Florence, at the Metropolitan Opera and with other international companies.
Dance aficionados have three great opportunities to experience internationally famous ensembles next season. Parsons Dance will perform on the Muriel Kauffman Theater at the new Kauffman Center on January 28, 2012; this group, known for its athletic modern dance interpretations, always gives inspired performances. This will be its tenth appearance on the Series for Kansas City native Parsons. For a change of pace, the Red Star Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble will perform on March 16 at Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center. A perhaps tamer performance will take place a couple of weeks later, on March 31, with the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet takes the stage.
Jazz trumpeter Wynton Marsalis will carry the Harriman-Jewell Series’ jazz standard on October 1 with an engagement at Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center. He will bring with him Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. For more traditional orchestral fare, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra will perform on November 9 at Helzberg Hall, led by conductor Fabio Luisi with the Eroica Trio.
One of the most brilliant conductors to grace the world’s orchestral podiums over the last thirty years, Jeffrey Tate, will make a Series appearance on January 25, leading the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra and solo violinist Guy Braunstein playing Brahms and Dvořák. That concert will be at Helzberg Hall.
For its holiday program, the Series will feature the DePue Brother Band Holiday Concert on December 19 at Helzberg Hall. The four violinist brothers “encompass a vivid blend of bluegrass, classical and rock genres,” and will play “a holiday program that is sure to appeal to music lovers of all tastes and ages.”
In recent years the Harriman-Jewell Series has featured not only outstanding main stage performances, but also a series of free Discovery Concerts, often featuring rising young artists for whom you may be paying the full ticket price in just a year or two. Next season these artists include Caroline Goulcing, violinist (September 24), tenor Alek Shrader (November 19), pianist Freddy Kempf (January 20) and Ray Chen violinist (March 11). All of the performers but Chen will perform at the Folly; Chen will be at Helzberg Hall.
Those who saw the documentary The Audition about the Metropolitan Opera auditions a couple of years ago will remember Shrader as one of the stars; he was one of the Metropolitan Opera national audition winners in 2007.
Altogether, it is a stunning lineup. Forward this article to your friends in others cities and let ‘em weep.
-- Don Dagenais
The Harriman-Jewell Series, Kansas City's venerable performing arts presenter, has unveiled its 47th season. Of its 18 events, nine will be held at Kansas City's new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts (1601 Broadway St.). The Series has the distinction of holding performances in both of the Center's new halls: seven events in the Helzberg Hall and two events in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre. In addition to the nine events in the City’s newest performance halls, the Harriman-Jewell Series will also present nine events in the City’s oldest concert hall, the beautifully restored Folly Theater (300 W. 12th St.).
Clark Morris, Harriman-Jewell Series executive and artistic director, is pleased that artistry and audiences will benefit from the Series’ expansion into the Kauffman Center. “To have performances in the state-of-the-art center, in addition to the acoustically rich and intimate Folly Theater, is a big win for our audiences and a dream realized for me,” Morris said.
The Series continues its long-held tradition of bringing the best performers in the world to Kansas City. Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis will return to the Series (October 1) in the first Series event to be held in Kauffman Center's Helzberg Hall. Additional returning ensembles to perform in Helzberg Hall are the Vienna Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Fabio Luisi with the Eroica Trio (November 9) and Red Star Red Army Chorus and Dance Ensemble (March 16, 2012). World-acclaimed tenor Juan Diego Flórez will sing a recital in Helzberg Hall (April 7, 2012). The star tenor was first presented by the Harriman-Jewell Series in his American recital debut in 2002; the upcoming concert will mark his fourth recital in Kansas City for the Series.
Ensembles making Kansas City debut appearances in the Helzberg Hall are the DePue Brothers Band in a holiday concert (December 19) and Hamburg Symphony Orchestra led by Jeffrey Tate with solo violinist Guy Braunstein (January 25, 2012). The first Series ensemble to perform in the Muriel Kauffman Theatre will be Parsons Dance (January 28, 2012) followed by Aspen Santa Fe Ballet (March 31, 2012).
Choreographer and Kansas City native David Parsons has created a work to be performed by Parsons Dance in memory of Harriman-Jewell Series’ founder and artistic director Richard Harriman, who died on July 15, 2010. The New York City-based Parsons Dance has been long affiliated with the Series: its Kansas City debut was in 1988 as part of its first national tour, and its 2009 sold-out performance of “Remember Me” marked its 10th appearance for the Series.
The 2011-2012 season will usher in four free Discovery Concerts, the most offered in one season. The first free Harriman-Jewell Series concert was held in March 2004 and 16 have followed to date. Violinist Caroline Goulding will open the season with a free concert (September 24) at the Folly Theater. Additional Discovery Concerts at the Folly Theater will be performed by tenor Alek Shrader (November 19) and pianist Freddy Kempf (January 20, 2012). Violinist Ray Chen will play the first Discovery Concert to be held at Kauffman Center’s Helzberg Hall (March 11, 2012).
The 110-year-old Folly Theater has been a favorite venue of Series vocalists and instrumentalists since it was saved from demolition and restored in 1981. The 1,066-seat theater with excellent acoustics was previously dubbed “Kansas City’s Carnegie Hall” by the iconic flutist Sir James Galway. Sir James will return to the Folly Theater (November 3), in addition to violinist Midori (October 27), pianist Marc André Hamelin (October 15), and pianist Murray Perahia (March 14, 2012). Additionally at the Folly Theater are mezzo-soprano Vivica Genaux and Europa Galante chamber orchestra in a Kansas City debut (February 3, 2012) and Italian-born tenor Giuseppe Filianoti in his American recital debut (April 21, 2012).
The new season will be sold in the form of Great Music and Dance (a six-event package), Great Masters: The Ingram Events (a seven-event package), or a Complete Series option that includes the 13 subscription events and advance tickets to the four Discovery Concerts. All who order by April 1, 2011, will receive complimentary tickets to the DePue Brothers Band Holiday Concert. For details and ordering information, go to www.hjseries.org or call 816-415-5025.
More than 850 performances have come to Kansas City by way of the Harriman-Jewell Series, including 19 American recital debuts by prominent vocalists and instrumentalists. The cumulative impact and enduring quality of its programming has earned the Series recognition as a premier contributor to the region's cultural landscape. The nationally recognized Harriman-Jewell Series brings acclaimed performers from the worlds of music, dance, and theatre to Kansas City’s downtown venues. In addition to the performances, Educational Events offer free master classes and lectures to allow area community members and students to view artists in an informal setting.
2011–2012 EVENT DESCRIPTIONS (in calendar order)
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Caroline Goulding, violinist Saturday, September 24, 2011 Folly Theater Free Discovery Concert |
Just 17, Caroline Goulding has wowed the world and is poised for a major career in classical music. “She’s already a violinist of impressive technical polish and musical maturity,” praised Gramophone magazine. Her 2009 debut disc was nominated for a Grammy and has meanwhile captivated the classical lions of our time, including John Corigliano, whose Red Violin Caprice is on her first CD. “She gives a totally individual interpretation to my music. I think she will shortly become a very famous young woman and only hope that she gives my other violin works a glance,” the famed composer said.
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Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led by Saturday, October 1, 2011 Helzberg Hall
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Kansas City, here they come once more! Boasting 15 of the finest jazz players today, the perennial Series favorite, led by charismatic trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, will play the Series’ first presentation in the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. “One rarely hears this music played with such technical brilliance, stylistic authenticity and tonal sheen,” wrote Howard Reich of The Chicago Tribune. “Here were the throaty reeds, percussive trumpet blasts and visceral sense of swing that have made the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra the greatest large jazz ensemble working today.”
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Marc André Hamelin, Saturday, October 15, 2011 Folly Theater
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Pianist Marc-André Hamelin’s unique blend of musicianship and virtuosity brings forth interpretations remarkable for their freedom, originality, and prodigious mastery of the piano’s resources. Of Hamelin’s Series debut in 2010, critic Don Dagenais wrote, “At this point in his career Hamelin’s technical proficiency, while never far from the surface, is taken almost for granted, while he simultaneously plumbs the emotional depths of his composers’ works. The resulting balance equates to a brilliant pianism, producing as well rounded and satisfying a performance as one could hope for.”
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Midori, violinist in recital Thursday, October 27, 2011 Folly Theater
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Midori is one of the most dazzlingly gifted performers today, celebrated for a distinguished career on stage as well as for her community initiatives worldwide. Named a Messenger of Peace by U.N. Secretary-General Ban |
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Sir James Galway, Thursday, November 3, 2011 Folly Theater |
From Sir James Galway’s lips have come definitive treatments of classical repertoire and masterworks by Bach, Vivaldi, and Mozart. He also features contemporary music in his programs, including new flute works commissioned by him and for him. “All performing musicians aspire to the condition of James Galway: he has a technical mastery so complete that it makes everything look easy,“proclaimed the Los Angeles Times. “No one in their right mind, or ear, could object to such committed, insightful and lovable performances.”
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Vienna Symphony Orchestra led by Fabio Luisi Wednesday, November 9, 2011 Helzberg Hall |
Under the direction of Fabio Luisi, the orchestra for the City of Vienna will have its fourth turn on the Series. The famed Eroica Trio (violinist, cellist, and pianist) will join the orchestra for Beethoven’s Triple Concerto, Op. 56 (1803) to be followed by Austrian composer Franz Schmidt’s Symphony No. 4 (1933). Of its 2003 Series performance, reviewer Paul Horsley wrote that the orchestra “produces an elegant sonic sheen that is known only to the best European orchestras. There is a quiet confidence in these players, whose training and approach to style is steeped in centuries of history and tradition.”
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Alek Shrader, tenor in recital Saturday, November 19, 2011 Folly Theater Free Discovery Concert |
The brilliant young tenor Alek Shrader, featured in the Metropolitan Opera’s documentary The Audition, has critics in a dither. “Everything about this artist is natural and effortless, so different from just about everybody else,” reported San Francisco Classical Voice. The New York Times’ Anthony Tommasini wrote “High C is Mr. Shrader’s money note, and the audience went wild after his full-voiced final one.” The Cleveland native is the recipient of a Sarah Tucker grant from the Richard Tucker Foundation and a winner of the 2007 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. |
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DePue Brothers Band Monday, December 19, 2011 Helzberg Hall Subscriber Bonus Event |
Those not familiar with this musical iconic family are in for an ear-bending revelation. These four violinist brothers encompass a vivid blend of bluegrass, classical, and rock genres. Each brother is a classical virtuoso in his own right, and brings rich and diverse talents to their sound. They were the subject of a nationally televised PBS documentary in 1993, and two brothers (Jason and Zach) were featured in the film documentary Music From the Inside Out in 2005. The band of brothers has designed a holiday program that is sure to appeal to music lovers of all tastes and ages. |
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Freddy Kempf, Friday, January 20, 2012 Folly Theater Free Discovery Concert |
Freddy Kempf is one of today’s most successful pianists, performing to sell-out audiences all over the world. He has built a unique reputation as an explosive and physical performer as well as a serious and profoundly musical artist. “Kempf has the maturity and musicality with which to harness his gifts to artistic ends,” reported London’s Telegraph. “He is prepared to take risks, a readiness that brings spontaneous combustion to his playing; but he has sensitivity, too.” |
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Hamburg Symphony Orchestra led by Jeffrey Tate Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Helzberg Hall
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Founded in 1957, the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra is a highly recognized and greatly respected component of Europe’s cultural life. English-born Jeffrey Tate became the Orchestra’s chief conductor in 2008. Tate and the Orchestra will be joined by violinist Guy Braunstein, acclaimed first-concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic, for Brahms’ Violin Concerto, Op. 77, in D Major followed by Dvorak’s Symphony No. 7, Op. 70 in D minor. An additional opening work will be announced. |
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Parsons Dance Saturday, January 28, 2012 Muriel Kauffman Theatre |
Kansas City native son David Parsons returns with his internationally renowned contemporary dance company. The performance will mark the Company’s 11th appearance for the Series and will feature a recently created work dedicated to the memory of Series founder Richard Harriman. Parsons Dance includes 10 full-time dancers and maintains a repertory of more than 70 works choreographed by Parsons. Of the Company’s 2009 evening-length collaborative performance in Kansas City with singers of the East Village Opera Company, Lee Hartman of KCMetropolis opened his review with a single word: “Wow.” |
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Vivica Genaux, mezzo-soprano, and Europa Galante, chamber orchestra Friday, February 3, 2012 Folly Theater |
The dazzling, vocally distinctive and theatrically engaging mezzo-soprano Vivica Genaux joins forces with conductor Fabio Biondi and the Italian chamber orchestra Europa Galante, acclaimed for revolutionary and passionate performances of Baroque and Classical works. The evening’s concert “Vivaldi’s Pyrotechnics” is fashioned after the heralded Virgin Classics album of Vivaldi’s arias recorded by Genaux and Europa Galante, and nominated for the 2011 Grammy for Best Classical Vocal Performance.
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Ray Chen, violinist in recital Sunday, March 11, 2012 Helzberg Hall Free Discovery Concert |
Ray Chen is among the most compelling young violinists today and has the distinction of being the first Series Discovery Concert artist to perform in the Kauffman Center. Winner of the 2009 Queen Elizabeth Competition and the 2008 Yehudi Menuhin Competition, his recent performances have enraptured audiences and critics. “Ray Chen can do pretty much anything he wants on the violin,” raved Anne Midgette for the Washington Post.
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Murray Perahia, Wednesday, March 14, 2012 Folly Theater |
In the more than 35 years he has been performing on the concert stage, American pianist Murray Perahia has become one of the most sought-after classical artists of our time. As a young adult, the Grammy Award winner collaborated with Rudolf Serkin and Pablo Casals and later Vladimir Horowitz. “Perahia may be the closest thing to a pure conduit of music,” reported the Seattle Times. “The soul of a poet, the mind of a thinker, the hands of a virtuoso: no wonder audiences love this guy.”
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Red Star Red Army Chorus Friday, March 16, 2012 Helzberg Hall |
Formed in 1977 to entertain USSR troops, the company debuted on the Series in 1992 as part of its first United States tour. Under the artistic leadership of Nikolai Rabovsky, Red Star ensemble’s singers, dancers, and instrumentalists dazzle critics and audiences worldwide with pageantry, passion, virtuosity, and spectacle.”The young dancers in the mini-Moiseyev numbers are first class and the vocal soloists are, in fact, opera singers,” reported the New York Times.
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Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Saturday, March 31, 2012 Muriel Kauffman Theatre |
When the Series introduced Aspen Santa Fe Ballet to audiences in 2009, it was clear that this brilliant 12-dancer company’s reputation preceded its debut. Savvy patrons were abuzz about this new ensemble that the New York Times called “A breath of fresh air!” Its performance of mixed repertory was a triumph. “The Harriman-Jewell Series gave us a feast to savor for some time, and we look forward to experiencing other dishes on the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet menu,” wrote Sandy Eisenberg for KCMetropolis.
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Juan Diego Flórez, Saturday, April 7, 2012 Helzberg Hall |
Patrons will remember that top-of-the-world tenor Juan Diego Flórez sang his American recital debut in 2002 for the Series and returned for thrilling concerts in 2004 and 2008. The Peruvian star was a favorite discovery of the Series’ late founder, Richard Harriman, who was especially honored to attend Juan Diego’s 2008 wedding in Lima. The bond between artist and presenter continues as the renowned bel canto singer returns for his fourth recital in Kansas City.
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Giuseppe Filianoti, tenor in American recital debut Saturday, April 21, 2012 Folly Theater |
The Harriman-Jewell Series is well known for star tenors making American recital debuts. That tradition continues with Italian-born Giuseppe Filianoti, considered the pre-eminent lyric tenor of his generation. The beauty of his voice, passionate lyricism, and the dramatic fervor on stage has won widespread critical acclaim and recognition. “Audience members applauded and stomped their feet... Remember his name: he’s going to be a major tenor,” wrote The Associated Press music critic Ronald Blum.
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City Classics Music and Dance Columnist; Classical Contributor
A lifelong classical music fan, Don Dagenais is a frequent preview speaker for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and has taught classical music and opera courses at several Kansas City venues. He has served on the boards of directors of a number of performing arts organizations including the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, the Lyric Opera Guild, UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance, Opera Volunteers International, the Civic Opera Theater of Kansas City, Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony, Octarium, and the Friends of the Symphony. He has been the past president of most of these organizations and is current the president of the Friends of the Symphony.
Dagenais co-authored a history of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, published on the occasion of its 50th anniversary (2007) and has written books on the histories of both the Lyric Opera Guild and Opera Volunteers International, as well as an introductory book for opera novices (Your Passport to the Opera). He has received several local and national awards for outstanding volunteer work for the arts, including a lifetime achievement award from The Coterie Theatre in 2000, the Kansas City Musical Club's annual award in 2001, a Partners in Excellence Award from Opera Volunteers International in 2002, a Bravo Award from Opera Volunteers International in 2004 and a community service award from the Daughter of the American Revolution in 2008 honoring him for his community service to the arts.
In addition to his music interests, Don is president of the board of directors for the Metropolitan Ensemble Theater and has served on the boards of The Coterie Theatre and the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, serving as president of each organization. He publishes newsletters for seven arts organizations. When not involved in the performing arts, Don is a senior real estate attorney with Lathrop & Gage LLP in Kansas City, Missouri, where he has practiced law since 1976 after graduating from the Cornell Law School.
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KC Events this week and beyond
Looking for something to do this weekend? Click here for the KC Events calendar of theatre, classical music, dance and jazz events through 2011. Highlights of this week's classical music and dance offerings are in Don Dagenais' "City Classics." For current Theatre listings visit Victor Wishna's "City Stage." Enjoy!
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