Happy New Year 2008
Live From Lincoln Center: New York Philharmonic
New Year's Eve Gala with Joshua Bell
Live From Lincoln Center, produced by Lincoln Center's John Goberman and directed by Kirk Browning, makes the world's greatest artists accessible to home viewers in virtually every corner of the United States. It remains the only series of live broadcast performances on American television today. Approximately six major Lincoln Center performances are televised to a national audience of millions each year. In addition to its ten Emmy Awards and forty-seven Emmy nominations, Live From Lincoln Center has won two George Foster Peabody Awards, two Grammy Awards, three Monitor Awards, a Television Critics Award, and many others.
I first encountered Joshua Bell at the Spoleto Festival, U.S.A. in Charleston, South Carolina. He was then barely into his teens but he was already a formidable violinist, playing chamber music with some of the world's most honored musicians. Not long afterward he burst upon the international scene at what was described as "a sensational debut" with the Philadelphia Orchestra and its Music Director of the time, Riccardo Muti.
Joshua Bell was brought up in Bloomington, Indiana, where his father was a Professor at Indiana University. I.U., as it is known in academia, is an extraordinary university, with a School of Music that is world-renowned. Among its outstanding faculty was the eminent violinist Josef Gingold, who became Josh's inspired (and inspiring) mentor and devoted friend. Indeed it was the presence of Gingold in Indiana that led to the establishment of the Indianapolis International Violin Competition. One way for a young musician to attract attention is to win one of the major international competitions. But Joshua Bell did not have to go the Competition route: that Philadelphia Orchestra debut set him on the course that has made him one of the outstanding artists of our time.
The following is an excerpt from the "TV Notes" of this broadcast by Martin Bookspan:
In September Live From Lincoln Center observed one of its longtime traditions: the Gala opening concert of the new season of the New York Philharmonic. On December 31 we'll re-invent another longtime Live From Lincoln Center tradition: the Gala New Year's Eve concert by the New York Philharmonic. Music Director Lorin Maazel will be on the podium for a program of music appropriate for the festive occasion, and the guest artist will be the acclaimed violinist, Joshua Bell.
Between then and now the not-yet 40-year old violinist has entered into the Pantheon of performing artists, appearing before sell-out audiences wherever he plays. Indeed, a few years ago we of Live From Lincoln Center were privileged to present Joshua Bell in an informal program at the Penthouse of Lincoln Center's Rose Building. At the forthcoming New Year's Eve concert he will play a variety of violin favorites, including the Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso by Saint-Saëns, Fritz Kreisler's "Liebesleid" ("Love's Sorrow") and Ravel's "Tzigane."
For their part, Maazel and the Philharmonic will entertain with some of music's best-known and best-loved works, beginning and ending with pillars of the French orchestral repertoire: Dukas's "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" and Ravel's "Bolero." For many of us "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" is indelibly associated with the masterful animation of the score that graced the 1940 Walt Disney film, "Fantasia," with Leopold Stokowski conducting an orchestra of Hollywood's best studio musicians. (When the decision was made to expand on "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" and produce a full-length feature film, the added music was played by Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchestra.)
Ravel's "Bolero" needs, of course, very little introduction. Composed at the end of The Roaring Twenties it remains an astonishing example of creative manipulation--but manipulation in the best sense of the word. It begins with a hushed rhythmic pattern played by the snare drum. Very soon, and over the drum's rhythm, a theme is announced by the solo flute. Then that flute theme is passed from solo instrument to solo instrument, and from section to section. The music becomes louder and louder, with the snare drum beating out its rhythm incessantly. Suddenly there is a harmonic change and the ending is a disintegration tantamount to a cataclysm. What a piece!
THIS IS A MUST SEE. CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS
© Copyright 2007 Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. All Rights Reserved. Joshua bell photo courtesy of Bill Phelps. Lorin Maazel photo courtesy of Chris Lee. Renée Fleming photo courtesy of Decca/Andrew Eccles.
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New Year's Concert 2008 with Georges Prêtre
Wiener Philharmoniker Programe
Georges Prêtre becomes the first French conductor to lead the traditional New Year's Concert of the Vienna Philharmonic in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna on January 1, 2008. Prêtre's ties to Vienna and the Vienna Philharmonic go back to 1962, when the State Opera Director at the time, Herbert von Karajan, invited Prêtre to conduct several performances of Richard Strauss' opera "Capriccio". Only a year later, he made his debut in the Philharmonic subscription concert series when he stepped in for the indisposed Hans Knappertsbusch. This year the Austrian Broadcasting Co. will televise the New Year's Concert, one of classical music's major annual events, for the fiftieth time.
Georges Prêtre's appearance at the New Year's Concert brings an added dimension to the list of New Year's Concert conductors which includes such illustrious names as Willy Boskovsky, Lorin Maazel, Herbert von Karajan, Claudio Abbado, Carlos Kleiber, Zubin Mehta, Riccardo Muti, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Seiji Ozawa and Mariss Jansons. This year’s programming reveals a French flair, and as usual will feature several lesser known works. Millions of viewers around the world will experience Georges Prêtre leading an Austro-French co-production featuring pieces like the "Napolean March", the "Parisian March", and "Freut euch des Lebens", as well as the "Russian March" and the "Chinese Gallop". The program will feature 21 compositions in total (including encores) by the composers Johann Strauss, Jr., Johann Strauss Sen., Joseph Strauss, Joseph Hellmesberger Jr. and Joseph Lanner.
The broadcast of the New Year's Concert in ORF 2 will provide a few additional firsts: for the first time the Albertina will provide the backdrop for the ballet of the Vienna State Opera and Volksoper, with the Karlsplatz being chosen as the location for their second appearance. The choreographer Nicolas Musin is concocts a brash and witty ballet insert in honor of the upcoming European Football Championships 2008, which will be held in Austria and Switzerland. Both of these ballets will be directed by Karina Fibich. The Lipizzaner will "dance" to the music of the polka francaise "Die Pariserin" in Vienna's Spanish Riding School and the "Blue Danube" Waltz will be danced this year live for the first time in the Musikverein, to the choreography of Christian Tichy. The direction of the broadcast will again be in the proven hands of Brian Large.
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Andre Rieu
New Years Concert in Cologne, Germany
Date: 01/01/2008
Venue: KOLNARENA
SOLD OUT
WOW! I plan on watching 2 out of 3!
Lorraine gave me a tip about the Joshua Bell. I found out that our PBS station will carry both of the concerts.Wish I could be in Cologne too. I'm not surprised it's sold out. What a great way to start a New Year, with Andre.I wonder if he will do a Silvester this year? I always enjoy those so much.Also, I was reading about "the ball" at NYC Times Square. Do you know this is the 100th anniversary of the drop? I found the history of the ball quite interesting. I'll wish you all a Happy New Year now and tomorrow too!
Me Too Shirley. New Year's Eve is the one holiday I make SURE to stay inside. Just don't like the crowds or over-drinkers.
I fell in love last year with the happy Vienna concert. I still recall the musicians. So very excellent. So this year I must watch again... And .. Joshua Bell .. must see. It will be one of those rare days when television has good programing!
IT WAS SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!! WASN'T? THANKS FOR ALL THE INFO ALL,AGAIN LORRAINE, SHIRLEY AND ALL OF YOU HAPPY NEW YEAR! KATI
Amen Kati. It is just started for me.
I watched the first piece. It was wonderful.
Next up, Joshua Bell !
Thanks for the information about the Joshua Bell airing on PBS. Already set to watch. Happy New Year to All and my 2008 be filled with joy,happiness and of course MUSIC.
IN LOVE AND LIGHT!!
Beverly
You are welcome Beverly. May your new year bring you health and happiness. Lorraine S shared that tip with us. She is in the know about good music. I can't wait. Have my tv warming up now, and staying in for the night. I'm not a social New Year Gal. Tonight it is safe at home and relaxing for me.
Nice to see you again.
Happy New Year to you too Margaret.
Thank you for being a friend and most of all for being you!
I will look forward to watching this tonight! Thanks!
And I also heard that "the ball" is going green (eco-friendly green) where it won't burn as much energy, and they have to change all the bulbs, I believe they said there were 800 of them to change!
I wish all of you a Very
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
I hope all your goals are happily met and I hope your new resolutions are easy and attainable!
It's almost like a major burden (last year) has been taken down and a new set of rules are in place, waiting and ready for us.
Have a very safe and happy evening everyone!
I will also be ringing in the New Year with André's beautiful music!
I wanna go. Andre’s music? Happy New Year? Sounds Great!
Have a Happy Happy New Year!
LET US KEEP PLAYING THE LOTTO, SHIRLEY, THIS WAY, WE ALWAYS HAVE A HOPE FOR THE NEXT NEW YEAR CELEBRATION WITH ANDRE! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL! KATI
Kati, I have my RAFFLE (lotto) ticket for tonight. I might be a millionaire!
Happy New Year from Poor or Rich me!
Happy New Year
May your mornings bring joy
and your evenings bring peace...
May your troubles grow less
as your blessings increase!
Thank you Pru for your kind blessing!
I pray the New Year brings us all Health & Happiness (and PEACE)
Happy New Year everyone ... May all your dreams come true in 2008. It's already New Year's Day here, and it's warming up already ... going to be 36 degrees (celsius) and 40 tomorrow ...
Funny story, I was in JB HiFi last Thursday (27 December) and as usual it was absolutely packed to the brim, kids are on school holidays and they seem to congregate around the DVD section. Anyway there was this lovely gentleman holding a couple of Andre's DVD's, he looked at me and said have you heard of this guy .... well can you imagine the look on my face. Hmmm I said, I am familiar with him
Well I have rambled on long enough, I am so looking forward to 2008. I am the eternal optimist, love and hugs to all. xxxxx Les
Hello Dear Leslie - Happy New Year to you and to your sister Mavis and her husband. I hope things will be much better for all of you in 2008. I am keeping my fingers crossed for Perth. I feel sure it will work out for you. Take care of yourself and I wish you all the best - you will all be in my prayers. Hugs and love
PS: I love the story about the DVD"s.
Happy New Year Leslie. That's a great story. What fun! I bet that man enjoyed meeting with you in the store. And who knows.. perhaps if Perth comes through on Dec 1, 2008.... or any other date... you just Might see him again!
That reminds me of a time when I helped a lady choose which concert dvd she should buy. Can't remember which one I picked for now. That too happened in my local JB Hi Fi store at Kotara.
Well here it is, another New Year. (I made it!) Last night's TV with Joshua Bell was worth watching. He is a talented,gifted man and I do enjoy most of what he plays, but I do wish he would stand still sometimes! He's always moving around, even when he's talking. (Drives my eyes crazy.) The last piece done by the New York Philharmonic was great, Bolero. I always like that.(would have loved to hear Andre & Co play it).
Tonight is the Vienna New Year Celebration on Great Performances. Gotta watch that too. Right now am watching the Tournament of Roses Parade, a New Year's tradition for us. And mentioning 'traditions', gotta eat my black-eyed peas today. Supposed to bring good luck, financially & otherwise. My nephew says it doesn't help. He'll say "look what happened to you last year" and then I say "well just think what might have happened if I hadn't eaten them peas"!! HA! Really I don't think they do help a bit, but tradition is tradition!
HI SHIRLEY, I WAS SITTING WITH YOU IN THE SAME FAMILY ROOM, LAST NIGHT. I WILL DO THE SAME TONIGHT. KATI
HERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERY ONE! PLEASE DO NOT GET OFFENDED! OLD FOLKS ARE WORTH A FORTUNE:WITH SILVER IN THEIR HAIR, GOLD IN THEIR TEETH. STONES IN THEIR KIDNEY, LEAD IN THEIR FEET AND GAS IN THEIR STOMACHS.I HAVE BECOME A LOT MORE SOCIAL WITH THE PASSING OF THE YEARS; SOME MIGHT EVEN CALL ME FRIVOLIOUS OLD GAL. I AM SEEING FIVE GENTLEMEN EVERY DAY.
AS SOON AS I WAKE,WILL POWER HELPS ME GET OUT OF BED. THEN I GO TO SEE JOHN. THEN CHARLEY HORSE COMES ALONG, AND WHEN HE IS HERE, HE TAKES A LOT OT TIME AND ATTENTION. WHEN HE LEAVES, ARTHUR RITIS SHOWES UP AND STAYS THE REST OF THE DAY.( HE DOES NOT LIKE TO STAY IN ONE PLACE VERY LONG, SO HE TAKES ME FROM JOINT TO JOINT.) AFTER SUCH A BUSY DAY, I AM REALLY TIRED AND GLAD TO GO TO BED- WITH BEN GAY. - WHAT A LIFE! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERY ONE! KATI
Hi Kati, that is cute. No one gets offended here especially when it is true
Well now Ms Kati! You've gone and told all my secrets!!! You describe me to a T!
Happy New Year to 'all 'André fans. I to wish that 2008 will be a bit kinder to all who have had bitter sweet times in 2007, BUT that is what makes us all a strong and hearty group who have such beautiful music in our lives. I so look forward to this site everyday, I enjoy all the thoughts we each share. I also managed to have front row seats for TWO of the THREE concerts written about, also many thanks to Sally for keeping us informed and "happy". PEACE FOR 2008
Dear friends, Happy New Year to all. We have had a chinook for about 10 days so I expect our weather is about to change for the worse. So far no big storms etc,
so I guess we can be thankful for the mild weather, which of course can change
overnite. Will have to depend on cds & dvds for some time as our maestro has no plans in the forseeable future to grace our area with a concert & there is not much on our PBS station from Spokane at the moment, so will just have to be patient for a while. I hope everyone is well as I am. Just waiting
for what ever the ortho surgeon will say about my rather crippled right hand
which is a bit of a mess. Can type & use the computer okay, but writing with
a pen or pencil is a little tough as my middle finger is messed up. Partly arthritis, but also some from either injury or overuse, don't know which, but if surgery will fix the problem I will opt for that. Had my left hand done some 4 years ago and that turned out okay, so we shall see what transpires. Expect it will take 3 or 4 weeks to recover from the treatment, what ever that may be. Still heasl quickly so my immune system is working
very well. Love to all Marianne
Hi Marianne, What is a chinook? I thought it was a type of helicopter! This is the 2nd time I have seen the word on the blog. I don't think we have them in Australia - it sounds like a weather condition.