Washington Revels' "Andalusian Treasures" is just stunning!

Washington Revels' "Andalusian Treasures" opened this past weekend, and I have to say that personally, I found it to be just stunning. I have been encouraging my friends and personal contacts to come see the show, based just on the advance publicity information. Now, however, having seen the show myself, I wanted to reach out one more time and encourage folks to COME SEE THIS SHOW!

Andalusian Treasures is a truly multi-cultural production, showcasing the Golden Age of Spain, when Jewish, Muslim, and Christian religion and culture flourished side by side. There's humor, poetry, music, dance, an adorable kids' chorus, chances for the audience to join in the singing and dancing, and just a powerful sense of community. 

I think Washington Revels achieved what they say on their website: "We celebrate the legacy of the extraordinary flowering of arts and culture that began in medieval Andalusia, and honor the symbol that it has become (however imperfect and uneven the reality) of the ideal of a greater tolerance and acceptance among different religions and cultures."

Please share the show information below with your own contacts. This show deserves to be seen by as wide an audience as possible.

WASHINGTON REVELS: 2011 Christmas Revels Production

Washington Revels present "Andalusian Treasures: Jewish, Arabic, and Spanish music, dance and drama."

Two adventures... three ancient cultures... four hundred years of treasures!

This December travel back in time more than 1000 years to al-Andalus to experience the music, dance and drama of three great cultures – Sephardic Jewish, Arabic and Iberian – in one great country as Washington Revels celebrates the art and music of this unique time.

Joined by special guest ensembles Trio Sefardi and Layali El Andalus, we’ll celebrate with poignant Sephardic and Arab-Andalusian music, lively Spanish folk dances and songs, a Hanukkah celebration, a North African “Saidi” or Tahtib cane dance reminiscent of Morris dancing, as well as traditional Revels favorites.

Five more performances 12/9-12/11. 

Learn more and Buy Tickets at http://revelsdc.org/revels2011/.

Washington Revels present "Andalusian Treasures: Jewish, Arabic, and Spanish music, dance and drama" -- the 2011 "Christmas Revels"

I do not celebrate Christmas, but I am particularly excited about Washington Revels' 2011 "Christmas Revels" production, "Andalusian Treasures."

Why am I excited about a production with "Christmas" in the title, when I don't celebrate the holiday?  Well, because this year's show is definitely NOT a Christmas show! 

This year's December Revels is a new production, and is unique in its deliberate focus on the notable periods of coexistence among Jewish, Muslim, and Christian peoples in Adalusian Spain.

Well then, why call it "The Christmas Revels?" Because: Washington Revels is an affiliate of Revels, Inc., based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The title "The Christmas Revels" is trademarked and applies to the December show in all Revels cities across the country. None of the Revels cities are allowed to change that.


As a celebration of the winter Solstice, the most obvious traditions tend to be Christmas traditions, and the first "Christmas Revels" included many Christmas carols and Yuletide traditions, mostly from England. Since the first Revels, in 1971, the production has expanded to include many other traditions, and is based in different countries and different ages each year. They are SECULAR theater productions, not Christmas pageants, although I will grant that some years are more inclusive than others. I am Jewish, I have been attending and enjoying "Christmas Revels" performances since 1997.

Washington Revels present "Andalusian Treasures: Jewish, Arabic, and Spanish music, dance and drama." 

Two adventures... three ancient cultures... four hundred years of treasures! 

This December travel back in time more than 1000 years to al-Andalus to experience the music, dance and drama of three great cultures – Sephardic, Arabic and Iberian – in one great country as Washington Revels celebrates the art and music of this unique time. 

Joined by Flory Jagoda (one of the top Sephardic singers anywhere), special guest ensembles Trio Sefardi and Layali El Andalus, we’ll celebrate with poignant Sephardic and Arab-Andalusian music, lively Spanish folk dances and songs, a Hanukkah celebration, a North African “Saidi” or Tahtib cane dance reminiscent of Morris dancing, as well as traditional Revels favorites. 

Eight performances over two weekends, 12/3-4 and 12/9-11 at Lisner Auditorium. 

Learn more and ORDER TICKETS at http://revelsdc.org/revels2011/.

Capital City Symphony ONLINE HOLIDAY AUCTION!

If you haven't checked out the Capital City Symphony Online Holiday Auction recently, it's worth another look. Here's why...

New Items Added!

CCS is adding new items to their auction as quickly as they receive them. Great new items are up for bid. New items are being added almost daily, so check back often!

Please Share This With Your Friends. Refer your friends so they have time to start bidding before the online auction closes on December 11, 2011.

Donations are still being accepted.

Promote your business and support the Capital City Symphony. You can donate online or by email to capitalcitysymphony@biddingforgood.org.

View All Auction Items

Learn more at capitalcitysymphony.org.

CCS Annual Family Concert & Instrument Petting Zoo 11/20/11

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT, MAESTRA?
Characters in Story and Cartoon
Family Concert, with Guest Artist Oran Sandel

Sunday, November 20, 2011

TWO Performances: 2:30pm and 4:30pm

Including the popular Instrument Petting Zoo!
(for ticket holders, at 2pm and 4pm)

Beethoven - Coriolan Overture
Dukas - Sorcerer's Apprentice
Handel - Entrance of the Queen of Sheba (Junior Guest Conductor*)
Peck - Playing with Style

Children 16 & under are FREE (ticket required)Adults $16-$25, Senior/Student discounts

Available at http://CapitalCitySymphony.org/ or through the Atlas Box Office at 202-399-7993

*Every year, as part of a major fundraiser, CCS auctions off a "Junior Guest Conductor" spot for a child age 4-16. The lucky winner gets to "conduct" one of the pieces on the Annual Family Concert program.

ORAN SANDEL
While you may recognize Oran Sandel from many years on the Washington Revels stage, Oran has also been a teaching artist in the Washington area for 34 years, including 23 years with Arena Stage’s Living Stage, and 6 years as a lead trainer with the Shakespeare Theatre’s Classics in the Classroom teacher training program. He is a regular visiting play specialist at Amazing Life Games Preschool, a consultant with the Early Childhood division at Centronia, and a teaching artist with Adventure Theater.

Capital City Symphony ONLINE HOLIDAY AUCTION!

Promote your business, do your holiday shopping, AND support the Capital City Symphony!

Beginning on November 7, 2011, the Capital City Symphony will be holding an online Holiday Auction as a year-end fundraiser.

We need your support!  How You Can Help:

Donate.
We need Auction items to add to our auction. If you have valuable merchandise, rare collectibles, business or personal services or access to unique events, we need your contribution today. Click here to Donate.

Be a Sponsor.
Contact us at capitalcitysymphony@biddingforgood.org or 202-399-7993 x120 to take advantage of promotional opportunities for your business or to pledge your individual support.

Tell Your Friends.
Do you know someone who would be interested in supporting our cause? Please share the news of the online auction with your friends so they can be part of the excitement. Refer a Friend to our auction so they can get involved.

Thank you in advance for your continued support! We look forward to your item donation and online bids!

CAPITALCITYSYMPHONY.ORG

Obituary - Ayun Fedorcha, Lighting Designer

AYUN FEDORCHA – Obituary

10/15/1957 – 9/28/2011

Lighting Designer Ayun Fedorcha passed away on September 28, 2011 after an extended illness. Ayun was born Mary Ann Fedorcha in Lakeland, Florida. She grew up in Lakeland, and attended Sante Fe Catholic High School. She went on to Mercer University in Macon, Georgia where she got her BA. After college, Ayun worked as a stage manager and/or lighting designer for Theatre Winter Haven, Lakeland Little Theatre, Lakeland Senior High School, and several dinner theatres. In 1986, she entered the MFA program in lighting design at UVA in Charlottesville, where she stayed for two years. She then took a job with a retail craft company and moved to Westminster, Maryland. She left the company in 1991, and moved to DC to try to freelance in the theatre.

In the Washington, DC area, Ayun's resume reads like an overview of the DC theatre scene. She was a Resident Artist - Lighting Designer at Adventure Theatre (since 1994) and Resident Lighting Designer at Teatro de la Luna (since 1992). She also designed lights for American Century Theatre, the Capital City Symphony, George Mason University – Opera Department, GALA Hispanic Theatre, Georgetown Prep, HEXAGON, Round House Theatre, School of Theatrical Dance, Summer Theatre Experience, The Other Opera Company, VLOC - Victorian Lyric Opera Company, and Washington Shakespeare Company (now WSC Avant Bard). In addition, she was a Guest Lighting Designer for Actor's Theatre of Washington, D.C., Ballet Theatre of Ashburn, Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia, Spooky Action Theatre, The Alden Theatre, and The Catholic University of America.

Ayun said about herself: “I am a very warm and fuzzy lighting designer. My goals include making beautifully lit productions, playing well with my co-designers, and making my directors happy. Paying the rent is also a nice thing.” She consistently received rave reviews for her lighting designs. Ayun was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award in 1997 for her Lighting Design for GALA Hispanic Theatre's La Chunga.

A memorial event is being planned. Details will be posted on the “In Memory of Ayun Fedorcha” Facebook page or email dgrossman@capitalcitysymphony.org for more information.

Mahler and More! CCS Concert 10/16/11

The Capital City Symphony
presents
Mahler and More!

Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 5pm

Pre-concert lecture for ticket-holders at 4:35pm (in the Concert Hall) by Jason McCool.

* Lalo, Symphonie Espagnole, 1st movement ~ with Arec Jamgochian, Violin ~ Levine Cogen Concerto Winner

* Mahler, Two Songs from Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen ~ with Andrew McLaughlin, Baritone; John Devlin, Conductor

* Mahler, Symphony No. 1

More information on the CCS Website.

Tickets $16-$25, discounts for seniors/students. Kids 16 and under FREE!

Available online or at 202-399-7993.

Jason McCool (yes, it's his real last name) is a DC-based actor, musicologist, professor, and social media advocate who is passionate about helping both new and traditional audiences get inside great music. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and the University of Maryland, he recently spoke on Mahler at Ignite Baltimore and at the Baltimore Symphony, and will be presenting on Mahler at Ignite DC on October 20. Jason is so pleased to work with both Knowledge Commons DC and the Capital City Symphony on this great symphony, and he hopes to gain company in this dreadfully pleasurable condition of "Mahleria!"

Final Week to Make History! Historic Coon-Sanders Recording Project

Final Week to Make History! Campaign ends at 6pm on 6/27/11.

Sign on as a supporter for Doug Bowles' Historic Coon-Sanders Recording Project!

An amazing singer; a hot, hot band; a fantabulous project . . . and YOU can be a part of it!

Minimum pledge is just $1!

Doug Bowles is planning a series of concerts and a recording with his SingCo Rhythm Orchestra of his extraordinary collection of world class arrangements of the Coon-Sanders Original Nighthawks. 

Doug is seeking your assistance in making this music available to a wider audience, through performances and a professional quality recording.

Visit Doug's Kickstarter page to donate now!

He has already amassed the arrangements, which are shockingly exact record transcriptions for the most part.

Doug Bowles and his SingCo Rhythm Orchestra recently gave a live concert of the music for the Potomac River Jazz Club, and were praised for their "hot" and "authentic" presentation of this incredible music. (Check out these videos! The Nighthawk Blues and Got a Great Big Date with a Little Bitty Girl I Love)

Your support will enable this very skilled orchestra to present authentic performances of Coon-Sanders' music. You will never have heard more virtuosic arrangements! This music has likely not been performed in public in this large a setting, and this large a quantity of charts, since the original group disbanded in 1933.

Your investment will be used to support the live concerts and recording fees, including musician fees, venue rental, all associated recording costs, marketing and publicity and potential multi-media presentations to accompany the live concerts.

Visit Doug's Kickstarter page to donate now!

The Coon-Sanders band was really Blazin! They were the top of the tops in the 1920s and 1930s, until the untimely death of one of its leaders in the early '30s. Mel Torme, the famous jazz singer and scat master, made his radio debut with this band at the age of 4, appearing on their radio broadcast for 6 weeks.

Your support will make possible the recording of such hits as
HERE COMES MY BALL AND CHAIN, LOUDER AND FUNNIER, READY FOR THE RIVER, MY BABY KNOWS HOW, AFTER YOU'VE GONE, and many more!

Capital City Symphony 2011-2012 Season Tickets Now on Sale

The Sound of Your Neighborhood! Victoria Gau, Artistic Director & Conductor



The Capital City Symphony, in residence at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in NE Washington, DC, has a terrific series of concerts planned for the 2011-2012 season.

Order a Season Package,

or click on the individual concerts to buy single concert tickets.

October 16 at 5:00pm
Mahler and More
* Lalo, Symphonie Espagnole, 1st movement ~ with Arec Jamgochian, Violin ~ Levine Cogen Concerto Winner
* Mahler, Two Songs from Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen ~ John Devlin, Conductor
* Mahler, Symphony No. 1

November 20 at 2:30pm & 4:30pm
Family Concert: "What's it all about, Maestra?"
Family Concert, with Guest Artist Oran Sandel
Including the popular Instrument Petting Zoo!

December 4 at 4:00pm & 7:00pm
FREE Carol Sing Concert
In partnership with the Congressional Chorus
and the Atlas Performing Arts Center
[Note: separate tickets, available November 1 at AtlasArts.org]


March 17 at 7:30pm at Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church
March 18 at 5:00pm at the Atlas Performing Arts Center
Together Again: Mozart and Brahms
Choral Concert with the Capitol Hill Chorale, Frederick Binkholder, Artistic Director
* Mozart, Overture to Don Giovanni
* Brahms, Nänie
* Mozart, Requiem

May 13 at 5:00pm
Brahms Meets Jazz
* Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue, with pianist Scott Beard
* Brahms, Symphony No. 3

In Addition, the Capital City Symphony will be part of

INTERSECTIONS: A New America Arts Festival, in February 2012
Saturday, 2/25 at 4:30pm
Sunday, 2/26 at 5:30pm
Orchestra Meets the 21st Century
John Devlin, Conductor
An integrated and innovative collaboration of the traditional orchestra - the Capital City Symphony - with a modern, amplified, small group - trumpet, guitar, bass, and percussion- that incorporates classical repertoire, as well as newly composed and arranged works.
[Note: separate tickets required for INTERSECTIONS concerts]


Tickets for most concerts are $16-$25, with discounts for seniors and students. Tickets for children 16 and under are FREE for the main season concerts (October, November, March, May). Discount Season Packages are $80 Adult and $64 Senior/Student.

Unless otherwise noted, all concerts are held at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC. Directions and parking information can be found at Atlasarts.org.

Discounted Season Subscriptions and Individual Tickets are now on sale at the above links, or at www.capitalcitysymphony.org, or through the Atlas Box Office at 202-399-7993.

Tap in Takoma Park! Knock on Wood Tap Studio Opens in Takoma Park on September 19, 2011

KNOCK ON WOOD TAP STUDIO 

IS MOVING TO TAKOMA PARK!

Knock on Wood Tap Studio, which lost its long-time space in Silver Spring last spring, has found a new home on Willow Street in downtown Takoma Park. The studio will be open for business on September 19, with a full schedule of classes at all levels for kids, teens, and adults. The schedule and registration information can be found on their website at www.knockonwood.org.

Since opening in 1994, Knock On Wood Tap Studio has continued to redefine conventional tap dance, serving a diverse student body and offering classes for all levels and age groups. The studio is one of only a few facilities of its kind in the United States.

Tap dance is fun and gratifying - and great exercise! - for people of all ages and skill levels. Knock on Wood specializes in rhythm tap, a form of percussive dance that gives you the skills to make music with your feet. Drawing from a number of musical genres including jazz, blues, and swing, our classes help students develop skills in technique, basic steps, and combinations. Classes are available for children (from age 4), teens, and adults. It's never too late to start!

A native Washingtonian, Knock on Wood founder Yvonne Edwards is Washington's celebrated "Tap Lady." She has been dancing, teaching, and choreographing for over 50 years. Ms. Yvonne has taught master classes at the International Conference of Black Dance in Atlanta, the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, and at the New York City Tap Festival, as well as throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Her choreography is included in the repertoire of Tappers With Attitude. A longtime participant in Washington Performing Arts Society's Artists in Schools Program, in 1993 she was the recipient of the "Contribution to Dance in the District" award presented by the DC Ensemble, DC Arts and Humanities, and DC Art Works. She has been honored by the International Association of Blacks in Dance, and was named "Tap Teacher of the Year" by the American Tap Dance Foundation. In September 2006, she received the Metro DC Dance Award for "Outstanding Achievement in Dance Education." In December 2006, she received "Excellence in the Arts and Humanities Award for Education" at the Executive's Ball of Montgomery County, MD. In September 2007, Ms. Edwards received the WPAS "Pola Nirenska Award for Lifetime Achievement" at the Metro DC Dance Awards.

Knock on Wood Tap Studio

6925 Willow Street NW, Suite 101

Washington, DC 20012

www.knockonwood.org

(KOW's new phone service is not connected yet. A public phone number will be posted on their website as soon as it is available.)

Look Out! Here Comes My Ball and Chain!

Carlton Coon & Joe Sanders

Doug Bowles is planning a series of concerts and a recording with his SingCo Rhythm Orchestra of his extraordinary collection of world class arrangements of the Coon-Sanders Original Nighthawks. 

Doug is seeking your assistance in making this music available to a wider audience, through performances and a professional quality recording.

Visit Doug's Kickstarter page to donate now!

He has already amassed the arrangements, which are shockingly exact record transcriptions for the most part.

Doug Bowles and his SingCo Rhythm Orchestra recently gave a live concert of the music for the Potomac River Jazz Club, and were praised for their "hot" and "authentic" presentation of this incredible music. (Check out these videos! The Nighthawk Blues and Got a Great Big Date with a Little Bitty Girl I Love)

Your support will enable this very skilled orchestra to present authentic performances of Coon-Sanders' music. You will never have heard more virtuosic arrangements! This music has likely not been performed in public in this large a setting, and this large a quantity of charts, since the original group disbanded in 1933.

Your investment will be used to support the live concerts and recording fees, including musician fees, venue rental, all associated recording costs, marketing and publicity and potential multi-media presentations to accompany the live concerts.

Visit Doug's Kickstarter page to donate now!

The Coon-Sanders band was really Blazin! They were the top of the tops in the 1920s and 1930s, until the untimely death of one of its leaders in the early '30s. Mel Torme, the famous jazz singer and scat master, made his radio debut with this band at the age of 4, appearing on their radio broadcast for 6 weeks.

Your support will make possible the recording of such hits asHERE COMES MY BALL AND CHAIN, LOUDER AND FUNNIER, READY FOR THE RIVER, MY BABY KNOWS HOW, AFTER YOU'VE GONE, and many more!

Audition! Capital City Symphony - Washington, DC

The Capital City Symphony, a volunteer community orchestra, is an Arts Partner at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC.

FALL, 2011 AUDITIONS:
Thursday, September 1st from 7-10pm.

We especially need trumpets!

Season highlights include: Mahler, Symphony No. 1; Mozart, Requiem; Gershwin, Rhapsody in Blue; and Brahms, Symphony No. 3.

Please email jdevlin "at" capitalcitysymphony.org for information or to arrange an audition.

If you can't make it this Thursday, please still email. It may be possible to set up an additional audition date.

Auditions will be scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
If you have previously been in touch with us about a September audition, you MUST email again to be scheduled.

For the 2011-2012 Season, CCS is especially looking for Trumpets and Oboes.

The CCS is right for you if:
* You are an accomplished amateur
* You are a professional looking to build your repertoire
* You are a music educator who misses playing in orchestras
* You are an advanced student looking for experience
* You are a retired professional who just can’t quit
* You want to make music in an environment which is challenging, yet positive with friendly colleagues in a beautiful new performing arts center on up and coming H St NE!

In your email, please include:
- Name
- Instrument
- Cell phone number
- Preferred time on September 1st (the window of time during which you are available)

PLEASE PREPARE: 2 contrasting selections:
* Lyrical piece that demonstrates good musical style
* A piece that showcases your technical ability

You will also be asked to sightread a piece of orchestral literature.
Please be prepared to play a selection for any auxiliary instrument that you can play.

Auditions last between 7 and 10 minutes. Each of the two selections should be at least five minutes long and should be a complete movement of a concerto, sonata or etude from which the audition proctors may choose a selection. Please bring with you copies of all music that you plan to play at the audition.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: * Rehearsals and performances are at the Atlas Performing Arts Center unless otherwise noted.
* Rehearsals are usually on Thursday evenings, from 7:30-10:00pm.
* Dress rehearsals are usually the Saturday of the concert weekend, from 9am-1pm. Most performances are on Sunday.

2011-2012 Concert Dates: October 16, 5:00pm -- Mahler and More!
November 20, 2:30pm & 4:30pm -- Family Concert
December 5, 3:30pm & 7:30pm -- Carol Sing Concert
March 17 at 7:00pm at Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church AND
March 18 at 5:00pm at the Atlas Performing Arts Center -- with Capitol Hill Chorale
May 13 at 5:00pm -- Brahms Meets Jazz

Fundraising Internship / Fall 2011 / Washington, DC Community Orchestra

The Capital City Symphony, a Washington, DC Community Orchestra, is in search of a Fundraising Intern for the Fall 2011 semester. The Fundraising Intern will maintain the development calendar, which includes tracking fundraiser information and grant applications. He/she will work with the general manager to organize and run large and small fundraising events, including an online auction, restaurant events and our second annual Chamber Music Jam.

This is a part-time internship, with an average of 10-12 hours a week split between the CCS office and event-related projects. Attendance at events is required, and the internship will include some evening and weekend hours. Office hours are flexible. This is an unpaid internship. CCS is willing to work with applicants to tailor the internship to meet requirements for academic credit.

The CCS office is located in the Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC. Most events take place at the Atlas Performing Arts Center.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to information@capitalcitysymphony.org. No phone calls, please.

Stage Director - Now Booking for Fall 2011 and beyond!

Stage Director - Now Booking for Fall 2011 and beyond!

http://dcgrossmanarts.com/theatreprod.shtml#director

Photos and videos at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Deborah-Grossman-DCGrossmanARTS/181060238610112

References available

Deborah Grossman (mezzo-soprano/pianist) is a Stage Director and Educator, specializing in Opera, Operetta, and Musical Theater.

Most recent productions:
Director -- Der Schauspieldirektor (Mozart) and Opera Scenes, Bel Cantanti Opera/Catholic University Summer Opera Festival

Director -- La Belle Helene (Offenbach), Victorian Lyric Opera Company, Rockville, MD

Director -- Coffee Cantata (Bach) and Amahl and the Night Visitors (Menotti), Bel Cantanti Opera Company, Rockville, MD

Director -- A Year with Frog and Toad, Montgomery College, Rockville, MD
Director -- Opera Goes to the Theatre (scenes), Forgotten Opera Company, Alexandria, VA
Asst. Director/Stage Manager -- Romeo et Juliette, Bel Cantanti Opera Company
Asst. Director/Stage Manager -- L'Italiana in Algeri, Bel Cantanti Opera Company
Stage Manager -- The Pirates of Penzance, Washington Savoyards, Washington, D.C.

A Maryland native, Deborah Grossman started her directing career here in DC with an internship at Arena Stage, and then directed and choreographed productions for Source Theater, Opera Americana, Horizons Theater, American Playwrights Theater, Adventure Theater, the Georgetown Gilbert & Sullivan Society, and Victoria Lyric Opera Company. 

Ms. Grossman was gone from the DC area from 1994-2005, directing, producing, and stage managing in the San Francisco Bay Area and in Cambridge, England. In the S.F. Bay Area she directed for the Livermore Valley Opera, Pocket Opera, Oakland Lyric Opera, and the Pinole Community Players, as well as stage managing for the San Francisco Opera Center and A.C.T. Conservatory, and producing for California Revels. In England, she worked with the Cambridge Gilbert & Sullivan Society, the Cambridge Opera Society, and the ADC Theatre. 

Since returning to the DC area in 2005, she has directed for Bel Cantanti, the Victorian Lyric Opera Company, the Forgotten Opera Company, and Montgomery College/Rockville; music directed summer camp productions and workshops for Imagination Stage and Adventure Theatre; produced and stage managed The Christmas Revels for Washington Revels; and stage managed a number of productions for the Washington Savoyards. 

Ms. Grossman trained in piano and voice at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. In addition to directing and stage managing, she teaches private voice and musical theatre classes at Imagination Stage, and does occasional rehearsal accompanying. 

DCGrossmanARTS.com

Summer Tap Dance Classes near DC

Bel Cantanti Opera and CUA Summer Opera Festival -- June 17-19, 2011

Bel Cantanti Opera Company and Catholic University of America 
Summer Opera Festival

Opera Festival Performances:

June 17 at 7:30 PM
June 19 at 7:30 PM
La Cenerentola by G. Rossini
Directed by Julia Mintzer

June 18 at 7:30 PM
June 19 at 3:00 PM
Der Schauspieldirektor (The Impresario) by W.A. Mozart 

Directed by Deborah Grossman

plus 

Opera Scenes from Aleko, Eugene Onegin, La Cenerentola, L'Elisir d'Amore, Cosi fan tutte, and Marriage of Figaro

Directed by Deborah Grossman and Andrea Beschel

Ward Recital Hall
Catholic University
Harewood Road
Washington, DC

General Admission: Adults $38 / Students $15

DISCOUNTS:  $30/Adult for Groups of 10+; $20/Adult for Groups of 20+

Please email tickets@belcantanti.com for Group Sales.

General Admission can purchase tickets through Bel Cantanti Opera at http://www.eventbrite.com/org/554133974

Bel Cantanti Opera and CUA Summer Music Festival -- June 17-19, 2011

Bel Cantanti Opera Company and 

Catholic University of America 

Summer Music Festival

Opera Workshop Performances:

June 17 at 7:30 PM

June 19 at 7:30 PM
La Cenerentola by G. Rossini

Directed by Julia Mintzer

June 18 at 7:30 PM

June 19 at 3:00 PM
Der Spielhausdirektor (The Impresario) by W.A. Mozart 
and Opera Scenes
Directed by Deborah Grossman

Ward Recital Hall

Catholic University

Harewood Road

Washington, DC

General Admission:  Adults $38 / Students $15

Please purchase tickets through Bel Cantanti Opera.

4 More Performances of Bel Cantanti's "Romeo et Juliette" in Rockville

Chun-Ting Chao & Eric Gramatges

Star-crossed lovers, dueling houses, devious plots—oh my! 

Join Bel Cantanti Opera as we re-tell the timeless classic love story of Romeo and Juliet through the brilliance of Charles Gounod’s famous opera, Roméo et Juliette. While this classic tale has been retold numerous times through movies, plays, ballets and other operas, Gounod’s music speaks to the heart and you’ll have strain's of Juliette’s aria, Ah, Je Veux Vivre, waltzing in your head by night’s end.

Performed in French with the English supertitles, fully staged, in costume. Accompanied by the chamber orchestra directed by BCO Artistic Director, Dr. Katerina Souvorova.

Friday, June 3, 7:30pm
Sunday, June 5, 7:30pm
Friday, June 10, 7:30pm
Sunday, June 12, 2:00

Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington
6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD

Tickets ONLINE: Adult - $38, Student - $15
http://www.eventbrite.com/org/554133974

Tickets at the door: Adult - $40, Student - $15
Groups of 10 and more: $30 each

Ticket information: (301) 266-7546 or tickets@belcantanti.com

Gounod's "Romeo et Juliette" -- May 29-June 12

Star-crossed lovers, dueling houses, devious plots—oh my! 

Join Bel Cantanti Opera as we re-tell the timeless classic love story of Romeo and Juliet through the brilliance of Charles Gounod’s famous opera, Roméo et Juliette. While this classic tale has been retold numerous times through movies, plays, ballets and other operas, Gounod’s music speaks to the heart and you’ll have strain's of Juliette’s aria, Ah, Je Veux Vivre, waltzing in your head by night’s end.

Performed in French with the English supertitles, fully staged, in costume. Accompanied by the chamber orchestra directed by BCO Artistic Director, Dr. Katerina Souvorova.

Sunday, May 29, 3:00pm
Friday, June 3, 7:30pm
Sunday, June 5, 7:30pm
Friday, June 10, 7:30pm
Sunday, June 12, 2:00 (Time change!)

Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington
6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD

Tickets ONLINE: Adult - $38, Student - $15
http://www.eventbrite.com/org/554133974

Tickets at the door: Adult - $40, Student - $15
Groups of 10 and more: $30 each

Ticket information: (301) 266-7546 or tickets@belcantanti.com

Say No to the Proposed D.C. Ticket Tax - Sign the Petition before 5/26

On Thursday, May 26, the D.C. City Council will vote on a sales tax amendment which, if passed, will impose a sales tax on tickets sold by non-federal, nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in the District: performing arts groups, museums, churches, public schools, universities -- anyone who charges an admission price for a ticketed event.

If this tax amendment is passed...  

• Ticket prices throughout D.C. will increase.
• Fewer audience members will attend performances.
• The businesses near theatres, including retail centers and restaurants, will see less traffic as smaller audiences attend performances.
• Organizations will face new administrative costs to implement the tax, so less money will be able to go toward the organizations' missions. 
• The vibrant, diverse arts community in the District will be compromised.

We firmly believe that passing this amendment will actually decrease overall funds to the District and hurt nonprofits and local businesses.

Furthermore, this proposed tax comes on the heels of a 75% grant reduction due to the recent federal budget cuts to the National Capital Arts and Cultural Affairs Program, which provides invaluable operating support to the Shakespeare Theatre Company and other major D.C. arts organizations. This loss of funding, coupled with the proposed ticket tax, could have direct results on many of STC's free education and outreach programs -- and the thousands of adults and children who benefit from them.

Please stand with us and our fellow nonprofit organizations, and let the D.C. City Council know that you're against the sales tax amendment. (See below for details.) 

Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Washington DC Arts Groups

Say No to the Proposed D.C. Ticket Tax 

If you support the arts in D.C., here's how YOU can help:

1.)   Write a letter to the D.C. City Council. Click here to read a sample letter. It also contains talking points you may use if you prefer to write your own letter. You'll find the Council Members' email addresses here.

2.) Fill out the online petition. Tell the D.C. City Council what you think in one minute or less. 

Make your voice heard, whether you're a D.C. resident or not. 

Audition for Bass-Baritone for DC-based Opera Company

Bel Cantanti Opera has an opening for a bass-baritone to sing Don Magnifico in Rossini's opera La Cenerentola this June, as part of the BCO/CUA Summer Opera Festival.

The opera will be fully staged, performed in Italian, in costume, with a chamber orchestra.

The dates of the festival are June 3 through June 19, 2011.

Venue: Catholic University of America, Washington D.C.

Housing for out of town singers will be provided.

Singers interested in auditioning for the role need to contact Dr. Katerina Souvorova at auditions@belcantanti.com

Materials: current resume, head shot and MP3 recording (if available).

CONCERT May 8 - Capital City Symphony

The Capital City Symphony

presents

SYMPHONY STORIES

Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 5pm

at the Atlas Performing Arts Center

An exploration of the influence of art and stories on classical music.

Featuring
* Ravel's Mother Goose Suite
* Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition

Tickets: Adult $25
Senior $16
Youth (16 and under) FREE

Order online or 202-399-7933

Atlas Performing Arts Center
1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC

Learn more at capitalcitysymphony.org.

Bel Cantanti Opera Company AUDITIONS for 2011-12 Season

Bel Cantanti Opera Company
announces AUDITIONS
for its 2011-2012 season.

In Washington, DC on Saturday, April 30, at Catholic University of America (12-8pm)

In New York on Saturday, May 7, at the Nola Studios (Room 2), (12-6pm)

Casting for:

1. Rossini's "Il Barbiere di Siviglia" (September-October)
    Directed by Deborah Grossman

2. Offenbach's "M. Choufleuri" and Mozart's "The Impresario" (January)

3. Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin" (March-April)

Interested singers please contact BCO via email, sending your materials to auditions@belcantanti.com:

1. Current resume
2. Current Headshot
3. Mp3 or Video recording of the recent performance.
4. Application ( www.belcantanti.com)
5. Audition fee: $36.50 (paid online at www.belcantanti.com)

Pianist is provided.

belcantanti.com

CCS Chamber Music Jam 4/9/11

The CAPITAL CITY SYMPHONY
announces a Chamber Music Jam!

Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 4:00-8:00pm
at Bethesda Presbyterian Church

Do you like playing chamber music with friends? 

Fancy listening to others make ensemble music in a relaxed setting? 

Want to support your local community orchestra by eating pasta?

Come join members of the Capital City Symphony and other local musicians for a day of socializing, sightreading, and spaghetti.

ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED!  BY NOON ON FRIDAY 4/8! 

At Bethesda Presbyterian Church, 7611 Clarendon Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 

(Close to Bethesda Metro and downtown Bethesda shops and parking!)

Music-making from 4-8pm
Dinner available 6:30-8pm
8-10pm possible additional music-making, for the die-hards!

$35 Admission ($25 is tax-deductible)

REGISTER at "Order Event Tickets" (on the right, under the intro text)
https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=125187087

OR send an email to events@capitalcitysymphony.org with the following information:

1. Number of attendees, and how many will be playing
2. Instrument(s) and approximate ability level (intermediate or advanced amateur, professional)
3. Whether or not you are interested in a coached chamber music session (with CCS Artistic Director Victoria Gau, if there's enough interest)
4. Your email
5. Both day and evening phone number, if paying by credit card.

CHECKS can be mailed to: 

Chamber Music Jam, Capital City Symphony, 1333 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. 

Checks must arrive NO LATER THAN APRIL 5.
(Orchestra members may bring their checks to rehearsal on April 7.)

Further details:

We'll break off into various ensembles to play chamber favorites in different rooms, then gather together for a spaghetti dinner, to be followed by additional chamber music for those who are interested.

Professional and accomplished amateur musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments, and others will be able to relax and enjoy music from a variety of composers, eras, and instrument combinations while roaming from room to room.

Coached chamber music sessions may also be available to those who are interested (sign up in advance to reserve your spot).

It promises to be a great night of food, friends, and fantastic music for players, listeners, and pasta-lovers alike!

Bel Cantanti Opera - Rossini's "L'Italiana in Algeri" - 2 more performances!

Bel Cantanti Opera Company presents
Rossini's "L'Italiana in Algeri"

2 More Performances!

Friday 4/1 at 7:30pm

Saturday 4/2 at 3pm

When cruel fate steals Isabella’s lover, Lindoro, away from her, she sets sail to search the world to find him. Meanwhile, the Bey of Algiers has grown weary of his wife and the girls in his harem, and resolves to try his luck with an Italian girl.

When the wily Isabella and her would-be lover, Taddeo, are shipwrecked on the shore of Algiers, the Bey realizes that he has found his Italian girl. But once Isabella discovers Lindoro working as a slave for the Bey, she sets in motion a plan to steal back her lover and leave Algiers for good.

Come and laugh the night away as the lustful Bey and presumptuous Taddeo get their just deserts in Rossini’s sparkling and tuneful masterpiece, L’Italiana in Algeri.

Mustafa: Kwang Kyu Lee
Isabella: Myeonsook Park

Lindoro: Anthony Webb

Taddeo: Eric McKeever

Haly: Charlie Hyland

Elvira: Sarah Heisler

Zulma: Alexis Tantau

Friday, April 1, 7:30pm

Saturday, April 2, 3:00pm

Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD

Tickets:
On line: Adult - $38, Student - $15
At the door: Adult - $40, Student - $15
Groups of 10 and more: $30
Ph (301)266-7546