The New Christy Minstrels
(This artist has already played)
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If you prize authenticity, time is running out. It seems that most old-fashioned musical concerts these days present only tribute bands, younger folks playing and singing in the style of well known idols, and what's the difference, as long as the programs are sincere and accurate? The difference for Randy Sparks and most of the born-again New Christy Minstrels is extraordinary excitement on a nightly basis. The surviving Beatles could only be, at best, a duo, but there are five original Minstrels in a presentation of The New Christy Minstrels these days, occasionally as many as seven. Randy invented the format and founded the group in 1961, recorded them on the Columbia label in 1962, won a Grammy for their first album in '63, and reached millions of people across the world via television and their hit singles and albums. Now they are back, and not just a famous name along with only newer, younger faces, but as John Madden might say it's, 'the real deal.'
Lindsey Deutsch
(This artist has already played)
Taking the listening experience to the next level, American violinist Lindsay Deutsch plays with a passion and energy that has enthralled audiences throughout the United States and Canada. The internationally respected Strad Magazine featured Ms. Deutsch as their pick of "Up-and-Coming Musicians." Her movie credits include the solo violin sound track for the movie, The Good Shepherd, starring Robert De Niro. Ms Deutsch's performance of Astor Piazzolla's Four Seasons of Buenos Aires with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra was featured on NPR's SymphonyCast program. She has also appeared as a soloist on the acclaimed national radio program, From the Top. Lindsay Deutsch captures the musical imaginations of young and old with her fresh approach to timeless classical performances!
GREG GINNASCOLI
(Wednesday, February 9, 2011 7:30PM)
Performing celebrated works by Gershwin, Paganini, Liszt and his riotous rendition of Flight of the Bumblebee, marimbist and percussionist, Greg Giannascolli is nothing less than astonishing. His virtuosity combines with his showmanship to create a great artistry. Greg was the winner of the Artist International New York Recital/Young Artist Competition and top prize winner of the Patrons of Wisdom International Young Artist Competition held in Toronto, Canada. He has performed as a soloist with orchestras and in recitals throughout North America, Europe and Asia and has delighted audiences on CBC, NPR radio and PBS TV.
Mr. Giannascolli earned his DMA from Rutgers University, his MM from Virginia Commonwealth University and his BM from Rowan University. He currently gets to share his performing experience as a faculty member at the esteemed Juilliard Pre-College and as the coordinator of the percussion department at New Jersey City University.
FRENCH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
(Thursday, March 24, 2011 7:30PM)
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Acclaimed as one of France’s best chamber orchestras, the French Chamber Orchestra, was founded in 1989 and is now based in Senlis near Paris. With esteemed pianist/director, Eugene Albulescu, this enthralling orchestra specializes in bringing forgotten masterpieces to life playing the musical treasures of Mozart, Saint Saens & Ravel.
The ensemble made its 2002 United States debut with a concert in Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York. In 2005, they made their international debut at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden. Since then the orchestra has become known world-wide with performances in Switzerland, Holland, Italy, Belgium, Germany, England and the Czech Republic. The French Chamber Orchestra combines artistic integrity with originality to express musical emotions at their deepest level.