2009–2010 Season Sponsors
The City of Cerritos gratefully thanks our 2009–2010 Season Sponsors for their generous support of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
YOUR FAVORITE ENTERTAINERS, YOUR FAVORITE THEATER
If your company would like to become a Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts sponsor, please contact the CCPA Administrative Offices at (562) 916-8510. THE CERRITOS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (CCPA) thanks the following CCPA Associates who have contributed to the CCPA’s Endowment Fund. The Endowment Fund was established in 1994 under the visionary leadership of the Cerritos City Council to ensure that the CCPA would remain a welcoming, accessible, and affordable venue in which patrons can experience the joy of entertainment and cultural enrichment. For more information about the Endowment Fund or to make a contribution, please contact the CCPA Administrative Offices at (562) 916-8510.
Benefactor Audrey and Rick Rodriguez Yvonne Cattell Renee Fallaha $50,001-$100,000 Marilynn and Art Segal Rodolfo Chacon Heather M. Ferber José Iturbi Foundation Kirsten and Craig M. Springer, Joann and George Chambers Steven Fischer Ph.D. Rodolfo Chavez The Fish Company Masaye Stafford Patron Liming Chen Elizabeth and Terry Fiskin Charles Wong $20,001-$50,000 Wanda Chen Louise Fleming and Tak Fujisaki Bryan A. Stirrat & Associates Margie and Ned Cherry Jesus Fojo The Capital Group Companies Friend Drs. Frances and Philip Chinn Anne Forman Charitable Foundation $1-$1,000 Patricia Christie Dr. Susan Fox and Frank Frimodig Richard Christy National Endowment for the Arts Maureen Ahler Sharon Frank Crista Qi and Vincent Chung Eleanor and David St. Clair Cheryl Alcorn Teresa Freeborn Joseph Aldama Rozanne and James Churchill Roberta and Wayne Fujitani Neal Clyde Partner Sharlene and Ronald Allice Elaine Fulton Susan and Clifford Asai Mark Cochrane Samuel Gabriel $5,001-$20,000 Michael Cohn JoAnn and Art Gallucci Dr. Judy Akin Palmer and Larry Baggs Marilyn Baker Claire Coleman Therese Galvan Dr. Jacques Palmer Terry Bales Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Consani II Arthur Gapasin Bev & George Ray Charitable Fund Sallie Barnett Patricia Cookus Gayle and Michael Garrity Chamber Music Society of Detroit Alan Barry Nancy Corralejo Jan Gaschen Los Cerritos Center Cynthia Bates Virginia Correa Michael Gautreau New England Foundation for Barbara Behrens Ron Cowan Franz Gerich the Arts Aldenise Belcer Patricia Cozzini Alan Goldin Preserved TreeScapes Yvette Belcher Pamela and John Crawley The Goldsmith Family International, Dennis E. Peggy Bell Eugenia Creason Margarita Gomez Gabrick Morris Bernstein Tab Crooks Raejean Goodrich United Parcel Service Norman Blanco Angel De Sevilla William Goodwin Wave Broadband James Blevins Charmaine and Nick De Simone Shirelle Gordon-Thompson Yamaha Michael Bley Robert Dean Beryl and Graham Gosling Kathleen Blomo Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Deckard Timothy Gower Supporter Karen Bloom Betty DeGarmo A. Graham and M. Marion $1,001-$5,000 Marilyn Bogenschutz Susanne and John DeHardt Norma and Gary Greene Nancy and Nick Baker Linda and Sergio Bonetti Erin Delliquadri Kenneth Greenleaf In Loving Memory of Carol Patricia Bongeorno Rosemarie and Joseph Di Giulio Roger Hale M. Behan Ilana and Allen Brackett Rosemarie diLorenzo Jo and Paul Hanson Marilynn and James Costantino Paula Briggs Sandra and Bruce Dickinson Mark Harding Viriginia Czarnecki Darrell Brooke Amy and George Dominguez Lois and Thomas Harris Lee DeBord Mary Brough Linda Dowell Valerie and Mike Harris Susie Edber and Allen Grogan Dr. and Mrs. Tony R. Brown Robert Dressendorfer Julie and Costa Hase Dr. Stuart L. Farber Cheryl and Kerry Bryan Gloria Dumais Howard Herdman The Gettys Family G. Buhler Stanley Dzieminski Saul Hernandez Janet Gray Ina Burton Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Eakin Charles Hess Rosemary Escalera Gutierrez Linda and Larry Burton Dee Eaton Molly Hickman Marianne and Bob Hughlett, Ed. D. Sue and Tom Buttera Gary Edward Charles E. Hirsch Robert M. Iritani Robert Campbell Jill Edwards Ping Ho Dr. and Mrs. Han-Pin Kan Michael Canup Carla Ellis Jon Howerton Dr. and Mrs. Philip I. Kress Richard E. Carlburg Robert Ellis Christina and Michael Hughes Yolanda and Richard Martinez David Carver Eric Eltinge Melvin Hughes Celia and Clarence Masuo Michelle Casey Teri Esposito Jay Hurtado Maureen and Mike Mekjian Phillip Castillo Kim Evans Mark Itzkowitz Robert and Mary Buell Family Trust Eileen Castle Richard Falb Grace and Tom Izuhara
2 Sharon Jacoby Luzviminda Miguel Janet and Richard Sax Helen Williams David Jaynes Hassan Milani Roberta and Gary Schaeffer Lee Williamson Cathy and James Juliani Gary Miller Mary Scherbarth Merrillyn Wilson Luanne Kamiya Kathleen Miller Mildred Scholnick Pornwit Wipanurat Betty and George Katanjian Dr. Majorie Mitchell Jerome Schultz Robert Worley Roland Kerby Ellie and Jim Monroe Mary Serles Candy and Jim Yee Dr. Aaron Kern Patricia Moore William Shakespeare Eunee and Frank Yee Fay and Lawrence Kerneen Becky Morales Olivette Shannon Jeanette Yee Joanne Kerr Toni and Tom Morgan Kristi Shaw Basha Yonis Joseph Kienle David Moromisato Drs. Mary and Steven Sherman Ruthann Yuhas Carol Kindler Kris Moskowitz Ron Shestokes Barbara Yunker James King Cortland Myers Sharon Shulby Xavier Zavatsky Jacky and Jack Kleyh Chidori Nakamura Kathleen Sidaris John W. Zlatic Shirley and Kenneth Klipper Stan Nakamura Steven Siefert Karen Knecht Alan Negosian Neil Siegel Lee M. Kochems and Vincent J. Patti A.J. Neiman Maureen and A.J. Siegrist Jerry Kohl Ronald Nichols Dorothy Simmons Dawn Marie Kotsonis Jill and Michael Nishida Eric Simpson Shirley Kotsonis Toby Nishida Loren Slafer Ann Kough Linda Nomura Sylvia Sligar Bette and Ken Kurihara Margene and Chuck Norton Carol and Rob Smallwood Linda and Harry Kusuda Cathryn O’Brien-Smith Nancy Sur Smith Patrice and Kevin Kyle Ann and Clarence Ohara Kevin Speaks Cathy LaBare Karen Ohta Kerry Spears Carl Laconico P. P. Mfg. Co. Inc., Ronald Burr Dan Stange Nelson Lane George Palomino Kris and Robert Steedman David Latter Bonnie Jo Panagos Gale Stein Earnestine Lavergne Mary Ellen Pascucci Donna Stevens Edward Le Blanc Angela and Devy Paul Mr. and Mrs. Dexter Strawther June and Harold Leach John Peterson Richard Strayer Paolo Ledesma Francisco Philibert William R. Stringer In Loving Memory of Ethel Lee Frances Pianelli A.J. Taen Peter J. Leets Judith Pickup Lawrence Takahashi Helen Leonard Merrill Plou Nora and Winford Teasley Jack Lewis Jackie and Joe Polen Ken Thompson Marcia Lewis and John McGuirk Forrest Poorman Karen Tilson Vanessa Lewis Gwen and Gerry Pruitt Joann Tommy Judith and Dr. Henry Louria Susan Ragone Sharon Touchstone Nancy and Stephen Lutz Bijan Ramineh Lilliane K. Triggs Laura and Sergio Madrigal Dr. Marjorie and Frank Ramirez Jean Tuohino Johnny Magsby Karen Randall Maria Tupaz Mary Majors Robin Raymond Alex Urbach Stephen Mao Kathy Reid Mr. and Mrs. L. Van Pelt Eleanor Marlow Rosalie Relleve Tim VanEck Mary and Donald Martini Betty and Nash Rivera Maria Von Sadovszky Janice Kay Matthews Sharon V. Robinson Diane and Fred Vunak Pansy and Robert Mattox Laura and Gary Rose Charles Wadman Cecilia and Ronald Maus Lynne Rose Laura Walker Janet McCarty Patricia Rose Robert Walters Aliene Mcgrew Jean Rothaermel Angela and Sinclair Wang Farley McKinney Vivian and Tom Rothwell Karen and Robert Webb Dr. and Mrs. Donald McMillan Shirley Rundell Carol Webster and Chris David Medellin Tom Sakiyama Enterline Ursula and Lawrence Melvin Steve Salas and Steven P. Timmons Darlene Weidner Barbara and Edwin Mendenhall Dennis Salts Marijke and Tim Weightman Diana Merryman Monica Sanchez Anita and David Weinstein Todd Meyer Sheri Sands Sandra Welsh
Giving level designations are based on the cumulative giving of the named contributor. Lists are updated twice a year, in July and January. To request a change to your listing, please call (562) 467-8806 or send an e-mail to [email protected].
3 presents LULA WASHINGTON DANCE THEATRE 30 Years of Excellence in Dance Proud member of the International Association of Blacks in Dance The artistic work of the Lula Washington Dance Theatre is funded in large part by The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation The James Irvine Foundation The Los Angeles County Arts Commission National Endowment for the Arts New England Foundation for the Arts/National Dance Project Weingart Foundation and DCA/Los Angeles City Department of Cultural Affairs
Founder and Artistic Director LULA WASHINGTON Co-Founder and Executive Director Associate Director ERWIN WASHINGTON TAMICA WASHINGTON-MILLER Assistants to Lula Washington MICHAEL BATTLE, BERNARD J. BROWN, and CHRISTA J. OLIVER
Technical Director Stage Manager MICHAEL DAVID RICKS TERRI JAMES
Dancers TAMICA WASHINGTON-MILLER, CHRISTA J. OLIVER, BERNARD BROWN, MICAH MOCH, EBONI ADAMS, KEISHA L. CLARKE GRAY, JACK VIRGA, MICHAEL BATTLE, QUEALA CLANCY, HANIYYAH TAHIRAH, and APRIL THOMAS WILKINS
Saturday, February 6, 2010, 8:00 PM
There will be one 20-minute intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
4 PROGRAM
WWW.CONNECTIONS.2010 (West Coast Premiere) Choreography – Lula Washington Music – Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, and Pachelbel Canon Costume concept – Lula Washington Performed by – The Company
BEAUTIFUL VENUS & SERENA (2008) Choreography – Tamica Washington-Miller Music – Beautiful Venus & Serena Music composed by – Marcus L. Miller Costume concept – Tamica Washington-Miller Performed by – Eboni Adams, Keisha L. Clarke Gray, Queala Clancy, and Christa J. Oliver
Beautiful Venus & Serena is Tamica Washington-Miller’s latest Ballet. This piece is a tribute to Venus and Serena Williams – two athletes, two activists, two champions, and two sisters.
WE WORE THE MASK (2006) Choreography – Lula Washington Assistants to Lula Washington – Bernard Brown, Micah Moch, “Taz,” and Tamica Washington-Miller Traditional music arranged by – Marcus L. Miller Costume concept – Lula Washington Opening solo – Tamica Washington-Miller Opening singer – Bernard Brown Poem by – Paul Laurence Dumbar Poem performed by – Micah Moch Performed by – The Company
This work celebrates the removal of old masks that were once needed to survive in America. Once removed, a new face is revealed, full of the vivacity, energy, sensuality, soul, spirit, fire, and true beauty that lie within us.
INTERMISSION
5 LOVE IS … (2010 World Premiere) Choreography – Christopher Huggins Costumes – Natasha Guruleva Music – Sigur Ros and Wong Kar-Wai Performed by – The Company
ODE TO THE SIXTIES (2007) Choreography – Lula Washington Costume concept – Lula Washington
Calling of the People Excerpts from President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address Music – Jimi Hendrix, Star Spangled Banner Performed by – Queala Clancy, Bernard Brown, Michael Battle, and Micah Moch
Festival of Love Music – Janis Joplin with Big Brother and the Holding Company I Need a Man to Love Performed by – Micah Moch and Eboni Adams
Issue #1 Music – Peter, Paul and Mary, Motherless Child Performed by – Michael Battle and The Company
Issue #2 Music – The Beatles, The Long and Winding Road Performed by – Bernard Brown
Issue #3 Music – Bob Dylan, Blowin’ in the Wind The Beatles, Let it Be Performed by – Tamica Washington-Miller and The Company
Cultural Exchange Music – James Brown, Super Bad Performed by – Micah Moch as James Brown and The Company
Ode to the Sixties is an exploration of the social and cultural changes that America experienced during the 1960s Cultural Revolution. Using music from Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Janis Joplin, and The Beatles, Ode to the Sixties will take audiences back to a time that parallels with today.
This work was commissioned and premiered in 2007 at Lincoln Center Out of Doors in New York City. It was created at the request of Jenneth Webster, the director of the festival.
6 BIOGRAPHies LULA WASHINGTON DANCE THEATRE Makers Award from Turning Point Magazine, the Sister Award (LWDT), committed to reflecting the African-American from Spelman College National Alumni Association, Carter experience through movement, is celebrating its 30th G. Woodson Memorial Award from the National Education anniversary this year. Lula Washington, the founder and Association, Integrity Award from the Los Angeles Women’s principal choreographer for LWDT, gives the company its Theatre Festival, and the Ann C. Rosenfield Distinguished special “voice” with her commitment to work that explores Community Partnership Prize for bringing dance to 3,500 social issues and African-American history and culture. schoolchildren annually through UCLA’s Design for Sharing Her work allows the company to blend Modern dance with program. Hip Hop, Jazz, African, Ballet, performance art, acting, and ERWIN WASHINGTON (Co-Founder and singing. The company also performs choreography by Donald Executive Director) co-founded LWDT in 1980 with his McKayle, Christopher Huggins, Katherine Dunham, Rennie wife, Lula Washington. Under his managerial leadership, Harris, Donald Byrd, Louis Johnson, and Rudy Perez, and the company has become a leading African-American pieces by its current and former dancers Tamica Washington- dance institution in the West. For 20 years, Washington Miller, Jamal Story, and Ken Morris. The Los Angeles-based was an award-winning journalist at Time Magazine, The company has performed at the John F. Kennedy Center’s L.A. Daily News, Los Angeles Times, Herald Examiner, and Masterpieces of African-American Choreography Festival, The Washington Post. Washington holds an associate of arts Virginia Arts Festival, Jacob’s Pillow, Miami Beach Dance degree in journalism from Los Angeles City College and Festival, Playboy Jazz Festival, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing from and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. UCLA. While at UCLA, he won a Lorraine Hansberry LULA WASHINGTON (Founder, Artistic Award in playwriting, three Samuel Goldwyn Awards in Director, and Choreographer) grew up in the Watts fiction writing and dramatic film writing, and a Writers Nickerson Gardens housing projects in Los Angeles. She Guild Award for comedy writing. Washington also earned a discovered dance in high school and began serious dance master’s degree in screenplay writing from UCLA. Several training in junior college. Washington was inspired after of his scripts have been produced for television, including her dance teacher took her to see Alvin Ailey American an episode of The White Shadow, which was nominated for Dance Theatre perform. When Washington applied to a Humanities Prize for its approach to police shootings in the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) dance the black community. He has sold stories and teleplays for program, she was rejected because the faculty felt that she The Jeffersons, Baby I’m Back, and Good Times. Washington was too old to begin dance training at age 22. Her husband, co-founded Nommo Players at UCLA and the Los Angeles Erwin Washington, appealed the decision, and Lula Black Playwrights. Several of his plays have been produced, Washington was admitted into the program and became one including Oh Oh Freedom; Get Down, Ben Brown, Get of UCLA’s most successful dance graduates. As a student, Down!; The Dreamer; Sal; and Casualties of War. In 2000, she danced at the Academy Awards and in the films Funny Washington directed and co-wrote Cab Calloway’s Legacy Lady with Barbra Streisand, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts of Swing. Washington is a graduate of Stanford University’s Club Band with the Bee Gees, and King Kong. Washington executive program in non profit leadership, the development choreographed for the film The Little Mermaid and worked of the executive service corps, the Kennedy Center’s capacity with Academy award-winning director James Cameron on building program for multi cultural arts organizations, the movements for the film Avatar. Washington maintains a Annenberg Foundation’s executive leadership program, and community-based dance school in South Los Angeles, which the arts leadership initiative of the Los Angeles County Arts offers scholarships and professional dance training for inner- Commission. He has secured millions in funding for LWDT, city youths. California’s First Lady Maria Shriver presented including $2 million to purchase and renovate the dance Washington with the Minerva Award for her community studio. He has served on grant panels for the Western States work. Washington’s other honors include the Living History Arts Federation, the California Arts Council, National
7 Endowment for the Arts, the Los Angeles City Cultural social commentary. The music includes Jazz, World, and Affairs Department, the California Community Foundation, audio engineered. Washington-Miller’s movement style is an and the Los Angeles County Music and Performing Arts organic blend of traditional Modern and Jazz dance with Hip Commission. Washington, who helped write Los Angeles’ Hop and vernacular flavors, and the traditional dances of the first cultural-arts master plan, also worked with the Master African Diaspora. Her recent works include Beautiful Venus Plan Advisory Committee for Inglewood. A frequent speaker, & Serena, Message to My Peeps, Together, Spider, and The Bee. panelist, and mentor in the arts, he has served on the Mayor’s In 2008, she was nominated by the NAACP local theater Task Force for the Arts under L.A. Mayor James Hahn. awards committee for “Best Choreography” for Gilgamesh, Washington also served on the board of directors for the directed by Stephen Sachs and Jessica Kubzansky at the Western Arts Alliance and Dance Resource Center in Los Boston Court Theatre. Washington-Miller choreographed Angeles. Hippolytos and Tupoc’s Brenda’s Got a Baby. She assisted her DONALD McKAYLE (Choreographer) is a Modern mother, Lula Washington, in the staging and choreography dance pioneer. The living legend has created some of the for the film Avatar. She played the body double and stand- most memorable choreography, including Rainbow Round in for CCH Pounder’s High Priestess. She set choreography My Shoulder, Games, Songs of the Disinherited, and Blood on Cuttin Da Mustard starring Keshia Knight Pulliam, Memories. The artistic director of dance at the University Moesha and the Parkers, and The Steve Harvey Show. In 2009, of California, Irvine, McKayle teaches and directs its Washington-Miller choreographed more than 50 high school Rainbow Etude Ensemble while traveling the world students in the Nike Black History Month celebration and setting choreography for dance companies and theatrical has been the annual choreographer for the Kappa League’s productions. On Broadway, McKayle directed Raisin and annual balls. choreographed Sophisticated Ladies. He has choreographed the MARCUS L. MILLER (Drummer and Composer), Academy Awards, The Emmy Awards, and original musical originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, works regularly with version of Golden Boy, Minstrel Man, and The Cosby Show. the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles County Museum His concert dance work is performed by the Alvin Ailey of Art, Los Angeles public libraries, William Grant Still American Dance Theater, José Limón Dance Company, Art Center, St. Elmo Village, and LWDT. He is founder Batsheva Company from Israel, Ballet San Jose, Cleo and organizer of Rhythm & Rhyme-N-Motion, an annual Parker Robinson Dance Theater, Dayton Contemporary summer showcase featuring poetry, dance, and music. The Dance Company, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Chuck director of a 12-member youth percussion ensemble called Davis African-American Dance Ensemble, and Philadanco. the Young Drummers of Los Angeles, Miller also serves as McKayle has set several works on LWDT and serves as an president of Universe Soul Records and has produced several advisor to the board and Lula Washington. albums for BoujouBumBastick, the Jazz Poetry Collective, Da TAMICA WASHINGTON-MILLER (Associate Lion, and his solo ensemble Freedom Jazz Movement. He has Director, Choreographer, and Dancer) is the director of worked with choreographers Cleo Parker-Robinson, Winifred programs for LWDT, the school, community outreach, Harris, Bonnie Homesy, Toni Pierce, Lula Washington, summer dance camps and intensives, master class series, and Tamica Washington-Miller. Miller has performed with choreographer showcases, and Kwanzaa celebrations. She Ashanti, Sheila E., Bennie Maupin, Ben Harper, andWatts helps to oversee the children’s Jazz dance ensemble, youth Prophets. He has recorded with BoujouBumBastick, Bobby dance ensemble, and performance workshop ensemble. Bryant’s Jazz Poetry Collective, Leon Mobley & Da Lion, Washington-Miller handles the bookings and scheduling for Liquid, Rembrandt James, and Idiot’s Delight. performances, rehearsals, and acquisition of choreography. CHRISTA J. OLIVER (Dancer and Choreographer’s She has been collaborating with composer and musician Assistant) began her dance training in the basement of her Marcus L. Miller, her husband, for nine years. Together church in Youngstown, Ohio. An avid liturgical dancer, they have more than 15 pieces with his band, Freedom Jazz Oliver performed in her native Ohio with the Archangel Movement. Their work includes spoken word, vocals, and Dance Theater. She traveled to Italy and throughout the
8 United States, performing praise dance works and Black Prophecy. While in New York, Adams focused on Broadway Nativity. She studied dance at the University of Akron and, Dance Center’s program to prepare for a role as dancer/ at age 19, moved to England to study at Laban University in collaborator in Céline Dion’s A New Day Has Come. Adams London. Oliver toured England, Scotland, and Amsterdam, recently assumed the title of choreographer/director. Her teaching and performing as part of Transitions Dance works have been seen in the 10th annual Dance Under the Company. While touring with the company, she worked Stars Choreography Festival, Stealfocus, Reef Check, Cirque with choreographers Miguel Pereira (Portugal), Willi Dorner Noir, and NOW. She has worked with John Legend, Justin (Austria), Victor Quijada (Canada), and Rafael Bonachela Timberlake, and Emmy-winning director Rob Marshall in (Spain). Oliver received her master’s degree in dance at age Tony Bennett: An American Classic. She thanks her family for 21 and moved to Los Angeles in 2007 to work with LWDT. the endless love and support. Adams joined LWDT in 2009 She is a principal dancer, assistant to the artistic director, and teaches at the school. teacher, and a member of the management team. She has KEISHA L. CLARKE GRAY (Dancer) is a Jamaican appeared in the films Avatar and Crazy on the Outside. Brooklynite with a bachelor’s degree in dance from BERNARD BROWN (Dancer) is from Los Angeles, California Institute of the Arts. She also trained at London where he began his dance training at the LWDT School Contemporary Dance School, The Ailey School, and Gotta in 1997. He graduated from Idyllwild Arts Academy and Dance. She is happy to be back on the road with LWDT. earned his bachelor of fine arts degree in dance from She did The Lion King national tour as Swing/dance captain Purchase College – SUNY. Brown has danced with Shapiro and danced in a national and international tour with Garth and Smith Dance Company, Doug Elkins Dance Company, Fagan Dance. Thanks to God, my husband Warren, Mom, bopi’s black sheep/dances by kraig patterson, and Louis Dad, Lij, and my peeps. Gray joined LWDT in 1997. Johnson Dance Theater Ensemble. He is a founding member JACK VIRGA (Dancer) became active in the arts of TU Dance, with artistic directors Toni Pierce-Sands and at a very young age. He trained as a martial artist, which Uri Sands, where he was rehearsal assistant and danced was an early introduction to musical theater that allowed for five seasons. Brown has also been seen on the Daytime him to hone his dancing, singing, and acting. After working Entertainment Emmy Awards, Penumbra Theater’s Black for an entertainment company throughout high school, Nativity, Donald Byrd’s Harlem Nutcracker, and Anytown. He Virga decided to continue his education with the California taught dance at Tisch School of the Arts at NYU; University Institute of the Arts. He met the director of Ken Dance of Minnesota – Twin Cities; and University of Missouri, St. Company, which was his first professional company and tour. Louis. In addition to performing and teaching, Brown has Virga started his own non profit company, Our Dancing Stars choreographed dance works at Purchase College – SUNY Productions (ODSP), which aims to bring the joy of dance and Treemonisha for North Star Opera. He directed and to youth’s by giving them an avenue to express themselves choreographed the musical Love Songs. through the arts. He currently teaches with Star Education, MICAH MOCH (Dancer), a native of Los Angeles, a long established non profit organization where he can began his formal dance training at LWDT. He also trained share his love of dance, music, and martial arts with young at the Hamilton Academy of Music under Karen McDonald impressionable minds. Virga joined LWDT in 2009. and Latrece Douglass and at The Ailey School in New York. MICHAEL BATTLE (Dancer), born and raised His performance credits include Dance Theatre of Harlem’s in Detroit, Michigan, began his dance training at Detroit Firebird, Zarbie and the Martians, and the film Avatar. Moch School of the Arts at age 14. Under the guidance of joined LWDT in 2006. instructors Mayowa Lisa Reynolds and Nicole Burrell, EBONI ADAMS (Dancer) earned her bachelor of Battle was encouraged to pursue dance. He has received fine arts degree in dance at Sam Houston State University scholarships from Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp’s International in Huntsville, Texas. After graduation, she was invited to Exchange Program, Urban Ballet Theater, Dance Theatre dance with the Chicago-based dance company Gus Giordano of Harlem, and the American Dance Festival Summer Jazz Dance Ensemble II and the New York-based company Intensive. Battle has studied under Jefferson Baum, Penny
9 Godboldo, Ray Mercer, Roger C. Jeffery, and Daniel K. Brown/Evidence, and Garth Fagan Dance. Wilkins’ Catanach. He joined LWDT in 2009 and became Lula television credits include BET’s Comic View, That’s So Raven, Washington’s assistant. and The NFL on Fox. Her film credits include Something QUEALA CLANCY (Dancer) is a native of Pittsburg, New; Avatar; Bolden!; and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Pennsylvania, where she studied dance at The Pittsburgh Wilkins has performed with Mary J. Blige, Usher, Beyoncé, High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Shakira, Missy Elliott, Destiny’s Child, Snoop Dogg, and Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and internationally with A.I. Wilkins’ choreographic credits Dance Alloy as a scholarship recipient. A graduate of Wright include the films Watermelon Heist and Testing and an excerpt State University, she holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in from U Don’t Know Me – An Urban Musical, produced by liberal arts. Clancy has performed with Xpressions Dance Cedric the Entertainer and Bruce Willis. Wilkins joined Company and the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company LWDT in 2001. n I and II, which allowed her to travel to Hawaii, Poland, and Russia. Currently dancing in Don Arden’s Jubilee!, she is a guest performer with LWDT. Clancy has appeared in commercials, teaches master classes, and choreographs. She has taught dance and aerobics for Jeraldyne’s School of the Dance, Omega Baptist Church, Wright State University, Smag Dance Collective, Ohio Dance Festival, South Dayton On Stage Dance Theater, and The Rock Center for Dance. Clancy is the 2004 recipient of the MCACD Individual Artist Advertising Opportunity Fellowship, the 2005 OAC Choreography Fellowship, and the 2007 Josie Award. Clancy made her debut with LWDT in 2007. The Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) is now accepting advertising space HANIYYAH TAHIRAH (Dancer) began dancing reservations for the On Stage program. at 8 years old and attended the Los Angeles Academy of Fine Arts until age 12. In 2005 after a three-year hiatus, Each issue of the program is distributed to she began taking classes at LWDT at age 15. One year later, approximately 15,000 patrons. Placing an advertisement in On Stage for the entire season she became an apprentice with the company and debuted provides an opportunity to reach more than at the 2006 Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festival dancing to a live 135,000 theater patrons. performance by McCoy Tyner. She became a full company member in 2008. Tahirah, who performed in the musical The CCPA attracts patrons from throughout Orange, Los Angeles, and Riverside counties. play The Return, directed by Donald McKayle, worked on Patrons have the discretionary income to enjoy the film Avatar. Tahirah attends Fremont College, studying dining and shopping excursions before and after sports rehabilitation therapy. She thanks God for His many attending performances. blessings and her family for its love and support. APRIL THOMAS WILKINS (Dancer) is a native of For more information about advertising in On Stage, please call Account Executive Anna Spartanburg, South Carolina. She began her formal training Jones at (562) 916-8510, extension 2520. at Howard University, where she received a bachelor of fine arts degree in theatre arts and dance. She has studied with Walter Nicks, Joan Myers Brown, Sandra Fortune-Green, Dr. Sherrill Berryman-Johnson, Kevin Iega Jeff, Harold Pierson, Assane Konte, Pat Thomas, and Luther Fontaine. Wilkins received a scholarship to study at the American Dance Festival and has interned with several prominent dance companies, including David Rousseve/Reality, Ronald
10 presents DARREN WILLIAMS
and DALE KRISTIEN
With Special Guest BILL HUTTON
Sunday, February 7, 2010, 3:00 PM
There will be one 20-minute intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
BIOGRAPHies Voted “Australia’s Variety Entertainer of the Year,” Sound of Music, Sweeney Todd, My Fair Lady, and Camelot DARREN WILLIAMS captivates audiences with his Aussie with Richard Burton and later Richard Harris. Kristien charm and amazing vocal range. Williams, whom the New earned acclaim not only on the theater stage, but also on York Post called a “dynamic performer … [with] considerable television with a two-year stint on the soap opera Days of vocal range, a powerful voice and crowd-pleasing style,” has Our Lives and appearances on Knots Landing. won five Mo Awards, including one for “Best Male Vocalist.” The New York Times hailed BILL HUTTON for his The Mo Awards are Australia’s top honors for excellence in “outstanding” performance in Andrew Lloyd Webber and live entertainment. The leading man in Rodgers & Hammer- Tim Rice’s critically acclaimed musical Joseph and the Amaz- stein’s A Grand Night for Singing, Williams also starred in the ing Technicolor Dreamcoat, for which he earned a “Best Actor” international production of South Pacific. Tony nomination. Hutton originated the role of Aucassin in Soprano DALE KRISTIEN is best known for her Aucassin and Nicolette and has appeared in Festival: A Zany long-running and highly praised portrayal of Christine in New Musical and The Wrong Box, an original musical based Andrew Lloyd Webber’s blockbuster musical The Phantom of on a film. Hutton was honored with a Los Angeles Drama the Opera. The Broadway starlet, called “first class” by the Los Critics Circle nomination for the West Coast premiere of In Angeles Times, also appeared in Show Boat, The King & I, The Trousers. n
11 presents TEATRO LIRICO D’EUROPA LA TRAVIATA (The Strayed Woman) GIUSEPPE VERDI Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave Based on the play La Dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas
Artistic and Stage Director GIORGIO LALOV
Conductor KRASSIMIR TOPOLOV
Sets and Costumes GIORGIO LALOV
Orchestra and Chorus TEATRO LIRICO D’EUROPA
Friday, February 12, 2010, 8:00 PM Saturday, February 13, 2010, 8:00 PM
There will be one 20-minute intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
12 CAST Subject to change without notice
Violetta Valéry……………...... …………………...…………...MARINA VISKVORKINA Soprano SNEJANA DRAMCHEVA
Flora Bervoix………………………………………………...... ……..VIARA ZHELEZOVA Mezzo-soprano
Alfredo Germont…………………...... ………………………….ORLIN GORANOV Tenor RAFAEL DAVILA IGOR BORKO
Giorgio Germont…………………………………………...... PETER DANAILOV Baritone
Baron Douphol…………………………………………………...... …...HRISTO SARAFOV Baritone
Doctor Grenvil………..…….………...... …………………………...PLAMEN DIMITROV Basso
Dancers……………..…………………………...... SOFIA NATIONAL OPERA BALLET
Guests of Violetta Valery, Chorus of Gypsies and Gypsy Dancers Setting: 19th century, Paris and its vicinity
13 SYNOPSIS
ACT ONE Violetta’s house in Paris
A party is underway at the house of Violetta Valéry, the city’s most beautiful and adored courtesan. She greets her guests Flora Bervoix, Marquis D’Obigny, Baron Douphol, and Doctor Grenvil. Gastone introduces Alfredo Germont to Violetta and the young man tells Violetta that he admires and thinks of her constantly. Gastone proposes a toast and Alfredo responds with a drinking song. When the guests move into the ballroom to dance, Violetta feels indisposed and begs her guests to go on without her. Alfredo remains behind and declares how much he loves her. She tells him she can only offer friendship. She gives him a flower and asks him to return when it has faded. She thinks about Alfredo when she is alone, but resolves to enjoy herself and her whirlwind lifestyle. ACT TWO
Scene One Violetta’s country house outside Paris
Alfredo and Violetta have been living together in the country for three months when Alfredo learns from Annina that Violetta has been selling her possessions to support them. Disgraced, Alfredo rushes off to Paris for money. His father, Giorgio Germont, surprises Violetta with a visit and requests that she leave Alfredo because his sister may have trouble marrying if her brother is linked to a courtesan. Violetta confesses that Alfredo’s love has redeemed her and that she is very sick and might not live long. Giorgio is unmoved and insists on a definite separation. Violetta finally agrees to make the sacrifice and begs that after she dies, he tell Alfredo the reason she left him. She writes a letter and bids Alfredo good-bye when he returns. He assumes she will be gone for only a short while, but a messenger delivers the letter which states that she has returned to her former lover. Alfredo’s father futilely tries to comfort his son.
Scene Two Party at Flora’s house
Violetta’s friend Flora is hosting a party. Alfredo’s arrival startles the guests, but his disinterest in Violetta garners approval. He joins in a game of cards as Violetta and her lover Baron Douphol enter the room. The Baron challenges Alfredo and promptly loses. The guests leave when dinner is announced. Violetta returns to warn Alfredo that his life is in danger and that he should leave the party. He agrees to go only if she follows him. Remembering her oath to Giorgio, Violetta refuses. Alfredo becomes furious and calls the guests to witness that he has paid her back for their time together. His father arrives and denounces his son for such shameful behavior, and Douphol vows to avenge Violetta.
ACT THREE Violetta’s bedroom
Violetta is on her death bed. Knowing she will not live much longer, Violetta reads a letter from Giorgio about how Alfredo fled the country after wounding Douphol in a duel and promising to return and seek her pardon. When Alfredo enters the bedroom, the two reunite joyfully and dream of living in Paris, but Violetta collapses. Alfredo’s father arrives and asks forgiveness for the pain he has caused the lovers. Violetta presses a miniature portrait of herself into Alfredo’s hands, telling him to give it to the pure bride whom he will marry one day. Violetta suddenly feels that her pains have ceased and that she is coming back to life, but it is too late. She dies in Alfredo’s arms.
14 Giuseppe Verdi and La Traviata: A Personal Story by Mary Jane Phillips-Matz
Giuseppe Verdi was born in 1813 in his parent’s small village tavern in Italy’s Po river valley. His parents lived modestly, but were able to provide a Classical music education. Once they realized their son was gifted, he received private lessons. At age 18, Verdi went to Milan to further his study. He later returned to Busseto, the market town near his birthplace, and married his patron’s daughter. In 1840, his wife and their two children died, leaving him a stricken young widower. In 1839, Verdi’s first Opera was presented at La Scala, one of the world’s greatest Opera houses. Three years later, Nabucco debuted and became an international success. Verdi commented, “After Nabucco, I never had to look for work again.” During his career, which spanned more than 50 years, Verdi wrote 28 Operas, gaining worldwide fame and fortune. He had a sterling record as a patriot in Italy’s long struggle for unification. As a result, several of his early Operas featured Italian patriotic themes. In 1859, he was elected to public office as deputy to the Parma Legislature and two years later to the First Parliament of Italy. Verdi was dedicated to philanthropy and his farm, a large estate near the Po river valley. Many of Verdi’s early works, set in long-ago eras, featured kings, queens, and powerful nobles. The composer changed course with 1850’s Stiffelio and La Traviata, two intensely personal Operas based on real events. Both Operas are about fallen women of Verdi’s time. Lina, the leading soprano in Stiffelio, is the adulterous wife of a German Protestant minister who lived in the early 1800s. La Traviata’s Violetta is based on the real and notorious French courtesan, Marguerite Gautier, who died in the 1840s. Gautier’s story was recounted by Alexandre Dumas, fils, one of Gautier’s lovers, in the novel and play called La Dame aux Camélias. Verdi showed enormous courage in writing about a disgraced woman who was more or less his contemporary. Many considered it scandalous when they learned about his plans for La Traviata. Baritone Felice Varesi was outraged, calling Violetta an unhappy prostitute. However, Verdi was not discouraged. He poured compassion and humanity into his portrayal of Violetta, showing how brutally and hypocritically she was treated by “proper society.” When Verdi decided to write La Traviata, he had been living with celebrated soprano Giuseppina Strepponi (1815- 1897) for three years. She was considered a “fallen woman” because she had a distinguished career. Strepponi had illegitimate children by different men. In need of money, Strepponi performed right up to the end of every pregnancy. One child was born in Florence, just a few hours after she finished a performance. It was widespread knowledge in the Opera community that she abandoned her children in orphanages or placed them with foster parents. Verdi met Strepponi in 1838 in Milan, at La Scala. Three years later, she sang the leading soprano role in Nabucco and was partly responsible for getting the Opera produced. In 1847, she retired from the stage and lived with Verdi in Paris. In 1849, they returned to Busseto. The townspeople of Busseto believed they had made Verdi famous and were enraged that he lived with his mistress in a mansion on the main street. The townspeople threw rocks at Verdi’s windows and shouted obscenities from the sidewalks. People crossed the street to avoid Strepponi and moved away from her in church. Infuriated by the harassment, Verdi and Strepponi moved to his nearby farm, where they lived until they died.
15 BIOGRAPHies MARINA VISKVORKINA (Violetta Valéry, Soprano) roles of Rosina in The Barber of Seville, Suzuki in Madama But- is a member of the Prague State Opera and has taken a leave terfly, and Flora in La Traviata. to tour with Teatro Liricio D’Europa. She is a frequent guest at ORLIN GORANOV (Alfredo Germont, Tenor) is a major European Opera houses and performs regularly at the Vi- two-time, first-place winner in the Golden Orpheus Interna- enna State Opera, where she has earned critical acclaim for her tional Festival in Bulgaria. A laureate of international Opera portrayals of Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor and Violetta in La festivals, including the Dresden Festival in Germany (1981), Traviata. Viskvorkina played Gilda in Rigoletto and Violetta in Bratislava Lyre International Slovakia Vocal Festival (1982), La Traviata on the 2004 U.S. tour with Teatro Lirico D’Europa; and the Intertalent Festival in Prague (1983), Goranov has Musetta in La Bohème in 2005; and Violetta in La Traviata in been a regular guest of the Christmas and New Year’s Berliner 2006. Symphoniker concerts since 1991. A principal soloist of the SNEJANA DRAMCHEVA (Violetta Valéry, Soprano) State Opera House in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, since 1999, he has was born in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. She graduated from the Dobrin made numerous recordings with Bulgarian National Radio and Petkov Music School of Plovdiv, where she studied voice with Bulgarian National Television. Goranov debuted with Teatro Ivanka Michaylova. Dramcheva also graduated from Pancho Lirico D’Europa on the 2006 U.S. tour as B.F. Pinkerton in Vladigerov Music Academy in Sofia, where she studied with Madama Butterfly and Rodolfo in La Bohème. In 2007, Goranov Professor Karnobatlova-Dobreva. In 1984, Dramcheva debuted sang the roles of B. F. Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, Cavara- with the Plovdiv Philharmonic Orchestra and, in 1990, she dossi in Tosca, and Alfredo in La Traviata. made her first appearance in Die Entführung aus dem Serail with RAFAEL DAVILA (Alfredo Germont, Tenor) made his the Sofia National Opera and Ballet’s Opera Studio. From Italian debut in 2003 at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples as Ric- 1991 to 1993, she completed several European tours with the cardo in Un Ballo in Mashchera. He protrayed Don José in Car- German touring company Schlotte as Gilda in Rigoletto, Vio- men and Alfredo in La Traviata with the New Zealand Opera, letta in La Traviata, and Musetta in La Bohème. Dramcheva’s and sang the title role in Werther, Canio in Pagliacci, Turiddu awards include second-place prize at the Francesco Vignas in Cavalleria Rusticana, Foresto in Attila, and Cavaradossi in competition in Barcelona, Spain; the Grand-Prix in Pamplona, Tosca with the Sarasota Opera. In 2010, Davila will return to Spain; first prize in Pavia, Italy; and the Audience-Grand-Prix Sarasota Opera to sing the role of King Charles VII in Giovan- at the Giuseppe Verdi Competition in Parma, Italy. She was na D’Arco. Davila’s Opera de Puerto Rico credits include the a finalist in the Belvedere International Opera Competition role of B.F. Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, Edgardo in Lucia di in Vienna, Austria. Dramcheva has recorded for Bulgarian Lammermoor, Alfredo in La Traviata, and Rinuccio in Gianni National Radio and for companies in other countries. She has Schicchi. For the Fundacion de Zarzuela y Opereta de Puerto been a frequent guest singer in Milan, Barcelona, Bilbao, Lille, Rico, he sang the role of Alfredo in Die Fledermaus, Leonardo Madrid, Amsterdam, Paris, Munich, Tokyo, Valencia, and in Cecilia Valdes, Javier in Luisa Fernanda, and Camille in The Zurich. Last season, she performed the role of Valencienne in Merry Widow. He debuted with the Connecticut Grand Opera The Merry Widow with the Czech Opera Prague and Violetta in in Turandot. Davila created the role of Ignacio in Time and La Traviata with Teatro Lirico D’Europa throughout the United Again for the world premiere in Barelas, New Mexico, with the States. This season, she will perform the roles of Pamina in Die New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. Davila has also appeared Zauberflöte; Musetta in La Bohème with Mozart Festival Opera; with Opera du Montreal, National Lyric Opera of New York, and Lola in Cavalleria Rusticana with Teatro Lirico D’Europa. Teatro de la Puerto Rico, San Antonio Opera, Opera Tampa, VIARA ZHELEZOVA (Flora Bervoix, Mezzo-soprano) Austin Lyric Opera, Fort Worth Opera, and Opera Roanoke. graduated from the National Conservatory of Music in 1985 Davila has sung the roles of Cassio in Otello, the Duke of Man- and joined the roster of the Bulgarian National Opera, where tua in Rigoletto, Narraboth in Salome, Tamino in Die Zauber- she has performed leading mezzo-soprano roles alongside sing- flöte, and Belmonte in Die Entführung Aus Dem Serail. Davila’s ers such as Ghena Dimitrova, Nicolai Giuselev, and Anna To- concert performances include Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem, mova Sintova. She appeared as a guest performer with Opera Hector Berlioz’s Béatrice et Bénédict, Gustav Mahler’s Das Lied companies throughout Eastern Europe and has been a principal Von Der Erde, and Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony soloist with Teatro Lirico D’Europa since 1993, performing the with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. He has sung
16 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Requiem in Vienna, Austria. In addition to conducting hundreds of Mass, Antonio Estevez’s Cantanta Criolla, Gioachino Rossini’s performances for Teatro Lirico D’Europa on tour in central Stabat Mater, Joseph Handel’s Messiah, Johann Sebastian Bach’s Europe and the United States, he is a frequent guest conductor Magnificat, Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit pour with Opera companies in Bulgaria and other Eastern European Noël and Magnificat, Misa Criolla, and Navidad Nuestra. countries. IGOR BORKO (Alfredo Germont, Tenor) was educated GIORGIO LALOV (Artistic and Stage Director/Sets, at Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Kiev, Ukraine. He has partici- Costumes, and Light Designs) is the co-founder of Teatro pated in master classes with professor Renata Faltin and Furelli Lirico D’Europa and the company’s current general manager Carmen-Forti at La Scala in Milan. A principal soloist at the and artistic director. Lalov was born in Telesh, Bulgaria, in State Opera Kiev, Borko makes numerous guest appearances 1958. His father Lalo, a doctor, and his mother Stoiyanka, an with Opera companies throughout Russia, Poland, Romania, elementary-school teacher and Bulgarian Folk singer, were the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, France, and Spain. His educated patrons of the arts. When his father died, Lalov was repertoire includes leading roles sung in Italian, French, and only 9 years old. Because he was an excellent student, he was Russian. He performed with Teatro Lirico D’Europa on its 2006 accepted to an elite boarding school in Bulgaria where all the U.S. tour as Alfredo in La Traviata and Rodolfo in La Bohème. lessons were taught in French. When he graduated from high Borko returns this season as Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor school in 1976, he was fluent in French and English. That year, and Rodolfo and the Duke in Rigoletto. he entered the Bulgarian National Academy of Music and PETER DANAILOV (Giorgio Germont, Baritone) went on tour throughout Italy with a choir from the university. was born in Telesh, Bulgaria. He is a graduate of the Vladi- While in Milan, he auditioned for the famous international gerov State Music Academy of Sofia, where he studied with School for Young Opera Singers at La Scala. He was accepted the renowned Chena Dimitrova. In 2000, he won first prize at and went on to make his Operatic debut at La Scala at the the Boris Christoff Competition for Young Singers and made age of 25. After living in Italy for a short time, Lalov became his stage debut as Giorgio Germont in La Traviata. Danailov’s fluent in Italian. In 1986 while on tour with an Opera com- repertoire includes Amonasro in Aida, the title role in Rigo- pany in France, he met his future business partner, Yves Josse, a letto, the Count in Il Trovatore, Figaro in The Barber of Seville, former Ballet dancer who was booking Opera and Ballet tours. Marcello in La Bohème, Sharpless in Madama Butterfly, Lord The two decided to collaborate. By 1988 Josse and Lalov were Ashton in Lucia di Lammermoor, Alfio in Cavalleria Rusticana, working on what was to become the most successful Opera and Escamillo in Carmen. He has sung in the Opera houses of touring company in Europe. At the time of Josse’s death in Sofia, Varna, Russe, and Plovdiv and theaters in the United 1995, Teatro Lirico D’Europa was averaging more than 250 Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, performances a season throughout Europe. In 1990, Lalov Italy, Greece, Turkey, Norway, and Martinique. established the Sofia Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Teatro HRISTO SARAFOV (Baron Douphol, Baritone) is an Lirico D’Europa embarked on its first major U.S. tour in 2000. actor and a soloist in Operettas and Operas. After graduating TEATRO LIRICO D’EUROPA, the European Opera from the National Academy of Music in Sofia, he was im- touring company formed in 1988 by former Bulgarian Opera mediately chosen by the Sofia National Opera for the role of singer Giorgio Lalov, has completed more than 3,000 perfor- Bartolo in Gioachino Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia. The multi- mances worldwide, including seven seasons of U.S. tours. The talented singer has performed numerous roles with Teatro popular company embarks on its 10th season of U.S. tours in Lirico D’Europa worldwide since 1990. 2009-2010 with more than 80 performances of several full- PLAMEN DIMITROV (Doctor Grenvil, Baritone) scale Operas. Soloists are chosen from auditions held in major performed various roles in Teatro Lirico D’Europa’s U.S. tour cities around the world, including Moscow, New York, Prague, for the last six seasons, including Schaunard in La Bohème, Mo- St. Petersburg, Kiev, Bratislava, and Sofia. The principal sing- rales in Carmen, and Ping in Turandot. He debuted as Sharpless ers are seasoned professionals in the midst of major Operatic in Madama Butterfly and Giorgio Germont in La Traviata with careers. For more on Teatro Lirico D’Europa, visit Teatro Lirico D’Europa last season. Dimitrov returns to the www.jennykellyproductions.com, which features a photo gal- United States this season to perform several baritone roles. lery, U.S. reviews, and video clips. n KRASSIMIR TOPOLOV (Conductor) was educated
17 presents GERSHWIN SINGS GERSHWIN Starring
ALEXIS GERSHWIN
and THE HARRY JAMES TRIBUTE BAND With THE GERSHWIN SINGERS
Sunday, February 14, 2010, 3:00 PM
There will be one 20-minute intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
BIOGRAPHies Composer George Gershwin and his lyricist brother Been Going On, and the Oscar-nominated songs They Can’t Ira Gershwin forever transformed Hollywood and Broadway Take That Away From Me, Long Ago and Far Away, and The with their legendary scores. In GERSHWIN SINGS GER- Man That Got Away. SHWIN, their niece ALEXIS GERSHWIN teams with ac- The afternoon is enhanced with music from THE claimed musical director Steven Applegate to re-create tunes HARRY JAMES TRIBUTE BAND, directed by trumpeter that pay tribute to her renowned uncles. The performance, Jack Poster. Over the course of his career, Poster has recorded filled with personal stories and anecdotes about the Gersh- with music greats such as Dolly Parton, Tom Jones, Diana win brothers, showcases fresh arrangements of the celebrated Ross, Andy Williams, Barbra Streisand, and The Pointer songwriting duo’s timeless classics, including A Foggy Day, Sisters. n Embraceable You, I’ve Got a Crush on You, How Long Has This
18 presents
ATOS TRIO ANNETTE VON HEHN, VIOLIN THOMAS HOPPE, PIANO STEFAN HEINEMEYER, VIOLONCELLO
Wednesday, February 17, 2010, 7:30 PM
There will be one 20-minute intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
Please hold your applause until after all movements of a work have been performed, and do not applaud between movements. Thank you for your cooperation.
As a courtesy to the performers and your fellow patrons, please mute all cellular phones, pagers, and watch alarms prior to the start of the performance.
19 PROGRAM Piano Trio in B-flat Major, D 28, Sonatensatz Franz Schubert Allegro (1797-1828)
Piano Trio No. 1 (1954) Leon Kirchner Without tempo indication (1919-2009) Largo
Adagio in E-flat Major, D 897, Notturno Franz Schubert
INTERMISSION
Piano Trio in B Major, Op. 8 Johannes Brahms Allegro con brio (1833-1897) Scherzo: Allegro molto Adagio Finale: Allegro
BIOGRAPHies Formed in 2003, the ATOS TRIO has gained a prizes at Germany’s International Music Competition of the reputation for its wide-ranging repertoire and uncomplicated ARD, the International Instrumental Competition Markneu- approach to fine interpretations. The threesome has earned kirchen, and the European Sponsorship Prize of the European a series of honors, including the prestigious Kalichstein- culture foundation Pro Europa. Laredo-Robinson International Trio Award (one of the most Pianist THOMAS HOPPE, who carries the distinc- important distinctions for piano trios in the United States) tion of winning full fellowships to the Aspen Music Festival and the first-place prize at the esteemed Melbourne Interna- for four consecutive years, has performed with musical greats tional Chamber Music Competition. such as violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, Grammy-winning ATOS Trio has played at prestigious concert series and violinist Joshua Bell, distinguished cellist Ronald Leonard, festivals in the United States, Europe, Australia, and North and acclaimed violinist Stefan Milenkovich. Hoppe’s piano and South America, including the Das Schleswig-Holstein mastery has been on full display worldwide, in venues that Musik Festival, the Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, range from New York’s Alice Tully Hall to Berlin’s Philhar- the Ludwigsburger Schlossfestspiele, and the Festival Mitte monic Kammersaal. Europa. Cellist STEFAN HEINEMEYER’s mastery has dazzled The group’s distinctions include grand prize and first- critics and fans far and wide, earning him an array of honors place honors in the 2006 and 2007 International Competi- and acclaim. He garnered the top prize at Germany’s Inter- tion Schubert; winning the 2004 grand prize at Deutsche national Musikwettbewerb Markneukirchen and placed third Musik Wettbewerb, which is one of Germany’s most impor- in 1997’s European Music Competition for Youth in Oslo. tant Chamber music competitions; and placing in Austria’s From 1994 to 1997, Heinemeyer also won for solo playing 2003 Brahms International Competition. and Chamber music at Germany’s Jugend Musiziert competi- Acclaimed violinist ANNETTE VON HEHN trained tion, where he also was recognized for his “Modern Music at The Juilliard School and was a member of the orchestra Interpretation.” n academy of the Berlin Philharmonic. Her honors include
20 Opus 3 Artists presents
RUSSIAN NATIONAL ORCHESTRA MIKHAIL PLETNEV, MUSIC DIRECTOR With STEFAN JACKIW, VIOLIN
Saturday, February 20, 2010, 8:00 PM
There will be one 20-minute intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
Please hold your applause until after all movements of a work have been performed, and do not applaud between movements. Thank you for your cooperation.
As a courtesy to the performers and your fellow patrons, please mute all cellular phones, pagers, and watch alarms prior to the start of the performance.
21 PROGRAM
Elegy in G Major (from Suite No. 3, Op. 55) Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Allegro moderato Canzonetta: Andante Finale: Allegro vivacissimo
INTERMISSION
Symphony No. 9 in E-flat Major, Op. 70 Dmitri Shostakovich Allegro (1906-1975) Moderato Presto Largo Allegretto
22
The Russian National Orchestra thanks the major donors who helped make its 20th anniversary U.S. tour possible: Athena Blackburn; Bouchaine Vineyards; Tatiana and Gerret Copeland; the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation; Eric Greenberg; The Dr. M. Lee Pearce Foundation; the Mikhail Prokhorov Foundation; Barbara Roach; Russian Arts Foundation; Russian Life Magazine; Mr. and Mrs. William J. Shea, Jr.; the Charles Simonyi Fund for the Arts and Sciences; and Marianne and John Wyman. Stefan Jackiw appears courtesy of Opus 3 Artists Exclusive Management for the Russian National Orchestra OPUS 3 Artists 470 Park Avenue South, 9th Floor North New York, NY 10016
2009/2010 ORCHESTRA ROSTER Mikhail Pletnev Music Director and Principal Conductor
Violin I Alexei Bruni, Concertmaster Tatiana Porshneva, Assistant Concertmaster Yana Gerasimova Natalia Anurova Fedor Shevrekuko Edvard Yatsun Maxim Khokholkov Anatoly Fedorenko Igor Akimov Vassily Vyrenkov Vadim Teifikov Natalia Fokina Alexei Sobolev Alexei Khutorÿansky Lev Iomdin
Violin II Sergey Starcheus, Principal Yegeny Feofanov, Assistant Principal Pavel Gorbenko Irina Simonenko Eugeny Durnovo Vladimir Teslya Svetlana Dzutseva Sergey Korolev Yekaterina Tsareva Alexei Pritulenko Sergei Shakin Motoyama Dayavan Anastasia Zhukova
23 Viola Sergei Dubov, Principal Sergei Bogdanov Sofia Lebed Olga Suslova Maria Goryunova Alexander Zhulyov Ksenia Zhulyova Andrei Serdyukovsky Grigory Chekmarev Artyom Kukayev Anton Yaroshenko
Cello Alexander Gottgelf, Principal Olesya Gavrikova Svetlana Vladimirova Kirill Varyash Maxim Tarnorutsky Sergei Kazantsev Alexander Grashenkov Dmitry Shameyev Valery Verstyuk
Bass Rustem Gabdullin, Principal Gennady Krutikov, Assistant Principal Miroslav Maximyuk Grigory Krotenko Alexei Vorobyov Vassily Beschastnov Alexei Vladov Anton Vinogradov
Flute Maxim Rubtsov, Principal Konstantin Efimov Sergey Igrunov Nikolay Lotakov
Oboe Olga Tomilova, Principal Vitaly Nazarov Maxim Orekhov Yaroslav Bobrovsky
24 Clarinet Nikolay Mozgovenko, Principal Alexei Bogorad Dmitry Belik Dmitry Aizenshtadt
Bassoon Alexey Sizov, Principal Andrei Shamidanov Alexei Markin Elizaveta Vilkovyskaya
French Horn Igor Makarov, Principal Alexey Serov, Assistant Principal Victor Bushuyev Vladimir Slabchuk Denis Volodichev Askar Bisembin
Trumpet Vladislav Lavrik, Principal Leonid Korkin Andrey Kolokolov Gennady Komarov
Trombone and Tuba Ivan Irkhin, Principal Vyachaslav Pachkaev Anatoly Fedotov Dmitry Zheleznov Dmitry Anakovsky
Harp Svetlana Paramonova
Percussion Dmitry Lukyanov, Principal Alexander Suvorov Vladimir Kalabanov Leonid Lysenko Iliya Melikhov Kirill Lukyanenko
25 Piano Leonid Ogrinchuk
Librarian Valentin Teslya
For Opus 3 Artists David V. Foster, President & CEO Byron Gustafson, Managing Partner Leonard Stein, Senior Vice President, Director, Tour Administration John C. Gilliland III, Associate, Tour Administration Nadia Mokhoff, Company Manager
BIOGRAPHies The Miami Herald called the RUSSIAN NATIONAL won a gold medal and claimed first place in the 1978 Tchai- ORCHESTRA (RNO) “a living symbol of the best in Rus- kovsky International Piano Competition when he was only sian art.” This was confirmed when the RNO became the 21. That achievement earned him worldwide recognition, first Russian orchestra to win a Grammy Award for its album a friendship with Gorbachev, and an eventual Grammy for Sergei Prokofiev: Peter and the Wolf/Jean Pascal Beintus: Wolf Prokofiev’s Cinderella in 2005. Tracks, which was conducted by Kent Nagano and narrated Pletnev was Grammy-nominated for the Schumann by Sophia Loren, Bill Clinton, and Mikhail Gorbachev. Symphonic Etudes album and for his recording of Rachmani- The ensemble “has brilliance on its side,” proclaimed nov and Prokofiev Piano Concertos No. 3 with the RNO. His The Seattle Times, a quality that was evident on the Grammy- Scarlatti’s Keyboard Sonatas album, which BBC Music Maga- nominated album Prokofiev, Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos zine called “piano playing at its greatest,” garnered the 1996 No. 3. RNO’s Shostakovich Symphonies No. 1 & 6 album Gramophone Award. earned Gramophone magazine’s “Editor’s Choice” distinction. When Classical violinist STEFAN JACKIW made his Gramophone also listed the RNO’s “jaw-dropping” and “awe- European debut in London in 2000, his sensational perfor- inspiring” Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, Pathétique/Marche mance dominated the front page of the United Kingdom’s Slave on its list of “100 Greatest Recordings.” The Times. He “took the London music world by storm,” The orchestra’s Beethoven: The Nine Symphonies is cheered The Strad magazine. That celebrated performance “compelling, driving and ... demands to be heard,” hailed The catapulted Jackiw into the international spotlight, lead- New York Times. The Wall Street Journal agreed, calling the ing to appearances and collaborations with the Orchestre album “radiant with light … a discovery.” Philharmonique de Strasbourg, the Bournemouth Symphony The first Russian orchestra to perform at the Vatican Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and the Seoul and in Israel, the RNO has performed with guest conductors Philharmonic. He also has performed with the Boston Sym- Sir James Galway, Joshua Bell, Itzhak Perlman, and Renée phony, the Chicago Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, Fleming. and the New York Philharmonic. n RNO founder-music director MIKHAIL PLETNEV
26 presents
THE CHIEFTAINS
Sunday, February 21, 2010, 3:00 PM
There will be one 20-minute intermission. The taking of photographs or use of recording devices is strictly prohibited.
BIOGRAPHy Nominated 19 times for Grammys, THE CHIEFTAINS delivered a historic performance in London’s Albert Hall, its has won six, including “Best Traditional Folk Album” for first concert as a full-time band. Rolling Stone magazine called Long Journey Home, The Celtic Harp, and An Irish Evening – members of The Chieftains “inadvertent prophets of the Live at the Grand Opera House. The group, largely credited World-Music boom” who “traveled the globe, emphasizing as one of the earliest Irish bands to promote international the compatibility of traditional Irish music with local sounds appeal for Celtic music, has collaborated with a string of from Nashville to Beijing.” industry icons, including Van Morrison, Bob Dylan, Joni Never afraid to push boundaries, the band’s innovative Mitchell, Sting, and the Rolling Stones. The ensemble’s per- sound paved the way for a steady career highlighted with formances are rich with “extraordinarily beautiful solos and honors, including Grammys for the albums Santiago; Another Irish New Age music. ... The Chieftains have the rare ability Country; and Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?, a Pop to find connections between singers and songs, between Irish collaboration with Morrison. The Chieftains was also the and other Folk traditions, that aren’t always obvious,” hailed first Western group to perform on China’s Great Wall. The New York Times. Current members of The Chieftains include fiddler The Chieftains was formed in 1962 by Paddy Malo- Seán Keane; singer Kevin Conneff; flutist Matt Molloy; and ney. The range and variation of the group’s music quickly Uilleann pipe master Maloney, whom Rolling Stone magazine captured a broad, international audience, leading to The has called “a sonic auteur of the highest order.” n Chieftains’ U.S. debut in 1972. In 1975, The Chieftains
27 THE TICKET OFFICE is open 10 AM to 6 PM Monday Out of courtesy to the performers and fellow patrons, through Friday and 12 Noon to 4 PM on Saturday. Hours are CELLULAR PHONES, PAGERS, AND ALARM extended until one-half hour past curtain on performance days. WATCHES should be disconnected before the start of the performance. TICKETS can be charged to Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express by phoning (800) 300-4345 or (562) 916-8500, DOCTORS AND PARENTS should leave their seating or online at www.cerritoscenter.com. Mail orders are processed locations with exchanges or sitters and have them call as they are received. Tickets cannot be reserved without (562) 916-8508 in case of an emergency. payment. THE COAT ROOM is located behind the Grand Staircase. LOST TICKET AND TICKET EXCHANGE policies vary; however, there are no refunds. Call (800) 300-4345 for CAMERAS AND RECORDING EQUIPMENT ARE NOT information. PERMITTED in the Auditorium and must be checked at the Coat Room. GROUPS of 20 or more may purchase tickets at a 10% discount. Call (800) 300-4345. LOST ARTICLES can be claimed by calling (562) 916-8510.
CHILDREN’S PRICES apply to children twelve (12) years of ELEVATORS are located near the Grand Staircase and access age and under. Regardless of age, everyone must have a ticket, sit each level of the Lobby. in a seat, and be able to sit quietly throughout the performance. We do not recommend children under the age of six (6) attend PAY PHONES are located on the Orchestra level behind the unless an event is specifically described as suited to that age. Grand Staircase and near the restrooms on the Gold Circle level.
FREE PUBLIC TOURS are conducted by appointment only. PHONIC EAR LIGHTWEIGHT WIRELESS HEADSETS Special tours can be arranged by calling (562) 916-8530. for the hearing impaired are available in the Coat Room at no cost. To obtain a headset, a driver’s license or major credit card PARKING is always free in the spacious lots adjacent to the is required and is returned upon receipt of the equipment at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. close of the performance.
FULL-SERVICE BARS are located in the Grand Lobby on the WHEELCHAIR locations are available in various areas of the Orchestra level and at the Gold Circle level. Refreshments are Auditorium. Please contact the Ticket Office at (800) 300-4345. not allowed in the Auditorium. LATECOMERS will be seated at the discretion of the house SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED in any City facility. staff at an appropriate pause in the program.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL technicians are on duty at all CLOSED-CIRCUIT TELEVISION VIEWING is available in performances. If you need first aid, contact an usher for the Lobby of each seating level and at the Lobby bar. assistance. THE CERRITOS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING RESTROOMS are located behind the Grand Staircase on the ARTS’ Auditorium and Sierra Room are available for special Orchestra level and at the Grand Staircase Landing on the Gold events on a rental basis. For more information, please call Special Circle level. Event Services at (562) 916-8510, ext. 2827.
BE THE FIRST LEARN about upcoming events and other important information about the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA). Don’t spend time looking for CCPA news; let it come right to you as it happens! To be in-the-know, just fill out this form and hand it to any of our ushers at intermission or following the performance.
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before or a er the
show at one of these Present a ticket stub AFTER the completion of any evening show Presentto a r teicekievte s atu 1b0 A%F dTiEscRo uthnet (cfomodp loentiloyn, eoxfc alundye esv aelncionhgo sl)h.ow to receiveM au 1s0t %be duisecdo usnatm (efo eovde noinnlgy, oefx tchlue dsehso awl.cohol). fine restaurants: Must be used same evening of the show.
Come in before the show and receive a 10% discount (food only, Cexocmlued iens b aelfcoorheo tlh) ew shheonw y aonud p recsenivte a a t i1c0k%et fdoirs ctohue nsth (ofwoo tdh aotn dlya,y. excludes alcohol) when you present a ticket for the show that day.