A Double-Bill

A Double-Bill

The Santa Fe Opera holds a soft spots in our hearts and is the main reason for our annual travels to the Land of Enchantment, along with 58-degree nights, which doesn’t hurt. These two reasons combined to create a perfect experience under the stars with the horizon going as far as the eye can see. The Santa Fe Opera is an open-air amphitheater located a bit north of the city on a high view point and is surrounded by the rolling hills of New Mexico’s minimalists landscape, masterfully painted by the descending sun. People get there early and indulge in casual dining in the parking lot. Tailgating here is bit more sophisticated as among other...

Closing Reception of “Dream Worlds”

Closing Reception of “Dream Worlds”

Musical Bridges’ Art Gallery held its closing reception of Artist Tania Rachytskaya’s “Dream Worlds” exhibit on Friday, July 11th.  “Dream Worlds,” was the first US exhibit of internationally renowned batik, silk painter and shibori artist Tania Rachytskata and was featured in the Musical Bridges’ Art Gallery since April 5th.  The exhibit drew a large following of art lovers over the last 3 months and many people now have her artwork in their very own home. The closing attracted many guests, both newcomers and loyal Musical Bridges’ followers; enjoying art, wine, and hors d’oeuvres....

New Retirement Community Outreach Program

New Retirement Community Outreach Program

MBAW completed its first segment of a new retirement community outreach program, Golden Age 2014, funded by the Texas Commission on the Arts.  Duo AleAnya visited five different retirement communities on July 14th & 15th;  Wedgewood Luxury Senior Apartments, Golden Estates Rehabilitation Center, Madison Estates, The Towers on Park Lane & Adante Senior Living. Duo AleAnya brought their hour-long 4 hands program to each of the five retirement communities.  They performed a variety of pieces including several Tchaikovsky favorites.  Some of the residents were brought to tears of joy as they listened to the Duo’s beautiful...

International Music Festival “Latina”

International Music Festival “Latina”

Thursday, May 14, 2015, 7:30 p.m. San Fernando Cathedral (click here for map/directions) Artist Bios “LATINA” embodies a journey of self discovery by Cristina Pato & Co. exploring heights and hurdles of the life and migrations of a Latin woman. “’Latina’ is purely and simply the result of years of searching for my own voice and my place as an artist,” says Pato.  In 2004, Jean Bechhofer of the BBC said “Cristina Pato the Galician Bagpipe diva is renowned for her dramatic performances, but what counts is her skill and familiarity with that octopus of an instrument, the gaita.” Program LATINA a self-search – a program by Cristina...

International Music Festival “Matryoshka”

International Music Festival “Matryoshka”

Friday, May 22, 2015, 7:30 p.m. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts River Walk Plaza (click here for map/directions)  Artist Bios After smashing successes in Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and Mexico, Barynya is coming to San Antonio! With its bright costumes, fairy music and unparalleled sophistication of Russian dance school a group of six dancers and five musicians will invite San Antonio visitors and locals into the world of colorful Russian fairytales. The program will include iconic Dark Eyes, Long Road, Moscow Nights, Kalinka and many others. “…Beautiful performance helped make the Global Festival such a memorable...

International Music Festival “Ukraine & Russia in Sync”

International Music Festival “Ukraine & Russia in Sync”

Sunday, May 17, 2015, 3:00 p.m. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Alvarez Studio (click here for map/directions)  Artist Bios An All-Star International Team of virtuosos will give you the colorful classics you love and a lot more! Gold Medalist of the 2014 Van Cliburn Competition, Ukrainian born pianist Vadym Kholodenko and Tchaikovsky Competition winner Russian born cellist, Boris Andrianov will be joined by Grammy Award winner American percussionist and member of Yo-Yo-Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, Shane Shanahan in a world premier of “Triptych,” an innovative work exploring ethnic connections. “…the 27-year-old Ukrainian...

International Music Festival “Argentina Espectacular!”

International Music Festival “Argentina Espectacular!”

Thursday, May 21, 2015, 7:30 p.m. San Fernando Cathedral (click here for map/directions) Artist Bios After sold-out, standing-ovation performances at the Celebrity Series of Boston and Lincoln Center, composer and bandoneon player par excellence, JP Jofre will make his Musical Bridges Around the World debut on May 21, 2015 with music by Astor Piazzolla, his own acclaimed compositions and a WORLD PREMIER tango-ballet piece with Grammy award nominated The St. Petersburg String Quartet and renown Argentinean dancer Choreographer Claudio Asprea from Buenos Aires. “The Argentine bandoneon artfully played by JP Jofre” -The New York...

International Music Festival “Viva España!”

International Music Festival “Viva España!”

Wednesday, May 20, 2015, 7:30 p.m. Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Carlos Alvarez Studio Theater (click here for map/directions)  Artist Bios Entreflamenco, founded by Antonio Granjero in 1998 in Madrid, Spain is “…the Baryshnikov of Spanish Dance” according to WQXR of New York City. Carolina Betancourt of Texas Art Magazine wrote “Granjero lays it all on the line and with every complex footwork combination, turn and finger snap, he shows you exactly who he is and how Flamenco breaths within him. At times he is so forceful and unrelenting that audience members can feel the power behind the golpe. Then, just like that, he engages...

International Music Festival “African Rhythms”

International Music Festival “African Rhythms”

Sunday, May 24, 2015, 6:00 p.m. Ruth Taylor Recital Hall at Trinity University (click here for map/directions) Artist Bios “I’m not a jazz musician,” “I’m really a storyteller through music.” -Randy Weston Pianist Randy Weston grew up surrounded by some of the greatest musicians in jazz. But it was his deep connection to Africa that inspired his personal style of music. “I search for the traditional music wherever I go. I try to find the oldest musicians I can find,” he says. “And I hear the foundation of what we do in the Western Hemisphere is coming from African civilization.”...

Premier Pain Consultants Jazz Party

Premier Pain Consultants Jazz Party

Saturday, guests of Premier Pain Consultants of San Antonio enjoyed a luscious Jazz party at the home of its founders Dr. Dmitry and Polina Buyanov.  This party was purchased in May 2013 at the Annual Musical Bridges Gala With the Stars at the Saint Anthony’s Hotel Grand Ball Room as a way to support Musical Bridges.  Seventy-five guests of Dmitry and Polina spent a fantastic evening with great food, wine, friends and Jazz by San Antonio legends Aaron and George Prado. Musical Bridges expresses its gratitude to Premier Pain Consultants and Drs. Dmitry and Polina Buyanov for their...