Hello friends! Can you believe it is very nearly Spring already??? As Summer approaches, Musical Bridges Around the World’s 13th Season is nearing an end, and we are excitedly preparing for number 14! We are still finalizing all acts, but the overview for next season is as follows: 2011-2012, 14th Season October 2, 2011: Mozart and Salieri and Indian Fest We present the one-act opera in two scenes, Mozart and Salieri, by Rimsky-Korsakov, performed by world-famous Russian Baritone Bass, Nikita Storojev (Salieri), and Chicago tenor, Michael Burgess (Mozart). The opera will be staged with period furniture and costumes, and presented in...
Arabian Nights and a Babysitter
I stepped into the room and was immediately mesmerized by the seductive sway of Middle Eastern rhythms, exotic percussion instruments capable of imitating the sound of birds wings flying away, and warm earthy tones of goblet drums. It was then that I decided to produce Arabian Nights. This was at a presentation by duoJalal at the New York Chamber Music Conference last January. duoJalal’s name is inspired by the poet Jalal Rumi, whose writings teach people of all religions and backgrounds to live in peace and harmony. This duo is a husband and wife team of truly international nature. Yousif Sheronick is a percussionist of Lebanese descent...
My friend Lilya
“… An’ I am in Texas until the 13th, call me…what’s up?” It was a message from Lilya Zilberstein, who is currently teaching and performing at Texas Christian University International Piano Academy and Festival in Fort Worth. In 1984, I became a student of piano performance and pedagogy at the prestigious Gnessin’s State Musical College in Moscow, It was an exciting time to be there because we were among the best pianists in the country. All of us were trying to break into the larger performing arts world. We practiced 4-6 hours a day and, of course, partied like you would expect kids in our early twenties to do. A few years...
Copenhagen Story or “The Northern Goddesses”
Have you ever seen Northern Goddesses up close and personal? Tall, blonde, beautiful, and if that wasn’t enough … very talented sopranos? About one month ago, through a mutual friend, I was approached by Jens Hansen owner of Copenhagen Furniture in San Antonio. “HELP” he said, “The Nordic Singers are on a tour in the United States and I want to present them in San Antonio.” WOW! Singers from the Denmark Opera House are falling into my lap … so I decided to present them. Gabriella Franco of the Mexican Cultural Institute, as always, kindly opened the doors to their hospitable auditorium. Giovanni agreed to cater and Nancy...
The Puerto Rican Story
Developing a relationship with Latin America was a wish and one of the goals of the Musical Bridges Strategic Plan. For many years I have been a great admirer of Latin music with its sophisticated rhythms and irresistible melodies. This music makes you dance no matter what your state of mind at the moment. Coming from Russia with a classical music academic background, I wasn’t familiar with the Puerto Rican culture, but in order to secure the highest quality of the performance, I needed to learn the culture and its historical and musical roots. Dr. Awilda Ramos–MBAW Board President and originally from Puerto Rico–flew...
“Tales of the World” — Our 13th Season
I am extremely excited to introduce Tales of the World, our 13th season. This one will sweep San Antonio audiences away with both the variety of musical genres and their world-class artistic quality. As an Artistic Director I feel like a little girl in a candy store while creating a special treat for audiences. I traveled to artist showcases in New York and all the way to Puerto Rico in a quest to find the best musicians. We will be presenting a unique blend of cultures, literally from all parts of the globe, in a most unconventional and fun way. We will start on October 3 with a daring mixture, Baroque Opera with Salsa Sauce. Our old...