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Finding the truth is not enough.
What we also have to find is justice.
                               ~Rigoberta Menchu
April 2009
Thursday, 16 April 2009
MHS eNewsletter April 1, 2009
the classical community of color in context
A Letter from the Executive Director
Chicago Sinfonietta: a review of Global Voices
Harlem Opera Theater
As reported last month ... and now seen in O, The Oprah Magazine!
Your Accompanist: Opportunity for Vocalists and Musicologists
Illinois Arts Alliance -- Arts Stimulus Plan
Grace Notes
Announcements
Opportunities: Calls/Auditions/Jobs
About Us

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Missed a month? MHS eNewsletter archives

 
Many many thanks to our March contributors: Patricia Tyson and Alethia Pollard. Your continuous support builds, sustains and strengthens us as a community. Thank you so much for your investment.
A Letter from the Executive Director

Dearest Friends,

I have Spring Fever, I do. I admit it. I can't wait for the colorful tulips, the outdoor concerts, the festivals and the sunshine! And while I know I'm not alone in those feelings, I believe that the underlying reason for them stems from the fact that this month is my birthday (shameless plug)!! Therefore, every April reminds my that it's time to spend as much time as possible out of doors, heralding the sunshine and welcoming Summer.

Seems that programmers have noticed that folks not unlike myself become a bit more active during the Spring months. Concerts will definitely pick up in the coming months; however, this newsletter is more informative than pictorial as usual ... but my list is far from comprehensive. When the weather warms and you start feeling that fever to get outdoors, do! Go support the musicians that comprise the membership of this organization ... and live music in general. Then write to me and tell me all about it! :)

A couple of interesting points though: MHS received some special offers (deadline extension!) and exclusive requests for information. Let's really make our presence felt and heard by going after those audition opportunities and offering our opinion. All will be mutually benefited.

Happy Spring,
Rashida N. Black

Be part of the mission. Make a tax-deductible contribution. Or send checks payable to Myrtle Hart Society to: Myrtle Hart Society, 4800 S. Chicago Beach Drive, Suite 2008S, Chicago IL 60615. If you want to be included in an upcoming edition of the eNewsletter, just email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or click reply to the sender.

Myrtle Hart Society

Chicago Sinfonietta: a review of Global Voices
Kiran Ahluwalia
Kiran Ahluwalia
Chicago Sinfonietta: Global Voices

You can't compare Chicago Sinfonietta to any other orchestra because it's not like any other orchestra ... so if you've never been, all I can suggest is that you make a special trip out to Chicago in May for their very last performance of the season when the ensemble will perform a new work by Michael Abels. The performance we attended warranted six pages of handwritten notes during the concert.

My first feverishly scribbled paragraph revealed the following about Indian vocalist Kiran Ahluwalia:

In traditional garb, Kiran (wearing a golden salwar kameez or long shirt over pants) sang into a microphone and controlled the volume of a sitar streaming from her radio or speakerbox on the platform beside her. The tabla player, Nitan Mitta, sat cross-legged on a square platform behind her, two microphones pointed downwards toward his instrument. With the lone drummer and acoustic guitar improvising jazzy strumming, the rhythmic Yakeenan danced its bass into our ears. Patrons also kept time as best they could with fingers tapping knees and shoes tapping floor.

Maestro Leslie B. Dunner, knowledgeable and charismatic as always, directed the hip-swaying piece in 4/4 through East Indian melismas familiar to me only through the many Bollywood movies currently prevalent in this Western hemisphere. The tune ended in a riff reminiscent of the Eagles 1976 rock hit "Hotel California," which hooked several more listeners as evidenced in their appreciative smiles and headnods. The string players in the chamber-sized ensemble on stage appeared entertained by the different rhythmic challenges presented in the music. Between tunes, Maestro Dunner asked, "So what's next?" or something akin to that. Kiran answered with a story, joke or other light-hearted comment, which made the venue feel less like a stuffy concert hall and more like a relaxed outdoor amphitheatre.

At one point toward the end of the first half, Kiran asked the audience to repeat after her singing Indian "scat." The little girl seated behind me, with her taps on her shiny patent leather shoes (seriously),
who couldn't have been more than 6 years old, imitated her flawlessly. I almost fell out of my seat with laughter. What fun! Read more

Myrtle Hart Society


Harlem Opera Theater

The mission of the Harlem Opera Theater is to develop an Opera Theater in the Harlem Community which will provide performance opportunities for gifted and developing singers; bring opera and classical music to Harlem and to other communities where this genre of music is seldom performed and cultivate a new audience especially among children and youth.

HOT announces its 2009 VOCAL COMPETITION : A Call for Professional and Emerging Artists!

Harlem Opera Theater's 2009 competition is open to students and professionals of classical voice; ages 18-35. Eligible contestants must prepare a repertoire of four (4) pieces to be sung from memory, before a distinguished panel of music industry professionals. Winners of Harlem Opera Theater's prior Competition are not eligible to compete this year.

There are many opportunities to win!!

JUDGES CHOICE AWARDS - Music industry professionals will judge singers in both divisions.
Artists 18-22 years (College Division) - Final Prizes - $1000, $500, $250
Artists 23-35 years (Professional Division) - Final Prizes - $2000, $1000, $500

AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARDS - The audience will add to the excitement of the evening by casting a ballot for singers of their choice. Final Prizes - $500 each division

TWO (2) ROUNDS OF COMPETITION
Eligible contestants will be evaluated based on their music credentials, professional training and a letter of recommendation from a music coach. Singers will be notified by email and letter of their appointment, to be heard in the Semi-Finals. CD's and/or DVD's may be submitted, but are not a substitute for an appearance in the Semi-Finals and Finals.

SEMI-FINALS - Saturday, May 9, 2009
by appointment (Contestants Only)
Convent Avenue Baptist Church
420 W. 145th St., @ Convent Avenue, NYC

HARLEM OPERA THEATER - 2009 VOCAL COMPETITION
FINALS - Friday, May 15, 2009 - 6:30 pm
Leonard Nimoy Thalia at Peter Norton Symphony Space
2537 Broadway @ 95th St.
New York, NY 10025; 212-864-5400; www.symphonyspace.org

VOCAL COMPETITION REGISTRATION:
Ages 18-22 (College Division) Registration Fee: $10.00
Ages 23-35 (Professional Division) Registration Fee: $25.00
Checks made payable to Harlem Opera Theater

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 30, 2009 - 6 PM
OR POSTMARKED BY 12 MIDNIGHT:
Harlem Opera Theater
c/o Gregory Hopkins, Artistic Director
425 W. 144th St., NYC 10031
Inquires: message line: 212-592-0780
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.harlemoperatheater.org

CLICK HERE FOR APPLICATION & CRITERIA
(Application will be posted online April 3rd.)

 

Myrtle Hart Society

As reported last month ... and now seen in O, The Oprah Magazine!
[Sonata Mulattica; Rita Dove; W.W. Norton Co. (2009)]

[Sonata Mulattica; Rita Dove; W.W. Norton Co. (2009)]

 

As you'll recall, in the March 2009 eNewsletter, we presented an article from the africlassical.blogspot.com site on Rita Dove's Mulatto Sonata. This month, O, The Oprah Magazine! has also reviewed the publication.

Dove's richly imagined book has the sweep and vivid characters of a novel, but it's written with a poet's economy, an eye for the exact detail. Read more
Myrtle Hart Society

Your Accompanist: Opportunity for Vocalists and Musicologists

For the past few months, we've encouraged vocalists to visit Your Accompanist, the website that allows you to download real piano rehearsal tracks directly to your PC in MP3 format ... which can then be transferred directly to any portable MP3 player (such as an iPod or, Sony MP3 walkman, Archos box or iRiver), or burned to CD ... which comes in handy for times when you can't immediately find a pianist who already knows your tune!

Well, now Your Accompanist has contacted MHS to request the following:

We are also very aware that composers of color are very under-represented in the usual classical repertoire, and we like to give singers the opportunity to work with as broad a spectrum of pieces as we can. We have two songs by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, but we'd love to get your recommendations for other songs by him, or other composers, to include in our library.

MHS, we need your input. To which pieces would you absolutely LOVE to have the piano accompaniment/reduction (which facilitates learning)? Let me know: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Myrtle Hart Society

Illinois Arts Alliance -- Arts Stimulus Plan

In addition to positioning the arts within the existing recovery plan, others are calling for a direct stimulus package to bolster America's cultural sector.

Michael Kaiser, president of the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, authored an op-ed calling for emergency funding for artists and arts organizations which ran in hundreds of papers on December 29, 2008. "No bailout for the Arts?" argues the arts are critical to our country's health now more than ever:

"We are losing the entertainment and inspiration we need more than ever during this terribly scary time. As we try to rebuild America's image abroad, we are losing our most potent goodwill ambassadors. As we reshape our economy, we are losing the organizations that teach our children to think creatively. And as we celebrate the diversity of our nation, we are losing the voices that have traditionally helped change society's thinking."

Some artists and activists have also been circulating an online petition calling upon Congress to appropriate 1 percent of the stimulus package toward arts and culture. Building on the tradition of the New Deal's Federal Art Project and Federal Writers Project, advocates are suggesting an arts stimulus plan could be used to hire cultural workers, strengthen arts in public spaces, support artist- and writer-in-residence programs, and more.

In the coming weeks, leaders in Washington, DC and Springfield will be working to craft a new vision for our country and the state. We look forward to working together to position the arts as essential to reviving the economy, creating local jobs, and sharpening our state's competitive edge and international reputation.

Illinois Arts Alliance

Myrtle Hart Society

Grace Notes
Eric Owens
Eric Owens
Young bassist makes big moves! Bassist Christopher Johnson currently resides in New York City. He completed his Graduate studies last year at the Manhattan School of Music and he studied at New England Conservatory of Music from 1991 to 2006. Chris is a member of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of New York, Soulful Symphony, and many others. Most recently he performed as Principal of the Philharmonic of the Americas on their tour to the Latin Grammy's and Mexico he performed with Patty Labelle, Carlos Santana, Kenny G, John Legend, and the guest of honor Gloria Estafan. This past year he also performed with the New World Symphony in Miami and participated on UBS Verbier Festival Orchestras fall tour in Italy, Switzerland, and Germany.

This Saturday, April 4th, from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Project STEP alumnus Chris Johnson, Double Bass, will lead a master class for the current Double Bass players. The class will take place in the Chorus Room. All are welcome to attend. Artistic Director Mariana Green-Hill exclaims, "This is the first ever Bass Master Class Project Step has held! We are very excited!"


Chicago Park District and Chicago Music Association in partnership with The Advisory Council of South Shore Cultural Center presents Collegiate and Young Adult Artists in Concert featuring: Christopher D. Harris, baritone; Greta Pope, soprano; Taylor Ingram, Conley Johnson, and William Kurk, piano; Special Guest Artists: Earl Madison, cello and Stanleigh Jones, organ.

Sunday, April 19 at 5:00 P.M. Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 7000 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637. Free Admission - Donations Accepted.

Chicago Music Association is in residence at South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 South Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60649. Phone and FAX: 773-721-3210. For more information about the Chicago Park District, call 312-742-PLAY, 312-747 2001 (TTY), or visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com. For more information about South Shore Cultural Center, call 773-256-0149.


THE ORCHESTRA/OPERA RUNDOWN:

Eric Owens - Philadelphia Orchestra & Bradley Moore, Weill Recital Hall

George Walker - Boulder Philharmonic

John Wesley Wright - Dayton Philharmonic

Terrence Wilson - Kalamazoo Symphony

Andre Watts - Madison Symphony & Long Island Philharmonic

Elena Urioste - New Mexico Symphony

James DePriest - Oregon Symphony

Leon Bates - Quad City Symphony

Chelsea Tipton - Toledo Symphony

Kimwana Doner - Boston Lyric Opera Company

Ulysses Thomas - Boston Lyric Opera Company

Adina Aaron - Florida Grand Opera

Nicole Cabell - The MET

Victor Ryan Robertson - Minnesota Opera

Katherine Jolly - Opera Company of Philadelphia

Donnie Ray Albert - Orlando Opera Company

Janice Chandler-Eteme - Memphis Symphony

Lisa Daltirus - Arizona Opera

Derrick Parker - Cleveland Opera

Marcus Roberts trio - Atlanta Symphony

Myrtle Hart Society

Announcements

Folks, last weekend, I was in Boston celebrating with Boston Symphony Orchestra's world-renowned principal harpist Ann Hobson Pilot, who will retire from the BSO in August 2009. The joke was that, like most retired denizens, she still has a list of things to do! The hottest concert on the ticket is the world premiere of John Williams' On Willows and Birches, written specifically for her. You WON'T want to miss this concert on Oct. 1, 2009 at Carnegie Hall. Get your tickets ASAP for this monumental evening.



ANNOUNCING SOUTH SHORE OPERA COMPANY AUDITIONS FOR THE 2009 SEASON

April 6-7, 2009 from 6 to 9pm at the South Shore Cultural Center

The South Shore Opera Company of Chicago will host its second concert in Tribute to African American Opera Legends on June 20th of 2009 at 5:30 p.m. at the South Shore Cultural Center located at 7059 S. South Shore Drive in Chicago. The concert will feature arias, duets and ensembles from La Boheme, Carmen, Le Nozze di Figaro, Porgy & Bess, Cosi Fan Tutte, Rosenkavlier, La Traviata, Rigoletto & Un Ballo un Maschera and others. A third and final concert will take place on October 23rd of 2009 at the South Shore Cultural Center. This concert will include scenes from favorite musicals including Show Boat, Ragtime and others. Singers should prepare two arias from among the operatic repertoire listed above. At least one aria should be sung in Italian, German or French. In addition, you should prepare one musical theater selection from Ragtime, Show Boat or other Broadway shows that feature African American characters. The third selection should illustrate your versatility as a vocal artist.

AUDITION APPLICATION FOR SOUTH SHORE OPERA COMPANY OF CHICAGO 2009 SEASON (Due before Friday, April 3, 2009)


MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The 90th Annual Meeting of The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. (NANM) will be July 25-30, 2009 at The Doubletree Hotel Chicago, Magnificent Mile, 300 East Ohio Street Chicago, IL 60611.

2009 Gala Artists. . . IMANI WINDS
Master Class and Concert
Monday, July 27, 2009

Also in the works:
Scholarship Competition in Winds and Percussion
Gala Concert
Awards Banquet
Closing Luncheon Highlighting Life Members
William Warfield Voice Master Class
Winds Master Class
Piano Master Class
Youth Division Concert
Choral Workshop
Collegiate Young Artists Concert
Youth and Juniors Concert
Concert featuring Chicago Performers
Convention Chorus Concert
Workshops and much, much more!


Professor Godwin Sadoh performs his own compositions on YouTube: www.youtube.com/gsadoh007

Dictionary of African Composers. The site takes a while to load, so be patient. Once it comes up, you'll be able to search alphabetically through decades of composers, read their biographies and access their discographies. You may send additions, corrections and suggestions to Alexander Johnson [ This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ].


Making Music Work will be held April 4-5, 2009, on the campus of McNally Smith College of Music in downtown St. Paul, MN. For more information, please visit our website at www.composersforum.org/MakingMusicWork.


CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT AND CALL FOR REGISTRATION

The Department of Music at Princeton University will host its Third International Symposium on the Music of Africa on Friday and Saturday April 17-18, 2009 in McCormick Hall. Leading and emerging scholars from Africa, Europe and the United States will explore current issues in African music research. Professor Christopher A. Waterman of the University of California, Los Angeles will deliver the keynote address. Other invited speakers are Zelma Badu Younge, James Burns, George Dor, Serena Facci, Andy Kaye, Lester P. Monts, Kazadi Wa Mukuna, Carol Ann Muller, Sylvia Nanyonga Tamusuza, Olabode Omojola, Barak Schmool and Polo Vallejo. On Friday, April 17th, Toumani Diabate and His Symmetric Orchestra will perform at McCarter Theatre in Princeton (for tickets call 609.258.2787). To register for the conference, send an email to Michelle Horgan ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) of Conference and Event Services, Princeton University (tel. 609.258.6116).


THE SOLOIST -- coming soon to a theatre near you!

I've been anticipating this movie for months... And now Steve Lopez's columns of the virtuoso homeless Los Angeles multi-instrumentalist, Nathaniel Ayers, will finally see the light of day.

Stay tuned for my review in the May edition of the MHS eNewsletter. In the meanwhile, buy the book. It's a fast and easy read. And check out the interview with the REAL Steve and Nathaniel by clicking on the CBS link.


MHS on the Web

Marlon Daniel discusses Piano Passions
Music Director & Conductor
Ensemble du Monde
www.ensembledumonde.com

PIANO PASSIONS
Artist World Concert Promotion
www.artistworld.org

World-renowned violinst Rachel Barton Pine performs Fred Onovwerosuoke's Six and Half Variations for Violin and Piano, unaccompanied on YouTube!

Harpist Rashida Black's ... hair?? (hey, it's not musical ... but it's a nice shout out for MHS!)


CHICAGO SINFONIETTA TO LAUNCH INTERNATIONAL SEARCH
FOR NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR

Founding Music Director Maestro Paul Freeman expected to lead
until successor has been named

CHICAGO - The Chicago Sinfonietta, the nation's most diverse symphony orchestra and Chicago's premiere mid-sized orchestra, has launched an international search for a new Music Director to succeed Founding Music Director Maestro Paul Freeman, who will become Music Director Emeritus after over two decades of leadership. The search is being led by a Succession Committee comprised of Chicago Sinfonietta Board Members, Executive Director Jim Hirsch and Artistic Consultant Evans Mirageas.

"As Founder and Music Director of the Chicago Sinfonietta, I have worked to promote the orchestra's mission of diversity, excellence and innovative programming in the field of classical music," notes Maestro Paul Freeman. "I am proud that the Sinfonietta has become our nation's most diverse orchestra and continues to serve as the model for inclusiveness and innovation under my artistic leadership. The time has come for my role with the Chicago Sinfonietta to evolve so that this unique and important ensemble can move forward and plan for the future. I fully support the organization through this transition and look forward to my new role with the orchestra in the coming years as Music Director Emeritus."

"As we near the next stage in our organization's history, it is important for us to reflect on all that Paul has accomplished for the Sinfonietta, Chicago and classical music as a whole," comments Executive Director Jim Hirsch. "A constant over the past 22 seasons, it is only natural that Paul would take an active role in the selection of his successor as his knowledge and experience will be invaluable. Paul will remain on a Music Director until we find the perfect fit for the organization, its members, and the Chicago community."

For more information about the Chicago Sinfonietta please visit www.chicagosinfonietta.org.


The Encore Music Forum Releases Blog And Media

After the huge success of the premiere concert, The Encore Music Forum is releasing a blog and the media from the premiere concert. The blog features a four-minute trailer of the concert along with the entire performance as well as photos. The focus of the blog is to create one of the leading online outlets in contemporary music and art, promote current events and concerts, and support up-and-coming artists.

The premiere concert of The Encore Music Forum took place on Thursday, November 20, 2008 at the Nabi Art Gallery. The program featured a mix of contemporary music - Jazz, Film Score, New Age, and Classical. Currently, the Encore Music Forum is organizing a new concert for Spring 2009.

Go To Blog And Media Here.


The Archives

Here at MHS, we have a number of interesting articles about a variety of things Black and classical. Here's one of our favorites from the San Francisco Chronicle:

How do you get high school students interested in opera? Easy: Take 'Rigoletto' and 'Figaro' and stir. by Jane Ganahl (Wednesday, April 13, 2005)

Myrtle Hart Society

Opportunities: Calls/Auditions/Jobs
DEADLINE EXTENDED FOR MHS ENEWSLETTER READERS!!

TRINITY WRITES: We are looking for classically trained composers/conductors/musicians who have a broad perspective -- including visual and performing arts, other musical genres, and other arts -- in their conception of the role of the arts in transforming our world and expanding our faith. We are hoping that The Myrtle Hart Society can help us recruit a diverse candidate pool for this important position in our parish. Trinity Application


Urban Gateways announces Call for Artists

Urban Gateways conducts an annual artist application process to build a strong, diverse roster of professional artists. Once contracted, artists work in schools, community-based organizations, and cultural institutions to provide arts programming. A new application is available to download online http://urbangateways.org/contact/teaching-positions/ and the deadline is Friday, April 10, 2009. This year there is a specific call for the following disciplines:

  • Literary Artists (poets, book/paper artists, spoken word artists, playwrights, etc.)
  • Digital Media Artists (audio and visual media artists, online media artists, etc.)
  • Musicians (vocalists, song writers, instrumentalists, etc.)
  • Hip-Hop Artists (dancers, writers, musicians, etc.)
  • Graphic/Animation Artists (graphic novelists, cartoonists, etc)
  • Interdisciplinary Artists
  • Touring and Performance Artists of all disciplines

Development Director
Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra (Ft. Myers, FL)

Responsibilities include: manage the annual Fund campaign, cultivate new prospects and seek out new funding opportunities, develop and implement a corporate sponsorship program, prepare grant applications, develop an ongoing planned giving program, develop budgets for each event and campaign, educate and train Board members on the fundraising process, oversee the maintenance of all donor files and records and provide donor benefits.

Requirements: A bachelor's degree and experience in a related field; experience in a not-for-profit organization preferred; knowledge and appreciation of orchestral music; excellent writing and verbal skills; computer skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and database management; ability to work as part of a team and with board, staff and volunteers. Must be available to work weekend and evening hours as needed, primarily during concerts and events.

Compensation: $40,000-$45,000, commensurate with experience

Benefits: Benefit package, including paid vacation, sick leave, individual health, dental and life insurance, employer contribution to retirement plan

Application deadline: May 1, 2009

Please send a one-page resume and a cover letter, including three references to:

Frances Goldman, Executive Director, Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, 4560 Via Royale, Suite 2, Fort Myers, FL 33919. Email as Word attachment to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information visit www.swflso.org. No phone calls, please.


Managing Director
Salt Bay Chamberfest (Damariscotta, ME)

Salt Bay Chamberfest, in Damariscotta, Maine, seeks a Managing Director to oversee and manage, as well as build and expand support for their annual chamber music festival, carrying forward a fifteen-year tradition of bringing outstanding and inspiring chamber music to midcoast Maine. This is a half time year-round position, which becomes ¾ to full time in July/August. A competitive salary will be offered to the right candidate. Preferred start date: July 2009.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
--At least 5 years successful experience in management of an arts program, preferably in the performing arts, with particular emphasis on development.
--Technology skills are essential. Ability to manipulate computer programs such as Excel, File Maker, In-Design, Quick books. Design skills a plus.
--Preferably a Maine resident or a firm commitment to being in midcoast Maine from June 1-August 31, to help grow the organization's connection with the community and to give SBC a year round presence.
--A proven track record of:
*Successful planning, management and execution of programs with close attention to budget and timelines
*Cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts and sponsorships
*A talent for effective writing with special attention to foundation grants
*Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
*An ability to effectively manage and motivate an active team of staff and board members, emphasizing collaboration
*Knowledge and experience in creating strong relationships with donors, sponsors and community members
*Experience in creating and implementing an effective strategic plan
*Knowledge of and an enthusiasm for bringing chamber music to the life of a community

TO APPLY:

Applications will be accepted until April 30th. Please apply by forwarding cover letter, resume, three references with contact information and a writing sample to Leila Murphy at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and include Salt Bay Chamberfest in the subject line. All applicants will be acknowledged. We encourage you to forward the announcement of this job opening to others who may be interested. Website: http://saltbaychamberfest.org


Editorial Assistant - Music Online Reference
Oxford University Press (New York, NY)

Love music but also analytically minded? The world's largest university press is looking for someone to help support our art reference publishing. This Editorial Assistant position will play an essential role in our print program, as well as for our premium online product, Oxford Music Online/Grove Music Online. Specific areas of responsibility include administrating contracts and projects from acquisition to production, preparing content for publishing online, liaising with scholars, editing content, research editing, and general administrative support. Candidates should be energetic, positive, quick to learn, tech-savvy, and possess excellent problem-solving and organizational skills. Degree in music-related field is required. Familiarity with (or at least no fear of) HTML, XML, and image-editing software is a definite plus. 1 year minimum work experience desired. Website: http:// This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it


Executive Assistant
Distinguished Concerts International New York (New York NY)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provide basic information to clients, principals, and staff regarding concert season and various aspects of the company.
• Serve as the first point of contact for international and national prospective and current clients.
• Familiar with the policies and procedures of DCINY, as well as the artistic vision.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date information of clients by entering and updating data in office software (Salesforce) and also keeping hardcopy files.
• Assist in development of future programming for the series, including liaison with guest conductors, performing artists and ensembles by phone, email and in person.
• Assist with other duties as assigned and as position develops.

COMPETENCIES and QUALITFIATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, the individual selected should have:
• Bachelor/Advanced Degree in music or music administration or related discipline.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational and listening skills. Ability to successfully multi-task and excel in a fast paced environment and be attentive and precise in details.
• 1-2 years of related experience.
• Computer Literacy: Extensive experience with PC platforms and ability to work with MS Office required.

• Ability to manage phone and in-person inquiries in a professional, patient and friendly manner.
• Interest in classical music and concert production.

TO APPLY:
• Resume showing work history

• Salary history or requirements, and contact information for at least three references
• To learn more about our company, visit: www.DCINY.org
• Please email or fax your materials to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 646.736.0437

• No phone calls or walk-ins please.
President/CEO
Modesto Symphony Orchestra (Modesto, CA)

Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will be an experienced orchestra or not-for-profit arts executive with proven leadership ability, excellent management skills, and a record of success with fund raising, audience development, and community engagement. S/he will have a strong working knowledge of music, a thorough understanding of the challenges facing symphony orchestras today, and the creative vision to address these challenges effectively.

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic fundraiser, public spokesperson, and advocate for the Modesto Symphony and the orchestra's value to the community. S/he will have the demonstrated ability to design, implement, and lead successful campaigns for both annual and endowment income.

The successful candidate will have superb interpersonal and communication skills, and a great sense of humor. She will be able to motivate a Board, staff, and volunteers, and will foster creativity and teamwork in an atmosphere of mutual respect. S/he will have the vision to pursue opportunities for the growth and development of the orchestra artistically, financially, and in service to the greater Modesto community. S/he will have the energy, maturity, and self-confidence to lead and secure the Modesto Symphony's position as a significant community asset and an important musical force both regionally and nationally.

Applications
Please submit a cover letter that describes interest and qualifications. Include a resume, salary history or requirements, and names of several references. All applications will be treated as confidential and references will not be contacted without the applicant's agreement. Please send materials to:

Modesto Symphony President Search
c/o Catherine French Group
2500 Q Street, NW, Suite 623
Washington, DC 20007
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
(Please send MS word or Adobe Acrobat attachments only)

Website: http://http://www.modestosymphony.org


Executive Director
Albany Symphony Orchestra (Albany, NY)

All of the Albany Symphony Orchestra's classical concerts are broadcast on public radio for a listening audience that exceeds 14,500 people for each airing. The orchestra has an extensive discography and has recorded more than 20 CDs for New World Records, CRI, Albany Records, Argo and London/Decca. The Albany Symphony has received more than 20 consecutive ASCAP Awards for Adventuresome Programming.

The Albany Symphony is governed by a 40-member Board of Directors, has an annual operating budget of $2.2 million, and a staff of 12. David Alan Miller is Music Director.

Please submit a letter of application that describes both interest and qualifications. Send with a resume, a salary history, and contact information for at least three references. All applications will be confidential and references will not be contacted without the candidate's consent.

Please send materials to:
Albany Symphony Executive Director Search
c/o Catherine French Group
2500 Q Street, NW, Suite 623
Washington, DC 20007
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
(MS Word or Adobe Acrobat attachments only, please.)

Website: http://www.albanysymphony.com


Director of Development
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts (Katonah, NY)

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, an internationally acclaimed performing arts organization in Northern Westchester, NY is seeking a seasoned and effective fundraising professional to serve as Director of Development.

Requirements: Bachelors' degree required. Higher or professional degrees and/or advanced fundraising certificate strongly preferred. A minimum of 10 years experience as a non-profit professional; managerial experience supervising staff teams; demonstrated comfort with and success in gift solicitation, including involving volunteers in the identification, cultivation and solicitation process; exceptional organizational, planning and leadership skills; demonstrated ability in developing successful corporate, foundation and/or government grant proposals; excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; proven proficiency using relational and prospect management computer systems; proven proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, budgets and basic accounting principles; demonstrated passion for the arts. Knowledge of classical music preferred. Working on some evenings and weekends is necessary, particularly in the summer months.

Serious applicants whose credentials meet the described position, please submit resume and cover letter to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Director of Development Search, Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, P.O. Box 816, Katonah, NY 10536.

For more information about Caramoor, please visit www.caramoor.org.


General Manager
Omaha Symphony Orchestra (Omaha NE)

The General Manager is responsible and accountable for all aspects of orchestra operations and planning, ensuring that the breadth of musical activities supports and furthers the artistic goals of the Omaha Symphony. S/he provides leadership and strategic direction for the operations department and builds collaborative working relationships with the Music Director, Resident Conductor, and the musicians. As a member of the senior management team, this position is key as a resource and partner supporting the initiatives of the marketing, development, accounting, and education functions within the organization. The preparation and monitoring of budgets (approximately $4M.) is a critical aspect of this position.

Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of progressive experience in orchestra management, specifically in concert operations in a unionized environment. S/he will have an appreciation for, understanding of, and sensitivity to the needs of professional musicians, guest artists and conductors. An in-depth knowledge of orchestral repertoire, classical artists and conductors, and pops performers is essential.

Please submit a cover letter that describes interest and qualifications. Include a resume, salary history or requirements, and names of several references. All applications will be treated as confidential and references will not be contacted without the applicant's agreement. Please send materials to:

Omaha Symphony General Manager Search
c/o Catherine French Group
2500 Q Street, NW, Suite 623
Washington, DC 20007
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

(Please send MS word or Adobe Acrobat attachments only)
Website: http://www.omahasymphony.org

Myrtle Hart Society

About Us
The Myrtle Hart Society (MHS), a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) educational organization, was founded to promote positive images and self-concepts of people of African descent, to promote the classical community of color and to develop new audiences for classical music amongst people of color.
Myrtle Hart Society


"There is no such thing as making a miracle happen spontaneously and on the spot. You've got to work. The Great actresses were hard working-workaholics. Callas used to stand on that stage a long time-for hours,working out movements.People don't realize that. They think she just walked out there and made it happen. She didn't, she worked. And you cannot do that when you have a half-hour rehearsal saying 'Go left, go right-by the way, if you run into something it could be a tree or it could be a super.' That is not giving your audience the best."

--Martina Arroyo, soprano

(thanks to Lisa Bryce for quote)

 

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