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Steve sings the first of four holiday concerts with the West Virginia Symphony. Here's a link to an article from the WV Gazette. Friday will be Steve's fortieth performance with the orchestra. Tickets are going fast and it looks as if the Charleston shows are almost sold-out!
photo: CRS Barn Studio
SONGS FOR A SEPTEMBER NIGHT:
A Gala Evening of Songs and Arias at the CRS Barn Studio
Enjoy beautiful music in a beautiful setting, at the CRS Barn Studio's Songs for a September Night on SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2011 at 7:30 pm, at the CRS Barn Studio, 2622 North Triphammer Road in Ithaca. Admission is $15 for general admission, $10 for students and seniors; children 12 admitted at no charge.
Songs for a September Night showcases the incredible vocal talent of the Ithaca area. Baritone Steven Stull, sopranos Amanda Demaris, Joanna Manring, Deborah Montgomery-Cove, bass-baritone David Neal and pianist Richard Montgomery - all seen in last season's hit production of Mozart's "The Magic Flute" - are joined by soprano and Ithaca native Rebecca Leistikow and acclaimed pianist Blaise Bryski. Mezzo-soprano Ivy Walz makes her return performance after completing her Doctorate in Voice at Cincinnati Conservatory. This gifted cast of singers performs with opera companies and orchestras throughout the US and internationally and includes faculty members from Ithaca College and SUNY Cortland.
The varied program includes well-known and less familiar arias and ensembles from the operas of Handel, Mozart, Purcell, and Rossini as well as classic musical theatre favorites, and the intimate space allows a rare "up close and personal experience" of the operatic repertoire.
The gardens overlooking Cayuga Lake are available for picnicking before the concert. Or, just arrive a few minutes early and enjoy the sunset (7:15 pm). Following the performance, a gala reception will offer audience members a chance to meet and talk with the artists.
The Wells College Theatre and Dance Program is pleased to present their annual faculty and guest artist dance concert, on Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9 at 7:30p.m., in Phipps Auditorium, Macmillan Hall. This year's concert will feature choreography by faculty member Jeanne Goddard and guest artist Elizabeth Wilmot Bishop, with live music by baritone Steven Stull and four-piece band.
This year's concert promises an eclectic mix of new dances performed by the Wells College Dance Ensemble of students and faculty. The four dances are entitled "Blizzard," "Surface," "Never Give Up" and "That's Amoré!" Focusing on the bonds among lovers, friends, community and strangers, this work brings out the complicated, yet often humorous and uplifting, moments in relationships through the use of narrative and reflection. On stage, dancers create juxtaposing images, playfully wrestling with pillows and stealing glances at each other over drinks in light-hearted romantic vignettes, while achingly dividing themselves from one another in pulsating narratives that speak of a darker, distant past. Musical accompaniment ranges from songs by Judy Collins and Yolanda Adams to classical/African fusion from the Kronos Quartet. Jazz, pop, music theatre tunes and Italian art song will be performed live by Steven Stull and an ensemble of professional and student musicians, with a chance for the audience to sing along. The performances are complimented by simple, yet aesthetically striking, set and lighting design by resident designer Joe Deforest.
Here's what the choreographers say about their work:
"Blizzard" evokes the turmoil of the human heart-an inner "storm" that needs to be quieted. We realize that our lives can sometimes feel as variable and uncertain as the weather, with periods of turmoil and periods of calm.
"Surface" is really about what goes on below the surface-the layers of life and meaning that maintain their own reality despite being hidden from the outside view. There are suggestions of past generations, the movement of time, cycles of life and loss, memory and constant change. The underlying energy is always ready to break through and spill into the present.
"Never Give Up" encourages us to believe in ourselves and your dreams. Trust what you have been given to do with your life and follow that path, whatever obstacles or stumbling blocks you may encounter along the way.
An old Dean Martin recording reminded me of the perennial appeal of the love song. "That's Amoré" celebrates love in all its crazy, confusing, confounding and exhilarating aspects, its various and changeable moods: excitement, sensuality, longing and entanglement. A live band with singers will heat up the theatre with such popular tunes as "Let Me Go, Lover," "Send Me the Pillow That You Dream On" and of course the title song, "That's Amoré," during which the audience will be invited to sing along.
The Wells College Dance Program seeks to offer diverse, vibrant concerts of both new and repertory works that communicate to a wide audience. Many of the performers are not dance majors but share a deep and abiding dedication to the art form of dance.
Ticket prices are $5 for students and $7 for adults, and can be purchased at the door or by calling the Phipps Auditorium Box Office at 315.364.3456. Children are admitted free. For information, contact Professor Jeanne Goddard, 315.364.3213, or email jgoddard@wells.edu
Steve Stull, baritone; Joanna Manring, soprano; Lanfranco Marcelletti, conductorSaturday, February 5th, 2011 / 6PM
The Lakewatch Inn, Ithaca
Steve and Joanna (Pamina in the CRS Barn production of The Magic Flute)
