Margaret Ruthven Lang Archives - Cleveland Classical

DIARY: Monday, November 27, 2023

November 27, 2023 by Jarrett Hoffman

by Jarrett Hoffman

IN THIS EDITION:

•Today: bassoonist Barrick Stees gives a masterclass at University of Akron

•Announcements: a gear drive from Cleveland Uncommon Sound Project, and a new grant program aimed at increasing arts participation for underserved communities

•Interesting read: review of Moby Dick silent film

•Almanac: Margaret Ruthven Lang and Mabel Daniels, two Boston women composers who may not be as well-known as their contemporary, Amy Beach

HAPPENING TODAY:

High school bassoonists are invited to attend a masterclass by Cleveland Orchestra assistant principal bassoon Barrick Stees from 3:30-5:30 pm in room GH 05 at the University of Akron. Stay afterwards for pizza, warm-ups, and a rehearsal with the University’s bassoon ensemble, BassoonaRoo. Click here to email bassoon professor Cynthia Cioffari and reserve a spot.

[Read more…]

Cleveland Orchestra’s holiday concerts return with plenty of festive cheer (Dec. 11)

by Stephanie Manning

This article was originally published on Cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — If the twinkling lights, leafy green garlands and festive poinsettias didn’t already clue you in, the holidays have arrived at Severance Music Center. ‘Tis the season for annual traditions — including The Cleveland Orchestra’s holiday concerts, which began on Wednesday evening.

Running through December 22, the programs feature plenty of seasonal classics plus some potential new favorites. The first performance proved that this mix is a delightful recipe for festive cheer.

“Look at you all, out on a school night!” conductor Sarah Hicks proclaimed joyfully from the podium. Just as many concertgoers donned red outfits to get into the spirit, Mandel Concert Hall was also decked out with decorations and stage lighting effects.

[Read on…]

Oberlin Conservatory convincingly tells Omar’s story (Dec. 8)

by Stephanie Manning

The Cleveland premiere of Rhiannon Giddens’ and Michael Abels’ Pultizer Prize-winning opera Omar on December 8 at the Maltz Performing Arts Center proved that concert productions of opera can succeed without sets, elaborate costumes and extensive staging. Indeed, the Oberlin Conservatory presentation offered more than enough to keep the audience in the crowded house enthralled.

The Opera, which was also presented at Oberlin’s Finney Chapel two days earlier, is based on the 1831 autobiography of Muslim scholar Omar ibn Said, the only such work written by an enslaved person during their enslavement, and the only such document written in Arabic.

Rhiannon Giddens’ brilliant libretto chronicles the life of ibn Said, beginning in present-day Senegal and following him through his capture, journey via the Middle Passage, and enslavement in North and South Carolina. [Read on…]

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