Festival Miami, the annual music festival presented by the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, has set a precedent over the last 26 years by providing a month long series that contains a blend of artistically and culturally diverse music and educational opportunities. Festival Miami offers 20-30 concerts each season, providing for people of all ages and income levels the chance to be enriched by live musical performances. Festival Miami is unrivaled in its scope of musical presentations and is known throughout South Florida, the U.S., and the international community for its cultural contributions. The Festival strives to combine three distinct components into each season: the presentation of internationally renowned guest artists, world-class performances by the Frost School’s widely known artist-faculty and student ensembles, and an educational component which includes open rehearsals, master classes, lectures, forums, and free and discounted concerts for our students.
In its last two seasons, over 24,000 music patrons have attended Festival Miami performances. Since its inception over two decades ago, Festival Miami has presented performers from six continents. Respecting the interests and ethnic makeup of the South Florida population, past series have included concerts by artists from Argentina, Poland, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Germany, Puerto Rico, China, France, and from throughout the U.S. In its 26th Gala Season, Festival Miami 2009 reached new heights with 20 concerts in a four-week whirlwind showcasing music from around the world. Presented by the Frost School of Music from October 2nd, 2009 to October 30th, 2009, Festival Miami 2009 featured inspired performances by award-winning University of Miami music students and faculty and internationally renowned guest artists. In addition, the 2009 master class artist schedule included Gary Burton, Jorge Calandrelli, Carmen Bradford, John Clayton with Jeff Hamilton, and Carlos Reyes.
The planning of each season of Festival Miami begins with a primary goal of booking musical artists to reach as many segments of the South Florida community as possible. To accomplish this goal, musicians from around the world are considered for inclusion in Festival programming. Since Festival Miami is a month long series of concerts and educational initiatives, each season the Festival’s executive staff strives to schedule concerts of interest to the broad spectrum of the region’s full-time and seasonal residents.
This year’s festival will be held in the month of October and typically includes more than 20 performances and special events over a four week period, and each week will have its own unique theme. The four one-week themes include “Great Performances,” “Jazz and Beyond,” “Creative American Music,” and “Music of the Americas.” The Festival’s concert series is unrivaled in its scope of musical magnitude and includes stellar guest artists, the Frost School’s widely known artist-faculty and student ensembles, and an educational mission that includes children’s concerts, master classes, lectures, forums, and concerts that highlight historically significant events, like the holocaust. Concerts and educational events are typically held on the University of Miami Coral Gables campus in the 600-seat Maurice A. Gusman Concert Hall and the 139-seat Victor E. Clarke Recital Hall.
One of the principal goals of Festival Miami is to make live musical performances widely available and financially affordable to as many people as possible. Free and discounted tickets for students and various organizations will also be available.
Various guest artists who will perform at Festival Miami will also conduct lectures, workshops, master classes, or forums as part of their Festival engagement. As with past Festivals, these free educational opportunities for Festival Miami 2010 will be widely publicized on our website and our main advertising brochure in order to enhance our community outreach efforts.
The Festival is a financially self-sustaining annual event that relies on the commitment and generosity of individual donors, corporations, foundations, grants, and ticket purchasers. As one of the leading cultural entities enhancing the South Florida arts landscape, the Festival strives to bring new artists and musical styles as well as host beloved community favorites for many years to come.
Friday, October 8, 8 PM
TRANSCENDENCE
A Glorious Gala Opening Night of Strauss, Stravinsky, and Poulenc, with soprano Sandra Lopez, the Frost Chorale and the Frost Symphony Orchestra
Festival Miami opens with a dramatic concert featuring landmark works for orchestra and chorus by Richard Strauss, Igor Stravinsky, and Francis Poulenc that reflect on life, death, the reawakening of faith, and ultimately, transfiguration.
The excellent Frost Symphony Orchestra conducted by Thomas Sleeper, along with the impressive Frost Chorale conducted by Joshua Habermann, present Poulenc’s Gloria and Strauss’s Four Last Songs for orchestra and vocalist, featuring the incredible soprano Sandra Lopez, that offers a touching gesture of farewell that truly transcends the ages. Zoe Zeniodi conducts Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, featuring the Bergonzi String Quartet and new double bass faculty, Brian Powell.
Reserve your tickets today for this gala opening night performance.
She’s a committed, passionate actress with a luscious and tireless voice she can suffuse with emotion. — Boston Globe
The other standout among the leading singers was Sandra Lopez as Micaela. A University of Miami graduate, Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions winner, and graduate of the Met’s Lindemann Young Artists Training Program, Lopez is much more than a hometown heroine. Her shining lyric soprano glowed iridescently in Micaela’s third act aria. Indeed she was the only artist who received an ovation that stopped the show on opening night. Not content to play Micaela in the usual weak, ill defined manner, Lopez made her a true rival to Carmen (for the affection of Don Jose). — Internet Music News
Section A – $85* Section A – $65** Section B – $50 Section C – $25
*Concert, VIP Seating and Reception
**Concert Only
Saturday, October 9, 8 PM
LATIN EXPLOSIÓN
HANSEL Y RAUL! The Hottest Act in Latin Dance Music Bring Their Tropical Dance Music and Contagious Beat to Festival Miami
Hansel Enrique Martinez and Raul Alfonso were born in Cuba. Their professional musical careers began with the world famous Charanga ’76 as vocalists and co-founders of the band. Their music is based on a sophisticated version of tropical dance music that emphasizes strings and woodwinds rather than brass. In 1980 Hansel and Raul left the band and became the most famous, dynamic and charismatic duo in the history of Tropical music: Hansel & Raul.
The integration of a brass section to the already popular Charanga Sound, spiked with a very Caribbean sense of rhythm, made Hansel y Raul the hottest act in Latin Dance Music. Their global hit songs Maria Teresa Y Danilo and Con La Lengua Afuera became anthems and made them international recording stars. Hansel y Raul have recorded more than 12 albums including 7 Gold albums and the double Platinum “LA MAGIA.” They continue to tour worldwide and are without a doubt “The Hottest Dance Band of the Decade.” Buy your tickets early—this concert will sell out quickly.
Section A – $60 Section B – $50 Section C – $25
Sunday, October 10, 6 PM
Up Close and Personal: Frank Loesser
A Centennial Celebration
A musical salute to the Academy Award, Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning composer/lyricist of Guys and Dolls, The Most Happy Fella, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The concert features an in-depth conversation with Jo Sullivan
Loesser, the original star of The Most Happy Fella. Special guests include Broadway stars Susan Egan, Noah Racey, Ron Raines, and musical director Don Pippin. Hosted by Michael A. Kerker (ASCAP).
Section A – $40 Section B – $30 Section C – $20
Tuesday, October 12, 8 PM
FORM AND FRACTURES
New Compositions by the Faculty of the Frost School of Music
If you’ve never been to a concert featuring works by the award-winning Frost composition faculty, this is the year to expand your horizons. Organizations around the country commission their work every year, and the reason is simple: they are excellent. Dennis Kam, Lansing McLoskey, Scott Stinson, and new Frost faculty Charles Mason will showcase their accessible contemporary works that have form, substance, and a definite sense of fractured humor.
FREE
Seating: General Admission
Wednesday, October 13, 8 PM
ESSENCE OF EXPRESSION
The Inventive Sunny Wilkinson Sings New and Timeless Favorites with the Award-Winning Frost Jazz Vocal 1 Ensemble
Described as ‘mischievous’ and ‘flexible,’ jazz vocalist Sunny Wilkinson brightens every concert stage that she graces with her beautiful voice and jazz interpretations of the great American songbook. This concert features Sunny Wilkinson with our very own 2010 Downbeat College Winners, the Frost Jazz Vocal 1 Ensemble, directed by the legendary Larry Lapin. Sunny Wilkinson performs nationwide as a solo jazz artist as well as a guest artist appearance with big bands and jazz vocal ensembles. Reserve your tickets now!
Section A – $30 Section B – $25 Section C – $20
Thursday, October 14, 8 PM
¡CELEBRACIÓN!
Experience the Excitement of the Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Jazz Sextet
“Coral Gables Night”
Trumpeter and composer Gabriel Alegría presents a unique form of World Jazz that combines his distinctive approach to the jazz trumpet with the rich heritage of Afro-Peruvian music. The Gabriel Alegría Afro-Peruvian Sextet features saxophonist Laurandrea Leguía; acoustic guitarist Yuri Juárez; bassist Ramón De Bruyn, drummer Hugo Alcázar and master percussionist Freddy “Huevito” Lobatón, who plays the traditional Afro-Peruvian instruments cajón (box drum) and quijada (jaw bone) and adds spectacular passages of zapateo dancing to each performance. Good grooves abound! Afro-Peruvian style is the newest musical voice to come from Latin America and Festival Miami is bringing it to YOU!
Section A – $30 Section B – $25 Section C – $20
Friday, October 15, 8 PM
TIMELESS TITANS
Pianist Santiago Rodriguez Plays the Music of Sergei Rachmaninoff and Other Musical Titans
Faculty artist Santiago Rodriguez has been described as “a phenomenal pianist” (The New York Times) and “among the finest pianists in the world” (The Baltimore Sun). He recently recorded the complete piano works of Rachmaninoff and will perform selected great works of this amazing musical titan, plus others.
Santiago Rodriguez joined the faculty of the Frost School of Music one year ago, inspired by the exciting undergraduate curricular changes that are happening in the School and by the special camaraderie between its faculty and students. A ‘Pedro Pan’ child who ended up in an orphanage in New Orleans, his determination and talent led him to the Van Cliburn competition, where he won the Silver Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1981. Presented with the Miami Civic Music Association
Section A – $40 Section B – $30 Section C – $20
Saturday, October 16, 8 PM
SIZZLING HOT SWING
Sensational Mark O’Connor and His Hot Swing Put “Le Jazz Hot” on Steroids
When violinist Mark O’Connor released his Hot Swing! CD in 2001, which was a tribute to his great friend and mentor, the legendary French jazz master, Stephane Grappelli, the Chicago Tribune called it “one of the finest discs of his career and one of the greatest jazz violin albums ever.” The ensuing Hot Swing CD, Live in New York, received similar praise. Festival Miami is proud to present Mark O’Connor’s Hot Swing with guitarists Frank Vignola and Julian Lage, and bassist Gary Mazzaroppi.
Mark O’Connor is the 2010-2011 artist-in-residence at the Frost School of Music. See www.festivalmiami.com for a list of master classes open to the public.
Section A – $50 Section B – $40 Section C – $20
Sunday, October 17, 6 PM
STRING QUAR TÊTE-A-TÊTE
Renowned Bergonzi String Quartet Meets the Stamps String Quartet in their Debut Performance
Bergonzi String Quartet members Glenn Basham, Scott Flavin, Pamela McConnell and Ross Harbaugh perform some of their favorite string quartet repertoire; then will have the pleasure of introducing the Stamps String Quartet, outstanding freshman string artists who are receiving scholarship support from the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation.
$20 Adults/$10 Students
Seating: General Admission
Tuesday, October 19, 8 PM
WIND ENSEMBLE HEATWAVE
The Frost Wind Ensemble with soprano Amy Burton performs spine-tingling music by John Corigliano—and premieres an exciting new composition by Mason Bates
The Frost Wind Ensemble, with soprano Amy Burton (described as ‘lustrous’ by the New York Times) performs a multi-leveled and adventurous wind ensemble orchestration of John Corigliano’s Grammy award-winning Mr. Tambourine Man: Seven Poems of Bob Dylan, a deconstructive orchestral song cycle that pays homage to the iconic ‘60s singer-songwriter. In this work, Corigliano composed new music to Dylan’s emotionally charged and poetic lyrics, much like Brahms did with Goethe in his day. Conducted by Gary Green, the music ranges from gorgeously melancholy, to gut-jolting and wild.
You will also hear the world premiere of Tropical Mainframes by Mason Bates, which the Frost Wind Ensemble will perform again at the College Band Directors National Association’s conference. This new work, with its flickering orchestration and tropical overtones, comes boldly to life with the punch of staccato saxes and the textural diversity of quiet percussion that is so unique in a wind ensemble setting.
Two giant works, a fabulous soprano, and the incredible Frost Wind Ensemble! Four great reasons to order tickets right away.
Section A – $30 Section B – $25 Section C – $20
“Amy Burton, a New York-based soprano, joined the orchestra for a searing performance of depth and substance. Her clean voice, slightly amplified, and substantial range of emotions and nuance, covered much territory from the sweet simplicity of “Clothes Line” to the raw, unvarnished anger of “Masters of War.” The final movement, “Forever Young,” mostly for voice alone with minimal orchestra accompaniment, was exquisitely done.”–Grand Rapids Free Press, April 3, 2009
Wednesday, October 20, 8 PM
NEW TRANSITIONS
Emerging Young Composers Showcase their Latest Works
The Frost School of Music’s Department of Theory and Composition hosts their annual Young Composers Showcase, featuring new works by talented up-and-comers that incorporate both acoustic and electronic instruments, inspired by thought-provoking and timeless observations on transitions in life. Open seating, free admission, please arrive early. Location: Clarke Recital Hall in the Weeks Recording and Performance Center.
FREE
Seating: General Seating
Thursday, October 21, 8 PM
INSPIRED IMPROVISATION
Matt Wilson Quartet Pairs Up with the Stamps Jazz Quintet in an All-Out Jazz Fest
The New-York-based Matt Wilson Quartet is a mainstay at such popular jazz festivals as the Newport Jazz Festival and the Monterey Jazz Festival. At Festival Miami, Andrew D’Angelo (alto and baritone saxes) Jeff Lederer (tenor and soprano saxes), Chris Lightcap (acoustic and electric bass) and Matt Wilson (drums) will share the stage with the Stamps Jazz Quintet, outstanding sophomores at the Frost School of Music. Wrapping up a series of private master classes together, both groups will share their music in a no-holds-barred concert that is sure to please.
Section A – $50 Section B – $40 Section C – $25
Friday, October 22, 8 PM
DANCE, GLORIOUS DANCE
The Momentum Dance Company Showcases Modern and Historic Dance Repertory Directed by Delma Iles
One of the most established contemporary dance companies in the Southeastern USA, the Momentum Dance Company is celebrating its 28th year with over 40 performances, including this very special appearance at Festival Miami. Join us for an amazing night of modern dance featuring eight stunning dancers, beautifully choreographed works by celebrated modern dance pioneers, plus such new works directed by Delma Iles—Cobia, Negotiation, Obanamomics, and Requiem—capped off by a mesmerizing dance choreographed to the composition Window by Frost School of Music faculty Dennis Kam, inspired by paintings of Miro.
Section A – $40 Section B – $30 Section C – $20
Saturday, October 23, 8 PM
MAMBO!
Tiempo Libre Pays Tribute to Beloved Cuban Big Bands and the Music of their Heritage
Three-time Grammy-nominated Tiempo Libre is one the hottest young Latin bands today. Tiempo Libre’s members were all classically trained at La ENA, Cuba’s premiere conservatory during the “Special Period” in Cuba. Today, the group is a hit in the U.S. and abroad, celebrated for its incendiary, joyful performances of timba, an irresistible, dance-inducing mix of high-voltage Latin jazz and the seductive rhythms of son. This concert is dedicated to the era of Cuban big band, with works by Xavier Cugat, Beny More, Perez Prado, and Chano Pozo/Dizzy Gillespie; it will also feature traditional Cuban music (cha-cha-chas, sones and congas) arranged especially for Tiempo Libre and orchestra. They will perform with the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra and Big Band.
Section A – $50 Section B – $40 Section C – $20
Sunday, October 24, 3 PM
TROUT FISHING IN AMERICA
Grammy Nominated Kids-Duo Performs Selections from ‘My Name is Chicken Joe’ and Other Favorites
Four-time Grammy nominees, Trout Fishing in America is the long-standing musical partnership of Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet. The name, taken from a Richard Brautigan novel, seems almost as incongruent as a picture of this musical duo – Ezra Idlet (guitar) stands six feet nine inches and Keith Grimwood (bass), five feet five and one half inches. What is more intriguing is the musical career these two have carved out in three decades of writing, recording and performing together. The Los Angeles Times describes the duo as “…some of the most lyrically creative, musically sophisticated, vocally muscular music-makers in the family music business.” Sponsored in part by Sunday Afternoons of Music
$12 Adults/$10 Children 2-12 years old
Sunday, October 24, 8 PM
TRUMPET VIRTUOSO ARTURO SANDOVAL
World Premiere of Rivera’s Concierto de Miami with the Miami Symphony Orchestra at the Knight Concert Hall at the Adrienne Arsht Center
Festival Miami pairs up with the Miami Symphony Orchestra to present great trumpet legend Arturo Sandoval. The program will include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major; the world premiere of the Rivera’s Concierto de Miami for Trumpet and Orchestra featuring Arturo Sandoval, and Ravel’s Bolero.
Arturo Sandoval can burn through an Afro-Cuban groove, tear up a bebop tune, soar over a Mozart concerto and sooth you with a luscious ballad; with equal power and grace. He was a protégé of the legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie. He began studying classical trumpet at the age of 12, and has evolved into one of the world’s most acknowledged guardians of jazz trumpet and flugel horn, as well as a renowned classical artist, pianist and composer.
Golden Ticket – $150 Section A – $75 Section B – $65 Section C – $50 Section D – $20
To purchase tickets for this event, please visit www.themiso.org or call 305.275.5666
Tuesday, October 26, 8 PM
TOUR DE FORCE
The Frost Chamber Players Present Virtuosic Works by Celebrated Composers
The Frost Chamber Players are faculty virtuosi who delight in playing chamber music together. Join Pamela McConnell, artistic director, and Richard Todd, new French horn faculty, for an evening that will refresh and renew your senses. You’ll hear Saint Saëns Septet for strings, piano, and trumpet; Poulenc Trio for oboe, bassoon and piano; Caliendo Sonata for Horn and Piano; and the striking Dohnanyi Sextet for strings, clarinet, horn, and piano. Featured faculty artists to include the Bergonzi String Quartet, Craig Morris (trumpet), Richard Todd (French horn), Robert Weiner (oboe), Margaret Donaghue (clarinet), Luciano Magnanini (bassoon), and Shelton Berg (piano).
$20 Adults/$10 Students
Seating: General Admission
Wednesday, October 27, 8 PM
NEW SONGWRITING SENSATIONS
The Bruce Hornsby Creative American Music Program Showcases New Songs and Fresh Faces
One of the most popular Festival Miami tickets every year is our annual Songwriters Showcase presented by the Bruce Hornsby Creative American Music Program, with a panel of judges personally selected by the celebrated Frost alum, Bruce Hornsby. Come out and support our stellar songwriting students, and treat yourself to an evening of fresh and youthful new music. The winning songwriter gets to open the concert the following night. Get your tickets for both events now!
FREE
Seating: General Admission
Thursday, October 28, 8 PM
STOP! IN THE NAME OF LOVE
A Rock-n-Roll Celebration of the Greatest Songs of Lamont Dozier, the #1 Songwriter in America
If you love music by The Supremes, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, and Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, then you simply must attend this hit-filled concert featuring the Motown era songs of Lamont Dozier …and meet the songwriter himself who penned 54 number one hits! You’ll be singing along to such favorites as Baby Love, Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch; Baby I Need Your Loving; Stop! In the Name of Love; Back in My Arms Again; Come See About Me, Where Did Our Love Go and Give Me Just a Little More Time. Lamont Dozier’s music is in your heart; now you’ll see and hear him share the stage of UM Gusman Concert Hall with students from the Frost R&B Ensemble and the Bruce Hornsby Creative American Music Program.
Section A – $60 Section B – $50 Section C – $25
Friday, October 29, 8 PM
FLUTE JOURNEY
Amazing Nestor Torres Explores a Rainbow of Musical Colors Ranging from Baroque to Big Band, Latin to Fantasy
Nestor Torres, flute, performs an ambitious program with Frost students from the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra ranging from the timeless Pergolesi Flute Concerto in G (a Baroque concerto for flute, strings and harpsichord), the ever-popular Ibert Flute Concerto, to exciting works accompanied by Latin rhythm section such as El Condor Pasa, Vuelvo Al Sur and Soñando Con Puerto Rico. His program closes with Tiger Tales and (Somewhere) Over the Rainbow with the Mancini Institute Orchestra and Big Band. Don’t miss this incredible concert, featuring the spell-binding flautist Nestor Torres, conducted by HMI resident conductor, Scott Flavin.
Section A – $60 Section B – $50 Section C – $25
Saturday, October 30, 8 PM
GIANTS OF JAZZ SALUTE
Wycliffe Gordon and Frost Concert Jazz Band, Salute the Giants of Jazz in Festival Miami’s Grand Finale Concert
Wycliffe Gordon, jazz trombone and vocals, combines unbelievable virtuosity with incredible stage presence and a deep knowledge of the history of jazz. The combination always makes for an exciting and entertaining night of music.
Join the Frost Concert Jazz Band (Downbeat College Winners 2010), directed by Dante Luciani, and guest artist Wycliffe Gordon (Trombonist of the Year, Jazz Journalists Association, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2002 and 2001) for a rousing closing concert that salutes the giants of jazz… and introduces the next generation of jazz greats! This one will sell out quickly—order your tickets right away.
Section A – $85* Section A – $65** Section B – $50 Section C – $25
*Concert, VIP Seating and Reception
**Concert Only