| The Friends of Women Composers Society, as part of National Women's History Month, presents The 8th Annual Women Composers Festival of Hartford March 7 - March 30 Made possible through the generous support of; The Women's Education and Leadership Fund, a legacy of the Hartford College for Women, UNIVERISTY OF HARTFORD Festival Founder and Artistic Director Heather M. R. Seaton Featuring 2008's International Guest Composers 'Women of the World' Adriana Figueroa (Argentina) Francisca Aquino (Brazil) Sebastiana Ierna (Sicily) Hasu Patel (India) 3 EVENT LOCATIONS: (see each event for specific location details) Charter Oak Cultural Center (March 7) Charter Oak Ave., Hartford, CT & The University of Hartford* (March 12 &26) 200 Bloomfield Ave. West Hartford, CT 06117 & The Unitarian Meeting House** (March 28-30) 50 Bloomfield Ave. Hartford, CT 06105 (Schedule of Festival Events- last updated March 9, 2008) Please return for updates and snow cancellations. FESTIVAL EVENTS: Basso Moderno Duo Dr. Allen Von Schenkel -Bass (N.Y.) Kristen Williams- Piano and Voice (N.Y.) www.sologass.org Basso Moderno Duo has commissioned over 100 works, offers over 80 concerts a year, and has performed in 40 countries and on all 7 continents. They bring unique offerings to this year's festival, with an exciting program of works that they have commissioned from contemporary women composers around the world. This concert will include several world premiers- don't miss history in the making! This concert also features a dynamic and interesting dance element, which is the fruit of a one day collaboration between Basso Moderno Duo and local improv dancers. Participating dancers include students from The Hartford Conservatory and Saint Joseph's College, renowned solo improv dancer, Benita Weisman, and members of the dance company, Soma. 'Basso Moderno Duo's -Three Events on March 7th: 1. Improv Dance Class- featuring live music by Basso Moderno Duo Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m. (Hartford Conservatory Dance Studio) 2. Basso Moderno Duo Collaboration- with local Improv Dancers Time: 2:00-5:00 p.m. (Hartford Conservatory Dance Studio) *Attention dancers- $5 Registration fee to participate in these events, contact Heather Seaton. 3. Basso Moderno Duo Concert- with dance element Location: Charter Oak Cultural Center Time: 7:30 p.m. Free! Donations for the performers, or festival, are appreciated. *(All works were commissioned by the Basso Moderno Duo between 2005-present) Program Yoko Ono-Lennon - Secret Piece II Pauline Oliveros- Blue Heron Elinor Armer- Minotaur Betty Beath (Australia) - From a Lake of Honey Emma Lou Diemer- Old Black & White Movie Julia Gomelskaya (Ukraine) - Rhythmus Sonia Megias Lopez (Spain) - Tango No.2 Alla Penkina (Russia) - Illustrations Ruth Schonthal (Germany) Variations of a German Folksong** **(her final work) 'Women Composers of Hawaii' Presented by Heather Seaton When: Wed. March 12th Time: 5:00- 6:20 p.m. Location: The Hartt School, (room 412) University of Hartford* This educational presentation offers an exploration and celebration of Hawaiian culture and will particularly address the music and contributions of Queen Liliuokalani, Princess Miriam Likelike, Mary Kawena Pukui, and Edith Kanakaole. We will survey the life and music of Hawaii's beloved Queen Liliuokalani and the influences that these women had upon the Hawaiian people. This presentation will be enriched by recordings and videos, live performances of Hawaiian music, and hula dancing. Link to Heather's Hawaiian Page 'A Reading of Works' When: Wed. March 12th Time: 7:30 p.m. Location: The Hartt School, Room 412, University of Hartford* This concert will feature readings of chamber pieces by; Chen Yi- Yangko Violin- Sam Martin, Percussion- Bill Solomon and Tim Broscoius Louise Farrenc- Movements III & IV from 'Nonet' (Fl.Ob.Cl.Bssn.Hn.V.Va.Vc.Cb) La Comtesse Caumont d'Adde- 'La Reverie' Erberk Eryilmaz- Piano * 4 Early American Works Mrs. Townshend Stith-'Our Friendship' Voice-Laurie MacAlpine, Piano- Heather Seaton Julliet Bellchambers- 'The Spell is broken' Voice- Heather Seaton, Piano- Kaeza Fearn Faustina Hasse Hodges- 'The Indignant Spinster' Voice-Kaeza Fearn, Piano- Gabriel Lofvall Faustina Hodges- 'The Rose Bush' Voices- Heather Seaton, Kaeza Fearn, Laurie MacAlpine, and Rebecca Jackson Sherman * Kathy Sewell, arr.Asani- 'Weyaho' Chant- Gabriel Lofvall & Heather Seaton Drum- Cristian Lofvall, Rattle- Heather Seaton *Note: 'The Barbara Strozzi Project,' scheduled for March 16th, has been postponed to October 2008. Contact The Hartt School's Community Division (University of Hartford) for more information. TWO MASTER CLASSES WITH HASU PATEL MARCH 26th, Wednesday 1. 'Jam with the Sitar' - an improv circle String players, percussionists, and jazz musicans are encouraged to play in the circle. Time: 11:30-12:30 Location: The Hartt School, University of Hartford* 2. 'Composing for the Sitar' a class for composers 4:30 p.m. The Hartt School, room 412, University of Hartford* 'Women of the World'- Seminar, & 'Women of the World'- Concert Two events to showcase the Festival's International Guest Composers! Adriana Figueroa (Argentina) Francisca Aquino (Brazil) Sebastian Ierna (Sicily) Hasu Patel (India) 'Women of the World'- Seminar March 26th, Wednesday night Time: 5:00- 6:20 p.m. Location: The Hartt School, room 412, University of Hartford* Our guest composers will discuss their experiences, as a composer in their respective countries, and will talk about their style and works in a casual 'Question and Answer' exchange. & 'Women of the World- Concert' March 26th, Wednesday night donations encouraged Konover Hall- The Great Room, University of Hartford 7:00 p.m. International Reception * with live Brazilian music played by Francisca Aquino & Robert Black &7:30 p.m. Concert Location: in Konover Hall- University of Hartford Campus* This special presentation of works composed by our international guest composers, is designed as a follow-up to the 'Comp Seminar' presentation; 'Women of the World' Featuring the music of Adriana Figueroa (Argentina) & Francisca Aquino (Brazil) Sebastian Ierna (Sicily) & Hasu Patel (India) Hartford Sound Alliance Concert When: March 28th, Friday Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Unitarian Meeting House** www.hartfordsoundalliance.com Matt Sargeant (composer, guitarist, electronics) David Cutright (composer, pianist) Bill Solomon (percussionist) Jessica Rudman (composer) Leif Ellis (composer,electronics, guitarist) seated Katie Kennedy (cellist) not shown Kathryn Swanson (composer) not shown This special presentation is a new addition to our festival. The Hartford Sound Alliance is a group of composers and performers who are dedicated to building a bridge between contemporary music and the community. The ensemble will present mixed-media and electronic works and hopes to include an installation. Composer's Workshop When: March 29th, Saturday Time: 12:30- 1:30 p.m. Place: Unitarian Meeting House** Guest Speakers: TBA (to include; Figueroa, Aquino, and Ierna) Students $2.50 Non-Students $5 A networking powerhouse for composers and musician featuring six guest speakers. Come meet fellow composers and supportive musicians for an exchange of ideas and contact information. Bring your scores, business cards, and recordings- ready to share. Guest speakers, including our international guest composers, will share their journeys with you; learn from these women about what it takes to emerge as a successful women composer today. Activities include group composition pieces and visiting information tables with great resources for composers and musicians. All composers, musicians and music lovers are welcome and encouraged to attend! Local Composers Concert When: March 29th, Saturday Time: 2:00- 4:30 p.m. Place: Unitarian Meeting House** The concert features a diverse and charming array of choral and chamber works, which have been created by a dozen local composition students, amateurs, and professionals. Their music is presented side by side, in order to validate and encourage the artistry of both emerging and established composers, and to celebrate the diversity of their voices. This concert is a wonderful opportunity to hear, support, and meet your local artists. Support and witness several premiers! Celebrating works by Contemporary Local Women Composers- (Donations encouraged!) Program Rebecca Jackson-Sherman- 'Saddle up Sue & Gallup up Jim' 'I got no use for chores!' for Voice, Piano, and Guitar Kaeza Fearn -IV. 'When All Hearts' Meditations on the words of Rev. William Sloan Coffin for SATB Chorus, Soprano Soloist, and Piano Rachel Waddell- Arr. of 'Salley Gardens' for String Orchestra Jessica Rudman- Piece for Percussion Heather Seaton- 'Praise Ye the Lord'-Psalm 150 for Chorus & Chamber orchestra 'The Patriotic Family' dedicated to my husband, Scot for Chorus & Piano Laurie MacApline- TBA Sylvia Goldstein- The Hanukkah Dreydel for Chorus and Piano Elizabeth R. Austin- 'The Song of Simeon' ("Nunc Dimittis") dedicated to Peter Harvey for SATB Chorus Mary Anne Joyce-Walter- 'Girl With Cello' Lyrics- May Sarton for Soprano, Cello, & Piano Marilyn Bliss- 'Murali' Flute- Gonzalo Cortez Rain Worthington- 'Moving Through Shadows & Light' Flute- Minta White, Cello- Michael Linert, and Harp Sarah Donihe- Vocal Duet Voices- Sarah Doherty and Benjamin Rausch *The Friends of Women Composers Festival Chorus is proud to be presenting the choral music for this concert Learn about the Festival Chorus 'Concert Pro Femina' When: March 29th, Saturday Time: 7:30 p.m. Place: Unitarian Meeting House** (donations appreciated) This concert features professional musicians performing chamber works by established composers. March 30th- Sunday Morning Unitarian Worship Service, Featuring the music of Women Composers When: March 30, Sunday Time: 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Place: Unitarian Meeting House** All are welcome The Unitarian Society of Hartford's Arts Sub-Council has worked hard to integrate and present performances of works by women composers; they are a leader for such initiative in the Greater Hartford area. Come experience a spiritual and welcoming encounter in a Unitarian service which will feature the beautiful and uplifting sounds of sacred and spiritual music composed by women. Graduate Vocal Recital- Featuring Art Songs composed by Women Patrice Fitzgerald Mezzo-soprano Stephen Scarlato accompanist Patrice Fitzgerald, mezzo-soprano, will present a recital as partial fulfillment of the requirements for a Graduate Professional Diploma from The Hartt School, of the University of Hartford. Patrice, a student of Michele MacBride (formerly of New York City Opera), will sing music ranging from the 12th century to the 21st. Program includes compositions by; Hildegard of Bingen, Nadia Boulanger, Lili Boulanger, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Libby Larsen Alma Maria Schindler-Mahler, Clara Wieck Schumann Admission is free, and a reception will follow. *This event has been postponed till to May 10, 2008 Thank you for your interest in The Annual Women Composers Festival of Hartford We hope to see you at the Festival! * Please return to this page for updates and changes. (More information is continually added). Cancellations due to snow will also be posted here. For further information, please contact Heather Seaton see past festivals |
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| Sponsored by The Hartt School, University of Hartford The Unitarian Performing Arts Sub-Council The Hartford Conservatory The Women & Gender Resource Center, University of Hartford The Brazilian Cultural Center of Hartford Charter Oak Cultural Center The Musical Club of Hartford Assunto Grave Publishing (Brazil) Tisane- A Euro-Asian Cafe Links Travel & Featuring Performing Ensembles The Friends of Women Composers Festival Chorus The Hartford Sound Alliance Basso Moderno Duo * Duo del Sur- annual festival participants |
| 15 FESTIVAL EVENTS! |
"The purpose of Women's History Month is to increase consciousness and knowledge of women's history: to take one month of the year to remember the contributions of notable and ordinary women, in hopes that the day will soon come when it's impossible to teach or learn history without remembering these contributions." |
Support the Festival- *Buy a Women Composer Poster ! *Buy a Business Ad in our program! *Donate directly (Donations will be listed in Concert Programs. Make checks payable to: The Friends of Women Composers Society Mail to: Friends of Women Composers Society 20 Seabury Avenue, Ledyard, CT 06339) Thank you for supporting the Friends of Women Composers Society's educational festival! |