November 2010

Michael Sheetz
     OS tenor and choral scholar Michael Sheetz will be conducting a concert of English Madrigals at Manhattan School of Music on Saturday, November 20, 2010, 7:30 pm. This is part of a conducting program Michael is doing with Kent, and Kent will be singing too!
     For more info: MSM Calendar, MSM Concert Office: (917) 493-4428 or concertinfo@msmnyc.edu.  

Jennifer Rosa
     OS soprano Jennifer Rosa is the founder and producer of Music Forum and The Stoop Concert Series. 
     On Saturday, November 20, 2010, The Stoop will present Vlada (Vlada Tajsic), Phoebe Lyng, and Nik Rael & Headsoup. Scorching Soul and Funk bands to invade The Stoop, an unparalleled Hell’s Kitchen Music Venue. 
     The event will be emceed by Chris MacIntosh (a.k.a. Grandfather Rock) of WCWP Radio. Doors open at 7:30pm with show time at 8pm. 417 West 57th St. (b/w 9th & 10th Aves.) - Venue Provided by Music Forum of Church For All Nations, Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. This is a free event open to the public with a suggested donation of $12. Receive a free gift with the full suggested cover. All drinks and concessions are inexpensively priced under $4. 
     For more info about The Stoop, visit www.TheStoopNY.com.  
For more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please contact Jennifer Rosa at (212) 333-5583 or via e-mail at MusicForum@cfan.net.  

David Crean
     OS bass, David Crean, a doctoral student at Juilliard, will be playing his first DMA degree recital on Tuesday, November 23, at 7:00pm at Brick Presbyterian Church (Park Ave. and 91st St.). The program will include works from the 16th through 20th centuries and last about 70 minutes. There are no tickets, and all are welcome to attend!

Simon Dratfield
     Simon Dratfield, OSNY Bass, will be playing with the Greenwich Village Orchestra this Sunday afternoon:
     November 14, 2010 3pm
     Washington Irving Auditorium (Irving Pl / 16th and 17th St)
     Bruch - Violin Concerto no. 1 in G-minor
     Vaughan Williams - Symphony No. 2 "A London Symphony"
For more information visit www.gvo.org 

October 2010

Janet Laidman
     The society offers condolences to alto Janet Laidman.  Janet's husband, Thomas Laidman, a former member of the bass section, passed away on October 3.

Simon Dratfield
     Simon Dratfield, OSNY Bass, will be playing with the Greenwich Village Orchestra this Sunday afternoon:
     October 3, 2010 3pm
     Washington Irving Auditorium (Irving Pl / 16th and 17th St)
     Barbara Yahr, Conductor
     Daniel Liao, Bassoon
     Mozart - Die Zauberflöte Overture
     Mozart - Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra
     Tchaikovsky - Symphony no. 2, "Little Russian"
For more information visit www.gvo.org 

Kent Tritle
     Kent will be playing a concert this next Sunday, October 3, at Sleepy Hollow of Headless Horseman Fame! The church is 325 years old and on the grounds where Washington Irving is buried. The organ is a wonderful replica of a Dutch historic instrument, and Kent recorded the program in advance, so there will even be brand new CD available at the concert of the concert itself! There are two concerts- one at 3 pm (tickets are $25) and one at 5 pm (with a gala reception afterwards). If you're looking for a fun event outside of the city, join Kent!
     Old Dutch Church of Sleep Hollow
     Rt. 9, Sleep Hollow, NY
     3:00 pm concert only: $25
     5:00 pm concert plus gala: $100
     Tickets available at www.rctodc.org, or call 914-631-4497
Click here for the flyer.

August 2010

Fredi Strasser
     As we mentioned back in June, OS bass Fredi Strasser took on the duties of nightwatchman in the medieval Bavarian town of Dinkelsbuehl.  (See the entry for Fredi under 'June 2010', below, for more details.)
     Fredi has shared some photos.  Click an image for a larger view.

The Mayor of Dinkelsbuehl presented Fredi with an award certificate as honorary Nightwatchman, and gave him his lantern as a souvenir.

June 2010

DiAnn Pierce
     The society offers condolences to alto DiAnn Pierce.  DiAnn's brother, Verne Kjellsen, died on June 26.  Memorial donations may be made to Nugen's Ranch, 3701 Palmer-Wasilla Highway, Wasilla, Alaska 99654.

Florence Long
     On June 13th, OS Alto Florence Long is participating in Walk Now for Autism Speaks to help find a cure for autism. Autism is the second most common developmental disorder in the United States affecting 1 in every 90 children born today. Despite some promising discoveries, the cause of autism is unknown and a cure does not exist. Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. Not only must ways be found to improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism, but we must also find a cure, and soon.
     Florence will be walking in honor of two young friends with autism: Danson and Tre (she has joined Tre's team.) You can sponsor Florence by donating to Walk Now for Autism Speaks and/or by joining her on Tre's team, OneTwoTRE, using this link. Donations can also be mailed to Autism Speaks using the donation form located on Tre's page.
     Donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Autism Speaks 501 (C)(3) Tax Id #: 20-2329938.
     Matching gift program: Many companies provide their employees with matching gifts. Please consult your employer on its matching gift guidelines and attach matching gift forms accordingly.
     Follow This Link to visit Tre's personal web page and to sponsor Florence in her efforts to support Autism Speaks.

Brian Percival and David Goldblatt
     The Gingerbread Players of St. Luke's Church present:
          The School Board and Distaff Four - An afternoon of traditional Barbershop Quartet
          Sunday, June 6, 2010, 3:00 pm
          Suggested donation $12 (Students and Seniors $10)
          St. Luke's Church, 85 Greenway South, Forest Hills, NY
          For reservations and information:
               call 718-268-7772 or visit www.gingerbreadplayers.org
     OS tenor Brian Percival and OS bass David Goldblatt will be performing!

Fredi Strasser
     There are two beautifully preserved, walled medieval towns in Bavaria, Rothenburg and the smaller Dinkelsbuehl. The latter re-instituted (in the summer) the medieval custom of having a nightwatchman, in costume, go on his hourly rounds through the streets, announcing the hour singing a semi-religous verse and making sure all is well in town.
     Fredi Strasser (bass) convinced the Mayor of Dinkelsbuehl to let him do the part one evening, so on Sunday night, June 27th, Fredi will take over the role of the nightwatchman of Dinkelsbuehl. This is something he wanted to do ever since he saw this part in the Meistersinger as a kid. Anyone roaming around Europe at that time is welcome to come - it's a neat place to visit.