Heartland Symphony Orchestra fundraiser at Cragun's Resort

Quote of the Day:  Beethoven is a miracle. Music is so beautiful. Where we can play, it can't be so terrible. The music. The music! Even thinking of music makes me happy. Music is a dream. It is the only thing that helps me to have Hope...God. Alice Herz-Sommer, oldest living Holocaust survivor and piano player. Watch the video interview on Youtube. 

Last night, at Cragun's Resort, near Brainerd, MN, we had a chance to experience music and fine dining and support the Heartland Symphony Orchestra. What a gorgeous night! The food was delicious, the music delightful. The people who gathered to support the arts in our area were happy and friendly. From donated silent auction items to the gift of music and the excellent cuisine, we were all well-fed, body, mind, and spirit. Here are a few highlights.

Dutch Cragun visiting with the HSO conductor Sergey Bogza.

He is a Russian-born American with a passion for music.

Two beautiful supporters of the arts, especially music, Cleo and Krista.

Awaiting their gorgeous sound.

Bobbi French, Paul Anderson and Sergey Bogza playing "Sonata in G Minor for Violin and Viola" by Georg Phillipp Telemann. This musical selection was served with the Kartoffelsuppe (potato soup).

I'd like a second helping, please.

The Cragun's table, toasting this splendid event.

Sergey Bogza playing "October" from The Seasons by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. 

You haven't heard that composer's name said properly until you've heard it from a native speaking Russian!

This selection was served the the Salat (cold crab and rice).

A bit of October for the ears and the tongue.

Sergey kindly stopped at our table to visit.

He describes his mother as "A Soul Person," a mother and a lover of music and the arts.

I'd like to think of myself as a "Soul Person" as well.

Our high school band director Chris Fogederud on the trumpet, his wife Sarah with her trombone, and Sergey on the piano for the main course, Steak and "An Elizabethan Songbook."

Yep. It was as delicious as it looks.

A couple folks getting into the spirit of the evening.

From Austria, we had Braised Knockwurst with cabbage and apples and Mozart's "Clarinet concert in A Major" played by Jeanne Rohr on the clarinet and Cindy Koopmann on the piano.

Almost all the talking stopped and barely a fork was lifted as we savored this song.

Betty and Deb handed out the door prizes.

I won the fall arrangement...and forgot it on my table!

Ah, I'll track it down. It's lovely. Thank you to the person who donated it!

The sweet French dessert accompanied this duo: Kaarin Hanske on the oboe and Amber Tappe playing the harp: Algues: 7 pieces pour hautbois et petite harpe by Bernard Andres.

I tried for an artistic angle of the harpist.

Cleo, Sergey, and Krista

Amber kindly posed for me with her harp. 

She is a music therapist for the central Minnesota area and explained to us why the harp is such a soothing instrument. Thanks to all of you for sharing the gift of music, tonight, and with the HSO.

The next performance for the Heartland Symphony Orchestra is December 7 & 8.

Saturday, December 7, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. LITTLE FALLS
Charles D. Martin Auditorium
Little Falls High School
1001 5th Avenue SE
Little Falls, MN

Sunday, Decemer 8, 2013 – 2:30 p.m. BRAINERD
Tornstrom Auditorium
Washington Educational Building
804 Oak Street
Brainerd, MN

In the Spring, HSO will be showcasing winners of a composer's competition. They have already received entries from Greece, Australia, Denmark, and Germany.

The next dinner fundraiser event for HSO will be the first weekend in February, 2014. Hope to see you there!

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What food would you pair with your favorite music?

Review of Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul at The Ordway in St. Paul, MN

Quote of the Day:  Tonight we're going to turn The Ordway into an Irish pub! Eileen Ivers, performance on March 17, 2013 at The Ordway Performing Arts Center in St. Paul, MN. I felt like I was at an Irish wedding dance. Your heart sings. Your feet tap. Little kids run down to the dance floor in front of the stage. The melodies, both haunting and exciting, course through your veins.

Eileen Ivers, promo photo from her website. Photo by Luke Ratray

 

The daughter of Irish immigrants, Eileen Ivers grew up in the culturally diverse neighborhood of the Bronx, New York. Rooted in Irish traditional music since the age of eight, Eileen proceeded to win nine All-Ireland fiddle championships, a tenth on tenor banjo and over 30 championship medals, making her one of the most awarded persons ever to compete in these prestigious competitions.

Being an Irish-American, the intrigue of learning more about the multicultural sounds of her childhood took hold. After graduating magna cum laude in Mathematics from Iona College and while continuing her post-graduate work in Mathematics, Eileen fully immersed herself in the different genres of music which she experienced growing up in New York. Perhaps it was the mathematical mind coupled with her passion for seeking parallels in certain traditional music styles which contributed to what has become the signature sound featured in much of Eileen's recordings since the late 1980's.

(from Eileen Ivers' website)

 

What a great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day to be filled with the exhilarating music of Eileen Ivers, her fiddle, and her fabulous band! You can't sit still while listening to this music. Your heart beats a little faster and you have to at least tap a toe. I envied the kiddos who jumped up and dragged their friends and grandparents to the dance floor. Some of those young lads and lasses could really dance a jig and had all the fancy footwork. I'll admit, I was a little intimidated. When I pop on the CD at home, though, I wiggle a little and practice the moves I saw!

 

Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul Band, photo by Luke Ratray

 

You can "Youtube" anything these days. Listen to as much recorded music as you like, but nothing, NOTHING, replaces the experience of live music. The energy in the room was intoxicating. Eileen Ivers and her band really did turn The Ordway into an Irish pub. By the end of the show, the dance floor was filled and overflowing up the aisles and into the balcony. What a rush. What an awesome experience. What an energizing way to celebrate being Irish (anyone can feel a bit Irish on March 17), and cultures beyond the seas and right here at home.

 

Thank you, Ordway, for inviting Eileen Ivers and her band and all of us to have a night filled with festive fun! Check out Eileen Ivers' schedule on her website. I hope she's coming to your neighborhood. You won't want to miss out on this party!!!

 

Go to The Ordway for info on upcoming music, dances, and shows. They have a great line-up yet this year, and next year's schedule looks amazing. I'm particularly excited to see Miss Saigon this fall, 2013.

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt: What is your family's heritage? How do you celebrate your own culture and other cultures in your neighborhood?

 

Connecting to the Community through Art

Quote of the Day:  If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once a week; for perhaps the parts of my brain now atrophied would have thus been kept active through use. The loss of these tastes is a loss of happiness, and may possibly be injurious to the intellect, and more probably to the moral character, by enfeebling the emotional part of our nature. 
- Charles Darwin

This quote is used as an introduction to my favorite book, The Music Lover's Poetry Anthology. I marked my favorites with mini-post-its, and it is a colorful display of papers! I love so many of these poems. Poetry, music, art, attending plays and live performances, creating art collaboratively all help us connect to one another. It builds community and keeps us from feeling isolated.

My younger sister, Joy, is staying with me for a couple months, and she immediately started making connections. She's offering a six-week voice lesson session, and several people have already scheduled lessons with her. She makes the cutest fairy houses out of pottery and wanted to continue with that creative outlet, so she contacted Kevin Matthews at Glaze to Amaze.

Kevin Matthews and Joy

 

Kevin welcomed Joy right in. She showed him one of her houses, and he gave her a couple tips on making the lids (roofs) fit a little better. They're exchanging work space and materials for help in the store.  Joy jumped right in and helped with Ladies' Night last night, Thursdays from 3:00 - 8:00.

 

 

When I came back to the store, after teaching a couple piano lessons and getting my boys ready for a band concert, I saw Joy sitting next to one of my former piano students, Holly!

 

 

 

The Brainerd Lakes Area Women of Today chose Glaze to Amaze as their outing for the week. Look how much fun they're having, creating, and connecting!

 

 

Thanks, Kevin, for being so accommodating and welcoming my sister into the community of artists.

Glaze to Amaze is located in downtown Brainerd on Laurel Street. Kevin will be offering great specials during both Black Friday, next week, and Small Business Saturday. Shop local, support artists in your area, and help build up your community.

After the pottery fun, we were off to the 9th grade band concert. Did you ever mention how much I love band concerts? Yep. Love'em. They never last long enough for me. The band teachers in this area deserve a standing ovation!!!

Students entering for the concert. Not the greatest photo, I know.

You can see my boy's blonde halo in the trumpet section.

 

Today, we're off to The Guthrie Theater to view and review A Christmas Carol. I'm bringing lots of family for this wonderful show.

 

If you're interested in taking a few voice lessons while Joy is here, contact her at Joy@itsajoystudio.com. Read her post on A Successful Day where she describes how voice lessons can boost your confidence as a singer and in life.

 

Read my most recent Her Voice article here  starting on p. 36,on having my first-born leave the nest.

 

Go. Create. Inspire!

 

Journaling Prompt:  Write about a time when you felt more connected to your community through the arts.

Fall Women's Retreat at Mount Carmel

Quote of the Day:  I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. from Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message)

Some of the women who attended the Women's Retreat at Mount Carmel, September 14-16, 2012.

 

Barb, who lead us and lit a candle of hope in each of our hearts.

She gave us the feeling of unconditional love and acceptance for who we are and where we are in our life's journey.

 

 

 

Every fall, Mount Carmel offers a women's retreat on the beautiful shores of Lake Carlos. We're usually a small, intimate group of women who gather for respite, for fellowship, and for nurturing one another in faith and in our life's journey. They come from near and far. Some with heavy burdens, recent losses, difficult diagnoses or decisions for loved ones or themselves. They come for rest and renewal. The song running through my head as we gathered was You have come down to the Lakeshore by Cesareo Gabarain, originally written in Spanish and nicely translated into English. The chorus: Sweet Lord, you have looked into my eyes; kindly smiling, you've called out my name. On the sand I have abandoned my small boat; now with you, I will seek other seas.

Together, we shared our stories and sang our songs. We felt the presence of the Holy Spirit, and left with a new kind of tired and a new kind of energy.  What I love about this retreat is that mothers and daughters come together, friends, sisters, cousins, and people who need time away might come on their own, but leave feeling they are not alone.

 

Mothers and daughters

My cousin Angie and I provided the music. She and I have similar backgrounds, grew up going to Mount Carmel in the summer, and enjoy making music together. Thanks, Angie, for doing the music with me. You made it so fun and gave me such confidence.

Thank you, Barb, for leading us with your gentle and encouraging spirit, filled with love.

Thank you, Mount Carmel, for providing such a lovely setting.

Thank you to all the women who attended. You are bright, shining stars.

Peace,
Mary

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Where would you go for a retreat? Who would you like to go with you? Or, would you prefer to go alone?

Review of Anytown at the Guthrie

Quote of the Day:  The song changes over time. It changes depending on who you're singing it to. The song changes. This is one of the quotes that flashed on the backdrop as the dancers were performing Anytown at the Guthrie, running through Sunday, June 24. I wish they had printed the quotes in the program along with descriptions of the songs and what the dancers were trying to tell us through their movements. Go to The Guthrie multimedia page for a rehearsal video clip.

The Guthrie Theater presents a Shapiro & Smith Dance production of Anytown, Thursday, June 21 - Sunday, June 24. Pictured: Kari Mosel and company. Photo credit: V. Paul Virtucio

Anytown is a dance performance by the Shapiro & Smith Dance Company using the music of Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band members Patti Scialfa and Soozie Tyrell. It tells stories of American life, the working class, the hardships, the relationships, the emotions of a lifetime.

The Guthrie Theater presents a Shapiro & Smith Dance production of Anytown, Thursday, June 21 - Sunday, June 24. Pictured: Kari Mosel and company. Photo credit: V. Paul Virtucio

Some images were clear to me. I felt the need and longing from Human Touch (opening number), the family conflict in Square Dance, the turmoil and conflicting emotions of When You're Young in the City, and the sexual tension in The Big Muddy. Other images and movements went right past me, I'm sure. I regretted not having a background in dance - for my lack of interpretation skills, as well as an envy of the dancers. They are beautiful and athletic. They look strong and powerful out there, so confident. I can't take my eyes off of them and wonder how many hours of training it must take to be so skilled and poised for an entire show like this.

The Guthrie Theater presents a Shapiro & Smith Dance production of Anytown, Thursday, June 21 - Sunday, June 24. Pictured: Maggie Bergeron and company. Photo credit: V. Paul Virtucio

I loved the staging of Maria's Bed, with the company sitting all proper like they're in church, sweet costumes, hats, jazzy movements, and the dancer in the back on the bed and moved towards the front, like we're one way in public and another in private.

My favorite number was St. Genevieve because it is about a river, how it flows and floods, and like life, you can't really move away from it. The choreography truly looked like a flowing river. And, the final numbers with Laura Selle Virtucio dancing solo, then the company joining her for Born in the U.S.A. and Glory Days were fantastic.

I know I missed some of the meaning and some of the story, and my techie son admits to not understanding much of it, but I chose to sit back and just watch and feel the emotions that the songs and dancers created. That was worth the drive to the cities from my home in Brainerd on a gorgeous summer night. As we left the city, just a hint of light was still on the horizon, golden and hopeful, and as we were heading north, flashes of lightning gave us a preview of the Fourth of July.

And, I had one more date with my oldest son, the HS graduate, who will be heading off on his own adventures, soon. He expanded his horizons just a bit more with this trip to the city.

He tried Thai food for the first time at Kindee near the Guthrie.

His was a milder noodle dish.

I had spicy red curry. Hoo! it heated up my mouth, but I cooled it off with that delicious iced coffee.

We both enjoyed the fried calamari, lightly breaded with just the right amount of spice in the dipping sauce.

(Thanks to our waitress Michelle for the great recommendations.)

Dare to expand your horizons. There is so much of life to taste and see.

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Go out and try something new, a food, an artform, or even a drive down a new road. What have you discovered?

Robert Robinson & Tim Frantzich Create Heaven on a Saturday Night

Quote of the Day:  We all have a job to do here. We can make a choice and work together to build a golden city. paraphrase from Robert Robinson from his concert in the Brainerd lakes area...Heaven on a Saturday Night, May 5, 2012.

It was a moment of Transformation.

Robert Robinson, Timothy Frantzich, David Ballman

I sat up front, just feet away from the most powerful, soulful, gospel voice on the planet. The piano was an arm's length from me. I could see the subtle tick of facial expression as well as the wide open exaltation. Brother Timothy, Robert Robinson, David Ballman, and pianist David Billingsly created Heaven on a Saturday Night. There in the old, stone church in North Brainerd, I felt a transformation. This was not the kind of concert that we rural Minnesotans of northern European descent are used to. Uhn-ah, no, ma'am. No one was sitting straight and still with hands in their laps. These folks rocked the house. Their music, encouraged by our response, brought everyone to a higher plane. We were on our feet. We were clappin' and wigglin' our hips and tappin' more than toes and huggin' our neighbor. At one point, Robert challenged us to be a gospel choir. He said, "Let's raise it one step higher and make you a Black Gospel Choir."  He said that he'd never heard of people just stopping once they get into a song. You finally get'em going, and then they're done? No. You gotta keep singing.

Okay, I might look a little drunk here as I'm singin' & clappin' & movin'. It's not alcohol, folks. I'm intoxicated by the music, the moment, and the energy.

We were rockin' the house, way up here in Brainerd, Minnesota, at the United Church of Christ. The performers encouraged us to sing along, to move something in response. (Who could sit still?)

David Billingsly at the piano.

I watched in awe as David accompanied Robert Robinson. He'd often have his eyes glued to the singer. Robert sings from a deep well inside of him. I can imagine it's never the same song twice. David is vigilant, ready with his talented fingers to bring the song along, to give us waterfalls of transformation, to lift up Robert in places, and then have his moments to shine. It was a joy to watch him perform.

He seemed so comfortable there. Sometimes he'd lean forward, scrunch up one eye, listen intently to Robert, then take it away.

Fingers on the piano.

A touch of magic.

David said that tonight, at our concert, Robert went places he'd never heard him go before. He had his transformation. Brother Timothy said that when all three voices hit a chord in a song, he felt the transformation. I'm telling you, folks, you aren't living if you don't attend live performances. There is no substitute, and the feeling stays with you forever. It lifts you up. It transforms you beyond time and circumstance, and it gives you the energy to "build a golden city."

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  What inspires you to build a golden city?

Thank you, Joey Halvorson, for taking so many wonderful pictures and capturing the moment. She has more on her facebook page, and I told her she could subtitle the album, The Body Language of Music. mmm. hmmm.

Spring Piano Recital

Quote of the Day:  Where words leave off music begins. from the cover of a new journal I bought called Rhapsody. It's a gorgeous Black Rock Journal, all black cover with silver letters and musical notations. It was screaming my name when I walked into the book store. The pages are smooth, and my pen glides across like notes in a bluesy piece when you know what it's saying even when you can't hear the words.

Favorite Photo Friday:

The 2012 Spring Recital.

They're both cute and talented!

We had a lovely afternoon of music at Edgewood Vista last Sunday. I thanked the students for their hard work and bravery to get up and perform. I thanked the parents for providing them with a chance to make music.

Here is an excellent article that busts the Myths of Learning to Play the Piano. It is particularly good for any adult who has been longing to play, but has hang-ups about what it takes.

May you have many musical moments this spring!

Go. Create. Inspire!

Journaling Prompt:  Do you have someone to thank for giving you the gift of music, either in lessons, or sharing their song?

Favorite Photos Friday - Band Concert Week!

Quote of the Day:  Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn. ~Charlie Parker

Music is what life sounds like. ~ Eric Olson

8th grade Band

During The Temple of Ka Uka, the band used their hands and voices to add rhythm and sound.

It's a song inspired by the sights and sounds of Hawai'i.

I didn't get any good close-ups of the 6th grade band,

so my guys gave me a home concert.

Being in the band is a metaphor for life. The individual members need to work on their own instrument, carefully honing their craft. They can mark improvement in themselves while being part of a larger group. When they are all working in harmony, they are a powerful force. Each member contributes in his own way. Everyone working toward a common goal. You might be a leader, filled with melody, like the trumpets. You might be the strong bass, offering a foundation for the chords. You might be a specialized instrument like the piccolo or the French Horn, or you might be one of the varied pieces in the percussion section, offering a unique way to keep the rhythm.

Go. Create. Inpsire!

Journaling Prompt:  What instrument are you most like? How do you and your craft fit into the big band of life?