6/29/2008

Carmina Burana concert at the beautiful Chiostro di San Pietro in Vincoli a true success

“The sexiest Carmina Burana Rome has ever heard”, that was conductor Jonathan Talberg’s promise for the concert event on Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 9.00 pm at the Chiostro di San Pietro in Vincoli (Monumental cloister of Saint Peter in Chains) - and he didn't promise too much. The audience of several hundred paying spectators - mainly Italians - were very moved by the performance and rewarded the musicians with minute-long applause. The setting in the historical courtyard which is now part of the Roman University La Sapienza contributed to the success of the concert that concluded the 2008 Incantato Festival.
Under the direction of Dr. Talberg, a highly-skilled US-American director and renowned university professor, almost 100 singers from three choirs performed Carl Orff’s masterwork in the reduced version for soloists, mixed choir, two pianos and percussion: The California State University Long Beach Chamber Choir supported by singers from the University Choir and the Carolina International Chorale from Chapel Hill, North Carolina (under the direction of Sue Klausmeyer).
Carmina Burana is an exciting and moving cantata based on 24 poems from the 13th century that were discovered in a Bavarian monastery. The poems cover a wide selection of secular topics as familiar to us today as they undoubtedly were in the 13th century: the transient nature of wealth, the fickleness of fortune, the joy of the return of Spring, and the pleasures and perils of drinking, gluttony, gambling and sex. The music has a here-and-now quality that captures the attention of modern audiences, it is surging, powerful and sometimes very erotic.
When asked to sum up the work in two phrases, Dr. Talberg said: "Carmina was written by monks who wish they weren't monks or in the words of the 60s, it is all about sex, drugs and rock'n roll".
The concert opened the Roman Summer Musical Festival “E Lucevan le stelle – Musica nel Chiostro” and followed the Incantato Carmina Burana Festival 2008 on the Amalfi Coast where 120 singers performed Carmina Burana with full symphony orchestra on June 27 in the Anfiteatro di Maiori. The event was organized by the New York based Performance Tour Specialists Incantato Tours & Concert Management in cooperation with the Roman Associazione Nova Amadeus and under patronage of the Italian Ministero per i Beni e le Attività Culturali – Dipartimento dello Spettacolo. Artistic Director is Stefano Sovrani who founded the Nova Amadeus Orchestra in 1982 and has since worked with many major artists.
While the percussionists were professional Italian musicians and members of the Nova Amadeus Orchestra, the soloists and pianists come from the United States - like the choristers. The singers executed Carmina beautifully. The three soloists, Tenor Andrew Crane, Baritone Tyler Alessio and Soprano Ashley Seaton excelled. Alessio and Seaton are outstanding voice majors at California State University Long Beach and the two Italian concerts were their international premieres as soloists in a major production. Christopher Luthi and Frank Zachary were the pianists for the Rome concert.

Impressions from the Carmina Burana Festival on the Amalfi Coast

Bravissimo, siete bravissimi!! The Carmina Burana Festival Concert on June 27 at the Anfiteatro del Porto in Maiori attracted wellover 1000 guests and they were amazed by the powerful performance of Carl Orff's masterwork by the choirs from California and North Carolina under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Talberg. 120 singers and the State Symphony Orchestra from the Russian Republic of Udmurtia enchanted the international audience. The Incantato Festival Choir received minute-long applause and standing ovations. The soloists were: Tyler Alessi (Baritone), Ashley Seaton (Tenor) and Dr. Andrew Crane (Tenor). The pianists: Christopher Luthi and Joshua Tuburan. The singers came from the following choirs: The California State University Chamber Choir & University Choir, The Carolina International Chorale and The California State University Chamber Singers.
For impressions from the Festival Concert, please view the slide show below.

This is a video recording of the concert opening:

The 2008 Incantato Festival on the Amalfi Coast was organized by New York based Incantato Tours & Concert Management in cooperation with the Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno e Turismo di Maiori (Grazie mille, to Dr. Giacobbe Ruocco and his team). The event was under the patronage of the American Consulate in Naples and supported by the Regione di Campania and various local organizations.

6/27/2008

New Incantato Concert videos online

Check out www.youtube.com/incantatotours for recordings from the Incantato 2008 Choral Festival in Italy.

6/26/2008

Musical Appetizer from the Incantato Festival Choir: O Fortuna

"The sexiest Carmina Burana ever heard" - Enchanting Incantato Festival Concert on the Amalfi Coast in Maiori on Friday, June 27 at 9 pm

Event:
Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" in concert
Date:
June 27, Anfiteatro (Marina di Maiori) at 9 pm

"We are singing the sexiest Carmina Burana the Amalfi Coast has ever heard", that's conductor Jonathan Talberg's promise for the upcoming concert event on Friday, June 27, 2008 at 9.00 pm at the Anfiteatro in Maiori (Marina). The entrance is free for the 2008 Incantato Festival opening.
Under the direction of Dr. Talberg, a masterly US-American choir director and renowned university professor, 120 singers from four choirs are performing Carl Orff's masterpiece in full length with soloists, mixed choir, two pianos and symphomic orchestra: The California State University Chamber Choir supported by singers from the CSULB University Choir from Long Beach, The California State University San Bernadino Chamber Singers and The Carolina International Chorale from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Carmina Burana is an extraordinary and moving cantata based on 24 poems from the 13th century that were discovered in a Bavarian monastery. The poems cover a wide range of secular topics as familiar to us today as they undoubtedly were in the 13th century: the transient nature of wealth, the fickleness of fortune, the joy over the return of Spring, and the pleasures and perils of drinking, gluttony, gambling and sex. The music has a here-and-now quality that captures the attention of modern audiences, it is surging, powerful and sometimes very erotic. "Perfect for a hot summer night on the amazing Amalfi Coast", exclaims Talberg. Performing Carmina in Italy is a dream come true for the conductor and singers alike. The Maiori Anfiteatro is an ideal setting for this essential artistic experience. When visiting the Amalfi Coast for the very first time last summer, the maestro was particularly moved by the hospitality of the locals and great appreciation for fine arts. "When asked if we would consider performing Carmina in Maiori, there could only be one answer: YES", Talberg recalls. The local commitment and support, both morally and financially, substantiallly helped to realize the project titled "Incantato Festival 2008". The highlight performance of Carmina Burana in Maiori is presented by the New York based Performance Tour Specialists Incantato Tours & Concert Management in cooperation with the Azienda di Soggiorno e Turismo di Maiori and under the patronage of the Regione di Campania. The singers' journey will also be documented by a videographer that was especially appointed to come along.
While the symphonic orchestra is comprised of professional musicians from the Republic of Udmurtia which makes Carmina in Maiori a truly international event, the soloists and pianists come from the United States - like the choristers. Tenor Andrew Crane has already made himself a name for his inspired interpretation of the role. Baritone Tyler Alessio and Soprano Ashley Seaton are outstanding voice majors at California State University Long Beach and the concerts will be their international premiere as soloists in a major production. Christopher Luthi and Joshua Tuburan are the pianists.

Impressions from the Festival Prelude Concert

The Carmina Burana Festival Choir directed by Maestro Dr. Jonathan Talberg

The CSUSB Chamber Singers directed by Dr. Andrew Crane

The Carolina International Chorale directed by Dr. Sue Klausmeyer

The California State University Long Beach Chamber Choir directed by Dr. Jonathan Talberg

6/24/2008

Enchanting Welcome Dinner for the Incantato Festival 2008

The Incantato 2008 Festival Welcome Dinner and Reception took place at the beautiful Torre Normanna Restaurant in Maiori. A stunning view over the Amalfi Coast, plenty of local specialties plus wine and music awaited the 150 participants from the United States.L

6/23/2008

Cal State Long Beach Chamber Singers performed twice in Rome - "Siete Bravissimi"

The CSUSB Chamber Singers left Rome with memories of two performances in one day. First, they were the featured guest choir for High Mass at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and then presented their second formal concert at the Chiesa di Sant'Alessio on the Aventine Hill. The singers performed to very appreciative audiences and received lots of applause. "Siete bravissimi", "Molto bravo", "Bellissimi voci", were just a few of the very positive comments CSUSB got.

The ensemble under the direction of Dr. Andrew Crane arrived in Rome on June 22 after spending a couple of days in Tuscany, the first stop of their 2008 Performance Tour to Italy. Next and final destination is the magnificent Amalfi Coast where the choir will be presenting first a joined concert and then Carmina Burana together with the CSULB Chamber Choir and the Caroline International Chorale as part of the 2008 Incantato Festival.

6/22/2008

CSULB Chamber Choir made it to Italy

The California State University Long Beach Chamber Choir made it safely to Italy on June 22. The 35+ singers under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Talberg are touring Italy this summer where they will be perfoming Carmina Burana on the Amalfi Coast and in Rome. Updates on the CSULB Italy Performance Tour 2008 will be posted here frequently.

CSUSB Chamber Singers Italy Tour - First concert in Florence already a success

The California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) Chamber Singers arrived safely in Italy on June 19. The ensemble under the direction of Dr. Andrew Crane presented their first indivual concert in San Gaetano in Florence on June 20 to a full house and received standing ovations. The picture on the left was taken by Midean Toth, the proud mom of singer. We'll add more pictures soon and will also feature short videoclips of the other performances.

Their next concert prior to joining the 2008 Incantato "Carmina Burana" Festival on the Amalfi Coast in on Monday, June 23 at Sant' Alessio on the Aventine Hill in Rome at 9 pm. The CSUSB Chamber Singers will also be the featured guest choir for High Mass at the beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore at 6 pm.

Below is the group's concert schedule.

Dolci Melodie

THE CSUSB CHAMBER SINGERS

Sabato, 21 Giugno alle ore 21

June 21, 9 pm

San Gaetano – Firenze

Lunedi, 23 Giugno alle ore 6

June 23, 6 pm (Messa Cantata/Sung Mass)

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore – Roma

Lunedi, 23 Giugno alle ore 21

June 23, 9 pm

Sant’ Alessio – Roma

Mercoledì 25 Giugno alle ore 21

June 25, 9 pm

Collegiata di Santa Maria a. Mare – Maiori

con il coro della California State University Long Beach

& il Carolina International Chorale (USA)



6/13/2008

Impressions from the SBCC Farewell Dinner





The Santa Barbara City College Concert Choir ended it's 2008 Performance Tour to Ireland on a high note: The 52 travelers from California were singing and dancing the night away at the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin as part of their "Shindig" Farewell Dinner organized by Incantato Tours. The Three-Man-Band and Claddagh Irish Dancers were a true hit with the crowd and SBCC was invited to perform as well - not an easy task after a tour of the distillery and a yummy three course meal including some strong Irish coffee which was - for most - accompanied by a few pints for most and also a tasting of the Jameson whiskey.
The truly outstanding band dedicted "Danny Boy" (video also featured below) to director Nathan Kreitzer who was presented with a special gift from Incantato Concert Management as a small token of our appreciation for the opportunity to work with and for SBCC on this exciting tour: a traditional Bodhran. In addition, Nathan received the XXL tour poster (pictured in front of St. Patrick' s Cathedral) which was signed by all participants at the bottom.
Last not least, the dancers invited guests from the audience to show their skills to traditional Irish tunes: SBCC singers Matt, Kenny, Angela and Christina were brave enough to try and had a blast. Email us to info@incantatotours.com to see for yourself.


6/11/2008

SBCC Concert Choir concludes Ireland Tour with a true highlight concert at Kylemore Abbey

The Santa Barbara City College Concert Choir presented their forth and finale concert on their 2008 Performance Tour to Ireland organized by Incantato on Thursday, June 12 at the magnificent Gothic Church at Kylemore Abbey. The singers under the direction of Nathan Kreitzer enchanted the audience with their full program titled "Songs of the Old and the New World".
One of many highlights was the world premiere of Michael Eglin's newest composition "Barter" - soon to be available by the Santa Barbara Publishing Company. The 40+ singers received lots of applause from the international audience - Germans, French, Irish, Scots and visitors from various other European countries, even some Australians enjoyed the noon concert at the newly renovated church which offered standing room only - the about 80 seats were taken even before the concert started.
More videos and pictures from the performance will be featured on our blog asap.
This group picture was taken after the concert.
Please visit Incantato Tours & Concert Management on youtube.com/incantatotours for recordings from this and other performances.

SBCC College Concert Choir takes Irish pub in Killarney by storm

The picturesque town of Killarney in Ireland is home to many musical pubs with Danny Mann on New Street being one of the most popular ones. Thus it was an ideal place for the Santa Barbara City College Concert Choir to present a "fun concert" on June 10. Finally, the singers from California directed by Nathan Kreitzer had a chance to perform their secular Irish repertoire they had prepared for their 2008 Performance Tour to the Green Isle. After selections from Irish composers David Mooney and Michael McGlynn featuring Treasa McGettigan as the soloist, and "MLK" from U2 with Travis Morse as the soloist, the concert concluded with two very well received American spirituals and "Irish Blessing". Both the performers and the audience really enjoyed the Irish Pub gig as you can tell by the smiles on the singers' faces and the applause they received.
Our video clips from this performance come with typical pub background noises, but we hope you enjoy them nevertheless.
Below fetaured is "Dúlamán", for more videos of this and other fine choirs traveling to Europe with Incantato Tours & Concert Management, please visit youtube.com/incantatotours.

6/09/2008

More Incantato Concert videos online

We just added new videos to our Incantato Tours & Concert Managament youtube account. Especially fans and friends of SBCC should check them out. The quality is not the greatest since there was a lot of background noise in the church, but we hope you enjoy them nevertheless. Click here

Singers from Santa Barbara move Cork Audience to tears of joy

The Santa Barbara City College Concert Choir's second performance during their 2008 Performance Tour to Ireland took place at the church of St. Augustine in Cork. The 40+ singers under the direction of Nathan Kreitzer were invited to participate in the Polish Mass at St. Augustine's Church along with the resident choir and then presented a short program afterwards. The audience of at least 800 during mass - many remained for the concert - rewarded the singers with lots of applause and standing ovations. The spirituals "Shout Glory!" and "Soon Ah Will Be Done!" were audience favorites and moved several to tears of joy. The following commentary is taken from the SBCC Ireland Tour Blog written by Elizabeth Bowman: "Looking out at what was probably 1,000 faces was surprising, as was their applause. It's not clear what parishioners knew about us ahead of time -- the priest explained in Polish who we were at the outset of the service -- or even if they understood the words of the songs, but the tears we witnessed and kisses some received spoke volumes. It was exhilarating and moving and we can't wait to sing more."
If it hadn't been for the European Championship Match of Poland vs. Germany which started only shortly after the performance, the choir would have not been allowed to bid farewell with only one encore. Both the Polish and the Irish Priest at St. Augustine's Church thanks SBCC for perform in their church and for the people in Cork. "Your brought us a most wonderful gift with your music. So many aspects of our lives can be improved through music, it warms the heart, the soul and brings people closer together. Thank you very very much for coming to Cork."

6/06/2008

SBCC Concert Choir's first Irish performance at St. Patrick a success for audience and singers

Only 28 hours after the group's arrival in Ireland, the The Santa Barbara City College Concert Choir performed in Ireland's most important cathedral: St. Patrick's in Dublin. The ensemble under the direction of Nathan Kreitzer presented a selection of most American spirituals - very much to the delight of the audience. Also the 40+ singers from California enjoyed the first concert on their 2008 Performance Tour to Ireland: "What an amazing venue", several singers commented. "To hear ourselves sing here, was worth the trip!", said another one. The ensemble also got an "invitation" to come to Norway next as a gentleman in the audience really wanted them to perform in his hometown as well.
Next stop for the SBCC Choir on their journey with Incantato Tours is the city of Cork. For videoclips from the concert at St. Patrick's Cathedral, visit youtube.com/incantatotours.

6/05/2008

SBCC arrived safely in Ireland - First concert on Friday at St.Patrick's Cathedral

The Santa Barbara City College Concert Choir arrived safely in Ireland on the morning of June 5, 2o08. The singers under the direction of Nathan Kreitzer are touring the Green Isle until June 14 and present a program with choral works title "Songs of the Old and New World". Incantato Tour Manager Barbara welcomed the group at Dublin airport and introduced them to her hometown prior to check-in for their city-center hotel.

The ensemble's first concert is on June 6, 2008 at noon at the beautiful National Cathedral and Collegiate Church of Saint Patrick in Dublin.
For more information on the SBCC 2008 Performance Tour, check back here frequently and also visit the choir-blog at http://irelandsbcc2008.blogspot.com/

6/04/2008

Impressions from our Tours

New Incantato Concert videos online

Check out youtube.com/incantatotours for new concert videos from the fine ensembles traveling to Europe with Incantato Tours & Concert Management such as the recording of Canticum Novums performance of Rossini's "O Salutaris Hostia" at the Sevilla Cathedral below. ENJOY.

Full house for Canticum's finale concert in Sevilla

"What a wonderful audience", Donald Morse, director of "Canticum Novum", commented after his choir's finale concert on their 2008 Spain Performance Tour in Sevilla. The ensemble from Phoenix, Arizona, concertized to well over 150 people in the church of San Sebastiàn and received lost of applause. Many guests came up to the singers after the concert to personally thank and compliment them. An older gentleman expressed his appreciation for "this heaven sent present" as he called the performance.

For a recording from this and other concerts, visit Incantato on youtube.com/incatatotours.

6/01/2008

Royal treatment for Canticum Novum in Sevilla Cathedral's Capella Real

The Sanctuary Touring Choir of Central United Methodist Church in Phoenix, Arizona - "Canticum Novum" - was the featured guest choir for Sunday High Mass at the magnificent Cathedral of Sevilla on June 1, 2008. The ensemble under the direction of Donald E. Morse sang in the Capella Real, the Royal Chapel and was surely treated as such: After singing the first three selections from the choir loft, Canticum was invited to conclude the mass and their performance in front of the main altar. The priest thanked the choir for their contribution to the celebration and said "that the choir's music was heart-warming and a special present for the church, the parishioners and the visitors from all over the world". He even gave a special introduction just for the choir into the history of the newest and most special chapel which Incantato Tour Manager Katia translated into English. About 250 people attended the Misa Cantata with Canticum Novum which was another highlight performance on the choir's 2008 Performance Tour to Northern and Southern Spain.

The slideshow above shows impressions from the Mass along with pictures from the tapas luncheon and guided sightseeing tour which preceeded the finale Canticum concert at the church of San Sebastián at 9 pm.