Probably the most widely known opera is Carmen, written by Georges Bizet (score) and Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halevy (libretto).  The story actually comes from a short novella written by Prosper Merimee.  Though there are other operas out there that compete for the spot of most known, I would argue that people of all ages and from all walks of life will be able to hum along to the Habañera or the Toreador’s song.  That being said, not everyone knows the story of Carmen, so let me enlighten you. Continue Reading »

Thanks to Professor Healey of Introduction to Theatre Design at Queens College, I know of a really quaint museum in NoHo: The Merchant’s House Museum.  “The Merchant’s House Museum is New York City’s only family home preserved intact — inside and out — from the 19th century. Built in 1832 just steps from Washington Square, this elegant red-brick and white-marble row house on East Fourth Street was home to a prosperous merchant family for almost 100 years” (Merchant’s House Museum).  Because I’m a crazed lover of the old, I decided I’d get a student membership to the museum and go to three events that they’re holding in one month (though I must cancel one of my reservations due to a prior obligation)!  The first of the three events was Chant Macabre, a vocal concert performed by the Bond Street Euterpean Singing Society.  Follow me on a journey back in time, a journey to a 19th century parlor filled with macabre music. Continue Reading »

It’s Italian Heritage Month and though I’m not Italian, I enjoyed the festivities that took place October 10th in room 264 at the Aaron Copland School of Music during free hour.  Sponsored by John D. Calandra Italian American Institute, the Office of COO/VP Elizabeth Hendrey, and the Aaron Copland School of Music, the concert featured both current vocal students and alumni of the music school.   Continue Reading »

I had a very busy day planned out for today.  The original list went as follows:

Quidditch 10:00-12:00
Finkel, Finkel & Rutkowski 1:30-3:30
Habit 4:00-5:30
Broadway Flea Market 6:00-8:00

You must agree, that seems a little bit impossible.  And it was.  I didn’t have enough stamina or energy to get through the entire day.  And you have to realize, these events weren’t neighbors.  It would be downtown to uptown to downtown to midtown.  A little bit crazy!  So here’s the final schedule:

Quidditch 10:00-12:00
Lunch on Columbus Avenue 12:50-1:30
Finkel, Finkel & Rutkowski 1:30-3:30 (I ran a little late)
Columbus Avenue Street Fair 3:30-4:30 Continue Reading »

College just started.  Music just given out.  Only five rehearsals to get it perfect.  The Aaron Copland School of Music’s College Orchestra, conducted under the outstanding director Maurice Peress, did it.  They were phenomenal!  I went with my roommate, a girl who appreciates the realm of classical, orchestral music, but who, unlike me, doesn’t listen to it exclusively.  She hasn’t been to many live performances of great composers before.  I enjoyed seeing her face glow as she heard Copland’s scenic melody, as shewitnessed Erica Gailing’s flawless performance, and as she waited in such anticipation to shout out “MAMBO!”  It’s always an experience to listen to live orchestra.  There are certain vibrations and emotions in the air that are simply not there when listening to the radio or to CDs.  It’s impossible to simply give an overview of the entire performance so… Continue Reading »