Two Fanfares: New Yorker Raphael Mostel Memorial Reprises In Los Angeles; San Francisco Michael Kaulkin Curtainraiser Premieres In Washington, D.C.

This evening, May 4, at CalArts Roy O. Disney Hall, in Los Angeles, under the direction of Edward Carroll, the CalArts Brass will give a performance of New York composer Raphael Mostel's powerful World War II Memorial work "Night and Dawn". This will be the tenth performance of this important new work, which was commissioned for the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Brass Ensemble to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Holland's liberation from the Nazis. The world premiere of the memorial took place one year ago, in May, by the combined Chicago Symphony and Royal Concertgebouw orchestras' brass sections, in Chicago's Orchestra Hall.

During World War II, the deportation and death toll on the local Dutch Jewish population was the worst of any Western European nation, at 75% [a proportion vastly exceeded, of course, in Eastern Europe]. In honor of those members of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra who were deported during the Nazi occupation, Raphael Mostel wrote a brief passage for shofars at the climax of "Night." This score is reported to be exceptionally powerful, and almost shattering in its impact, and it should be well worth attending when it comes to a city near you.

An archival recording of one of the Concertgebouw brass's performances of "Night and Dawn" may shortly become available for streaming online. It has not yet been recorded commercially.

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On a more cheerful note, San Francisco classical and new music theater composer Michael Kaulkin -- who is originally from Washington, D.C. and who trained in Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Budapest, Hungary -- will be returning to his former city for the premiere of his "Fanfare" to mark the 40th Anniversary of the distinguished, and highly artist-friendly, Washington International School. That premiere will take place on May 12 and 13, at the Roundhouse Theater. Some of the distinguished artists associated with this leading national high school include Larry Vincent for theater and music theater, and Sherman Fleming for the visual and experimental arts.

Also check out Michael's new CD of his score for a contemporary film version of Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice. Michael's score contrasts dark and tense dramatic moments with sweeping, lyrical melodies. Musical influences include Bernstein and Sondheim, with lashings of Ravel and Vaughan Williams. You can listen to the score at this link, but then go buy it -- and support new humanist music in America!

http://www.shakespearesmerchant.com/music/

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The Washington International Schools Core Values and Mission Statement:

The mission of Washington International School is to provide a demanding international education that will challenge students to become responsible and effective world citizens.


International Education

Washington International School introduces students to the world's cultural heritage through a rigorous curriculum, international in its approach to people, knowledge, values, and skills. Commitment to intensive language learning is fundamental to the program.

Global Citizenship

Washington International School believes that global citizenship requires engagement with diverse cultural perspectives. The School strives to instill in students a commitment to active service and a sense of responsibility for local, national, and world communities.

Individual Integrity

Washington International School encourages individual self-discovery and self-expression that values honesty and civility among all members of the community.

http://www.wis.edu/aboutwis/missionandcorevalu.asp
















On May 5, 1945, after a bitter winter of fighting and suffering, the German Army signed the capitulation treaty in the Hotel de Wereld in Wageningen, Holland.

Archival photo credit: northernblue.ca/.../ categories/7-7/P2.html With thanks.