2010 Italian Festival Gala Concert

It was Jean Scalessa who really started the Gala Concert eight years ago – and it has become a more professional and polished concert each year. But how can we appreciate those who have the courage to start a concert series and who accept the risk that a new series might fail? And after the grueling work of convincing everyone to join in, they then hand it over to the lucky successor who has a ready-made tradition.

The first performers on the Gala Concert this year were the Wilmington Children’s Chorus, another group founded by a pioneer. David Christopher founded a chorus for kids living in the Wilmington area hoping to mix kids from city and suburbs and create a free, quality choral program. Kimberly Doucette, an active participant from the start of the project and current artistic director, prepared the kids well, showing how she has truly created an atmosphere of discipline administered with a smile. The kids came on quietly, sang well, watched the conductor, had the lyrics down pat (and they sang in Italian). Afterwards I complimented one of the singers who responded with a warm and sincere ‘thank you’ – no teenage squirming or dodging, which shows the program will give them music and mature poise.

Joe Soprani played an outstanding arrangement he created for accordion of Carnival of Venice. The accompaniment on piano by Jordan Irazabal was a great foundation for the piece.

The program also included excerpts from operas, and I was impressed with the round bass voice of Martin Hargrove in Verdi’s Te Lodiamo.

I enjoyed the traditional Italian numbers like Va pensiero from Verdi’s Nabucco, which I like to sing with the chorus and I was delighted that Dr. Brian Stone brought more discipline to the conducting than I had seen in the past. The chamber orchestra also had a great sound for Preghiera from Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni – again rounded out by piano.

Would that there had been more orchestral accompaniments than piano reductions! Piano reductions are great, but why use them when you have a full chamber orchestra for the afternoon? If they use the chamber orchestra for all of the solos next year, the concert will have developed in a way that would make Jean Scalessa proud.

See http://www.stanthonyfestival.com/.

A Night Supporting Arts for All

By Guest Blogger, Jennifer Gunther

Jennifer is the Executive Director of VSA Arts of Delaware and an advocate for appropriate and fulfilling access to the Arts for all. Artwork by Ryan Griffin, age 5.

Once referred to by a funder as “a well-kept secret that everyone should know about”, VSA Delaware (VSADE) is a statewide organization that promotes expression through the Arts, with particular focus on opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The evening of Friday, June 4, delivered an experience in “our world of Art”, with an exceptional exhibit: the Celebration of Creativity (COC) 2010 Friends Reception at the Arts Center/Gallery at Delaware State University.

The exhibit is a collection of more than 65 works by artists with disabilities who have participated in VSADE Artist-in-Residency programs. For participants, the program provided the chance for their work to be professionally recognized. In addition, the reception provided a musical performance by the Delaware Young Soloist awardee, Jeffrey Wu. Jeffery, a 15-year-old student at the Brennan School in Newark, noted that creative and artistic accomplishments are possible when opportunity is provided. The COC 2010 exhibit will continue through Wednesday, June 30, at the Arts Center/Gallery; in September, it will travel to additional exhibition sites throughout the state.

Perhaps I am a bit partial, but I believe VSADE is one of those organizations that should never be a “well-kept secret”! We at VSADE hope that everyone will acknowledge the Arts as a powerful education tool for everyone, regardless of ability or disability!

See http://www.vsadelaware.org/.

P.S.: As I write this, I have just returned from the opening ceremonies of the VSA International Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC (www.vsarts.org). I was enthralled by the conceptual dance of artist Bill Shannon, the amazing vocals of Prudence Mabhena and the delightful talent of Patti LaBelle. It was a great night for the arts and disability.

New Voices on the Wilmington Loop

Since he was one of the first artists to join our readers when we started the blog last year, I hastened to Urban Avenue at 221 Market to see Life of a Hip Hop Photographer: Andre’ Wright. Wright was greeting all comers, young and old, who walked in to the clothing shop where he had his exhibit and portfolios. Wright is young and has already been working as a photographer for magazines like Corner Store, YRB, Format, XXL, Floss, Nubuzz Photo. He is an enterprising artist with an edgy technique who shows the harsh cityscape as well as its soft beauty. He has already photographed some famous hip-hop stars. When you meet young talent and energy like that which Andre’ exudes, you know you have met a man with a future in the Arts!

To see his online portfolio, visit http://www.coloroflifephotography.blogspot.com

Another exciting discovery was three potters who have created beautiful cool-color glazes for pots, bowls and mugs which were on display at the Delaware Center for Horticulture’s Trolley Bazaar. Jerry Jennings was not there as Linda West and Rachel Bevis manned their table, when I dropped by to ask them about their website and where they sold pottery. Surprised at my question, they explained that they were taking a pottery course at the Delaware Art Museum and didn’t sell pottery anywhere. They should be giving some courses! I quickly fetched them a brochure about Delaware by Hand and hope they join so we can all buy their beautiful work. Shall we call them Potters Three? Tre Ceramiche? Pictured below: Rachel Bevis and Linda West.

And last, but not least, I paid a visit to the most reluctant artist of them all. John Kurtz decided when he hit 65 that he could pull his paintings out from under sofas and behind bookshelves and display them. Yes, the well-established rug man (JD Kurtz/New Moon Rugs) is really an artist who has studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence and served as a combat artist in Viet Nam. I preferred his wilder, satirical works to those which reminded me of fauvists and Eric Hopper. He has neither titles nor prices nor does he want to display or sell any of it. How reluctant can you be?

I named one of Kurtz’ paintings which really captured my imagination "The Italian Family". A big father figure in red, a stiff uncle in a suit, the belittled father figure all rounded out by a Madonna figure in a gauzy gown. When I told Kurtz the title I had chosen, he said that people see what they want to see. We will if you let us, Mr. Kurtz!