“MUSIC EXPOSED” AT VENTURA COLLEGE
Nine Days of Concerts, Master Classes, Demonstrations
and Lectures in February 08
An extraordinary thing is about to happen on the Ventura County music scene. On Feb. 1, a cadre of world-class, internationally known musicians will descend on the Ventura College campus to participate in the inaugural “Music Exposed” festival. What they will do there just may fundamentally change the way we think about classical music.
“Music Exposed,” conceived by Robert E. Lawson, Ventura College Music Director and Conductor, is designed to strip away the barrier between the artist and audience through a week-long series of concerts, master classes, demonstrations and lectures featuring an all-star roster of artists who can play anything from Bach to rock.
Through the festival’s creative programming, audience members will get to interact directly with the musical pros and become acquainted with their art, as well as gain a better understanding of the composers represented and the compositional techniques involved in the works being performed.
“The whole point of ‘Music Exposed’ is to make a real connection between the performers and the people, in a hip, innovative way that inspires audience members to think about, enjoy, and interact with music in different ways than they have before,” Maestro Lawson noted. “It will help them to think outside the (music) box.”
For example: “What would Johann Sebastian Bach be playing, and what would be sound like, if he were a jazz or new world music composer living in Southern California in 2008?” he asked mischievously. “We’ll explore that and much more during ‘Music Exposed.’”
This year’s festival will, in fact, focus on exposing the music of J.S. Bach, and present performances of the Baroque composer’s works in a variety of music forms and genres – some of which may be unexpected.
Lawson has tapped an impressive number of his celebrated musician friends to help him make the direct artist-to-audience connection. Among them are virtuoso pianists Robert Thies, Gold Medal Winner of the 1995 Prokofiev Piano Competition, and Bryan Pezzone, often referred to as one of the greatest improvisers since Mozart; gifted American-born Russian violinist Philip Vaiman and his much-lauded quartet La Camerata; the prodigal SCV Youth Philharmonic; and VC faculty ensemble La Deuxieme Chance Quintet, which includes some of the best instrumentalists in Southern California.
Adding their considerable talents to the “Music Exposed” lineup will be members of Jealous Nightingale, an ensemble dedicated to music composed in the Baroque Era. Reading from original Bach manuscripts and playing 17th-18th century instruments, the group will discuss, demonstrate and perform works by Bach and his contemporaries.
“At ‘Music Exposed,’ there will be nothing between you and the artist but the music,” quipped Festival Marketing Director John Dow, who is co-producing the festival with Lawson. “Whether you join us for a concert, a class or all 12 events, it will be an experience that will change and enrich the way you hear and appreciate any kind of music,” Dow said. “You won’t want to miss it!”
All “Music Exposed” events take place at the Ventura College Theatre, 4700 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, Calif. 93003.
Tickets: Master Classes $5. Performances: $15 adult, $10 senior, $5 student with ID. Tickets may be purchased for individual events or as a Concert Series. Purchase online at www.musicexposed.org or by calling tix.com at 1-800-595-4849, or in person at the Ventura Theatre box office 30 minutes prior to each event.
The “Music Exposed” festival is a non-profit event designed to benefit not only music students at VC, but also the Ventura County community at large through hands-on audience interaction and exposure to these internationally renowned musicians.
For more information, call (805) 469-1797 or visit www.musicexposed.org.
* * * * * ‘MUSIC EXPOSED’ FESTIVAL at VENTURA COLLEGE
Friday, Feb. 1-Saturday, Feb. 9
Performance Schedule
Ventura College Theatre
Friday, Feb. 1, 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Master Class. Selected students will perform works while master teachers Kenton Youngstrom and Marissa Steingold provide comments and instruction on how to develop the art of vocal performance and classical guitar.
Friday, Feb. 1, 8 p.m.: Performance by La Camerata. The innovative quartet delights audiences with its unusual adaptations of Bach; French, Spanish, Brazilian and Italian art songs; Gershwin preludes; and classical and jazz standards.
Saturday, Feb. 2, 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Master Class – “Music from the Baroque Era: What's it all about?” Members of Jealous Nightingale will provide a lecture/demonstration on period instruments about the interaction of tradition and innovation that was occurring in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
Saturday, Feb. 2, 8 p.m.: Performance by Jealous Nightingale. The dynamic new baroque ensemble will play music of the high baroque on period instruments.
Sunday, Feb. 3, 3 p.m.: Performance by La Deuxieme Chance Quintet with Pianist Hiromi Tilsner. This ensemble formed by faculty members of the Ventura College Music department includes some of the best instrumentalists in Southern California.
Monday, Feb. 4, 8 p.m.: Performance by the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Philharmonic. The advanced youth orchestra was founded and directed by our own Robert E. Lawson.
Thursday, Feb. 7, 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Master Class – “Chamber Music and the Art of Listening.” Internationally acclaimed artists Bryan Pezzone and Miyuki Nakashima will coach selected student chamber ensembles, discussing and demonstrating the techniques and artistry required working with piano and violin.
Thursday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m.: Performance by Bryan Pezzone, piano, and Miyuki Nakashima, violin.
Friday, Feb. 8, 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Lecture/Demonstration – “The Art of Improvisation: How does it Work?” Members of the Cesar Mateus Sextet will discuss and demonstrate improvisation, including traditional structures, melodic treatment and rhythm.
Friday, Feb. 8, 8 p.m. Performance by the Cesar Mateus Sextet: Latin-Jazz ensemble performs original music influenced by the traditions of Tango, Rumba, Bolero, Jazz, Samba, Bossa Nova, Flamenco, Guaracha and traditional Senegalese and Mandingo music.
Saturday, Feb. 9, 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Master Class with Robert Thies. The Gold Medal Winner of the 1995 Prokofiev Piano Competition will provide a master class and lecture on the art of piano performance. Mr. Thies will also discuss and demonstrate the practical needs and requirements for students wanting to follow the competition tradition.
Saturday, Feb. 9, 8 p.m.: Performance by Robert Thies, piano.
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