Monday, April 29, 2013

The Music of Dinos Constantinides in Review





The Music of Dinos Constantinides in Review
The Music of Dinos Constantinides
Louisiana State University Soloists
Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall
Presented by DCINY
November 30, 2012
The music of the Greek-American composer Dinos Constantinides is outstanding. He is truly original, in that he combines a Greek folk music or tradition with 20thcentury influences. “Theme and Variations for Piano on a Greek Tune” is one such example. Michael Gurt, pianist, played with both precision and affection. “Fantasia for Stelios and Yiannis” for violin and viola, LRC 244 was also lovingly played—and with real virtuosity by Renata Arado, violinist, and Espen Lilleslatten, violist. “Delphic Hymn” made for another wonderful contrast by Constantinides. The sound of the saxophone and guitar was a unique combination to begin with, but the writing was unusually colorful and expressive. Griffin Campbell on saxophone and Ronaldo Cadeu on guitar were a remarkable pairing. The percussive knocks on the guitar added a unique flavor—almost like a third instrument—and the saxophone’s soaring melodies made for an impressive contrast.
 Other notable listings on the program were “Mutability Fantasy” –this time scored for alto saxophone and piano, and “Hellenic Musings” for violin, soprano sax and piano. “Sappho Songs” were unique in the way Sappho’s poetry was set to music. It is simply amazing that the Greek poetess, Sappho, was born so many years ago–on the island of Lesbos in the 7th century BC. She is often considered the greatest lyric poet of antiquity, writing on such subjects as love, nature and friendship. Her work survives in fragments, yet Constantinides found a way to make it work.
Constantinides’ compositions have been performed throughout the US, Europe and Asia by prestigious ensembles including the American Symphony Orchestra in New York, the Memphis and New Orleans Symphony, the English Chamber Orchestra, the Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic and the Athens State Orchestra. He has been the recipient of numerous awards including several Meet the Composer grants, as well as yearly ASCAP Standard Awards. In 1994, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars honored him with a Distinguished Teacher Award. He has written over 250 compositions, most of them published. He has been the Director of the Louisiana State University Festival of Contemporary Music for 22 years, and he earned Artist of the Year Award of Louisiana. He is presently Boyd Professor, the highest academic rank at Louisiana State University, head of the Composition area, and Music Director of the Louisiana Sinfonietta. His music deserves to be heard often—and in important cities and arenas.
-Anthony Aibel for New York Concert Review; New York, NY

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Billy Joel Plays (and signs) Rodrigue Steinway

Jacques Rodrigue and Billy Joel

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Performing with Nashville Symphony, a world-class conductor, and LSU alums

My view at Schermerhorn Symphony Center with
the Nashville Symphony

Here is one of the finest conductors in the world--Giancarlo Guerrero

As Dean of the CMDA at LSU I am so proud to perform with alumni,
such as saxophonist Brian Utley (MM, DMA, '05)

......and LSU alum Isabel Bartles (MM, '91)

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Horowitz Steinway Piano in Baton Rouge

Saturday April 13, 2013
A piano recital at the
Baton Rouge Crowne Plaza Hotel
Profs. Michael Gurt, Willis Delony and
LSU piano students from their studios and the studio of
Gregory Sioles.
















King’s Men again | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA

Swine Palace ends celebratory season with Robert Penn Warren’s classic

King’s Men again | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, LA

Advocate photo by Arthur C. Lauck

Theatre students to debut original wordless play - lsureveille.com

Theatre students to debut original wordless play - lsureveille.com : Entertainment

Reveille Photo by Mary Leavines

Thursday, April 11, 2013

At dinner in Baton Rouge with former LSU Dean Ronald Ross, and in walks......

l.r. Jane Ross, Ronald Ross (Dean of CMDA from 1995-2007), Andrew Del Piero
(former music major--now considering a professional basketball career)
and Dolores Arce-Kaptain. He told us that he has a "hard" case for
his tuba if his basketball career takes him overseas.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

LSU School of Music doctoral students returning from teaching in Panama over Spring Break.

Paula Bujes, Louie Eckhardt, Isaac Casal, Katie Young, Gustavo Miranda,Monica de la Hoz,
and Pedro Huff (not pictured--was getting his cello out of baggage claim).
At Baton Rouge Airport.