It’s Time To Apply For Summer Music Programs

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This might be a good time for your high school or college musician to apply for some summer music programs.  There are so many available and applying for each one can be expensive and time consuming.  Equity Arc to the rescue with their Common Application for Summer Study for students in underrepresented communities.

Magee Capsouto the Associate Director of Equity Arc says applicants using the Common Application won’t have to pay the application fees. Another perk: You’ll only need to fill out the application once, no matter how many programs for which you’re applying.

Are Books On Your List?

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Sometimes there’s nothing like putting on some comfy clothes and reading a really good book. 

Or perhaps you know someone who loves books with stories about classical musicians. 

For your holiday gift giving, here are a few suggestions.

Music and Silence by Rose Tremain.  It’s historical fiction about a 17th century English musician in Denmark.

With Bel Canto by Ann Patchett you can read the book about an American opera singer held hostage in a South American country. There’s also the audio book and the movie.

There’s a mental health angle with the book: Gone: A Girl, a Violin, a Life Unstrung by Min Kym.  A young violinist loses her instrument to theft and maybe her mind. Here’s a link to the audio book.  

Words And Music For The Children In Your Life

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Share the joy of the season with your children or grandchildren with books, and/or audiobooks.  These are written and orchestrated just for the super young set to introduce them to classical music. 

Here are a few featured in this Staccato: 

The Boy Who Said Wow  – Audio and Book

An Introduction To Classical Music

The Nutcracker – An Audio Play with Music

The Cliburn Agency

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The Cliburns have expanded. 

The prestigious piano competition has formed its own boutique firm called The Cliburn Agency.

Jacques Maquis, president and CEO of The Cliburn says the full-service firm offers comprehensive general management.  It means the four instrumentalists they’ve already chosen will receive  concert bookings, and publicity and branding services.

This comes right in the middle of preparations for the Cliburn International Piano Competition.  It’s scheduled for May in Fort Worth.

A Holiday Concert Full Of Fun And Frolic

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With the holiday season upon us, there are a number of musical performances on Austin’s entertainment calendar. 

One of them is the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus concert Twas The Night Before – Tales of the Winter Season.

Karl Logue is one of the founders of the AGMC.  He says expect this concert to be fun and quirky. 

Player One, A Musical Companion for Holiday Gatherings

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Do you have a playlist planned for your holiday get together?  If you’re into music from video games, or tv shows with some serious classical music too, violinist Ray Chen might be the answer. His new album Player 1 is a mix of what Chen believes is and can be considered classical music.

An Opportunity for High School Wind Musicians

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This is another opportunity for a high school musician.  This time it’s for those who play wind instruments. Equity Arc is a national coalition dedicated to increasing racial equity within the field of classical music in the United States.

Magee Capsouto, the Associate Director of Equity Arc says they are now taking applications for their first Equity Arc Wind Symphony. It offers young musicians of color an opportunity to learn from the members of The President’s Own, The United States Marine Band. The primary deadline is November 10th. 

An Eclectic Fall Season at Texas Performing Arts

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Patrons of the arts are getting a variety of choices this fall season from Texas Performing Arts.  There’s the always popular Broadway in Austin musicals and plays.  There’s also the acts whose work could be described as curious and imaginative or maybe even mind blowing.

Bob Bursey, the Executive and Artistic Director of Texas Performing Arts says he looks for balance in booking shows because he wants to offer something for everyone. 

Chorus Austin Celebrates Its 60th Season

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Chorus Austin is celebrating a big milestone this year.  It’s the choir’s 60th anniversary. 

Ryan Heller, the conductor and artistic director of Chorus Austin says the all-volunteer choir is thriving. He’s designed their 60th season with all sorts of collaborations with Austin’s performing arts organizations. That includes their annual Messiah singalong in December.

Classical Guitarists From All Over the World Come To Play In Austin

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Two of Austin’s most distinguished performing arts organizations are opening their seasons on the same weekend.

The upcoming 2024 season of Austin Classical Guitar could be called a musical United Nations.  Classical Guitarists from all over the world are on the schedule. 

Matt Hinsley, executive director of Austin Classical Guitar says he and artistic director Joe Williams were looking express their season theme of “Give”. Their first show is September 14th. 

The Austin Symphony opens its season Friday night, September 13th.  It’s called Dancing Around the World, with violinist Soojin Han.