Category Archives: Events

March 8, 2017 · 6:07 am

Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids Program Announces 2017 Collection Dates: March 11 and 12

CCM_Link promoDo you have a musical instrument collecting dust? Your gift could provide the missing link for a promising young musician! Through the Lonely Instruments for Needy Kids (LINKS) program at UC’s College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), you can donate your used instrument to a promising young musician who cannot afford to rent or purchase their own.

CCM holds its annual LINKS Collection Days on Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12, at the Joseph-Beth Booksellers in the Rookwood Pavilion. The hours for the collection drive are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon – 5 p.m. on Sunday.

A project of CCMpower in partnership with Buddy Roger’s Music, Joseph-Beth Booksellers and WGUC 90.9 FM, LINKS began in 1993 as the brainchild of CCM alumnus Bill Harvey (BM Music Education, 1971). The Vice President of Buddy Roger’s Music, Harvey wanted to fill the need for students whose parents were unable to buy, rent or borrow an instrument. The solution was somewhat simple: a “recycling program” for musical instruments.

LINKS accepts donations of new and used instruments from the Greater Cincinnati community, then places them with students in local elementary, middle and school bands and orchestras, as well as with students in CCM Preparatory and Community Engagement programs. Students are qualified by the recommendation of their music teacher, and a LINKS scholarship application is submitted in the student’s name.

Since its inception, LINKS has placed over 3,000 instruments into the hands of children. Even if the instrument is not in perfect condition, donations are gladly accepted. Buddy Roger’s Music generously contributes the time to carefully clean, restore and tune each instrument.

All donations are tax deductible, and Joseph-Beth Booksellers will donate 20% of book sales and 10% of all cafe sales back to LINKS during the collection days. Entertainment during the collection will be provided by local music students of all ages.

If you do not have an instrument, you can still assist young musicians who need a helping hand by making a contribution to the LINKS fund at ccm.weshareonline.org/LINKS.

In addition to the March 11 and 12 collection days, instruments are accepted year-round at Buddy Roger’s Music. Call 513-729-1950 for information on store hours and locations.

For more information on LINKS or to make a monetary donation, call the CCM External Relations Office at 513-556-2100.

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March 6, 2017 · 6:08 am

CCM Acting Holds Annual Senior Showcase and Dolly Awards on March 24

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CCM Acting Class of 2017.

Graduating students from UC College-Conservatory of Music’s Department of Acting present the annual Senior Showcase at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, March 24, in Werner Recital Hall. The annual DOLLY Awards ceremony follows the evening showcase performance and includes the recognition of an outstanding alumnus of the program. These events are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required.

The showcase performance consists of a variety of scenes by graduating seniors in CCM’s Acting program, demonstrating the depth and breadth of the acting skills they have honed during their undergraduate training at CCM. The Senior Showcase is the first presentation of a performance that the students will take on the road to exhibit their talent in New York and Los Angeles in March and April.

The evening performance is followed by the annual DOLLY Awards, hosted by Professor Richard E. Hess, CCM’s A.B., Dolly, Ralph and Julia Cohen Chair of Acting. The awards recognize the outstanding student achievements and performances in the 2016-17 CCM Acting Season, which includes the productions of TRANSMIGRATION 2016, Very Dumb Kids, Romeo and Juliet, Middletown and Her Naked Skin. Awards are given for Excellence in Performance and Excellence in Ensemble Performance.

The highlight of the DOLLY Awards ceremony is the presentation of the 2016 Julia Winter Cohen Career Excellence Award to a graduate of CCM Acting. This year’s honoree is alumna Julianna Bloodgood (BFA Dramatic Performance, 2005).

Bloodgood began her work with Poland’s multi-award winning and critically acclaimed theatre company Teatr Pies´n´ Kozla (Song of the Goat Theatre) in 2009. In addition to her studies at CCM, she holds an MA from Manchester Metropolitan University in conjunction with Song of the Goat Theatre and she is a graduate of California’s Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts. At Song of the Goat Theatre, Bloodgood has developed and performed in Songs of Lear, Portraits of the Cherry Orchard, Return to the Voice, Dead Walk Love and Crazy God. She is currently rehearsing and developing a work based on Hamlet. Bloodgood has traveled and performed throughout Europe, Asia, South and North America.

Bloodgood’s work also consists of community-based projects and artistic outreach, using art as a vehicle for healing and change. She is a founding member of the Great Globe Foundation, an organization devoted to increasing cultural exchange and empowering voices through the arts, and is the proud co-founder of the Dadaab Theater Project, a youth based theater project in Dadaab, Kenya, the world’s largest refugee camp.

CCM ACTING SENIOR SHOWCASE

Performance Times
2 p.m. & 7 p.m.* Friday, March 24
*The DOLLY Awards ceremony takes place after the 7 p.m. performance.

Location
Werner Recital Hall, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati

Admission
Admission to the CCM Acting Senior Showcase and DOLLY Awards Ceremony is FREE and open to the general public. Reservations are not required.

Parking and Directions
Parking is available in the CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Please visit uc.edu/parking for information on parking rates.

For detailed maps and directions, please visit uc.edu/visitors. Additional parking is available off-campus at the U Square complex on Calhoun Street and other neighboring lots.

For directions to CCM Village, visit ccm.uc.edu/about/directions.
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CCM Season Presenting Sponsor and Musical Theatre Program Sponsor: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation

 

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February 28, 2017 · 8:18 pm

CASA Brings A NIGHT OF CURIOUS INCIDENTS to the Stage

If we choose to celebrate difference, then it cannot divide us.

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FEB 25, 2017—Tri-State audiences are invited to this fundraiser to celebrate people on the spectrum with featured music & artwork by students on the spectrum, as well as scenes from “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” adapted by Simon Stephens, at A NIGHT OF CURIOUS INCIDENTS presented by Cincinnati Actor’s Studio & Academy, LLC. A NIGHT OF CURIOUS INCIDENTS, which is part of CASA’s High School Acting Studio, runs from March 2nd- 5th at Essex Studios. This will be a fundraiser for the Tall Institute.

About “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”
Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain; he is exceptionally intelligent but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor’s dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an earth-shattering discovery and a journey that will change his life forever.

This evening fundraiser is directed & developed by Gina Cerimele-Mechley. Cast of selected scenes include current CASA students: Ryan Smith, Kyle Goold, Will Forgham, Katie Kenniston, Meg Griffin, Raelynn Snodgrass, Sadie Koopman, Leanne Hays, Owen Kiley, Olivia Dunn, Finney Kutcher as well as Aiden Dalton and professional actor/CASA alum Marisa Holzman. Evening’s production crew includes Julie Deye as Asst. Director, Hannah Brandell as Stage Manager, Olivia Cremisio as Asst. Stage Manager, Marisa Holzman as Production Manager, Katie Kenniston as Production Manager Intern, Finney Kutcher as Costume Designer and Evan Holzman as Technical Director.

Performances run March 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th at 7:30PM. The fundraiser runs until 10PM and will take place at Essex Studios, 2511 Essex Pl, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206. Tickets can be reserved at casatics@gmail.com. Tickets: Adults $12, Students $7. For more information, like Cincinnati Actor’s Studio & Academy on Facebook.

Additional Show Information:
The evening is a celebration of difference.  We will have artwork created by several people on the spectrum on display in the lobby. Most of the music playing during the evening will also have been created by people on the spectrum. The students of the High School Acting Studio at Cincinnati Actor’s Studio & Academy (CASA) will be exploring some of the scenes in “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time” in order to share with the audience, in a theatrical multi-sensory way, what it is like to experience the world through the eyes of autism.

Our goal is to help build awareness and thusly patience and tolerance for those that are different from ourselves. The large amount of intolerance in our world stems from a lack of education and understanding of each other’s differences. We hope to expand the audience’s desire to research more about what it means to live on the spectrum and to develop a greater appreciation for the challenges that people on the spectrum face.

The audience will be seated on all four sides of the stage to promote the idea that no one has the exact same perspective. The actors and the lighting constantly break the fourth wall in order to allow the audience to enter the story rather than simply enter the theatre.

So, quite simply, if we choose to celebrate difference, then it cannot divide us.

-END-

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February 25, 2017 · 7:24 am

ROCKTOPIA Adds Violinist MÁIRÉAD NESBITT (Formerly of Celtic Woman) to Cast | Sun., April 1 | Aronoff Center

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

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ROCKTOPIA ADDS VIOLINIST MÁIRÉAD NESBITT (FORMERLY OF CELTIC WOMAN) TO THEIR STAR-STUDDED NATIONAL CAST

FEATURED VIOLIN SOLOIST ON 9 CELTIC WOMAN PBS SPECIALS Máiréad’s recently released solo album debuted on 4 Billboard Album Charts including World, Classical Crossover, Classical and Heatseekers.

Saturday, April 1, 2017 – 8:00 PM
Aronoff Center – Procter & Gamble Hall

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

caa_rocktopia-nesbittRTT is thrilled to announce the addition of Máiréad Nesbitt to the cast of the inaugural live concert tour ROCKTOPIA: A Classical (R)evolution. ROCKTOPIA LIVE will debut at the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall for one night only on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 8:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now at www.CincinnatiArts.org, (513) 621-ARTS [2787], and the Aronoff Center Ticket Office.

“I am absolutely thrilled that Máiréad will be joining the Rocktopia band,” says ROCKTOPIA Co-Creator Randall Craig Fleischer. “She is an accomplished violinist with an impressive career and a great ability to communicate music to an audience. I’m very excited to work with her!”

For more than a decade, Máiréad Nesbitt has enchanted millions of fans around the world as the Celtic violinist and founding member of the globetrotting music phenomenon Celtic Woman. Loyal fans of all ages, across geographical and cultural boundaries far beyond the musical heritage of Ireland, have adored her beguiling stage presence and versatile instrumental talents. As the featured violin soloist on all 11 Celtic Woman albums, and 9 Celtic Woman PBS Specials, each title achieved the coveted #1 slot on the Billboard World Music Chart, an Emmy-nomination for one of her companion television specials and her most recent album with the group, “Destiny”, received a 2017 Grammy Nomination for Best World Music Album.

“I am delighted and so excited to be touring with PBS’ newest show Rocktopia. To be joining a show with the powerful fusion of rock and classical music with a symphony orchestra is certainly a first for me. Crossing over genres has always been a passion of mine and to add Rock to my Classical & Celtic styles will be very exciting for me!”

Máiréad’s new solo album Hibernia was released on December 9th 2016 in the US and Ireland. The album debuted on no less than 4 Billboard Album Charts including #4 on the World Music Charts; #9 on the Classical Crossover Charts, #11 on Classical Charts & #9 on the Heatseeker Charts.

ROCKTOPIA Co-Creators, vocalist and recording artist Rob Evan, and Maestro Randall Craig Fleischer have collaborated to bring together a world class cast of vocalists and musicians. This groundbreaking live concert performance celebrating the combination of classical music and opera with classic rock features five world-class vocalists and five top rock musicians including renowned vocalists Rob Evan, Chloe Lowery, Tony Vincent, Kimberly Nichole, Ximena Borges and esteemed musicians Tony Bruno, Henry Aronson, Mat Fieldes, Alex Alexander, and special guest Máiréad Nesbitt (formerly of Celtic Woman).

This electric cast along with local orchestras and choirs will launch a 4-week national tour beginning March 28 in Portland, Maine continuing to Reading, Pennsylvania March 29; Albany, New York March 30; Greensburg, Pennsylvania March 31; Cincinnati, Ohio April 1; Ft. Wayne, Indiana April 2; Davenport, Iowa April 4; Peoria, Illinois April 5; Kansas City, Missouri April 6; Joliet, Illinois April 7; Columbus, Ohio April 8; E. Lansing, Michigan April 9; Buffalo, New York April 11, Detroit, Michigan April 12; Cleveland, Ohio April 13; Baltimore, Maryland April 14; Charlotte, North Carolina April 15; Ft. Lauderdale, Florida April 18; Jacksonville, Florida April 19; Atlanta, Georgia April 20; Melbourne, Florida April 21; Tampa, Florida April 22 and Pensacola, Florida April 23. Complete tour dates, venues and ticket information can be found on http://www.rocktopia.com.

ROCKTOPIA is an inspiring and uplifting entertainment spectacle that brings a whole new way of enjoying the best of classical music and classic rock to audiences. ROCKTOPIA delivers one-of-a-kind musical arrangements blending Beethoven with Journey, Strauss with The Who, and more in musical mash-ups that surprise and delight. Musically arranged by Maestro Randall Craig Fleischer, the concert showcases the works of classical composers as well as rock bands, including the music of Mozart, Journey, Handel, U2, Tchaikovsky, Heart, Beethoven, Styx, Foreigner, Rachmaninoff, Pink Floyd, Copland, The Who and more.

ROCKTOPIA performances creates an incredible dynamic concert experience sure to blow audiences away as proven in Budapest at the State Hungarian Opera House, now a PBS TV special airing in cities across the United States.

For tour and ticket information visit http://www.rocktopia.com

Video here

Photos here

About RTT
ROCKTOPIA is produced and presented by RTT. The company is headed by William Franzblau, Rob Evan and Maggie Seidel-Laws who collectively have been creating, producing and presenting national tours, Broadway shows and concerts worldwide for over 30 years. William Franzblau has produced such award- winning shows as the Tony Nominated Best Play Say Goodnight Gracie, and the tour of LITTLE HOUSE on the PRAIRIE the Musical starring Melissa Gilbert. Maggie Seidel has spearheaded multiple tours and live entertainment events associated with PBS including the global phenomenon Celtic Woman. ROCKTOPIA will be RTT’s first project and will tour through 20+ US cities in the spring of 2017. Their offices are located in New York, NY and Nashville, TN.

About Rob Evan
Rob Evan is an accomplished actor, singer and producer with 20 years of professional experience in the entertainment industry. During the span of his diverse career, he has performed in seven leading roles on the New York Stage including the original Broadway cast of Jekyll & Hyde, playing the title roles for three years and over 1,000 performances worldwide. As a vocalist and recording artist, Rob is a member of the multi-platinum-selling rock band, Trans- Siberian Orchestra. He can be heard on TSO’s The Lost Christmas Eve (Certified Double Platinum – Lava/Atlantic) and their latest release, Nightcastle, which debuted at #5 on Billboard’s Top 100 (currently certified Platinum – Atlantic Records). He has played in arenas across the country and the world for up to 20,000 people per show. Rob has toured Europe and the US with TSO as Beethoven in TSO’s Rock Opera, Beethoven’s Last Night. Rob has opened for and performed with Sir Elton John, Trisha Yearwood, Linda Eder, Phil Collins, REM, Bonnie Tyler, John Cougar Mellencamp, Joe Walsh, Usher and Michael Crawford, among others. He was also lead vocalist for Jim Steinman’s The Dream Engine and recently released the debut album for his progressive rock band, Menrva Realm.

About Randall Craig Fleischer
Mr. Fleischer has appeared as a guest conductor with many major orchestras in the United States and internationally including engagements with the Boston Pops, China Philharmonic Hong Kong Philharmonic, Israel Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Houston Symphony, Philly Pops, Moscow State Symphony, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, Utah Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Festival Cesky Krumlov (Czech Republic) and many others. “…There was purpose and meaning in the performance, and Fleischer let the lyricism of the music flow in seamless lines.” Deseret News – Salt Lake City, Utah. As Music Director/Conductor of three symphony orchestras, Youngstown Symphony, Hudson Valley Philharmonic and the Anchorage Symphony, Mr. Fleischer has led each orchestra through a dramatic period of artistic growth, demonstrating his abilities as a proven orchestra builder. This sounds like a different symphony orchestra, and this season should be an exciting experience.“ Arizona Daily Sun 1998. “The HVP’s music director was heartily affirmed by the extended standing ovation.” Times Herald Record.

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February 22, 2017 · 6:22 am

Cincinnati Ballet Presents Ballet Toybox: SWAN LAKE, JR.

cb_swan-lake-jr-promoFamily-friendly Ballet Toybox showcases Second Company in one-day-only performances

CINCINNATI, OH. (February 13, 2017) Ballet Toybox returns to the Aronoff Center March 19 with two performances of Swan Lake Jr., one at 2 pm and a sensory-friendly performance at 5 pm. Swan Lake, Jr. is a retelling of the iconic ballet, showcasing the Cincinnati Ballet Second Company, adapted specifically for families with children 10 and younger. The adapted ballet runs less than one hour, features a narrated storyline and includes interactive moments throughout.

Swan Lake is one of the most popular ballets of all time. Dating back to 1875, the famous ballet tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by a wicked sorcerer, who falls in love with the charming Prince Siegfried. Together, they must defy the sorcerer’s evil magic, and an imposter named Odile, to make Odette human again and live happily ever. The story of romance and mistaken identity is accompanied by the easily recognizable Tchaikovsky score.

Swan Lake, Jr. is performed by the Cincinnati Ballet Second Company, and students of Cincinnati Ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy and Ballet Moves class. The Cincinnati Ballet Second Company is a group of up-and-coming professional dancers who come from around the world to study at Cincinnati Ballet and perform alongside Cincinnati Ballet’s Company dancers. Second Company dancers rehearse with the company on a full time basis, 9 am-6 pm every weekday, as well as serve as education outreach ambassadors for the organization. With a focus on engaging audiences of all ages, Second Company dancers bring the joy of dance to thousands of students and community members each year through schools, community centers, churches, nursing homes and more.

Second Company dancers often perform roles in large-scale Cincinnati Ballet productions such as Coppélia, The Nutcracker and King Arthur’s Camelot. In addition to introducing the joy of dance to children and families, Ballet Toybox: Swan Lake, Jr. also offers unique opportunities for Second Company dancers. “Swan Lake has always been a showcase for the ballet dancer in both technique and artistry,” says Second Company Director Suzette Boyer Webb. “Many dancers will be showcased in the principal and solo roles, giving the them the chance to learn the demanding choreography and artistry of one of the most beloved classical ballets.”

Swan Lake, Jr. will also provide performance opportunities for young performers from our Otto M. Budig Academy and Ballet Moves, a class designed to foster a love of dance and creative expression for individuals with specific needs. Director of Education and Outreach Julie Sunderland says, “We always strive to bring our programming full circle. The Ballet Toybox program is a great introduction for everyone! We take breaks to move our bodies, and do a ‘little swan boot camp’ between acts. It’s a fun beginning to what will hopefully be a lifelong love of the arts.”

Cincinnati Ballet is proud to continue our sensory-friendly offerings with Ballet Toybox: Swan Lake, Jr. The 5 pm sensory-friendly performance is designed to create an experience that is welcoming and inviting to any patron or child with sensory sensitivities or specific needs. Accommodations include gentle lighting and sound, increased staffing with on-hand specialists, and a flexible, open-door theater environment with designated spaces where you and your child can take a break from the performance.

All tickets are $20. Tickets for the Sensory-Friendly performance are only available via phone. To request admission or additional details, please contact us at 513.621.5282.

PERFORMANCE DATES AND INFORMATION

WHO: Cincinnati Ballet Second Company

WHAT: Ballet Toybox

WHEN: Sunday, March 19 – 2:00 pm Sunday, March 19 – 5:00 pm (Sensory Friendly Performance)

WHERE: Aronoff Center for the Arts 650 Walnut Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

HOW: Call 513.621.5282, visit cballet.org or visit the Cincinnati Ballet Box Office at 1555 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45214 All tickets only $20

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Ballet Toybox: Swan Lake, Jr. Sponsors: Trish & Rick Bryan

Cincinnati Ballet 2016-2017 Season Sponsors: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation, ArtsWave, PNC Bank, Austin E. Knowlton Foundation, The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, Frisch’s, Mercy Health, Rosemary & Mark Schlachter, Enquirer

Victoria Morgan 20th Season Sponsor: PNC Bank

About Cincinnati Ballet
Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Under the artistic direction of Victoria Morgan, Cincinnati Ballet has become a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world premiere works and exploring unique collaborations with artists as diverse as Grammy winning guitarist Peter Frampton and popular, Ohio-based band Over the Rhine. With a mission to inspire hope and joy in our community and beyond through the power and passion of dance, Cincinnati Ballet reaches beyond the stage in programs that allow every person in the region to be part of the continued evolution of dance. To that end, Cincinnati Ballet presents exhilarating performances, extensive education outreach programs and offers top level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.

CONNECT: READ / WATCH / LISTEN / LEARN / ENJOY at cballet.org http://www.facebook.com/CincinnatiBallet

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