Author: janellegelfand

I have covered classical music and the arts in Cincinnati for more than three decades, play piano and tennis and enjoy traveling. Note: As a guest posting content to this blog, you agree to the following guidelines: Keep the conversation civil, courteous and constructive. We encourage all viewpoints and ideas but ask that comments be respectful of others' views. No profane, offensive, harassing or inflammatory language please. Honor the copyrights and trademarks of others by not posting or uploading any material that infringes on the copyright, trademark, patent, or intellectual property rights of others. Do not post, upload or link to unsolicited or unauthorized advertising or promotional materials. Do not post, upload or link to content that contains any product, service or political endorsements. Thank you!

Cincinnati Ballet reschedules productions, cite financial repercussions

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A message from Cincinnati Ballet: Cincinnati Ballet’s upcoming performances of Director’s Cut (March 19-21) at Cincinnati Music Hall are being rescheduled to April 30-May 2, 2020 at the Aronoff Center to recorded music. The decision to reschedule these performances will allow our patrons to experience the athleticism and artistry of this compelling program while also protecting the health of our community. Those who have tickets to affected performances will receive direct communications regarding their options.

Cincinnati Ballet’s upcoming performances of Family Series: Snow White have been cancelled. This was a difficult but necessary decision to protect the health of our community. A bit of good news – Snow White will be added to the 2020-2021 Season, in lieu of The Little Mermaid.

These unprecedented circumstances pose financial repercussions for our community and Cincinnati Ballet. As a non-profit arts organization, ticket sales only account for 35% of what it takes to support a world-class ballet company. Our patrons are our livelihood and the reason our dancers perform each season. We thank you for your continued support of Cincinnati Ballet and value you as a member of our family.

For questions and other ticket needs, email info@cballet.org or call Patron Engagement at 513-621-5282.

Melissa Gelfin and Cervilio Miguel Amador in the leading roles of Cincinnati Ballet’s “Romeo and Juliet” in 2017. Photo provided.

COVID-19 Update: CSO releases list of canceled events

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The Cincinnati May Festival’s Cathedral Basilica concert is canceled. Photo provided by May Festival/Philip Groshong

Late today, the Cincinnati Symphony released a list of canceled events. They include three CSO subscription programs in Music Hall, a concert by the Vocal Arts Ensemble, the opening May Festival concert at the Basilica in Covington’s Cathedral, youth and Lollipop concerts, chamber music with Manny Ax and Night/Light events:

 Handel + Vivaldi (March 13 and 14)
 CSO Night/Light (March 14)
 Peter & the Wolf: Sensory-Friendly Rehearsal (March 24)
 Manny & Mozart (March 27 and 28)
 Manny & Chamber Players (March 27)
 Lollipops: Peter & the Wolf (March 28)
 Vocal Arts Ensemble: Sacred Heart (March 29)
 Young People’s Concert: Plugged In (March 31)
 Beethoven 8 + Sō Percussion (April 3 and 4)
 CSO Night/Light (April 4)
 May Festival at the Basilica (April 5)

Subscribers can exchange tickets online and all other ticket buyers may call the Box Office at 513-381-
3300. Fees are waived until March 31. The orchestra acknowledges the financial impact and is encouraging ticket holders to donate their tickets back. Information here.

 

CSO, Pops cancel shows through April 5 after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine bans gatherings of more than 100

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The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Pops have canceled all concerts through “at least April 5 due to coronavirus concerns. The orchestra released this statement on its website:

“Governor DeWine’s decision prioritizes public health by restricting all large gatherings, and we are committed to the health and well-being of our audience members, musicians, volunteers and staff.

“This cancellation will have a significant financial impact for the Orchestra. We are especially appreciative of our generous supporters who will consider their donating tickets for these performances. Throughout our 125-year history, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra has navigated challenges and continues to thrive because of the strength of our community. Now, as always, we are grateful for our community’s extraordinary support.”

Click here for information about ticket exchanges or how to donate.

Here are others that we know about:

♦Memorial Hall has closed due to concerns around the spread of COVID-19.

♦Chamber Music Cincinnati has canceled the Pavel Haas Quartet concert scheduled for tonight. Ticket fees will be refunded automatically. Info: 513-977-8838.

♦Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) is temporarily suspending all performances, events, and community programs, effective immediately.

The theatre is working to identify dates to reschedule its shows and ticket holders for upcoming performances will be contacted. Additionally, ETC will be relaxing its exchange policies and waive all fees to find suitable solutions for its patrons.

♦YPCC has canceled Saturday’s Radio Revelry Gala Concert at Cincinnati Museum Center. It will be rescheduled for May 19. Details here.

♦The Metropolitan Opera has canceled its Live in HD performances in movie theaters around the country.

♦At the Aronoff Center: Friday’s performance of Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood: The Scared Scriptless Tour has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 7:30 PM at the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall.

♦Tomorrow evening’s performance of Sex n’ the City: A (Super Unauthorized) Musical Parody has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 7:30 PM at the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater.  The show was originally scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2020.

♦Due to Johnny Mathis’ specific travel and health advisements, this Saturday’s concert with Johnny Mathis has been rescheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 8:00 PM at the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall.  The concert was originally scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2020.

Current Aronoff Center ticketholders will be sent new tickets with the rescheduled date and time the week of April 6, 2020.  Refund info prior to Friday, April 3, 2020 at (513) 621-2787 or ticketing@cincinnatiarts.org.

♦Cincinnati Art Museum: The Gorham Silver: Designing Brilliance, 1850–1970 opening reception and lecture have been cancelled. However, self-tours will be permitted in the new exhibition until 7 p.m., and the museum will remain open until 8 p.m.

Across the country, the arts are taking a hit. At 5 p.m. today, Broadway theaters will go dark by order of Governor Andrew Cuomo. Here’s Playbill.

See the list in the previous post for more cancellations.

Watch for updates: Coronavirus causing cancellations in Cincy’s concert season

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From a recent Linton Chamber concert. Linton has canceled concerts this weekend.

You’ve probably seen the cancellations across the country due to COVID-19 — of sporting events, parades and arts presentations in large theaters — from opera and ballet to “Hamilton” (canceled in San Francisco).

Just in: The Findlay Market Opening Day Parade on March 26 will be either canceled or postponed.

As far as the arts in Cincinnati, I’ve gotten official word that the Linton Chamber Music Series concerts on March 15-16 have been cancelled this weekend. In addition, there will be no “Peanut Butter & Jam Session” this week at Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church or next week at Sycamore Presbyterian Church. Information here.

Because the University of Cincinnati is canceling in-person classes from March 14 through April 13, I’m hearing from faculty members that performances at the College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) will be canceled through the end of the semester. It’s possible that some may be live-streamed, if you interpret the UC message below: Read More »

Renowned organist to perform for second annual Organ Festival this weekend

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The historic Covenant-First Presbyterian Church, downtown, will host its second annual Organ Festival this weekend, March 8 & 9, 2020.

This year, the featured organist is Alan Morrison, of the Curtis Institute.  He will perform a free public recital at the church at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 8. On Monday March 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, he’ll preside over a master class for CCM organ students, also hosted at the church.

The festival is a partnership between the church (which hosts the events and underwrites all the costs) and the CCM Organ Department, which is directed by Dr. Michael Unger.

“The goal of this now second annual Organ Festival continues to be twofold: To bring a top organist to Cincinnati in recital, but also and as importantly, to partner with CCM’s organ studio to provide support for the future generation of church musicians,” said Robert Heidenreich, church member and festival organizer. “Our partnering with CCM continues to grow, and this is one key part of that.”

Morrison’s Sunday afternoon program looks tempting: Read More »

All Beethoven, all the time

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Stefani Matsuo
Photo by Jake Anderson

Beethoven’s 250th birthday this year (Dec. 16 2020) is offering musical groups around the world a reason to celebrate this revolutionary composer. This weekend, the chamber ensemble concert:nova is presenting Beethoven’s violin and cello sonatas in three consecutive concerts. It will offer a chance to hear musicians of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, including new concertmaster Stefani Matsuo, performing with some excellent pianists, faculty members at CCM and Oberlin.

Here’s the lineup. There will be cake — presents not necessary.

The concerts are at the First Lutheran Church, 1208 Race Street in OTR. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door or $60 for the whole birthday bundle. Click here to purchase.Read More »

Podcasts add insights to Beethoven’s 250th birthday

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In honor of Beethoven’s 250th birthday year (2020), local pianist Michael Chertock and Tom Hughes have produced a series of audio podcasts entitled “Beethoven: A Personal Look at the Man Behind the Masterpieces”.  

Written, narrated, and with musical excerpts performed by Michael, five podcasts take the listener through Beethoven’s life from his childhood through his final works.
 
They might be enlightening for those who will be attending the Beethoven Akademie 1808 concerts at the CSO later this month.

Read More »

Service set for former CSO bassoonist William Winstead

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Winstead performing on the Linton Music Series recently. Photos by Tina Guiterrez

 

 

A service is planned on Sunday, Feb. 23, at Music Hall for William Winstead, former principal bassoonist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Visitation will begin at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 23 with the funeral to follow at 6:30 p.m. in Corbett Tower at Music Hall.

In Memoriam: CCM Professor William Winstead

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Sad news yesterday. I’m compiling a remembrance of Bill. Please feel free to contact me with your tributes at janellesnotes@yahoo.com

Curt Whitacre's avatarCCM VILLAGE NEWS ARCHIVES

It is with heavy hearts that we share news of the sudden passing of CCM Professor William Winstead, a cherished member of both the CCM family and the Greater Cincinnati arts community. After a period of hospitalization, Bill passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 12.

CCM Professor of Bassoon William Winstead. CCM Professor of Bassoon William Winstead.

Appointed as professor of bassoon at CCM in 1989, Bill was a dedicated member of our faculty for 30 years. A recipient of UC’s Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award, he guided multiple generations of students towards successful careers as performers and educators. In December of 2017, many of our alums traveled great distances to return to campus to participate in a special CCM concert celebrating Bill’s 75th birthday. Prior to his appointment at CCM, he was a faculty member at Oberlin Conservatory, Florida State University and West Virginia University.

Bill also performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for over 30…

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