th 4
GalaConcert June 8, 2014 Trinity - St. Paul’s Centre
www.resaspieces.org
REAWAKEN THAT TALENTREDISCOVER MAKING MUSIC
A Piece From... Our President Welcome to the Strings 4th Gala concert!
Resa’s Pieces Strings would like to thank our Founding Sponsor George Heinl & Co.Limited.
Resa’s Pieces continued its growth this year with the addition of Resa’s Pieces Singers helping our organization to achieve another landmark year.
Your generosity has helped make this special dream come true.
Resa’s Pieces Strings, conducted by Ric Giorgi and along with its 37 members, can't wait to share tonight’s performance with you! Resa’s Pieces Concert Band, conducted by Resa Kochberg, will be holding its 15th Gala performance on June 10, 2014 with over 55 "Pieces" on stage. Resa’s Pieces Singers, led by Robert Graham, conductor of over 50 voices, will be performing its 1st Gala on June 17, 2014. Thank you to our esteemed and talented conductors for your dedication and devotion to our ensembles. I would like to thank my executive and fellow board members for their continued dedication and contributions to the continued success of Resa’s Pieces. As well, a thank you is extended to our new Executive Director (although by no means new to Resa's Pieces) for her ongoing dedication and devotion to our organization. Resa's Pieces would like to thank the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, for their continued financial support over the past 3 years which has allowed our organization to grow. I would also like to thank all our sponsors and loyal patrons for your ongoing support and generosity. Tonight’s performance promises to be both entertaining and enjoyable.
Thank you to Kathy Johnstone
Trade Show & Conventions Manager at Alfred Publishing Co., Inc. for their continuing support Proudly supported by
Sincerely,
Ed Noy
President
A Piece From ... Our Executive Director It’s been a fabulous year for Resa's Pieces!
An agency of the Government of Ontario. Relève du gouvernement de l’Ontario.
Resa's Pieces Board Ed Noy Francine Frankel Janice Chesney Ken Lebow Jeffrey Freelan Sarah Heller Ruth Levenstein Debra Waisglass Bonnie Wasser
President Vice President Secretary Treasurer
Ombudsman
Executive Director Ruthie Fishman
Music Director Resa Kochberg
Committee Members
Randi Glass, Lori Katz Lisa Sinclair, Vicky Wylson-Sher
As we end the Concert Band's 15th year, the Strings’ 4th year and the Singers’ 1st year, I want to take this opportunity to wish Resa, Ric and Robert, our esteemed conductors, Resa's Pieces Board, and all the "Pieces" a big congratulations on a most successful season. It has truly been a privilege planning it alongside all of you. “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything,” said Plato. And on this 450th anniversary year of William Shakespeare's birth, his timeless quote says it all: "If music be the food of love, play on." Best regards - enjoy the concert.
Ruthie Fishman
Please join the Concert Band for an enjoyable summer concert Mel Lastman Square- July 8, 2014 at 7:30 pm
www.resaspieces.org
01
A Few Words From Our Conductor Congratulations Resa's Pieces Strings! Each year I am amazed by the challenges you meet and exceed in the music I program for you. And each year the result is a series of wonderful moments in time for the audiences we perform for. Each year I try to escalate the level at which we perform and this year we've had many more of those silent pauses at the end of pieces that say "That was special". This year you have produced an exceptionally high proportion of these and it is entirely to your credit that you've persevered and taken flight with the repertoire we perform tonight. Congratulations and play on! No conductor anywhere is as lucky or as indebted as I am to you. You have one and all worked on music that is much more difficult than anything we've ever done, more demanding of your sensitivity and an almost sixth sense awareness of what I ask of you and I hope more rewarding for you in having met this challenge with not just flying colours but Blazing Colours!
About Our Conductor Ricardo (Ric) Giorgi is a busy Toronto jazz bassist, pianist, singer and the conductor of Resa's Pieces Strings. After taking early retirement from the Toronto District School Board, where he was an Itinerant Strings Specialist for almost 20 years, he joined the Resa's Pieces organization to be the first conductor of its string orchestra in 2010. His earliest musical training was in a choir run by nuns in a refugee camp in Northern Italy. In Canada, he started playing flute in high school and soon added the string bass and piano. He joined the Erindale Strings and worked his way through the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Music playing with the best musicians in London, Ontario. After graduation he spent five years as Manager of Youth and Children's Activities at the Canadian National Exhibition producing many music and theatre events. He conducted or co-conducted the Scarborough Schools Symphony Orchestra, the Concert Orchestra, various levels of ensembles for Toronto Music Camps (as well as being a bass specialist), the University of Tennessee Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Zlin Czech Republic, the University of South Carolina Orchestra, the Brampton Symphony Orchestra, the Timothy Eaton Memorial Orchestra, the Main Street United Church Festival Orchestra and orchestras assembled for corporate functions in and around Toronto and Buffalo, New York. He led the very successful Rainbow Gardens Jazz Orchestra from "basement band" status to international acclaim.
Thank you from the bottom of my being for your good humour, perseverance in the face of what seemed insurmountable playing difficulties, and faith and trust in yourselves and me. No conductor can ask for more than this. All the best,
Ric Giorgi Thank You To All Our Gala Sponsors Founding Sponsor George Heinl & Co. Limited
Event Sponsor Anonymous
Half Note Sponsors The Fishman Family Resa Kochberg Automotive Envy Elementary Teachers of Toronto Kid Communication Anonymous
Quarter Note Sponsors Leon & Patricia Rucker Adriana Tessler Brian Walker Lake Field Music Inc. Thornhill Chamber Music Institute
Ric has composed music for film and television and contributed to various CBC and CTV productions, including one episode from the program "The Earth" that won a Peabody Award for Science Education. He was commissioned to write the UNICEF Canada campaign song. Ric says, "Conducting Resa's Pieces Strings is the most fun, rewarding and humbling thing I've ever done. Each week I get to stand before 30 plus adults who put aside work, family and other cares to join together to make beautiful music out of thin air. What could be more awesome than this? - Nothing, period."
02
Reawaken That Talent - Rediscover Making Music
www.resaspieces.org
03
Conductor’s Notes On
Curse of the Rosin Eating Zombies fromOuter Space “Science Fiction” as a genre of the arts has roots in mythology and written precursors from at least the 2nd century. Motion pictures quickly adapted the genre as a lucrative mainstay and “The Curse of the Rosin Eating Zombies from Outer Space” is a direct descendant of these. This music portrays events in a narrative story. But first, what is rosin? Put simply, it’s the boiled down and solidified sap of trees, usually pine, formed into small “cakes” that string players must rub on to their bows in order to make their instruments’ strings sound. As anyone who has been to Greece or an LCBO store knows, pine sap resin is indispensable in the making of Retsina, the singular Greek drink. But, it is also indispensable to a group of marauding monsters from Outer Space who must have it or else ... Tonight, you will have the chance to be both monster and victim/hero as the zombies slowly close in on the earth and scout for - what else - rosin! But string players are not that eager to hand over their precious supply and when they spot the zombies, first fear strikes in their hearts and then the chase begins. For a while they think they’ve escaped into the beauty of the universe around them, but NO! ... Everywhere they turn - ZOMBIES! Sensing the inevitable, they hand over their rosin to save themselves and watch as the zombies enjoy high quality gourmet rosin like they’ve never had before - in fact so good that I encourage you to make sound effects not normally associated with a string orchestra performance. I hope you’ll enjoy screaming, munching and expressing satisfaction supreme in this wonderful piece by Richard Meyer.
Audience Instructions: 1. Scream! 2. “Rawwww ...” (Audience Left) 3. “Zinnn .....” (Audience Right) 4. “Munching” sounds 5. “Aahhhh ....” Burp! 6. Scream! 04
Reawaken That Talent - Rediscover Making Music
RESA’S PIECES STRINGS MEMBERS CONDUCTOR Ric Giorgi VIOLIN Simon Rucker - Principal 1st Violin Joanne Rosen - Principal 2nd Violin Eliot Abbey-Colborne Gisela Argyle Lana Biro Arlene Kochberg Ivan Lavine Ruth Levenstein Jack Martell Janet Matthews Dulce Mitchell Jeanine Mollineau Claire Morris Risa Rotenberg Diane Sidenberg Russell Spencer Joyce Tanjuakio Bonnie Wasser Rena Winegust Tyler Zielinski
VIOLA Charles Heller - Co-Principal Viola Dana Prutschi - Co-Principal Viola Claire Hibbert Liz McGroarty CELLO Fern Reinhartz - Principal Cello John Bart Niki Diamanti Toni Frankfort Edna Gibson Sarah Heller Anita Levin Malcolm Noble Rigel Noble-Keza Ed Segalowitz BASS Dylan Gamble - Principal Bass Peter Bartram Radek Puky
STRINGS VOLUNTEERS Lana Biro Sarah Heller Arlene Kochberg Ruth Levenstein Jack Martell Janet Matthews Claire Morris Dana Prutschi Simon Rucker Diane Sidenberg Bonnie Wasser
Outreach Concerts Website and Venues Librarian Programme Booklet Promotion Website and Promotion Gala Producer Gala Ticket Sales Repertoire Membership Programme Booklet
www.resaspieces.org
05
Programme Resa’s Pieces Strings 2014 Gala Concert
1st Movement, English Folk Song Suite "Seventeen Come Sunday"
Ralph Vaughn Williams, arr. Stephen Bulla Soloist: Gisela Argyle
In The Steppes of Central Asia
Alexander Borodin, arr. Jamin Hoffman Soloist: Simon Rucker
Scandinavian Fiddle Suite (traditional) 2nd Movement, Concerto for 2 Violins BWV 1043
arr. Cristina Seaborn J.S. Bach Soloists: Ruth Levenstein and Janet Matthews
Raisins from Sorrento Three Songs of Stephen Foster Take Five Penny Lane - The Beatles
E. de Curtis/Abraham Goldfaden, arr. Charles Heller Stephen Foster, arr. Carrie Lane Gruselle Paul Desmond, arr. Ric Giorgi arr. Peter Breiner Soloists: Simon Rucker and Ruth Levenstein
10th Movement, Cantata "Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben" BWV 147 Adagietto (from Symphony No. 5)
J.S. Bach (Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring) Gustav Mahler, arr. Carrie Lane Gruselle Harp performed by Lana Biro
Curse of the Rosin Eating Zombies from Outer Space "Little" Fugue in G Minor BWV 578
Richard Meyer J. S. Bach Soloists: Simon Rucker, Joanne Rosen, Dana Prutschi, Fern Reinhartz
Absolutely no food or drink, with the exception of bottled water, is permitted in the auditorium. Absolutely NO SMOKING is permitted on the premises. The taking of photographs or the use of a recording device is strictly forbidden and may constitute an infringement of Canadian copyright laws. Late comers will be seated at a suitable break in the performance.
06
Reawaken That Talent - Rediscover Making Music
www.resaspieces.org
Programme Subject to change 07
Congratulations on a Wonderful Musical Season! I commend each of you for your dedication and hard work! Looking forward to another fun filled year! -
Resa
Congratulations To All the Participants of Resa’s Pieces and Strings Leon & Patricia Rucker
Best Wishes On Your 4th Gala Tonight! Brian Walker, B.A. BROKER OF RECORD
Bus. (905) 773-8000 Fax (905) 773-6648 Toll Free 1-888-773-6970 www.nrsselect.com
From a Friend
NRS SELECT LTD., BROKERAGE 141 King Road, Suite 11 Richmond Hill, Ontario L4E 3L7
08
Reawaken That Talent - Rediscover Making Music
www.resaspieces.org
09
Resa’s Dream
Resa’s Pieces first came together in the year 2000. But the creation of what has evolved into a very special group was a dream born out of my own life experiences and was many years in the making. As a little girl, I watched my eldest brother wave his arms around as if he was a virtuoso conductor. I could feel the music radiate and come alive visually through his passionate motions. I began to play the piano at a young age. In grade seven, I discovered the flute and fell totally in love. After grade thirteen, it was inconceivable that I would study anything else but music. I loved every day at the University of Toronto in the Faculty of Music. I learned how to play almost every instrument - well enough to teach beginners anyway. I studied because I loved it. While I looked on, many of my classmates competed for the privilege of playing the first chair in their section, spending hours and hours in the practice rooms - and I hated it. Oh, I practiced, but being the best was not what drove me. I just wanted to enjoy my love for music without the added pressure. I wanted to be the best I could be – FOR ME! As Bela Bartok once said, “Competition is for horses, not artists.” After graduating with my Bachelor of Music (Education) I became an itinerant music teacher. It was the perfect job for me - and I LOVED it! I loved the fun we had in class, and I really loved watching the children’s faces beam with their accomplishments. In 1972, I married the love of my life, Marshall. We started a family and I became a stay-at-home mom. My flute lay dormant for 23 years! As much as I treasured those years spending time at home with my children, I so missed music in my life. I missed the camaraderie and the excitement of playing music with other people, and the joy of musical expression. So in 1998, and after a 23 year hiatus, I took my flute out of its case and joined the North York Concert Band. Although quite rusty, I loved putting my daily routine behind me, concentrating on the music, and being surrounded by like-minded people. I loved the challenge and the sense of accomplishment as I continued to improve with practice and the support from my new music friends. And then along came...
The Birth of Resa’s Pieces Concert Band During those years I realized there were many people who like me loved music. But, just like me and due to life circumstances, they had also abandoned their instruments. I realized there was a real need for adults to come together and return to making music as I did. I began to dream... I imagined a fun, social atmosphere of a high school concert band – but for adults! I hoped that if I created such an environment it would provide such individuals with the same joy and pleasure I had found. I also wanted to provide an opportunity for people to learn, to grow as musicians, and to share their accomplishments. My ultimate goal was to have members of this new group learn repertoire, perform for audiences, and share their expression of music within the community. On a “magical” day in late 1998, I was talking to the Music Director at the Koffler Centre of the Arts. When I told her my idea her immediate reply, which I will never forget was, “Resa, I don’t like your idea – I LOVE IT!” And right then and there I knew it would happen. I wondered, how many people would join? I was hoping for eighteen as it’s a symbolic number for LIFE, and music is so much part of everyone’s life. 10
Reawaken That Talent - Rediscover Making Music
A few weeks later, at a party, I shared my idea with others. Surprisingly, it became the buzz of the evening with those interested wanting to start immediately. “Can’t we start now?” asked Ruthie Fishman, (who eventually became President of Resa’s Pieces and is now our Executive Director). Shortly afterwards and with the eighteen names gathered, we held our first rehearsal. We began with a basic review of the names, values of the notes and all the fundamentals – like how to hold the instrument and making the first sound. Everyone left excited and eager to practice. And they did! Resa's Pieces Concert Band, as named by its members, held its first concert in June 2000. Knowing eight notes and seven songs, the Band performed to an audience of seventy-five people. The concert was 25 minutes long and ended with a rousing standing ovation. And that’s how Resa’s Pieces was born! And then along came...
The Birth of Resa’s Pieces Strings On numerous occasions, string players approached me asking to join the Band. I felt terrible having to say "no" because stringed instruments require a different approach and, other than a double bass, there is simply no place for them in a concert band. With so many requests, I finally realized I needed to start a string ensemble. The challenge was finding the right conductor. After three years of searching, I finally met Ric Giorgi. Ric immediately “got” what Resa’s Pieces was all about and was eager to join in our mission. In September 2010, Resa’s Pieces Strings met for the first time. Coincidently, they also began with eighteen members. As with the band members, the same joy and appreciation of returning to music permeated throughout the new string ensemble. And then along came...
The Birth of Resa’s Pieces Singers I wondered and thought, so what about all those people who’ve never played an instrument but who love to sing? Is it fair that they should be left out of the FUN? No! I simply knew a vocal group had to come next! And so it was that in April 2013, (after another long search for the right conductor) Resa’s Pieces Singers held a six week inaugural session under the direction of Robert Graham. The Singers, as with Band and String members, now share in the fun of returning to making music. Who knows what musical field Resa’s Pieces will explore next? I believe with my whole heart that everyone should have the opportunity to have music in their lives. It’s one of my greatest joys every week to share my love of music with all of the dedicated players in the Resa’s Pieces Concert Band knowing that in the rooms down the hall Resa's Pieces Strings and Resa's Pieces Singers are having an equal experience with Ric and Robert. Between the three ensembles, we now have a total of 144 enthusiastic people – who every week are experiencing the joy of having music back in their lives, doing their best, and having FUN! This is my dream come true!!!
www.resaspieces.org
11
Bravo to Resa’s Pieces Strings on Your 4 th Gala Tonight & Wishes for Continued Success! The Fishman Family
Thornhill Chamber Music Institute SUMMER PROGRAM AUGUST 5th - 15th, 2014 8018 Yonge Street at Thornhill Baptist Ages 8 -17 Apprenticeship Program For Ages 18 -26
Gretchen Anner (905) 770-9059 thornhillchambermusic.com info@thornhillchambermusic.com
August 10 - 17 2014
Dealer warranty approved maintainance
Strings • Classical Guitar • Woodwinds • Voice • Piano • Brass
Fully accredited repair facilities
• Festival Concert Series • Coached Ensembles • Composition Classes • Choral Program
Fully licenced technicians
• Larger Chamber Groups • Heritage Musicians • Professional Faculty • Natural Wooded Setting
www.lakefieldmusic.ca for adult and youth amateurs choirs, ensembles, workshops, concerts classical, jazz, world and popular music vocals, piano, guitar, bass, drums strings, woodwinds, brass
Lake Field Music camp 12
Individualized Programs For All Levels & Intensive Study For Advanced Players
info@lakefieldmusic.ca 647-692-3463
Reawaken That Talent - Rediscover Making Music
8540 Keele St., Unit 21 Concord On, L4K 2N2
Service: • Engine repair & maintenance • Brakes • Front end • Fuel injection • Exhaust • Lube & oil • Suspension • A/C repair • Computer Diagnosis • Electrical diagnosis and repair • Wheels & Tires • Transmission • Emissions • Wheel Alignments • Performance modifications & engine swaps • Scheduled maintenance
Proud Supporter of Resa's Pieces Strings - Anonymous