Shattering expectations through collaborative performances
Available Programs 2013-2014 Season
Arizona Pro Arte Ensemble, PO Box 17387, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 Phone: 623-282-AZPA (2972) Email: info@azproarte.org www.azproarte.org
Shattering expectations through collaborative performances
SERIES: Live Music Soundtracks of Popular Classical Music Performed with Silent Films
Collaborators:
Professional Musicians Contemporary Composer Classic Silent Films and Shorts Abstract
There is an undeniable nostalgia and intrigue with silent films for movie-goers young and old. Showings of silent films as early as 1895 almost always featured live music, and from the beginning, music was recognized as essential, because it contributed significantly to the atmosphere and gave the audience vital emotional cues. Beginning in the mid-1910s, large city theaters tended to have organists or small ensembles of musicians.
Vision Acknowledging that the popularity of films has remained strong through the years while the popularity of classical music is diminishing, Arizona Pro Arte discovered, with a test performance in 2012, that there is great appeal in live classical music performed in conjunction with silent movies. To meet this demand, Arizona Pro Arte will prepare a series of silent movies set to classical music specifically selected by our artistic director to bring the films to life. Additionally, when available, these films will be presented in high-definition. Where artistically appropriate, a professional composer will create original music to fit certain scenes. Performances are ideal for theaters, concert halls or outside in “Movies Under the Stars� events.
Impact Through these performances, audiences will discover classic film masterpieces enhanced by the drama and emotion of live classical music.
Arizona Pro Arte Ensemble, PO Box 17387, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 Phone: 623-282-AZPA (2972) Email: info@azproarte.org www.azproarte.org
Shattering expectations through collaborative performances
PROJECT: Fairytales and Short Stories featuring Alice in Wonderland
The Film
“Alice in Wonderland,” a 1915 American silent film, is memorable for its use of special effects. This film is coupled with a few other period short stories to create an evening of tall tales brought to life by scoring and performance with our live orchestra.
The Music Careful thought was given to the action and emotion in “Alice in Wonderland” as we created a production that features classical music favorites that best express the character of the film. Works by Beethoven, Brahms and other well-known composers delight audiences as they recognize melodies that highlight the personality of the characters and bring added meaning to the scenes. Arizona Pro Arte has also woven into the classics an original composition commissioned from a contemporary composer who wrote music specifically to be played for a specific scene.
Experience It For Yourself
http://www.azproarte.org/acf Click on “Silent Films” and see and hear “Alice in Wonderland.” Venue Tempe Center for the Arts 600-Seat Theater
Funding $6,500 (All donation levels appreciated)
Arizona Pro Arte Ensemble, PO Box 17387, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 Phone: 623-282-AZPA (2972) Email: info@azproarte.org www.azproarte.org
Shattering expectations through collaborative performances
PROJECT: Nosferatu “A Symphony of Horror”
The Film
Taken directly from the Bram Stoker’s unforgettable novel “Dracula,” the 1929 film “Nosferatu” was judged so disturbing that a court ordered it destroyed. Fortunately, several copies survived, and this cinematic masterpiece continues to intrigue audiences. Aside from technical feats and ghoulish makeup unheard of in its day, this film also contributes to modern vampire lore by being the first to suggest that sunlight can kill the nocturnal Nosferatu.
The Music Modern cinema’s use of long sections of uninterrupted music creates flowing scenes that pull in the audience member. This is often aided by reoccurring themes, a concept derived from the works of the classical composer Richard Wagner. The “Nosferatu” project will mirror both ideas in its use of music. Dvorak’s Symphony No. 7 will form the backbone of the “Symphony of Horror.” Additional music will come from Brahms’ Tragic Overture, and Barber’s Adagio for Strings (notable for its use in the modern films “Platoon,” “The Elephant Man,” “Amelie” and more than a dozen television shows). The film will conclude with Wagner’s Prelude to Act 1 of Lohengrin.
Experience It For Yourself http://www.azproarte.org/acf Click on “Silent Films” and see and hear our vision of “Nosferatu.” Venue Tempe Center for the Arts 600-Seat Theater
Funding $9,500 (All donation levels appreciated)
Arizona Pro Arte Ensemble, PO Box 17387, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 Phone: 623-282-AZPA (2972) Email: info@azproarte.org www.azproarte.org
Shattering expectations through collaborative performances
PROJECT: Charlie Chaplin Celebration
The Films Beloved entertainer and filmmaker Charlie Chaplin considered the 1925 silent film “The Gold Rush” his favorite work. Moviegoers will never forget the classic scene in which the Tramp, trapped in a wilderness cabin, is forced to eat his own boot. OR “A Dog's Life,” originally released in 1918, was the first film for Chaplin's new company and is generally acknowledged as his first true masterpiece. “A Dog's Life” bursts with delightful comedic touches, especially in scenes with Sydney Chaplin, once considered the more talented of the two brothers! “Shoulder Arms,” another early Chaplin masterpiece, is an example of his brilliance in nonchalantly transitioning between comic violence, sentimentality and surrealism without losing sight of the film’s serious subject matter. In this film, Chapin pokes fun at the absurdities of army life and modern warfare.
The Music Though Chaplin is well-known for his films, audiences may be surprised to learn that Chaplin was an accomplished musician who wrote scores for nearly all of his films, although he wasn't always credited. Chaplin's scores are catchy and memorable, sending audiences home whistling the memorable melodies. Chaplin admitted in his autobiography, “Nothing is more exciting than to hear the tunes one has composed played." Arizona Pro Arte will recreate this excitement for audiences as they perform Chaplin's original music. This promises to be an unforgettable event.
Experience It For Yourself http://www.azproarte.org/acf Click on “Silent Films” for an example of how this presentation would look and sound. Venue Tempe Center for the Arts 600-Seat Theater (Double performance planned)
Funding $9,000 (All donation levels appreciated)
Arizona Pro Arte Ensemble, PO Box 17387, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 Phone: 623-282-AZPA (2972) Email: info@azproarte.org www.azproarte.org
Shattering expectations through collaborative performances
PROJECT: Professional Musicians Coaching in Public Schools
Collaborators:
Professional Musicians Public School Teachers Student Musicians
Abstract Due to budget cuts, many teachers are required to teach students to play instruments on which the teachers themselves have very little experience. The result is that students are short-changed, causing them to be deficient in their abilities, which sometimes becomes a major factor in the decision to stop musical learning. With studies that show the benefits of musical training in children, Arizona Pro Arte sought a solution to this problem.
Vision Arizona Pro Arte Ensemble seeks to assist struggling public school teachers by providing professional instrumental coaching to young music students. We will bring our musicians into schools to give expert lessons on technique, posture, tone quality and more. Students will be inspired by our musicians’ passion and be encouraged by their musical mentors.
Impact With coaching from Arizona Pro Arte’s professional musicians, music students will: progress faster on their instruments gain confidence learn to think more creatively gain skills in teamwork become more disciplined
Funding $5,000 - $20,000 Please note that $10,000 dollars donated represents a minimum of 100 in-school visits. This is the best way to bolster music education and make a real impact in the lives of young musicians.
Arizona Pro Arte Ensemble, PO Box 17387, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 Phone: 623-282-AZPA (2972) Email: info@azproarte.org www.azproarte.org
Shattering expectations through collaborative performances
PROJECT: “Classical Music 101” Concert
Collaborators:
Professional Musicians Public Schools
Abstract
The best way to encourage an appreciation for classical music is to educate (and entertain) the public about all the wonders music offers. One proven method is to teach children and adults together while giving them the unforgettable experience of watching and listening to a full orchestra.
Vision A series of free performances are offered that are informative and entertaining to people who have had minimal exposure to classical music. Performances will be “bite sized,” just to give an introduction to the world of classical music listening. They will be less than an hour long (shorter than normal) with no intermissions and will be offered free to both children and adults. Concerts will contain about 40 minutes of music balanced with 20 minutes of discussion.
Impact
There are many theories regarding the benefits of classical music, but in addition to these, learning to appreciate music means that a child acquires other life skills faster. Studies have repeatedly shown kids regularly exposed to classical music read earlier and achieve higher SAT scores, and that music studies improve everything from IQ to hand-eye coordination, to creative thinking skills to self-esteem.
Funding $6,000 – 7,000 per concert
Arizona Pro Arte Ensemble, PO Box 17387, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 Phone: 623-282-AZPA (2972) Email: info@azproarte.org www.azproarte.org
Shattering expectations through collaborative performances
PROJECT: Call For Scores
Collaborators:
Professional Musicians Contemporary Composers
Abstract
While the standard classical music literature remains largely unchallenged and unchanging, the rest of the world moves on exploring new directions. We acknowledge that not all compositions of today’s era will be celebrated in years to come, just as only a small, select amount of music from the 18th and 19th centuries has stood the test of time. But there is still great value in exploring the unexplored and embracing new voices.
Vision
As an organization dedicated to seeking new opportunities and collaborations, Arizona Pro Arte Ensemble will offer a “Call for Scores” project. Given special instructions for the instrumentation and other parameters, composers from around the world will be invited to submit their works to this competition for the chance to win a cash award and performance of their work.
Impact
Part of our goal is to connect great new music with today’s audience, to entice them to participate and to create an experience that will resonate with them in a unique way. When we kick-start a conversation around the music by engaging audiences in what the composers are trying to say and how the musicians are interpreting the music, a new community is born.
Funding $2,500
Arizona Pro Arte Ensemble, PO Box 17387, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 Phone: 623-282-AZPA (2972) Email: info@azproarte.org www.azproarte.org
Shattering expectations through collaborative performances
PROJECT: Art Show Complementing Live Music
Collaborators:
Professional Musicians Visual Art Live Artists
Abstract
Visual experiences at concert halls provide audience members opportunities to experience multiple disciplines of art simultaneously. Combined with live demonstrations, this experience allows them to gain insight and appreciation for the creative process, expands their knowledge and appreciation of visual arts and exposes them to the work of local artists.
Vision Exemplifying how music and art add insight and value to the human experience, this project will highlight the Tempe Center for the Arts’ unique collection of creations by their specially-selected artists. Arizona Pro Arte explores how the art in the existing galleries can be enhanced with carefully selected music. Visual artists will display an eclectic mix of works in and around the performance area and throughout the lobby area. There will also be live art demonstrations during this immersive experience, each adding depth to the other.
Impact In a casual, interactive setting, attendees will be encouraged to share their ideas about the purpose, value and context of the artwork. They will get a chance to explore ideas about music in a more concrete environment that will help them visualize how music serves a variety of purposes and functions in their lives and in their communities. Venue Tempe Center for the Arts 600-Seat Theater
Funding $6,000 (All donation levels appreciated)
Arizona Pro Arte Ensemble, PO Box 17387, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 Phone: 623-282-AZPA (2972) Email: info@azproarte.org www.azproarte.org
Shattering expectations through collaborative performances
SERIES: Dance With Live Music
Collaborators:
Professional Musicians Contemporary Composer Professional Dancers Choreographer
Abstract All too often the inspiring artistry of dancers is spoiled by poor recordings of brilliant classical scores specifically composed to accompany the dance. The “canned” sounds in many dance performances are instant moodkillers, robbing audiences of the collective sensory experience that was originally intended. With the orchestra pit sitting empty and artificial music being pumped into the theater through speakers, an important element of the mood is sapped from the ballet before even the first dancer floats onto the stage.
Vision
While live music with dance has become a rarity, Arizona Pro Arte seeks to bring together multiple artistic visions with collaborations between instrumentalists, dancers, choreographers and composers. In this series, four sets of artists will work side by side to create artful performances that will “wow” audiences and give them a meaningful, exhilarating arts experience.
Impact People can view a painting and appreciate its beauty, can listen to music and be moved and can attend theater that tells a story. But with dance, it’s not always clear what is happening and how we are supposed to feel. This collaborative series gives audiences an opportunity to simply watch the movement, listen to the music and appreciate what humans can express only through the arts. Venue Tempe Center for the Arts 200-Seat Studio
Funding $8,000 (All donation levels appreciated)
Arizona Pro Arte Ensemble, PO Box 17387, Fountain Hills, AZ 85269 Phone: 623-282-AZPA (2972) Email: info@azproarte.org www.azproarte.org