LETTERS l TO THE EDITOR
Independent A step in the right direction
Staying in Tune
On behalf of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Board of Directors, I want to thank Slice Magazine for its support for our 2012-2013 season (“Tune It Up,” September 2012). The Philharmonic provides tremendous enjoyment for over 100,000 people each year and benefits our community in many tangible and intangible ways. Our musicians perform at excellent levels unequaled by many of our sister orchestras across the country, and our guest artist roster includes some of the finest talent in the world. We are proud of the Philharmonic, and we are delighted that you have joined with us through your commitment.
PURSUITS l WHAT TO DO
TUNE IT UP!
By Steve Gill
E
ddie Walker joined the then-fledgling OKC Philhar-
monic as an intern in 1989 and has since risen to the lofty title of Executive Director, amassing an impres-
sive store of knowledge and expertise and witnessing more than a few performances along the way. So when he says, “This seems to be one of those seasons where all the stars kind of lined up,” music lovers across the metro should take notice. The organization’s bar is already set fairly high – “We do pretty well at this in general,” Walker admits – but even from that insider’s perspective there’s something about the 2012-’13 slate of eight Classics Series and six Pops Series performances that he thinks stands out. “This seems to be a season that has broader and bigger appeal than most. It’s just that combination of the right artists, and the repertoire that Joel [Levine] has built around them, it just seems to really be appealing this year – more appealing than usual.” How so, you ask? Check out this lineup…
CLASSICS SERIES Members of the Philharmonic administration chose individual artists or performances from this season that they’re especially anticipating, but the man wielding the baton could not. Maestro Joel Levine: “That’s an impossible question. It’s like asking a heart surgeon, ‘Which is your favorite person you’ve saved?’ I don’t program concerts that I don’t enjoy conducting – a lot – otherwise there’s no sense in doing it. For this particular season coming up, I would not be able to pull out one. It’s loaded with pieces that we as musicians just worship, so it’s going to be challenging and rewarding.”
Grand Opening Night September 15 Conrad Tao, piano
Conrad Tao is an award-winning pianist; and an award-winning violinist; and he’s won the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award for the last eight consecutive years. Oh, and he just turned 18. No wonder Forbes put him on its last 30 Under 30 list highlighting the youngest stars in the music business – in fact, he’s the only classical musician on that list. In OKC, Tao will be performing Liszt’s “Totentanz” and “Variations on a Nursery Theme” by Dohnanyi, while the orchestra tackles Elgar’s “Enigma Variations” and “Autumn” from Glazunov’s “The Seasons.”
Songs of Land and Sea October 6 Gil Shaham, violin
Eddie Walker: “We have been trying to bring him back for 20 years, and it’s finally lined up.” In constant demand worldwide – his 2012 itinerary includes Hong Kong, San Francisco, London and Carnegie Hall – for his impeccably skillful technique and unmistakable warmth, the Israeli-American Grammy winner makes a triumphant return to the Civic Center after two decades’ absence to perform the Brahms Violin Concerto in D major, accompanied by Glinka’s ”Kamarinskya,” “Four Sea Interludes” from Britten’s Peter Grimes and the “Dances of Galanta” by Kodaly.
Blazing Colors With a French Twist November 17 Barry Douglas, piano
Polished, powerful performances have garnered Douglas a gold medal at the Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow, the rank of Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to music – and acclaim from
44 slice | september 2012
Michael E. Joseph, McAfee and Taft OKC Philharmonic Society Board of Directors
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farmto fashion By Timothy Fields Photos by Simon Hurst
Fall’s fashions always bring the promise of cooler weather to come. The mood is adult and polished with rich colors and a great mix of textures and fabrics. We find this season’s fashions to be pleasing to everyone.
52 slice | september 2012
l to r: Allie wears Vince Camuto silk halter dress, Betsey Johnson jewelry, Mary Frances bejeweled owl purse and Michael Kors giraffe print shoes from Dillard’s | Kristina wears Rachel Zoe teal dress and black animal print shoe with Prada oxblood leather purse and sunglasses from Balliets | Alex wears Catherine Deane oxblood leather and lace dress with Ferrare black chain bracelet from Liberté | Jessi wears A’Reve dress from Rakota Remington | Jewelry by Betsey Johnson from Dillard’s
september 2012 | slice 53
Dressed for Success
Beautiful! Loved, loved, loved your fashion spread (“Farm to Fashion,” September 2012). I’m going shopping! Ann Mays Norman I was all excited about some Indian Tacos and cinnamon rolls, but now that I read your article (“In the Spotlight: Scott Munz,” September 2012) I find myself with a strange craving for a blue leisure suit, too. David Marks Oklahoma City
Right Out Loud 3001 United Founders Blvd., Suite A Oklahoma City, OK 73112 PH: 405.942.1234 TheRetirementPath.com
“The Birthday Girl” (Last Laugh, September 2012) – thanks for that! As usual, I chuckled out loud and related to the nth degree! Lynn Gravitt Means via Facebook I just had to respond; I am still laughing! You tackled what most of us are trying to avoid – the dreaded aging. You hit every nail right on the head. FYI: my favorite places to go, especially out to eat, are dark, dark places where you need a flashlight to see the menu. I figure if you can’t see the menu without light, I must look fantastic! Keep up the good work (and the funnies).
Honored by the Oklahoma Business Ethics Consortium for its efforts to reinforce ethical standards in the marketplace.
14 slice | october 2012
Judy Reichardt via email