Director’s Column

I would like to address an occurrence that is affecting theatres throughout the country. At sold-out shows, patrons have been presenting either fraudulent or duplicated tickets which have prevented them from gaining admission into the show for which they believed to have valid tickets.

If you purchase tickets from anyone other than Opening Nights, you are buying from a ticket broker, and are likely paying more than face value. Ticket brokers make it appear that they have “special access” to the best seats, but all they’re doing is purchasing tickets from the theatre and reselling them at inflated prices.

Opening Nights patrons only have to remember two things: our ticket office phone number, 850.644.7670, and our web site, OpeningNights.FSU.edu. If you transact your business directly with Opening Nights, you can’t go wrong.

If you purchase from a ticket broker or secondary market source and there is anything wrong with your order, Opening Nights cannot help you because you did not purchase your tickets from our ticket office. Additionally, there are vendors who will sell you outright fraudulent tickets, and when this happens, again, Opening Nights is unable to assist you.

You might think that a show is sold out, but it’s always worth a phone call to the Opening Nights ticket office at 850.644.7670 to see if tickets are available or visit our website to be added to the performance waitlist.

We have introduced a button on the Opening Nights website that will allow you to enter your name onto a wait list for tickets for select performances. As the event gets closer, tickets may become available for these concerts.

Warmly,

Michael
Director, Opening Nights at Florida State University

Opening Nights in Class Winter Programs

Within the last few weeks, our artists have held amazing Opening Nights in Class programming for students on and off campus, providing Tallahassee students with access to world-class performers and artists.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo: Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo’s Ballet Master, Raffaele Morra, held a Trocks-style master class for Florida State University students and Tallahassee Ballet dancers where the dancers were given inside tips and tricks on how the Trocks bend the rules of ballet for a unique and fun style.

The Pirates of Penzance: Florida State University Opera students participated in an audition-style master class focused on singing technique with Executive Director of the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, David Wannen, and Claire Leyden, who plays Mabel in the players’ production of The Pirates of Penzance.

Black Violin: Students from Florida State University Schools joined Black Violin during their sound check where the famous Florida duo talked to students about the importance of thinking outside the box and breaking stereotypes. Later that evening, the students joined Black Violin on stage and performed with them during the encore.

Hartsfield Elementary Mural

We are thrilled to announce that the money raised during our Opening Nights in Class fundraiser at Happy Motoring will be used to sponsor Hartsfield Elementary’s new murals, painted by local artist Kollet Hardeman.

Rachel Barton Pine—Arts-in-the-Heart Concert Series

Our friends at the Javacya Arts Conservatory and St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral are hosting world-renowned violinist Rachel Barton Pine. Ms. Pine will give a concert of music by black composers of the 18th and 19th centuries as part of the Arts-in-the-Heart concert series. The Concert will be held at St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral on Friday, February 21 at 7:30 pm. Tickets and more information can be found here.

The post February 2020 appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

Director’s Column

Please accept my sincere best wishes for the new year as we enter a new decade.

We will start the new decade with the legendary sounds of The Righteous Brothers who boast a string of #1 classics. The breadth of our offerings for the balance of January and February covers various genres including musical artists such as Kristin Chenoweth, the Cristina Pato Quartet Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar, Black Violin, The Beach Boys and of course one of Tallahassee’s favorites—PRISM to name a few.

In theater, you can experience a family outing with David Engel’s one-man Madcap Intergalactic Parody in his Star Force Academy. Tickets are just $10 and the performance is at TCC’s Turner Auditorium. New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players will entertain all with their comedic opera, “The Pirates of Penzance” in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.

Dance fans can watch the proficiency in balletic execution of the men in Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo while enjoying the humor of their accomplished work.

Additional humor is rampant with Steve Solomon’s “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy”.

Opening Nights in Class will have Cristina Pato, The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players and Kristin Chenoweth working and interacting with students both within and outside Florida State University.

Patron support and attendance allow us to continue reaching across our community with established as well as emerging artists encouraging a broad understanding of the variety and strength of talent that visits Tallahassee. Thank you for helping make this possible.

Warmly,

Michael
Director, Opening Nights at Florida State University

Opening Nights in Class Update

This semester, Opening Nights in Class programs have impacted over 2,750 students and community members through more than 20 unique artistic experiences. From filling the seats of Ruby Diamond Concert Hall with K-12 students, to bringing literal magic into the classrooms and centers that serve our developmentally challenged population, ON in Class continues to make the arts accessible to arts enthusiasts of all ages and background.

More information on past ON in Class programs.

Give the Gift of the Performing Arts

This holiday season, Opening Nights is the perfect place to find presents for your loved ones. To make your gift giving even easier, enjoy 25% off select performances now until January 2. With 11 different shows to choose from, there is truly something for everyone!

More information

Opening Nights Wait List

On the Opening Nights website, you will now see a button on select shows that allows you to enter your name onto a wait list for tickets. As the event gets closer, tickets often become available for these shows, and Opening Nights Members and Sponsors enjoy priority placement on wait lists.

ON Stage in January

The beginning of a new decade is just around the corner! Join us for the first show of the new year—The Righteous Brothers on January 8. The concert experience features their biggest hits—“Lovin’ Feelin’,” “Soul & Inspiration,” “Unchained Melody,” “Rock and Roll Heaven,” Medley’s GRAMMY®-winning Dirty Dancing theme “The Time of My Life” and much, much more!

Limited Seats Available
Kristin Chenoweth comes to Ruby Diamond on January 28 for her heartfelt tribute to the great female singers throughout history in her show “For the Girls.” Emmy and Tony award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth’s career spans film, television, voiceover and stage.

Also ON stage on January 30 is the Cristina Pato Quartet. Cristina Pato is an internationally acclaimed Galician bagpiper master, classical pianist and passionate educator. You may have seen her perform in Ruby Diamond with The Silkroad Ensemble, founded by Yo-Yo Ma. Don’t miss this evening of world music with one of the greatest living masters of the gaita.

New Opening Nights Mission Statement

The Opening Nights Development Council has helped create a new mission statement that reflects the world-class talent coming to Tallahassee as well as emphasizes the importance of education and bringing diverse audience together for a shared experience.

The mission of Opening Nights at Florida State University is to present compelling and distinguished artists who provide extraordinary experiences that educate, inspire and connect diverse audiences on and off campus.

Wishing you a Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year

The post December 2019 appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

Director’s Column

It’s my pleasure to welcome you to the start of the 2019-20 Opening Nights Season, which is dedicated to President Emeritus Sandy D’Alemberte in memory and recognition of his leadership in establishing what was originally known as “Tallahassee: Seven Days of Opening Nights.”

I would like to introduce two new members of the Opening Nights Staff: Brad Lister, Ticket Office Manager; and, Jeremy Eason, Marketing & Communications Manager. Both of these individuals are critical participants in our efforts to deliver the best information and services to you, our patrons, as we launch into the next eight months of performances. Alongside Brad and Jeremy are a strong cadre of Florida State University student interns that are dedicated to the programs under our auspices and the quality of delivery with each event.

As you enter the 2019-20 Season with us, please let us know what we can do to make your experiences more enjoyable. Your input and feedback mean a lot to each of us and we appreciate your comments. It’s our pleasure having you with us.

Warmly,

Michael
Director, Opening Nights at Florida State University

Chain of Parks Art Festival Event Announced!

Michael Rosato will be the featured artist for the Opening Nights Chain of Parks Art Festival Event. The lecture will be held on April 16, 2020, in the FSU Alumni Center Ballroom. Tickets are $25 and include a pre-lecture reception with the artist that begins at 6:30 pm.

Michael Rosato specializes in designing and painting large-scale murals for public and private spaces. Mr. Rosato is regularly commissioned to create artworks for display in museum exhibits, corporate headquarters, retail spaces, restaurants, sports arenas, outdoor venues and private residences. His recent mural of abolitionist and conductor on the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman, has received international acclaim. For more information, please visit the Chain of Parks Event.

$10 College & High School Student Rush Tickets

This year, students have the opportunity to purchase $10 Student Rush Tickets with their student ID the day of the show at the Opening Nights Ticket Office located in the Westcott Building, Suite 216, from 10 am to 4 pm or at the performance venue 1 hour prior to the show. Please note that Student Rush ticket sales end 15 minutes before the performance start time. For Saturday and Sunday performances, Student Rush tickets may be purchased in the Opening Nights Ticket Office the Friday before the performance from 10 am to 4 pm and on the day of performance at the venue 1 hour prior to the show. K-12 students are also eligible to purchase $10 Student Rush tickets with a valid ID or other student identification. For more information, please visit Student Rush Tickets.

ON in September

The beginning of the 2019-20 season is just around the corner, with St. Paul & The Broken Bones kicking off the season on September 16. The retro-soul-rock band’s three albums have earned them national recognition, which has also included opening for The Rolling Stones, appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Conan, Late Night with Seth Meyers, Austin City Limits, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. St. Paul & The Broken Bones: Tickets & Info

Also ON stage in September is Sinatra with Matt Dusk. This cool, classy show transports you to the 60s where Dusk pays homage to Sinatra with new arrangements of “Come Fly with Me,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Fly Me To The Moon,” “One For My Baby,” and more. Sinatra and Jazz lovers alike will revel in this journey to one of music’s most elegant eras. Sinatra with Matt Dusk: Tickets & Info

Mix and Mingle Member Mixer

ON Members and Sponsors are invited to Happy Motoring on September 25 from 6 to 8 pm as Development Council Chair Gus Corbella and Development Council Member Susan Stratton serve as the evening’s guest bartenders. All tips will go to support Opening Nights in Class educational events, so please join us for a good cause and get to know your fellow Opening Nights Members and Sponsors as we celebrate the start of the 2019-2020 season!

FSU Now a Top 20 University!

U.S. News & World Report Ranks FSU No. 18 Among Public Universities
Florida State University soared eight spots to No. 18 among national public universities in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings, meeting and well exceeding its goal of joining the Top 25. It’s the greatest single-year improvement in university history. The rankings appear in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges 2020” guidebook. Read More about FSU Now a Top 20 University!

Drink Tickets Available for Purchase Ahead of Time

To make the patron experience more enjoyable and reduce wait times, drink tickets may be purchased ahead of time for use at future performances. More information will be available in the lobby at St. Paul & The Broken Bones. Drink tickets will be valid throughout the 2019-20 Season.

Venue Change

The venue has changed for three Opening Nights performances from Pearl in the Wild to Goodwood Museum & Gardens. Julie Fowlis, James LeBlanc & The Winchesters, and Riders in the Sky will now be held at Goodwood. Performance dates and times remain the same, and tickets are still available. Seating is general admission. Food trucks and a bar will be on site, offering food and drink for purchase. For questions about the venue change, please email openingnights@fsu.edu or call the Ticket Office at 850-644-7670.

The post September 2019 appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

From the Director

In memory and appreciation of FSU President Emeritus Talbot “Sandy” D’Alemberte’s contributions and support of Opening Nights, the 2019-20 Season will be dedicated to him.

FSU President D’Alemberte, who passed away on Monday, May 20, 2019, left an indelible mark on Florida State and the Tallahassee community at large. Among his many achievements was the founding of Seven Days of Opening Nights festival of fine and performing arts, now known as Opening Nights.

After taking office as President of Florida State University in 1994, Sandy D’Alemberte reached out to former Florida State presidents and first ladies and asked, “What was your greatest accomplishment as President?” John and Mary Champions’ answer was resoundingly the “Fine Arts Festival,” which encouraged President D’Alemberte to reinstate presenting performing arts programming on campus. Thus, the inaugural season of Seven Days of Opening Nights took place in February 1999.

Since that time, the week-long festival has grown into a year-round series of performances that has distinguished FSU as one of the leading performing arts presenters in the country.

2019-20 Season Announced!

Opening Nights announced its 2019-20 Season on May 29. The lineup includes legends such as The Beach Boys and The Righteous Brothers as well as popular emerging artists such as St. Paul & The Broken Bones and Black Violin.

Watch ON’s Season Sizzle Reel

Inaugural Arts Advocate Award

Opening Nights at Florida State University presented its first-ever Arts Advocate Award to Dr. Iris Wilson, a former principal in the Leon County Schools system. Wilson received the award for her exemplary support of arts education for creating partnerships with local arts organizations to enhance the overall educational experience for K-12 students. Read More.

Opening Nights in Class

Sponsor Update!

We’re excited to share some new and familiar sponsors that will be joining the Opening Nights family for the 2019-20 Season. Jim Taylor has renewed his sponsorship at the Diamond Level.

Legacy Toyota, Sachs Media Group and Ron Sachs & Gay Webster Sachs and Tallahassee Community College have renewed their support for the upcoming season at the Platinum Level.

We welcome DoubleTree by Hilton Tallahassee as a new sponsor this year at the Platinum Level. ON’s preferred hotel will be offering special rates to ON patrons. More details.

Through their generosity, Opening Nights is able to bring world-renowned talent to FSU and keep ticket prices affordable.

See All Sponsors

New Ticket Office Location

The Opening Nights Ticket Office has moved! Starting July 16 tickets can be purchased at the Opening Nights ticket office, which is now located inside the Westcott Building, on the second floor in Suite 216. Brad Lister is the new Opening Nights Box office coordinator.

NEW Location:
Westcott Building, Suite 216
222 South Copeland Street
Tallahassee, FL 32306

For Hours of Operation and Parking information, please visit our website.

The post May 2019 appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

From the Director

Please accept my warm thanks for a most successful 2018-19 Opening Nights Season. Your participation in our program through attendance and input on possible future artists enhances what we’re able to offer the community.

We greatly appreciate your willingness to take some chances with us on bringing new artists to the Tallahassee community such as Ukrainian performers DakhaBrakha, comedian Taylor Tomlinson, gypsy swing guitarists Lulo Reinhardt & Daniel Stelter, Parsons Dance Company with their “sensory-friendly” matinee and Scotland’s far-reaching rock and rollers Skerryvore. We have received numerous accolades for these and other artists this season and are grateful when you provide feedback.

On May 29 we’ll be announcing the 2019-20 Season. It is my hope that you’ll find more exciting performances that pique your interests!

Thank you for your ongoing confidence.  And, please keep your comments on our programs and performances coming!

Warmly,

Michael

Artist in the Spotlight: Joe Hutto—The Nature of Art

Join us tonight as we kick off the 2019 Chain of Parks Arts Festival with Joe Hutto’s presentation on The Nature of Art. Hutto is a nationally recognized artist in photography, painting and bronze sculpture as well as an Emmy award-winning filmmaker and author of several internationally recognized books. His writing, scientific research, photography and artwork have been featured in numerous regional and national publications, including the Smithsonian and The New Yorker.

Joe will talk on the motivating force that seems to perpetually define the most significant expressions of our humanity, sharing his perspectives regarding the biological foundation of the aesthetic experience and the development of a mysterious driving force that appears to be peculiar to our species. The Natural History of art is an organic reflection of the most remarkable and perhaps the most significant aspect of our Human Nature. The lecture will be followed by a Q&A session moderated by Mark Hinson.

Purchase a ticket that includes the pre-show reception with Joe Hutto at 5 pm. Hutto’s presentation begins at 6 pm. Q&A will begin about 6:45 pm.

Opening Nights in Class

By: Dr. Evan Jones, Professor and Coordinator of Music Theory and Composition and Dr. Grady Enlow, Interim Associate Dean for Community Engagement & Entrepreneurship

Florida State University College of Music

On Monday, April 15, six outstanding instrumentalists collectively known as yMusic performed the world premieres of six compositions by FSU graduate students. The concert was the result of a six-month collaboration involving three separate visits to FSU by yMusic, who have recently toured with Paul Simon and appeared with him on Saturday Night Live.

The ensemble visited FSU for the first time in early October, performing an informal concert of their own repertoire and working with each of the six students individually. Students submitted their complete first drafts by mid-February and met with yMusic again for two days in early March for an intensive schedule of rehearsals on each piece.

A full house of students and faculty attended the April 15 concert in Dohnányi Recital Hall. The performers took turns introducing each of the compositions from the stage and attested to having greatly enjoyed the months-long process that led to the unusual “all premieres” program.

The six student composers expressed tremendous gratitude for the unique opportunity of collaborating with such talented and inspiring performers. In one student’s words, working with yMusic was “both an education and a joy to all involved–they have a great respect for the music they play, and are absolutely dedicated to giving the best performance at every turn.”

That’s a wrap!

Opening Nights in Class had an extremely successful year–we were able to collaborate with Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, Jefferson and Bay county schools, as well as dozens of campus and community partners for a total of 4,925 students impacted this year! These were the latest Opening Nights in Class programs:

Matt Haimovitz

Cellist Matt Haimovitz hosted a master class with FSU College of Music cello students. Following the class, students watched Haimovitz perform one of his acclaimed “pop-up” concerts at the William Johnston Building. The world-renowned cellist also performed two other pop-up shows during his trip to Tallahassee at the Florida Historic Capitol Museum and Happy Motoring.

DakhaBrakha

All the way from the Ukraine, DakhaBrakha performed for more than 400 Lincoln High School students the morning after their dazzling performance in Rudy Diamond Concert Hall. This school performance was possible through the support of AT&T. Students were dancing in their seats and gave the group multiple standing ovations. DakhaBrakha provided an engaging performance that demonstrated their unique musical style, which includes Indian, Arabic, African, Russian and traditional instrumentation.

The Second City

Students from the FSU School of Theatre and the Jim Moran School of Entrepreneurship gained new skills in the art of improv from members of The Second City. The lessons taught during the workshop can be practiced in the day-to-day lives of business and theatre majors alike, making our students fearless for future auditions and “pitch” meetings.

 

FSU License Plate sponsored the Opening Nights Master Class series of programs this past season. When you purchase an FSU tag, you are helping provide students scholarships and educational programming. On average, Florida State specialty plate owners provide nearly $2 million each year for student scholarships.

More information & To Get Your Tag.

Membership

Through the generosity of sponsors and members, Opening Nights at Florida State University provides world-class arts programs for our community and for students both on and off campus. Gifts from our donors enable Opening Nights to provide access to performances that many may not otherwise have the opportunity to see. Members also receive access to some amazing perks including advance ticket sales, parking passes, priority placement on waiting lists for sold-out shows and more. Support the arts in our community. Join Opening Nights!

Save the Date!

The 2019-20 Season will be announced on May 29! Sponsors and Members at the Friend level and above are invited to attend the announcement party. Be the first to know—become a member today. We hope to see you there! Membership and Sponsorship Info.

The post April 2019 appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

From the Director

It’s a pleasure being able to share additional educational outreach activities under the auspices of Opening Nights at Florida State University. During the 2018-19 Season we plan to host 35 events that include artists in schools from kindergarten through 12th grade in Leon, Wakulla, Gadsden, Jefferson and Bay Counties, interaction with college students at Florida State University, Florida A&M University and Tallahassee Community College, and public engagement beyond the classroom at local restaurants.

Artists have approached students in normal classrooms, school assemblies and in environments geared to those with special and unique learning needs. The exposure has extended the range from Title 1 schools to private learning academies.

Recently, Makana, a singer-songwriter from Hawaii provided six outreach programs in addition to his two public performances at Goodwood Museum and Gardens. After working with elementary school students in Wakulla and Gadsden Counties, he remarked that these students were the most engaged of any he’s taught; they were attentive, responsive, energized and focused. Further, while he perceived these more rural schools to have less resources, he noted the importance of our Opening Nights in Class programs to encourage students to reach their potential and not “leave them behind” because of limited resources.

Artist in the Spotlight

Opening Nights will present Jimmy Webb, The Glen Campbell Years, this coming Tuesday, March 26 at 7:30 pm in Ruby Diamond Concert Hall.

In this multimedia performance, Webb’s stories are punctuated with photos, video and audio clips from his private collection, offering a rare window into the private lives of these two music legends. This concert pays homage to Campbell through virtual duets, new music videos, and stories of how these iconic songs came to be.

Jimmy Webb boasts a storied, decades-long career as a hit songwriter. His chart-topping songs include “Worst That Could Happen,” “Wichita Lineman,” “Up, Up and Away” and “MacArthur Park” to name a few.

This concert will bring back shared musical memories, giving rare insight into these two pop icons and the indelible mark their symbiotic craftsmanship made on American music.

Webb brings fans of his music a unique connection to their favorite songs, revealing the stories behind the legacy he created with his friend Glen Campbell.

Don’t miss your opportunity to see mostly never-before-seen photos from Webb’s personal collection of these two music icons. Travel back in time to witness the talent of one of music’s greatest collaborations and the indelible mark Webb and Campbell left not only on American music but all over the world.

Hawaiian Slack Key Guitarist Makes Waves

Makana is not only a passionate performer but a committed educator and activist. He is dedicated to making the world a better place for both current and future generations.

During his four-day stay in Tallahassee, Makana visited five elementary schools in Leon, Gadsden, Wakulla and Jefferson Counties, teaching more than 1,000 students about Hawaiian culture. He shared the history of the Slack Key guitar and provided an overview of Hawaiian food, native birds and popular words and phrases.

Educational materials created between him and the Florida Center for Reading Research reinforced his performance. Through his music and words, Makana honored Hawaiian elders whose wisdom has been passed down through generations—bridging the gap between arts and humanity.

Makana also had the opportunity to visit FSU’s Center for Global Engagement as part of their Engage Our World series. These series feature guest speakers who host dialogue sessions about Global issues and the influence students can have on the world. Students lined up after Makana’s program to ask him questions and share their stories.

“I have never seen so many students stay after and talk to a speaker after a lecture,” said Dr. Tanu Kohli-Bagwe, Teaching Faculty at the Center. “”Students enjoyed his generosity with his time, attention, and willingness to follow up with them. Makana’s personable nature appealed to them a lot!”

Support the Performing Arts!

Opening Nights is kicking off its annual Membership and Sponsorship campaigns. The performing arts bring people together for a shared experience. Please consider supporting Opening Nights so we can continue presenting world-class artists as well as expanding our educational outreach program. More Information

The post March 2019 appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

From the Director

With continued thanks to those who completed the member survey that was distributed in December, we are still gleaning good information from your input.

“Headline Artists and Attractions” were listed as highly desirable program options for Opening Nights to present. We’re striving to have a good number of these possibilities available in the 2019-20 Season.

Opening Nights is continuing to measure the prices of tickets with a focus on being keeping them as available as possible. Understandably, headline attractions come to us with higher artists’ fees, which have to be balanced with what we charge for admission. To that end, we’ll do our best to have a range of musical artists who represent different genres so that there is an array of choices available to you.

Opening Nights’ current season is in full swing. There are still 17 performances yet to come! Upcoming highlights include: slack key guitarist Makana who will be playing two nights at Goodwood Museum & Gardens and standup comedian Taylor Tomlinson who has a 15-minute Netflix special. We also have the privilege to present the Michael Feinstein Trio featuring standards and modern classics with a new twist, gypsy swing guitarists Lulo Reinhardt & Daniel Stelter from Germany and Jimmy Webb, the only artist ever to have received Grammy® Awards for music, lyrics and orchestration.

A Fantastic Evening with Boston Pops on Tour

Friendship With A Cello Named Matteo

Matt Haimovitz had been playing his rare, multimillion-dollar 1710 Goffriller cello—which he lovingly calls “Matteo”—for 30 years until a fateful day in February 2017.

“I was reaching for the Poulenc score, and I was standing up, and I lost my balance,” Haimovitz recalled in an article in The New Yorker. “I tripped, with one foot over the other, and I had to sort of make a decision. Do I land on the instrument, and let it basically go to pieces? Or do I let go of it and just hope for the best?”

The relationship between cellist and cello is unusually tight. “It’s probably the instrument closest to the human voice in range,” Haimovitz said. He described the necessity of wrapping oneself around the cello while playing. “You have to be good friends, intimate friends.” Read about Matteo’s fate in The New Yorker

Opening Nights in Class

Cashore Marionettes

A mix of local artists and puppeteers, STEM and stagecraft students from TCC, and FSU art majors participated in an exclusive workshop with award-winning puppeteer, Joseph Cashore, as part of Opening Nights in Class programming.  Mr. Cashore led the hands-on workshop, sponsored by Tallahassee Community College, through the process of bringing a marionette to life. Participants learned about a marionette’s development—from the beginning stages of sketching and planning to the final stages of manipulation and movement.

Cashore shared a “behind the scenes” look into the life of his creations by discussing how he designed the marionette controls, the proper stringing of a marionette, and puppet anatomy—including balance, the distribution of weight, and the construction of the joints.

Joseph Cashore has received numerous awards, including the highest honor an American puppeteer can receive, a UNIMA (Union Internationale de la Marionette) Citation of Excellence.

Artist in the Spotlight: Makana

A protégé of the Hawaiian slack key guitar legends, including Bobby Moderow Jr. and the late master Uncle Sonny Chillingworth, Makana has dedicated his life to perpetuating as well as evolving the traditional Hawaiian art form. Slack key or Ki Ho’alu, which is nearly 200 years old and indigenous to Hawai’i, is characterized by “slacking” the strings to open chords.

From this tradition Makana has evolved his own dynamic, high-octane style, coined “Slack Rock”: slack key infused with elements of bluegrass, rock, blues and raga. Makana’s playing has garnered praise from such guitar luminaries as Kirk Hammett (Metallica) and Pepe Romero (Spanish Flamenco Master). Makana is considered one of the “greatest living players” (Esquire Magazine) whose “instrumental brilliance bears comparison with the work of such groundbreaking acoustic guitarists as John Fahey and Michael Hedges” (Maui News).

Described as “dazzling” by The New York Times, Makana has earned international acclaim as a guitarist, singer, composer and activist who is widely known for lending his musical talent for social change. He has been a TEDx talk presenter, and his guitar playing has been featured on three Grammy-nominated albums, including the soundtrack of the Academy-Award winning film “The Descendants.”

Classical Guitar Society of Tallahassee

GRAMMY® Award-winning classical guitarist David Russell will be a part of the FSU Housewright Scholars Residency from February 26 to March 1 at the Florida State University College of Music. Russell is world renowned for his superb musicianship and inspired artistry. It’s been 30 years since Russell last visited FSU, so his residency is not to be missed!

For more information visit: https://guitartallahassee.com/20162017-recital-series/

The post February 2019 appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

From the Director

My thanks are extended to all of you who responded to the recent membership surveys. The input that you provided is helping us evaluate future membership benefits as well as directions in programming.

You let us know what you’d like to see on stage in coming seasons. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) held its annual conference in New York City in early January. Each year, this professional gathering of artists, agents, managers and presenters is one of the best opportunities to select performances for upcoming seasons.

As we continue with the current season, we hope that you’re enjoying performers you love and also trying something new! If you haven’t seen the Cashore Marionettes, you will be amazed by the sophisticated puppetry, the depth of humanity portrayed, and the emotional connection you’ll feel. An adult performance will be held Friday, Feb. 1 and a family-friendly matinee is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 2. Both performances, sponsored by Tallahassee Community College, will be held at TCC’s Fred Turner Auditorium.

As always, I appreciate your suggestions and welcome your feedback. A couple of survey highlights are included in this newsletter and we’ll share more in a future email.

We look forward to seeing you at upcoming shows!

Sincerely,

Michael

Survey Result Highlights

Patrons requested that details such as performance length, intermission, and other relevant parking/traffic information (such as FSU basketball games at the Civic Center that could affect parking) be included in pre-show emails. Great feedback!

The last couple of pre-show emails have included this information. When artists provide performance details, Opening Nights will include them and will strive to provide relevant updates on parking and traffic. Thank you for your suggestions.

Opening Nights Presents First-Ever, Sensory-Friendly Performance

Opening Nights offered its first-ever, sensory- and family-friendly matinee performance in conjunction with Parsons Dance Company on Saturday, January 12. This performance was designed to include individuals on the autism spectrum, with developmental or cognitive disabilities, or with sensory sensitivity.

Opening Nights and Parsons Dance created a warm and welcoming environment, making what might be a first-in-a-lifetime event a positive experience. The performance included several technical modifications and volunteers received additional sensitivity training. Various day-of supports were made available to guests. Before the show, attendees could visit the Activity Area located in the lobby, which was equipped with toys, games and stuffed animals to help provide activities during unstructured wait times.

Volunteers had “fidget” toys to hand out to help channel energy and preoccupy guests. A Designated Quiet Area was provided for anyone needing a break from the performance or activity in the lobby.

The matinee performance was abridged to 60 minutes and included a brief Q&A with the Parsons Dancers and Artistic Director David Parsons. To accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities, modifications included reduced sound levels and keeping some of the house lights up throughout the show to minimize potentially frightening situations and reduce sensory stimuli. A Parsons Dance representative also navigated the audience throughout the performance, pausing between each piece to speak about what to expect next and what to look for.

Opening Nights staff is proud that the community strongly embraced our first effort at presenting a sensory- friendly performance. We hope to present more of these performances in the future.

Opening Nights in Class

During their short visit to Tallahassee, members of the Parsons Dance Company made a huge educational impact on the Tallahassee community!

The company hosted a joint master class with FSU Dance and FAMU Health, Physical Education & Recreation majors, demonstrating dance techniques unique to sensory-friendly performances.

Parsons Dance also visited Gretchen Everhart School to work with the students, showing them that dance is for everyone. FAMU students from the master class joined Parsons Dance at Everhart to provide additional support. The FAMU students hope to provide follow-up lessons with the Gretchen Everhart students in the future. Opening Nights in Class is connecting our community! Watch Video from Gretchen Everhart School

Parsons Dance Company hosted a joint master class with FSU Dance and FAMU Health, Physical Education & Recreation majors, demonstrating dance techniques unique to sensory-friendly performances.

Artist in the Spotlight–Joshua Bell

Did you know that Joshua Bell’s violin is over 300 years old? His 1713 Huberman Stradivarius violin boasts a storied past that includes being stolen from Carnegie Hall and played for 50 years by a violinist who concealed the instrument with shoe polish and played principal violin with the National Symphony Orchestra during World War II.

Joshua Bell has written a story on his violin’s remarkable history and how he came to own it. Read More.

Watch Robb Report’s feature segment “Joshua Bell and His Red Violin”

Stay Tuned for 2019/20 Season Membership

We’re getting ready to launch our membership campaign for the 2019/20 Season. Whether you’re a renewing member or looking to get involved with supporting the arts, watch for updates and upcoming dates as we get ready to kickoff membership for the 2019/20 Season.

The post January 2019 appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

Known as the Gibson ex Huberman, the revered instrument came into my life one fateful

day during the summer of 2001, I was in London, getting ready to play a ‘Proms’ concert at the Royal Albert Hall and decided to stop by the famous violin shop J & A Beare  to pick up some strings.  As I entered the shop, Charles Beare was just coming out of the back room with a stunning violin in hand.  He told me that it was the famous Huberman Strad, and of course I was instantly intrigued.

I soon learned all of the known details of the violin’s remarkable history, which is complete with twists and turns to rival the film that I had only recently finished working on -The Red Violin.  Believed to be one of only five or six instruments made in 1713 by Antonio Stradivari in Cremona, Italy, the violin has belonged to many, including the English violinist George Alfred Gibson. But it was its connection to Bronislaw Huberman that I found particularly fascinating and somewhat personal.

Huberman was a Jewish Polish violinist who lived from 1882-1947. He was a child prodigy who was revered for his remarkable virtuosity and daring interpretations. Huberman studied under Joseph Joachim in Berlin, and by the age of 11 he was already touring Europe as a virtuoso. It was during one of those early tours that he met the pianist Arthur Rubinstein, who was only six at the time, and had not yet achieved the legendary status that he came to hold. The two musicians remained lifelong friends.

At 13 Huberman had the honor of performing the violin concerto of Johannes Brahms in the presence of the composer himself, who was stunned by his interpretation. According to biographer Max Kalbeck, “As soon as Brahms heard the sound of the violin, he pricked up his ears, during the Andante he wiped his eyes, and after the Finale he went into the green room,
embraced the young fellow, and stroked his cheeks. When Huberman complained that the public applauded after the cadenza, breaking into the lovely Cantilena, Brahms replied, ‘You should not have played the cadenza so beautifully.’”

Huberman became one of the most celebrated musicians of his time, but it was in 1929 that his contribution to humanity took on an added dimension.  During that year he visited Palestine and came up with the idea to establish a classical music presence there. During Hitler’s
rise to power, Huberman had the foresight to realize he could save many Jewish artists while fulfilling his desire to start a Palestinian Orchestra. Huberman auditioned musicians from all over Europe. Those selected for the orchestra would receive contracts and, most importantly, otherwise impossible-to-get exit visas from their homeland to Palestine.  Huberman raised the money for the musicians and then their families, even partnering with Albert Einstein to set

up an exhaustive U.S. fundraising trip in 1936. By the end of that tour, the money for the orchestra was secured and sixty top-rate players had been chosen from Germany and Central Europe.  All in all, it was a fantastically successful tour, barring one particular

performance at Carnegie Hall on February 28th.  That night Huberman chose to play
the second half of his concert on his ‘other violin’, a Guarneri del Gesu.  During the applause following his performance of the Franck Sonata, Huberman’s valet walked on stage to inform him that his Stradivarius had been stolen from his dressing room. The police were

called while Huberman tried not to panic, continuing optimistically with his encores. The instrument had previously been stolen in 1919 from a hotel room in Vienna but was recovered days later when the thief tried to sell it. This time, Huberman was not so lucky.

There are several versions as to exactly how and why the violin was stolen, but what we know for sure is that the instrument ended up in the hands of a young freelance violinist by the name of Julian Altman.  Some say Altman’s mother convinced him to steal it; others report that Altman bought if off the actual thief for $100.  Regardless, Altman took great pains to conceal the violin’s true identity, covering its lovely varnish with shoe polish and performing on it throughout the rest of his career, which included a stint as first chair with the National Symphony Orchestra during World War II.

Heartbroken, Huberman never saw his Stradivarius again.  However, his great dream was fulfilled when the new Palestine Orchestra made its debut in December of 1936 with the great Toscanini on the podium. I like to imagine that my own relatives might have been in the audience on that opening night, as my grandfather was born there and my great grandfather was part of the first “Aliyah”   of Russian Jewish immigrants to Palestine in 1882. As for his violin, it was played by its suspected thief for over fifty years, and in 1985,  Julian Altman made a deathbed confession to his wife, Marcelle Hall, about the true identity of the instrument.  She eventually returned the violin to Lloyd’s of London and received a finder’s fee; and the instrument underwent a nine month restoration by J & A Beare Ltd which noted it was like “taking dirt off the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.”

The instrument was then sold to the late British violinist Norbert Brainin
of the Amadeus String Quartet.   Previous to my fortuitous encounter with the violin at J & A Beare, Brainin had once let me play it after a rehearsal of the Mozart g minor string quintet which I had the pleasure of playing with him one evening in the 1990s.   “One day you might be lucky enough to have such a violin,” he had said prophetically.

And so here I was in 2001, buying some strings at the violin shop and I was introduced to the 1713 Stradivarius again. As it was handed to me, I was told it was being sold to a wealthy German industrialist for his private collection.  However, after playing only a few notes on it I vowed that this would not happen. This was an instrument meant to be played, not just admired.  I fell in love with the instrument right away, and even performed that very night on it at the Royal Albert Hall.  I simply did not want it to leave my hands.

This violin is special in so many ways. It is overwhelming to think of how many amazing people have held it and heard it. When I perform in Israel with the Israel Philharmonic, I am always touched to think how many of the orchestra and audience members are direct descendants of the musicians Huberman saved from the Holocaust – with funds raised by concerts performed on the very same instrument I play every day. Who knows what other adventures will come to my precious violin in the years to come? While it certainly will be enjoyed and admired long after I am not around anymore, for the time being I count myself incredibly lucky to be its caretaker on its 300th birthday.

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Director’s Column

My hopes are that you get to enjoy time with family and friends this holiday season. The ON team is enjoying some time off to get ready for the new year when we will be presenting 26 more performances for the 2018-19 Season. “Good things are yet to come!”

We kick off the second half of the season on January 9 with the Scottish rock sensation Skerryvore and conclude this year’s offerings with Grammy winner Rosanne Cash on April 27.

To make your holidays bright, we are offering some exceptional discounts. Please visit our special Holiday Gift Giving idea page—information below.

As I celebrate my one-year anniversary with Opening Nights, I extend my thanks to you for making my wife, Judy, and me feel so welcome in the Florida State University/Tallahassee community. We look forward to see you at many upcoming performances.

Warm wishes this holiday season!

Sincerely, Michael

Holiday Gift Giving

To make gift giving easier, Opening Nights is offering a 25% discount on select 2019 performances* with promo code ONHoliday.

We’ve even provided suggestions for the best performances for children, tweens and teens or any performing-arts lovers in your life. Give the gift of lasting memories with the performing arts. The promo is only good through January 4, so don’t delay!

See Gift Giving Ideas!

Opening Nights in Class

Since the start of the 2018-19 season, more than 2,550 students have enjoyed Opening Nights in Class programming through college master classes, K-12 performances, and customized workshops. All three of our December artists participated in Opening Nights in Class programs.

Mandy Harvey shared her story through songs about her personal journey to inspire students to hope, dream and achieve. Mandy answered questions from the audience and led students in a science experiment using balloons. She showed students how they could feel the sound music makes, a trick she uses herself when performing. Students were given balloons to blow up. She told them to feel it while a neighbor talked or hold it to their ear to hear the amplified sounds.

W.T. Moore Elementary and Swift Creek Middle School were in attendance as each school specializes in teaching local deaf students.

See Tallahassee Democrat’s Ashley White’s coverage.

Soweto Gospel Choir

Following their moving public performance in Ruby Diamond, Soweto Gospel Choir performed an abridged version of “Songs of the Free” for Godby High School and Bond Elementary students. Bond is home to Swahili-speaking students who have emigrated from Congo.

Supported by AT&T, Opening Nights with the help of the Florida Center for Reading Research, provided students customized programs that provided details on Nelson Mandela’s life and the choir’s colorful costumes.

The Barefoot Movement

Thanks to The St. Joe Community Foundation, The Barefoot Movement was able to bring holiday cheer to Hiland Park Elementary School students in Bay County and a free community performance to Panama City.

The Nashville-based bluegrass band taught the students the difference between original, cover and traditional songs and performed examples of each. Students sang along, asked questions, and grinned ear to ear as each one got a candy cane to take home.

The group was much-welcomed entertainment for this community as they are still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Michael.

The Barefoot Movement also visited Cobb Middle School in Tallahassee to offer a master class to the school’s band and orchestra students. After performing a variety of songs, the band answered questions from the students. They provided insight on how they started their careers, how they use different techniques to change the sound of their instruments, life on the road (how to travel with a huge upright bass), and the importance of setting goals for the future.

FAQ

Q: How are artists selected for Opening Nights?

A: Artists are selected several different ways and numerous factors are considered when the director puts together the season’s programming.

Factors considered include:

• Suggestions from sponsors, ON members and audience members
• Emerging artists who are growing in popularity or gaining national and international attention
• Headliners and popular artists who are touring
• Prior year ticket sales to determine the kinds of artists and genres that the community supports
• Artists who are the best-in-class in their particular genre

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