Lee Commander, director of Leon High School’s Marching Redcoats, was named the 2023 Arts Advocate Award winner by Florida State University’s Opening Nights program. The award, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union, recognizes Commander’s efforts to provide arts education opportunities for students.

At Commander’s request, nearly 500 Leon High School students in theater, guitar, band, dance and visual arts received access to professional artists through Opening Nights. These experiences included:

Broadway’s Next Hit Musical (Improv) School Show and Masterclass: Theater students participated in an improv show and masterclass, learning techniques like “yes, and” from industry professionals.

Jesse Cook Performance: Guitar students attended a public performance by the Canadian guitarist, known for his blend of flamenco and world music.

Complexions Contemporary Ballet: Dance students watched a performance by this innovative company, gaining insight into storytelling through movement.

Bria Skonberg Masterclasses: Jazz students learned from the trumpet player in sessions organized by Jazz at Lincoln Center. Skonberg shared her experiences and emphasized group cohesion.

Mandy Patinkin Masterclass: Theater students observed the Broadway legend working with FSU Musical Theater students. Patinkin encouraged young artists to use their talents to improve the world.

Dean Mitchell Lecture: Art students virtually attended a lecture by the visual artist as part of the Chain of Parks program.

These experiences, made possible by VyStar Credit Union’s sponsorship, aimed to foster creativity, problem-solving skills and self-expression among Leon High School’s arts students. The program highlights the importance of arts education in developing young minds and connecting students with the broader artistic community.

The post 2023 Arts Advocate Award Recap with Leon High School appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

A piece previously attributed to the composer’s brother Felix, in a ground-breaking album that celebrates equality among the siblings’ music

The pianist also set to perform at the First Night of the BBC Proms 2024

New Album ‘Mendelssohn’ to be released August 9, 2024 on Decca Classics

As she prepares to open the 2024 BBC Proms season, Isata Kanneh-Mason announces her fourth solo album, Mendelssohn, to be released on August 9, 2024 on Decca Classics. Here the pianist presents music from both Mendelssohn siblings: the glittering Piano Concerto No.1 by Felix and the long-lost “Easter Sonata” by his exceptionally talented but overlooked elder sister Fanny, as well as transcriptions by other composers of some of Mendelssohn’s most famous music.

“I am fascinated by Fanny Mendelssohn,” says Kanneh-Mason. “She lived in such a confined way, yet her music has so much fire and so much passion.” That confinement was part and parcel of life for women in the 19th century: Fanny was prevented by her father from pursuing a career as a concert pianist or composer due to her gender. Rather than adhere to his strict instructions that music should be merely an “ornament”’ for his daughter, Fanny composed in private, writing nearly 500 works. Many of these are still being discovered today, with several – such as the “Easter” Sonata, written when Fanny was only 22 – a piece lost for 150 years, originally assumed to have been created by Felix and performed under his name for decades.

Isata recently featured in the critically acclaimed film The Other Mendelssohn, produced by the composer’s great great great granddaughter Sheila Hayman, which explores the life of Fanny Mendelssohn, later Fanny Hensel, and reveals the fascinating story behind “Easter Sonata”. This new album features a brand new recording of the new urtext edition of this work.

In programming the sonata alongside better-known music by Felix, Isata hopes to bring long-deserved recognition to Fanny’s achievements. Supporting neglected women composers is important to the eldest Kanneh-Mason sibling: the pianist recorded Clara Schumann’s concerto on her 2019 album Romance and will perform that work at this year’s First Night of the Proms (on July 19 with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and conductor Elim Chan). In a fitting connection, Clara performed her own concerto under the baton of Felix at the Leipzig Gewandhaus. The album blends well-loved works – Felix Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25, performed with the London Mozart Players, conducted by Jonathan Bloxham – with lesser-known gems, including Fanny’s Notturno in G minor for solo piano – also unpublished in the composer’s lifetime. The Mendelssohns regularly performed together during childhood and remained close through adulthood – even dying within a year of each other. As a member of one of the UK’s most beloved musical families, Isata Kanneh-Mason understands the musical connection between siblings (as heard on Muse, her 2021 duo album with cellist brother Sheku) and brings this empathy to her performance.

In an interesting programmatic twist, Kanneh-Mason includes three transcriptions by other composers who were inspired by Felix Mendelssohn. Rachmaninoff’s version of the Scherzo from A Midsummer Night’s Dream is among his most virtuosic solo adventures. “You’re leaping all over the piano and it’s incredibly complex, but also very subtle,” says Kanneh-Mason.

The Mendelssohn constellation also connects Moritz Moszkowski’s version of the dreamy Nocturne from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, an ethereal, sparsely beautiful reimagining of the sleeping lovers scene. Although Moszkowski was well known in his lifetime, his work has fallen out of fashion, and this is another revival of a rarely heard piece.

The carefully selected program is all, of course, delivered with Isata’s unique style and perspective. The pianist is increasingly busy with concerto appearances, solo recitals, and chamber concerts throughout the UK and abroad. This season’s highlights include performances at the Lucerne Festival, the Zurich Tonhalle, Wigmore Hall, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Saint-Denis Festival in Paris, and an extensive US tour starting in June. Key dates include a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York with the European Union Youth Orchestra (EUYO) and Iván Fischer on August 6, as well as recitals in Baltimore on October 6, Florida on October 9, Ann Arbor on October 10, and Burlington on October 12, among others.

Track listings:

1. Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25: I. Molto allegro con fuoco*
2. Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25: II. Andante*
3. Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25: III. Presto – Molto allegro e vivace*
4. Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61: Scherzo (transcription by Rachmaninoff)
5. Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61: Nocturne (transcription by Moszkowski)
6. Mendelssohn: On Wings of Song S. 547: I. Auf Flügeln des Gesanges (transcribed by Liszt)
7. Mendelssohn: Lieder ohne Worte VI, Op. 67: II. Allegro leggiero, MWV U145 (‘Lost Illusions’)
8. Mendelssohn: Lieder ohne Worte VI, Op. 67: VI. Allegretto non troppo, MWV U188 (‘Cradle Song’)
9. Fanny Mendelssohn: Notturno in G Minor, H-U 337
10. Fanny Mendelssohn: Easter Sonata: I. Allegro assai moderato
11. Fanny Mendelssohn: Easter Sonata: II. Largo e molto espresso – Poco più mosso
12. Fanny Mendelssohn: Easter Sonata: III. Scherzo. Allegretto
13. Fanny Mendelssohn: Easter Sonata: IV. Allegro con strepito

* with the London Mozart Players, conducted by Jonathan Bloxham

About Isata Kanneh-Mason

British pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason (b. 1996) is the eldest sibling in the Kanneh-Mason family; she performs as a soloist and as a chamber musician together with her brothers and sisters. Isata is a Decca Classics recording artist: her 2019 album Romance – the Piano Music of Clara Schumann topped the UK classical charts and subsequent releases – Summertime (2021) and Childhood Tales (2023) – were praised for their programming and musicianship. Like the current release, previous albums have featured important, previously overlooked historic works, notably the world premiere recording of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Impromptu No. 2 in B minor.

The Kanneh-Masons are the UK’s most beloved musical family, recognized for their passion for music education and classical music. Isata is a founding member of the Chineke! Orchestra, an ensemble that supports Black musicians and those from unique backgrounds. She makes her solo debut with Chineke! later this year (November 21), when she will perform Prokofiev’s third piano concerto – the work she made her solo Proms debut with in 2023, performing with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Ryan Bancroft – with the orchestra at London’s Southbank Centre.

Isata regularly performs with her cellist brother Sheku, who made history when he became the first Black artist to win the BBC Young Musician competition in 2016. (Isata reached the keyboard finals in 2014, and her younger sister Jeneba achieved the same feat in 2018.) Isata and Sheku’s duo album Muse (2021) followed on from their notable recital together during the 2020 BBC Proms, where the siblings performed to an almost-empty Royal Albert Hall. Isata and Sheku also collaborate with violinist brother Braimah as the Kanneh-Mason Trio, and in 2020 all seven siblings featured on Carnival of the Animals, a charming recording of Saint-Saëns’s iconic work, interspersed with specially written poems by Michael Morpurgo, read by the author and Olivia Colman.

With a burgeoning award collection including the coveted Leonard Bernstein Award – following on from winning a Sir Elton John Scholarship to study at London’s Royal Academy of Music, where she graduated in 2020, Isata maintains a busy performing schedule and has recently made debuts at the Barbican, Wigmore Hall, the Philharmonie Berlin, and the Lucerne Festival.

www.isatakannehmason.com

The post Isata Kanneh-Mason to Release Fanny Mendelssohn’s Newly Rediscovered “Easter” Sonata appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

On April 18th, visual artist Dean Mitchell visited FSU’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship to put on an interactive lecture for the students. In addition to undergraduate-level students, over 40 middle and high school art students joined via Zoom.

Mitchell began the lecture by going over his previous art shows and work, sharing his experiences as a new and aspiring artist. He discussed in detail how race-based disparities held him back when starting his career. It took him a long time to find a studio that would display and sell art painted by an African American. This experience stood out to one student. “I am trying to overcome being denied exhibition opportunities by an art group I belong to and have been very involved with,” said student Jennifer Hunter. “I think this is because I think differently about some ethical issues. What advice can you give me to overcome this and find new opportunities?”

Mitchell ended the lecture by showing the students a photo of him with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. He talked about how this was the ultimate sign of his success, and how his journey took him from working in tobacco fields in Quincy, Florida to standing with the President and First Lady. Mitchell had very few people who believed in his dream to become a successful painter, but this moment let him know that his hard work had paid off.

Participants joined from across the country, including one student from Montana. “Thank you, thank you for this wonderful presentation. I have followed you and your work for years, from here, along the Blackfoot River in western Montana,” said attendee Lisa Smith. “You inspire me and all who know you and love and understand your work.” The lecture concluded with Mitchell opening the floor for questions and discussions with the students.

The post Dean Mitchell appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

Jesmyn Ward is an acclaimed novelist and professor of English at Tulane University. Notable works of hers include Salvage the Bones, The Fire This Time (ed.), and Sing, Unburied, Sing. Her works center on Black communities and their struggles surrounding poverty racism addiction and incarceration. She is the first African American woman to be awarded two National Book Awards for Fiction for her works Sing, Unburied, Sing (2017) and Salvage the Bones (2011). Her newest book, Let Us Descend, was recently published in October of 2023. On Monday, March 18th, Opening Nights hosted Jesmyn Ward, who taught a masterclass for students in Florida State’s Department of English. This masterclass took place at the historic Heritage Museum at Dodd Hall on FSU’s campus. Over 75 students and professors attended, excited for the opportunity to learn from Ward. Her skills as a writer and speaker were evident to all in attendance.

During the masterclass, Ward favored a more personable setting and prioritized maintaining a conversation with the audience. Skip Horack, author and creative writing professor at Florida State University, facilitated the masterclass. Horack’s professionalism and passion for writing further increased the quality of such an expert masterclass. Christell Victoria Roach, an incoming student attending FSU in the fall, traveled from Miami, Florida. “Hearing about Jesmyn’s process, mindset, and journey felt very assuring and gives me hope for many transformations,” said Roach.

Special thanks to Professor Maxine Montgomery from the FSU English Department for being instrumental in making this opportunity available to the students. “We are quite fortunate to have snagged such an accomplished poet whose academic interests cross the boundaries between Creative Writing and Literary Studies,” said Montgomery. “Christell’s decision to attend FSU and her enthusiastic response to Ward attests to the importance of ON and the wonderful work that you do in attracting a stellar lineup of guests. Many thanks for all that you do!” Delivering high-quality educational programs to the Tallahassee community is the mission of Opening Nights in Class, and such programs provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences at no charge to participants.

The post Jesmyn Ward appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

On Friday, March 8th students at the FSU School of Theatre were given the opportunity to observe and participate in a masterclass taught by Mandy Patinkin. Mandy Patinkin’s illustrious career precedes him. He is an American actor and singer known for his roles in theater, the concert stage, film, television, and as a recording artist.

On Thursday, March 7th, Bria Skonberg hosted masterclasses for two Leon High School Jazz Bands. Skonberg is a trumpeter identified by the “Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents” initiative as an up-and-coming musician and a rising star. Bria Skonberg (Trumpet, Vocals, Co-Music Director), along with Benny Benack III (Trumpet, Vocals, Co-Music Director), Jocelyn Gould (guitar), Jon Thomas (piano), Charles Goold (drums), and Mark Lewandowski (bass), have been touring their show “Sing and Swing”. This includes their performance hosted by Opening Nights at Tallahassee’s premier variety venue: The Moon.

Skonberg’s time at Leon High School was split between two jazz bands composed of students in 9th-12th grade. Throughout the masterclass, Skonberg emphasized the importance of coming together as a group, both physically (i.e., strategic positioning to see each other) and musically. She told students that sometimes the best solution to your problems is simply having fun and getting into “the groove”. Skonberg emphasized that with music, we shouldn’t overcomplicate things when music often comes naturally to us as humans. Skonberg shared with the students her experiences learning trumpet in a public-school band program, the same as they were. She told students that it’s possible to have successful careers in music even if they have not had the opportunity to have lessons like she had not. As the class concluded, she gave students who wanted to pursue jazz careers advice to listen to as much music as they could and to play in as many combos as they could.

The post Jazz at the Lincoln Center Presents appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

On Thursday, March 21^st, Damn Tall Buildings performed at James S. Rickards High School for more than 300 high school students, hosted by Opening Nights in Class. With a name that turns heads, Damn Tall Buildings is an eclectic, three-piece bluegrass group with members Max Capistran (guitarist/lead vocalist), Sasha Dubyk (bassist/lead vocalist), and Avery Ballotta (fiddler/vocalist). At the beginning of the show, Damn Tall Buildings asked if there were any fans of bluegrass, and the students proclaimed, “NO!” This did not deter the trio from exposing the high schoolers to the quality, energetic bluegrass music deeply rooted in American history. Damn Tall Buildings pushes the boundaries of bluegrass music, fusing elements of blues, swing and roots-rock into their sound. By the end of the night, when asked if the students now enjoyed bluegrass, they were met with a resounding “YES!” from the students in the high school auditorium. The students asked what kind of music the band members liked, and they responded that they enjoyed much of the same music students in the audience did, such as K-Pop, Lil Nas X and Olivia Rodrigo.

In addition to students, teachers and faculty, Tasha Weinstein and Joe Williams attended as members of the Opening Nights in Class Education Outreach Committee. This committee is made up of educators and leaders in the community who use their knowledge to ensure the delivery of quality education programs provided through Opening Nights at FSU. Continuous community support makes opportunities like this possible for the Tallahassee community. As the show ended, Capistran gave closing remarks to the students, wishing them “an amazing, fruitful life”. Damn Tall Buildings’ performance not only introduced students to the vibrant world of bluegrass but also highlighted the power of music in bringing communities together.

The post Damn Tall Buildings appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

The students act out a scene in the greenscreen settings

Local Tallahassee students from the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend experienced a day in the life as Florida State University film school students through a special partnership between Opening Nights at FSU and the College of Motion Picture Arts, sponsored by Prime Meridian Bank.

The middle and high schoolers were welcomed by filmmaker-in-residence David Wiley who asked what about movies inspired them and whether they were excited to learn about the process of making films; they were all too eager to answer.

“Opening Nights continues to open doors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Big Bend (BGCBB), through our partnership,” said John Baker, VP/Marketing Director of Prime Meridian Bank. “The level of care, thoroughness and professionalism the College of Motion Picture Arts team provided for the kids allowed them to envision a future in film.”

Students were broken up into two groups and divided into creative development and execution aspects of filmmaking. The students switched areas after lunch to ensure they experienced both aspects of filmmaking.

For the development activities, one group went back with Wiley and participated in the “Your Story” workshop, where they created their own storyline ideas. In the greenscreen group, under the direction of Ron Honn, filmmaker in residence, visual effects, the students learned about how different colors of light are used in filmmaking. The students were transported into various locations using the greenscreen, including a weather report and a busy city street, and acted out different scenes together.

“The VFX greenscreen was definitely the biggest hit! It was a great privilege to spend time with the girls and see their creativity at work,” said Sabrina Reisinger, assistant dean of the College of Motion Picture Arts. “We hope it won’t be the last time they are at the Film School.”

The execution groups were geared toward teaching the students how to use the camera and lighting equipment. Students learned how to operate a film camera under the direction of three film students. They learned how to move, zoom and angle the camera during a scene. In the same room, another group learned how to operate the lights while shooting a short clip, with the students being the actors.

“As a community bank, Prime Meridian Bank underwrites experiences like these for BGCBB members to give a glimpse of the endless opportunities available to youth in the Arts and elsewhere,” Baker said. “FSU Opening Nights shares our vision and brings it to life.”

For more information, visit film.fsu.edu.

Boys and Girls Club hearing from David Wiley, Film School Filmmaker in Residence

Students learning about how lighting is used with a greenscreen

The students learn to operate a film camera under the direction of FSU’s Film School students

The students act on set to learn about lighting

The post Boys and Girls Club of the Big Bend spend the day at FSU’s College of Motion Picture Arts appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

On Friday, March 8th students at the FSU School of Theatre were given the opportunity to observe and participate in a masterclass taught by Mandy Patinkin. Mandy Patinkin’s illustrious career precedes him. He is an American actor and singer known for his roles in theater, the concert stage, film, television, and as a recording artist.

The masterclass began with Dr. Jai Vartikar, first lady of the university giving the opening remarks. As soon as Patinkin came on stage, he was quick to remove the podium and ask everyone in the room to move as close to the front of the stage as possible. The wit and charm Mandy possessed made the environment positive and inspiring. Mandy chose to sit in the audience rather than stay on stage, encouraging an intimate environment. Throughout the masterclass, eight senior students in FSU’s School of Theatre performed their selected songs. With each student Mandy was quick to get personal, pushing students to tap into the “why” of what they were doing. He emphasized that personal conviction is the drive that “makes a performance real.” Mandy did not shy away from being vulnerable himself as well. He advised the aspiring actors in the room and his own experiences with burnout and staying true to himself. As the planned closing time drew closer students were no less eager to ask him questions and learn from him. In the end, students and Mandy continued their Q&A for an hour after their session was scheduled to end. Mandy’s generosity as an educator and his genuine wisdom meant that everybody in the room was able to take something away from this masterclass. Mandy did not shy away from urging the budding artists in the room to acknowledge the power they have to change our world, “We (artists) are teachers, we are communicators… we pick the thoughts and ideas we wish for the world and present it with the hope we can make the world a better place.”

The post Mandy Patinkin appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

During the week of February 20th to 24th, Shana Tucker graced the stage of eight Leon County elementary schools, impacting over 1,400 students. She entered each school in vibrant attire, mirroring her effervescent personality, excited and eager to captivate young minds. Shana exuded warmth, fostering an interactive and educational atmosphere in her performances. She incorporated music terminology throughout her shows, delved into the art of improvisation, and encouraged students to think musically.

Rather than mere spectators, the students became active participants in the musical journey, treated as Shana’s “fellow musicians.” They eagerly joined the creative process, some even taking center stage to sing for their classmates, or to craft music alongside Shana using her Loop machine. Applause mingled with shared dialogue as students clapped along to Shana’s songs and engaged with the performers. Students learned about the instruments on stage, Shana’s experience with vocal training, the art of freestyling, and the importance of practicing.

Shana’s genuine care for each child shone brightly, even in a packed auditorium of over one hundred eager faces. At one show, before a calming melody about stars and love, she paused to address her audience: “Did you know that you are shining right now? I can see you, you have this energy around you that is so beautiful. This is a reminder that no matter where in the world you go, the way I see you today, remember there is someone who knows how beautiful you are and how brightly you shine.”

After each performance, Shana took the time to greet the students personally. Children crowded around her, eager to receive hugs, share their own experiences with music, and, of course, get a chance to touch her cello! Students and teachers alike left their cafetoriums uplifted and comforted by Shana Tucker’s program.

The post Shana Tucker appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.

On Tuesday, February 13th, Miguel Solano, a captivating performer from the boundary-breaking contemporary ballet group Complexions, hosted a series of masterclasses for Tallahassee’s aspiring dancers. Complexions’ philosophy of innovation and fusion permeated Miguel’s teaching, resulting in an energetic and fast-paced session. He fostered open dialogue, encouraging participants and emphasizing that mistakes are stepping stones to progress. He urged them to embrace risks as they explored movement in new ways. FSU freshman majoring in Dance, Isabelle Hagley, shared, “It felt exciting to be doing a ballet class that felt so different from the day-to-day”, she also appreciated that Miguel created “a great atmosphere to push yourself.”

The masterclass unfolded through a series of exercises, each building upon the previous one in complexity. The culminating choreography seamlessly blended traditional and non-traditional movements, creating a truly unique and captivating routine. Ilana Goldman, Associate Professor of Dance at Florida State University shared this after watching her students participate in the class, “Miguel set an example of excellence in teaching and I’m excited to talk with the students in my teaching methods class about his methods and strategies for teaching”. Throughout, Miguel emphasized the importance of sharp, controlled movements, maintaining continuous tension, mindful energy transfer, and a full-body experience in every action. This masterclass not only pushed boundaries but also inspired dancers to embrace experimentation and self-expression in their artistry.

The post Complexions Contemporary Ballet appeared first on Opening Nights at Florida State University.