Richard D. Russell » Catherine Miller

“A Poe Fantasia” sung in NYCC’s “Encores Outreach Program”

Richard D. Russell — Tue, 11 May 2010 17:49:00 +0000

On Friday May 7, the New York Composers Circle presented an “Encores” Outreach Program at the JASA West Side Community Center on the upper west side of Manhattan. Soprano Sofia Dimitrova, accompanied by Catherine Miller, performed my “A Poe Fantasia” and works by Paul Moravec, Copland, Menotti, Ives, and Kevin McCarter. The NYCC’s Executive Director, John de Clef Pi√±eiro, emceed the event, providing an educational overview of 20th Century art song.

The only problem with these events is that since I’m taking pictures, I don’t always get a chance to get a picture of me in there! But here are several pics of the day’s event. (Click for larger size.)

Catherine Miller and Sofia Dimitrova relax before the concert

Sofia Dimitrova and Catherine Miller compare notes

NYCC director John de Clef Pineiro addresses the audience

Another view of John de Clef Pineiro

Sofia Dimitrova sings

The post “A Poe Fantasia” sung in NYCC’s “Encores Outreach Program” appeared first on Richard D. Russell.

“A Poe Fantasia” premieres

Richard D. Russell — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 19:52:00 +0000

I had been battling a cold (or something) all week, but I couldn’t miss the premiere of my new composition, “A Poe Fantasia” this past Tuesday, Feb 2, 2010. Soprano Sofia Dimitrova and accompanist Catherine Miller provided a compelling interpretation to my settings of the great poet Edgar Allan Poe: A Dream Within a Dream, To the River, and Alone. Here are some pics from the evening; the venue was Saint Peters Church at the Citigroup Center. (Click on pics for larger size.)

Catherine Miller, piano, and Sofia Dimitrova, soprano

Sofia Dimitrova

Sofia Dimitrova and Richard Russell

The post “A Poe Fantasia” premieres appeared first on Richard D. Russell.

“A Poe Fantasia” to premiere Feb 2, 2010

Richard D. Russell — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:30:00 +0000

In an upcoming recital, Soprano Sofia Dimitrova will premiere a new song cycle of mine, “A Poe Fantasia,” based on poems of Edgar Allan Poe. The concert will be Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 8pm and takes place at Saint Peter’s Church in the Citigroup Building, Lexington Avenue and 54th Street. Sofia will be joined by accompanist Catherine Miller, and her sister, violinist Stanichka Dimitrova. Pieces on the evening include compositions by 2002 Pulitzer Prize winner Paul Moravec, Gy√∂rgy Kurt√°g, David Tcimpidis, and Evan Lewis. The suggested donation is $10. (Click the image for a larger view of the flier.)

The post “A Poe Fantasia” to premiere Feb 2, 2010 appeared first on Richard D. Russell.

Two Rilke Songs

Richard D. Russell — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:35:00 +0000

What a fantastic, successful concert last night at Saint Peter’s! Sofia Dimitrova selected a program that represents a terrific snapshot of contemporary vocal music. (If I may say so given that one of my pieces was scheduled!) Marilyn Bliss, David Tcimpidis, Paul Moravec, Kevin McCarter, and Raphael Fusco are all terrific writers for the voice. I hope Sofia will repeat this exact concert again; anyone interested in vocal music of today should hear such repertoire sung so perfectly.

Lots of thanks to Sofia and her ideal accompanist, Catherine Miller. And the evening would not have been complete without the superb contribution of Stani Dimitrova on violin, who added another color on the night to my Rilke songs.

Here are a few more pics; click for larger size.

The post Two Rilke Songs appeared first on Richard D. Russell.