Richard D. Russell » pictures

Acclaim for Katrina the Shrew

Richard D. Russell — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:24:05 +0000

The Daily Record of New Jersey posted 25 pictures from last week’s production of Katrina the Shrew. Click here for the pictures (the link will open in a new window).

As I mentioned in a previous post, I wrote most of the music for Katrina the Shrew, with book and lyrics written by Emily Thompson Schweer. Emily teaches fourth grade G & T in the East Hanover School District, and one of her projects is SALAD — the Student Actors’ League of Arts and Drama.

I’m pleased to share word that SALAD is an award winner this year of the “Promising Practices” program of the Character Education Partnership. The CEP is concerned with developing good character in schools, and SALAD was cited for its mission of creating a school community and integrating the curriculum. There is more information at the CEP website by clicking here.

Congratulations to Emily!

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The Oct 24 Poe Concert: Higher resolution pics

Richard D. Russell — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 20:53:00 +0000

Here are a few additional pictures from In Mid Air Productions’s October 24 concert celebrating Edgar Allan Poe. These photos are by Anthony Shashaty. (Click for larger size)

Dan Foran sings “Annabel Lee”

Dan Foran

Dan Natkie as Edgar Allan Poe, Jessica Castro as Virginia Clemm

Emily Clare Thompson sings “Eldorado”

Emily Clare Thompson and Richard Russell after the concert

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Many pics from Oct 24 Edgar Allan Poe concert

Richard D. Russell — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 02:53:00 +0000

By all accounts the Edgar Allan Poe concert in Rockaway, NJ ¬†was a huge success, sold-out with people clamoring for standing room only. The crowd seemed to especially like “Annabel Lee” for tenor and piano trio, and I was blessed with an outstanding performance by Daniel Foran, who seemed to own the piece. Also premiered was “Eldorado” sung by Emily Clare Thompson, who was also the day’s director (and producer!). And finally, a repeat performance of “A Poe Fantasia” which is in four movements; the first and third movement were sung by Mark Fitzgerald Wilson and Kristine Hart, and interspersed with actors reading Poe’s “Ulalume.” (Daniel Natkie was Edgar Allan Poe, and Jessica Castro portrayed Virginia Clemm.)

More about the concert, which featured a premiere opera by Robert W. Butts, can be found by clicking here.

Mark Fitzgerald Wilson sings “A Poe Fantasia”

Kristine Hart sings “A Poe Fantasia”

Emily Clare Thompson sings “Eldorado”

Daniel Natkie as Poe, Jessica Castro as Virginia Clemm

Just some of the reception crowd

Daniel Foran sings “Annabel Lee”

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Two Song Cycles featured in Mannes College of Music Concert

Richard D. Russell — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:30:00 +0000

On June 30, 2010, the Mannes College of Music was treated to some really great performances of two song cycles of mine. Soprano Sofia Dimitrova, accompanied by Sophia Munoz, performed Time is Not an Option. After the intermission, Sofia Dimitrova was joined by mezzo Christina Goyne in premiering Four Shakespeare Songs in Madrigal Style. These scores, by the way, are available at RDRussell.com — just click on “compositions.”

Here’s several pics from the evening (click to enlarge).

Sofia Dimitrova, with Sophia Munoz on piano

Sophia Munoz and Richard Russell compare notes

Sofia Dimitrova

Sofia Dimitrova and Christina Goyne

Christina Goyne

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