Armin van Buren at Roseland Ballroom

Armin van Buren. Photo: courtesy of the artist

 

Friday, May 20, 2011 at 9:00 PM

(ft. Blake Jarrel, opening set by Zack Roth & Audien)
Roseland Ballroom - New York, NY
For tickets 

Review on Armin van Buuren by Douglas on usatrancemovement.com (May 20, 2011)
Review on Armin van Buuren by Kid Alien on lessthan3.com (May 21, 2011)

Armin van Buuren has been named number one in the prestigious DJ MAG Top 100 poll four times in a row, as the first DJ in the history of the DJ Magazine and an indication of his prolific output over the more than 14 years he’s been dj’ing and producing. Being the official World’s Most Popular DJ is just one of his many achievements, but the driving force behind his success is an overriding passion for dance music.

Being the world’s number 1 DJ sees the Dutch DJ perform at some of the world’s biggest and best festivals, clubs, events and shows. One of the highlights of 2010 was Armin’s DJ set at the Museumplein in Amsterdam in July, during the honoring of the Dutch soccer team.

For his fourth artist album, Mirage, Armin kicked off another Armin Only World tour: Mirage. After the first show in the sold-out Jaarbeurs in Utrecht on November 13th, Armin will continue to travel the globe with shows in 15 different countries, ranging from Australia to Ukraine, Argentina, Libanon and more. The Blu-Ray/DVD of Armin Only – Mirage, including the highlights of the kick-off and many extra’s and specials, has been released in February 2011.

The Arcos Orchestra ft. Highlights from the Lowlands

Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 7:00 PM

Beth-El Chapel/Temple Sanctuary, Temple Emanu-El - New York, NY

Free admission

Pre-concert talk with Hans Kox and Vanessa Lann at 6:00 PM

Beth-El Chapel, Temple Emanu-El - New York, NY

The Arcos Orchestra shall conclude its 2010-2011 Season at Temple Emanu-El with a fabulous program of outstanding works by composers almost completely unknown in the United States. Highlights from the Lowlands features the North American Première of the Viola Concerto by Holocaust victim Leo Smit (1900-1943) with Emily Deans as soloist, along with music by Hans Kox (b. 1930), Tristan Keuris (1946-1996) and a world première by American-in-Amsterdam Vanessa Lann (b.1968). 

Arcos was founded in 2005 by conductor John-Edward Kelly and concertmaster Elissa Cassini. Inspired by the great creative spirit of Béla Bartók - who himself once sought to found such an orchestra - the Arcos Orchestra offers the listener an artistic bridge from the known to the unknown, extending from the origins of European musical culture to the most exciting contemporary music of our time. Bartók's comprehensive attitudes towards music and music-making, together with his ability to merge the currents of past and future into a language that speaks directly to the human heart, permeate everything the Arcos Orchestra stands for.

Consisting of outstanding young players from around the world, the Arcos Orchestra approaches orchestral playing with the chamber musician's sense of discipline: individual instrumental mastery; in-depth knowledge of the composer's life & music; and selfless co-operation in service of the composer's intentions. Although many chamber orchestras now perform without conductor, the Arcos Orchestra follows a more traditional path, believing that the conductor increases both their scope of repertoire and the musical unity that can be achieved. The relationship of conductor to orchestra is not a typical one, however: by design, the Arcos Orchestra conductor is integrated into the music-making like one player of many, working with the musicians to attain a lively exchange of ideas in rehearsal and spirited focus in concert. The result is a degree of synergy between players and conductor rarely found today.

Candy Dulfer performs at John Lyman Center and The Spirit of NY

Candy Dulfer. Photo: www.fergusoncenter.cnu.edu

Friday, May 13, 2011 at 6:30 PM 
Cruise ship 'The Spirit of New York', Smooth Jazz Sunset Cruise
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Friday, May 13, 2011 at 9:30 PM   
Cruise ship 'The Spirit of New York', Smooth Jazz Moonlight Cruise
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Saturday, May 14, 2011 at 8:00 PM
John Lyman Center for the Perfming Arts - New Haven, CT
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A very special Spring Edition kick off to a Smooth Cruise season as Candy Dulfer returns to the United States for the first time in two years. Cruise the Hudson River aboard the luxurious Spirit of New York cruise ship and listen to the music of this world renowned, Grammy-nominated saxophonist. Enjoy a fantastic May evening with views of the moonlit Manhattan skyline, indulge in delicious food and fine beverages, and enjoy a rare US performance by the extraordinary Candy Dulfer. 

Candy Dulfer first picked up the saxophone at the tender age of six. Performing since age seven, bandleader of Funky Stuff since age fourteen, international recording artist since age nineteen, touring the world since age twenty. Has recorded and / or performed with artists like Prince, Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Van Morrison, Maceo Parker, Sheila E., Mavis Staples, Lionel Richie, Beyoncé, Pink Floyd, Chaka Khan, David Sanborn, Larry Graham, Marcus Miller, Aretha Franklin, Jimmy Cliff, George Duke, Blondie, Jools Holland, Jamie Cullum, Angie Stone, Tower of Power, The Time, Alan Parsons, Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis, Joey DiFrancesco, Jonathan Butler, and many others. 
Over 30 years and two decades after her Grammy-nominated recording debut in 1990, the sizzling saxophonist has earned a reputation as a high-energy performer with charisma and sex appeal to burn.

Bingo Players in NY and LA

Bingo Players. Photo: Courtesey Bingo Players Music

Friday, May 6, 2011 at 12:00 AM
Webster Hall, Grand Ballroom - New York, NY
For ticket
Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 12:00 AM
Balasco Theater - Los Angeles, CA
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Bingo Players (Paul Bäumer & Maarten Hoogstraten) have been topping in Beatport charts ever since their collaboration with Chocolate Puma on the smash hit Touch Me. Their release Chop was a huge club hit, reaching no. 2 on the Beatport charts and stayed in the top 10 for weeks.
After that, their remixes for Joachim Garraud (Are You Ready), Sir James (Special), Ron Caroll (Bump To Dis) and Kristine W (Feel What You Want) were also big tunes and huge Beatport hits. In 2009 they reached the no. 2 and no. 1 spot again with the tracks Disco Electrique and Devotion. The latter track stayed on no. 1 for over a week and in the top 10 for over a month!
Nowadays almost every DJ supports the Bingo sound. Think of names like David Guetta, Axwell, Fedde Le Grand, Martin Solveig, Laidback Luke, Roger Sanchez, Sander Van Doorn, Sebastian Ingrosso and many more. With the launch of Hysteria Bingo Players permanently establish themselves as the predominant high flyers of the international House scene. With focus on dominating the world of bingo in 2010, hold on to your bingo cards; it’s game time!

Chomain Vasser ft. Jeffry Lewis at Friedman Benda Gallery

Chomain Vasser. Photo: courtesy of the artist.

Friday, May 6, 2011 at 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Friedman Benda Gallery - New York, NY
Admission: free

Dutch band Chomain Vasser consists of Rik (guitar), Rik, Cesco (drums), Joris (guitar), Patrick (bass) and Maries (guitar, vocals). Their music is described as Indie/Folk Rock and is influenced by artists like Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, Mozart, Bonny 'Prince' Billy, Wu Tang Clan, Kool Keith, Beck, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Devendra Banhart, Sonic Youth, De La Soul, Public Enemy, Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, Beethoven, Velvet Underground and Daniel Johnston.

 

Chomain Vasser

Tonight they will perform at the opening reception of Rik Meijer’s debut at the gallery, entitled, I Am Still What I Wanted to Be, which will open on April 21st and continue through May 28, 2011.

Politcs on Film Festival ft. 'Majesty' and 'First Mission'

Majesty (2010) movie still.

Politics on Film is a project of the Washington Political Film Foundation and is made possible by an alliance with the Bipartisan Policy Center. It is an annual, bipartisan film festival based in Washington DC dedicated to providing a platform for films that tell stories of America’s politics and policies. The festival celebrates the power of film to educate and motivate, as well as entertain. The Festival also celebrates the historic and ongoing legacy of films about American government and democracy, as well as related stories and themes from an international perspective.
This year's festival includes two Dutch productions:

Majesty

Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 7:00 PM
West End Cinema -  Washington, D.C.

For tickets

One hour before the State Opening of Parliament, something very unusual happens in Majesty. The Prime Minister appears and demands an adjustment to the Queen's speech. The speech concerns aid to Africa. Even with all the pressure around the State Opening, Beatrix goes back in time, and remembers her banishment to Canada, the visit to the victims of the Flood disaster and the turbulence suffered by her parents at Palace Soestdijk during the Hofman case.

Majesty (2010) trailer (in Dutch).

First Mission 

Saturday, May 8, 2011 at 4:30 PM
West End Cinema -  Washington, D.C.

For tickets

First Mission is a real life drama about the lives and work of a team of doctors on their remote outpost of International Frontline Doctors in South America. The team consists out of young Doctor Marina, the Logistics Manager Barry, Project Coordinator Thijs and local staff members Orlando and Diego; who all work under very difficult and dangerous circumstances. Marina, the lead character, finds out that on the torn continent of Latin-America, it is not about winning prizes, but about being part of the match it self, and that all that matters is to be able to make a difference, even if it is a small one.

First Mission (2010) trailer (in Dutch).

Jennifer Johnson Cano ft. Gwyneth Wentink at Merkin Hall

Monday, May 2, 2011 at 7:30 PM
Merkin Concert Hall, Kaufman Center - New York, NY
For tickets

Introducing Jennifer Johnson, mezzo-soprano, Winner of the 2009 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, the Peter Marino Debut Prize, the Princeton University Concerts Prize, the Saint Vincent College Concert Prize, and member of the Lindemann Young Artists Development Program of the Metropolitan Opera. Tonight, Jennifer will perform together with Gwyneth Wentink, alumna of Young Concert Artists.

Jennifer Johnson Cano (Schumann Mezzo-Soprano, He/She) St. Louis, Missouri. Equally at home in the worlds of opera, lieder and chamber music, Jennifer Johnson Cano made her principal role debut as The Muse/Nicklausse in The Tales of Hoffman with the Opera Theatre of St. Louis. She went on to appear on the Chicago Opera Theater stage as Kate Julian in Britten’s Owen Wingrave in 2009. Other roles include Bridesmaid in Le nozze di Figaro and Sandman in Hansel and Gretel at the Metropolitan Opera. She was a 2009 recipient of the Sullivan Foundation Award and a 2008 Metropolitan Opera National Council Audition Winner. As First Prize winner in the 2009 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, Ms. Johnson Cano appears in her recital debuts this season, as well as singing Ludmila in the Bartered Bride, and Wellgunde in Das Rheingold at the Metropolitan Opera; upcoming engagements include a recital at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston and a tour with Musicians from Marlboro.

As a daughter of Dutch-Hungarian musicians, Gwyneth Wentink started playing the harp at the age of five and had her first performances at the age of six. Her extraordinary talent was discovered soon and she received her lessons from Erika Waardenburg at the age of eight till she completed her studies with highest possible marks and was awarded a distinction ate the age of nineteen.
Gwyneth is reknowed for her passionate performances, amazing range of colours and incredible technique. At 28 years old, she has performed solo recitals and solo concertos with top ochestras all over the world. In addition to her concerto performances, Gwyneth is a dedicated chamber musician.
Gwyneth played solo recitals all over the world. She performed extensively in Europe and throughout the USA in more than 16 states and has won numerous first prices.

Die Walküre at the Metropolitan Opera ft. Eva-Maria Westbroek

Eva-Marie Westrbroek in Lady Macbeth von Mzensk. Photo: courtesy of the artist.

Friday, April 22, 2011 at 6:30 PM

The Metropolitan Opera - New York, NY

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Monday, April 25, 2011 at 6:30 PM

The Metropolitan Opera - New York, NY

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Thursday, April 8, 2011 at 6:30 PM

The Metropolitan Opera - New York, NY
For tickets 

Monday, May 2, 2011 at 6:30 PM

The Metropolitan Opera - New York, NY

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Monday, May 9, 2011 at 6:30 PM

The Metropolitan Opera - New York, NY

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Sunday, May 14, 2011 at 6:30 PM

The Metropolitan Opera - New York, NY

For tickets

The Met has assembled a stellar cast for this second installment of Robert Lepage’s new production of the Ring cycle, conducted by James Levine: Bryn Terfel is Wotan, lord of the Gods, in his first performances of the role with the company. Deborah Voigt (pictured above) adds the part of Brünnhilde to her extensive Wagnerian repertoire at the Met. Jonas Kaufmann and Eva-Maria Westbroek star as the Wälsungen twins, Siegmund and Sieglinde, and Stephanie Blythe is Fricka. “The Ring is not just a story or a series of operas, it’s a cosmos,” says Lepage (La Damnation de Faust), who brings cutting-edge technology and his own visionary imagination to the world’s greatest theatrical journey. Levine, who has conducted every complete cycle of Wagner’s masterpiece performed by the Met since 1989, says, “The Ring is one of those works of art that you think you know, but every time you return to it, you find all kinds of brilliant moments that hadn’t struck you with the same force before.”

 

Die Walküre, Eva-Maria Westbroek at The Metropolitan Opera

The Dutch soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek studied at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. The young artist also participated in master classes with James McCray. She is the winner of the first International Competition of Rome, the Angelica Catalani Competition, and the Santa Maria Ligure Competition. 

Ever since her breathtaking interpretation of Lady Macbeth von Mzensk in Amsterdam, she is celebrated as a star in the Netherlands. 

Hofstra Celebrates 28th Annual Dutch Festival

Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
South Campus, Harvard University - Hempstead, NY

Admission: $5 / $3 (Children under 12 free)

Dutch jazz musicians had reflected Americans before the war and this continued to varying degrees until the late 1950s. In the 1970s jazz gained acceptance in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and government funding. Since then many jazz musicians choose the Netherlands as a place to study or settle.

This year, classical jazz music will fill the gardens and tents on the south campus. Enjoy delicious Dutch fare, shop with local vendors, stroll our beautiful gardens and pick up a plant or two at our annual arboretum sale. Magic, puppets and craft activities will delight the children. Feature program includes Fleurine an award-winning Dutch vocalist, accompanied by an all-star Dutch band Dutch Delights.

The Dutch Festival has evolved into one of the University’s biggest and most popular events, attracting thousands of visitors to Hofstra the first Sunday of every May, rain or shine. Every year, when the weather is cooperative, the Dutch Festival boasts thousands of tulips all over the South Campus. There are also food and craft vendors and a wide assortment of children’s activities and live music and dance entertainment.

 

Ton Koopman becomes Artist-in-Residence with The Cleveland Orchestra

Ton Koopman. Photo: Marco Borggreve

Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 8:00 PM

Severance Hall - Cleveland, OH

For tickets
Friday, April 29, 2011 at 4:00 PM (Masterclass)

Gartner Auditorium, CMA - Cleveland, OH

Admission: free
Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 8:00 PM

Severance Hall - Cleveland, OH

For tickets
Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 7:30 PM

Harkness Chapel, Case Western Reserve University - Cleveland, OH

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Friday, May 6, 2011 at 11:00 AM

Severance Hall - Cleveland, OH

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Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 2:00 PM (concert prelude) and 3:00 PM

Severance Hall - Cleveland, OH

For tickets

Ton Koopman, an internationally acclaimed specialist in Baroque repertoire, makes his first appearances as Artist-in-Residence conducting The Cleveland Orchestra. In his role as a regular guest conductor, Mr. Koopman will lead the Orchestra in multiple programs and concerts through the 2012-13 season. He will also teach public masterclasses annually for students in the community.

About Ton Koopman’s debut with The Cleveland Orchestra, the Akron Beacon Journal said, “Ton Koopman showed himself to be a terrific fit for the Cleveland Orchestra in this impressive debut.” Following that debut, Mr. Koopman was invited by Music Director Franz Welser-Möst to return as Artist-in-Residence to work regularly with the Orchestra in Baroque and Classical repertoire. Mr. Koopman said, “When you play baroque music with a symphony orchestra, you should try transfer as much as you can from the sound and style of the baroque orchestra. When I conducted in Cleveland last, I remember how excited I was that the same orchestra could make such a different sound.”

Ton Koopman will lead upcoming Cleveland Orchestra programs with music of J.S. Bach, C.P.E. Bach, and Handel in Baroque and Beyond Festival concerts April 28-May 8.

The founder and conductor of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra and Choir, Mr. Koopman is also an accomplished harpsichordist and organist. His ensembles have toured extensively in Europe, the U.S., and Asia, and have recorded all of Bach’s secular and sacred cantatas.

The Cleveland Orchestra. Photo: Roger Mastroianni

Under the leadership of Music Director Franz Welser-Möst, The Cleveland Orchestra has become one of the most sought-after performing ensembles in the world.  In concerts at its winter home at Severance Hall and its summer home at Blossom Music Center, in residencies from Miami to Vienna, and on tour around the world, The Cleveland Orchestra sets standards of artistic excellence, concert programming, and community engagement.