Past ACFL& MH Performances and Programs

City of Angels: A Stage 62 Production. July 22-25th, 29-31st, and August 1st, 2010

[title of show]; June 10-13, 17-20, 2010

Catch a Rising Star, June 5th and 6th, 2010

Deathtrap: A Stage 62 Production; May 14th-16th and 21st-23rd, 2010

Die Zauberflote; April 23rd and 25th, 2010

Thumbelina: The Dramatic Children's Play. April 16th-18th, 2010

Aaron Copland's: A Lincoln Portrait. April 11th, 2010

Abraham Lincoln: A Man of His Time, A Man for All Times. April 3rd-30th, 2010

Mary Poppins: The Charming Ballet. March 19th-21st, 2010

Sleeping Beauty; February 26th-28th, March 5th-7th 2010

An Evening with Mark Twain: A Stage 62 Production; February 13th, 2010

The Kyiv Ukraninian Dance Ensemble Presents: The Bayan Player February 6th, 2010

Chatham Baroque:Alchemy for Three January 31st, 2010

Songs for the Season: Opera Scenes December 12th, 2009

The Nutcracker: December 4th-6th, and 11th-13th, 2009

Mansfield 5; November 28th, 2009

Titanic: The Musical: Stage 62 Production; November 6-8th, 13-15th, and 20-21st, 2009

Senior Moments: A Stage 62 Production; October 16th-18th 2009

All Judy, All Heart; Saturday, October 10th, 2009

La Finta Giardiniera; April 24th and 26th, 2009

Annual Civil War Event; April 4th, 2009

Change of Season; February 19th, 2009

Mr. Lincoln Comes to Washington; February 9th, 2009

Joe Negri's Mass of Hope; December 20th, 2008

Songs that Oscar Taught Me; October 10th, 2008

An Afternoon with Patricia Prattis Jennings; June 1st, 2008

Annual Civil War Event; April 25th, 2008

DANSAQ; February 28th, 2008

Die Zauberflote (The Magic Flute)

Perhaps the most beloved opera by perhaps the world’s most beloved composer!  Duquesne University's Opera Workshop performed Mozart’s Die Zauberflote to near capacity audiences. This was Duquesne's fourth Mozart opera directed by Guenko Guechev; Maestro Sidney Harth once again returned to the podium to conduct Duquesne's Symphony Orchestra.  The enchanting plot  of the operafeatures Tamino, a lost prince, Papageno, a comical bird catcher, the beautiful princess Pamina, the scheming Queen of the Night, the mysterious Sarastro, thrilling high and low Fs (sung by different characters) and a magic flute.  The whimsical plot is steeped in Masonic elements. 

 

 

Aaron Copland's: A Lincoln Portriat

Performed by Duquesne University's Wind Symphony, directed by Robert Cameron. Pittsburgh/Los angeles actor David Conrad narrated this haunting piece composed by Aaron Copland in 1942. The Wind Symphony and Mr. Conrad will round out the program with more Americana/Lincolnalia music, and readings.

Chatham Baroque: Alchemy for Three

This progm showcaed the artistry of Chatham Baroque players as soloists, accompanists and equal partners in works by Bach, Corelli, Kapsperger, Biber and Schmelzer. Chatham Baroque, described as, "a splendid period-instruments ensemble based in Pittsburgh," by the Chicago Tribune, as lauded as "...musically impeccable..." by the Washington Post, recently recorded the works of Giovanni Girolamo Kapsperger in the Music Hall.

Songs for the Season: Opera Scenes

Students from Duquesne University's acclaimed Opera Workshop return for a holiday smorgasbord of short scenes from the varied repertoire of oper's masters.

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker at Christmas is the magical dream of Clara and her handsome Nutcracker Prince. Together they battle an evil Rat King and find thier way through swirling snowflakes and dancing flowers on their thrilling journey to the Candy Kingdom.

Mansfield 5

This beloved oldies band set the Music Hall a-rockin', while showcasing the Hall's comfortable new seats.

All Judy, All Heart

This annual benefit to support the campaign to restore the Library & Music Hall took place October 10,2009. Contralto Daphne Alderson, who captivated audiences with last year's salute to Oscar Hammerstein, returned with a tribute to one of America's most beloved singers: Judy Garland.  Daphne proved that there's so much more to Ms. Garland than Over the Rainbow  -- especially with her show-stopping Edith Piaf number Milord! In addition to an extraordinary evening of song (Daphne again collaborated with pianist/arranger Dougas Levine, guitarist John Marcinizyn, and first timers Jeff Mangone on bass, and Al Wrublesky on drums), the Music Hall's long-anticipated, comfortable new seats made their debut at the concert.   Both Ms. Alderson and the seating earned enthusiastic approval from a very happy audience.

 

La Finta Giardiniera

Duquesn'e University's Opera Workshop once again captivated audiences with a performance of a early and rare Mozart opera on April 24 and 26, 2009. This was the Opera Workshop's third fully staged Mozart opera performed in the Music Hall.  Perhaps the most under-appreciated of Mozart's operas, La Finta Giardiniera is his second comic opera, with a libretto that is a curious blend of buffa and seria. Despite its critical place in Mozart's musical development, this beautiful work remains largely unknown today. This new production by Duquesne's Opera Studio under the direction of Guenko Guechev featured guest conductor Nicoletta Conti, and was performed in the original Italian version, with English subtitles. See photos .

Annual Civil War Event, 2009

The Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall's annual Civil War program was the last chance to visit the Captain Thomas Espy Post No. 153 of the Grand Army of the Republic.  The room is closed for restoration following this full day of special programming until early 2010.

Saturday’s programming included:

• Ongoing tours of the Espy Post (9:30 – 4:30)
• An exposition in the Reception Hall featuring exhibitors and vendors, 9:30 – 4:30
• “Mothers, Marms and Madams,” Diane Klinefelter, 11:00, Music Hall
• Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address,” 12:00 and 3:30
• “Ambition, God, and Freedom: Lessons from Abraham Lincoln's Life and Death,” Scott Sandage, 2:00, Music Hall
• An encampment, drills (10:30 and 1:30) and skirmish (4:00) on the grounds
• Children's Activities, 10:00 - 4:00, Children's Room
• One-on-one historical and genealogical research instruction in the Library’s Kathleen Bowman Eynon Memorial Civil War Collection (1:00 – 4:00)
• Acoustic Shadows of the Blue and Gray, 8:00 p.m. 

The day's program was made possible by a generous grant from the Massey Charitable Trust.  The Pittsburgh Foundation provided underwriting for the Acoustic Shadows concert.

Change of Season

On February 19, 2009 hosted a poetry reading and art exhibit featuring the work of Bernadette Kazmarski.  This local artist and poet finds the beauty and rhythms of Carnegie's local landscapes, the Chartiers Creek and surrounding environs a source of ongoing inspiration.

"Change of Season" was Bernadette's third poetry reading at the Carnegie Carnegie.

To read Bernadette's poems and see her artwork visit "Change of Season"

Mr. Lincoln Comes to Washington

Edwin Coles Bearss (pronounces "bars") drew an enthusiastic audience of more than 200 people to his February 9, 2009 lecture marking the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Described as "one of the most distinguished historians (and spellbinding storytellers) of the Civil War," Bearrs began his career with the National Park Service in 1955 at the National Battlefield Park in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He ended his official career, 40 years later, having served 13 year as Chief Historian for the National Park Service.

Mr. Bearss' talk signals the caliber of programming the ACFL&MH is committed to providing to complement its Captain Thomas Espy Post No. 153 of the Grand Army of the Republic and to further understanding of the American Civil War.

Joe Negri Returned to CarnegieCarnegie Hall to perform his Mass of Hope

December 20, 2008 was the holiday concert of the season! The ACFL&MH presented Joe Negri’s Mass of Hope. Members of the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh and Stage 62 joined Negri and his quartet in this beautiful ensemble piece.

Negri also performed at the Music Hall in April, 2008, drawing a deeply appreciative audience. He gave ACFL&MH Executive Director Maggie Forbes a cd of his jazz mass after the concert.

“I took it home, listened to it four times in a row, and knew I wanted to do it here,” said Forbes. “Fortunately, Joe agreed that the Music Hall is an ideal setting for his mass.”

The eclectic work requires top notch musicianship. Thomas Douglas, director of the Bach Choir served as Musical Director for the program and doubled as the male cantor. Mezzo soprano Becki Toth, well known to Carnegie Carnegie audiences for her many standout roles with Stage 62, was the female cantor.

“I am so glad that Thomas was open to members of Stage 62 – ‘oh those glorious Stage 62 voices’ – joining the Bach Choir for this concert,” said Forbes.

Negri’s mass was originally commissioned by the Diocese of Pittsburgh in the early 80’s. “They wanted something original and more sophisticated than a folk mass for a teachers’ convocation,” remembers Joe. He describes the piece as nascent, not fully developed, but too good to abandon. It kicked around in his head for a few years. “The commission didn’t come to fruition until 1996.”

The performance was made possible through a generous grant from The Pittsburgh Foundation.

Songs that Oscar Taught Me

The beloved words of American lyricist Oscar Hammerstein took center stage at the Music Hall at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2008, when Daphne Alderson sang "Songs that Oscar Taught Me." Ms. Alderson performed for the annual benefit to restore the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall.

Classically trained in opera at Duquesne University, and in Europe and New York, Daphne responded to the urging of legendary voice teacher Dodi Protero that her warm contralto was the perfect instrument for cabaret.  She has been happily straddling these repertoires since 2001.  Daphne’s performances this year included Handel’s Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah and Pergolesi’s and Vivaldi’s Stabat Mater.  She also enthralled audiences with her Songs of the Little Sparrow, singing the songs of perhaps the most iconic cabaret singer of all time, Edith Piaf. 

Daphne affirms the revered place that Oscar Hammerstein occupies in the annals of musical theater.  “Oscar Hammerstein was an idealist who loved life and believed in people with all of their foibles and strengths.  When I read or sing his lyrics, I feel enveloped in that love, that hope for humanity and the joy of living, loving and gratitude.  He also was a fierce fighter for the common good and abhorred injustice, racism and cruelty, a gentle soul who was also given to fits of fury if the situation demanded.  I gotta love a man like that, that’s a guy I want to celebrate, have over for dinner and share this great friendship with friends.”

An Afternoon with Patricia Prattis Jennings

Pianist Patricia Prattis Jennings performed at Carnegie Carnegie Hall on Sunday June 1, 2008.  Ms. Jennings is well known and deeply admired for her more than four decades as Principal Keyboardist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.  She was one of only four native Pittsburgh musicians with the PSO when she retired in 2006.  Ms. Jennings began her career with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in 1966, distinguishing herself at four keyboards -- the piano, harpsichord, organ and celesta, and she was a frequent soloist with the orchestra including performances at the Edinburgh and Hong Kong festivals. 
 
An Afternoon with Patricia Prattis Jennings was the final program in the capital campaign’s “Meet the Challenge” performance series. Proceeds from this concert not only benefited the campaign to restore the Library & Music Hall but also counted towards a $500,000 conditional challenge grant.
 
Ms. Jennings welcomed the opportunity to perform for her own and her audience’s pleasure.  “Although I've retired from the orchestra, I certainly haven't retired from music, and I'm still learning and memorizing pieces that I haven't had time for until now."  
 
Ms. Jennings is not only an outstanding musician but also a mentor committed to helping up and coming musicians.  She invited violist Shundeena Beard, a junior at Pittsburgh’s Creative and Performing Arts High School, to play two short pieces with her at the June 1 concert. Shundeena is a former Pittsburgh Concert Society winner and performed on From the Top at Carnegie Hall in New York, which was seen on WQED. “Shundeena has enormous potential,” says Jennings.
 
Ms. Jennings is eclectic in her musical taste and has developed wonderful friendships with many other regional musicians during her tenure with the Pittsburgh Symphony orchestra.  Joining her in popular duets was Romanian pianist Marina DiPretoro Lupinacci who has played alongside Ms Jennings and toured with the Pittsburgh Symphony. 
 
And, as a special treat, guitarist Marty Ashby, some of his friends from the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, and young bassist Naomi Sarchet joined Ms. Jennings for a grand finale. Ashby, Executive Producer for Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild Jazz, is a long time fan and friend of Ms. Jennings and the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall.

Photo provided by Ms. Jennings.

Annual Civil War Event 2008

The Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall’s annual Civil War program began with a concert on Friday April 25, offered a full day of programming on Saturday, April 26, and concluded with a keynote address on Sunday April 27. The Civil War programming was made possible through a generous grant from the Massey Charitable Trust.

Friday night’s concert featured the NewLanders, singing "Songs of Southwestern Pennsylvania." The NewLanders are a group of Pittsburgh area musicians and songwriters who have researched and rediscovered songs written by, and about, the people of southwestern Pennsylvania. Featuring vocals, guitar, bass, violin, octave violin, jaw harp, bones, Appalachian dulcimer and mandolin the NewLanders have forged a rich musical sound all their own to tell the tales southwestern Pennsylvania’s rich past.

According to NewLander Art Gazdik (violin, octave violin, mandolin and vocals)," The NewLanders and the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall are a perfect fit, both work to make elements of our past vital again."

Saturday’s programming included:

• Ongoing tours of the Espy Post
• An historical interpretation of Confederate spy, “Rebel Rose” O’Neal Greenhow
• An exposition in the Reception Hall featuring exhibitors and vendors with booths on the G.A.R., shoulder arms, commissaries, civilian life, art, antiques, currency and more. Exhibitors include representatives from Soldiers and Sailors National Military Museum and Memorial; members of the 9th Pennsylvania Reserves; and Mechling Book Bindery with author Art Fox, who’s most recent book is “Our Honored Dead: Allegheny County in the American Civil War.”
• An historical interpretation of Abraham Lincoln delivering the “Gettysburg Address”
• An encampment, drills and skirmishes on the grounds
• One-on-one historical and genealogical research instruction in the Library’s Kathleen Bowman Eynon Memorial Civil War Collection

On Sunday at 2:00 p.m., Stuart McConnell, Professor of History at Pitzer College in Claremont, CA delivered the weekend’s keynote address. Professor McConnell is the author of GLORIOUS CONTENTMENT: THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC, 1865-1900. The book is a close look at how the GAR worked at the local level, coupled with an examination of its meaning as a national organization lobbying for Union Army pensions, "correct" Civil War history, and a kind of preservationist vision of American nationalism.

A special exhibit, LOOKING AT LINCOLN: Political Cartoons from the Civil War Era, on loan from the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, was on display at the Library & Music Hall from April 21- May 21.

American Premiere: DANSAQ - String quartet and percussive dance

"…Dansaq, is an unexpected collaboration between music and dance, visiting numerous styles, languages and influences with the brilliant concept of music and movement of Tapage, and exceptional fire and interpretation of the Cuarteto Latinoamericano. - Juan Arturo Brennan

The Cuarteto Latinoamericano, the pre-eminent interpreters of Latin American classical music, perform in concert with Tapage, the choreographic/ dance duo described as "exotic… poetic… sophisticated… fascinating… sensual ….hypnotic."

These two international ensembles came together for the American premiere of DANSAQ at the historic landmark Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall. Thursday, February 28, 2008.

Post Gazette review of DANSAQ
Tribune-Review comment on DANSAQ