2006 – 2007 Season Series Events

Alexandre

Alexandre is a multi-award winning international pianist. At the age of 14, he won fist prize in the St. Petersburg International Piano Competition. Alexandre went on to claim top prizes at international competitions in Kharkov, Ukraine and Argentina. He burst onto the U.S. concert scene after winning the Special Award for Artistic Potenetial at the 11th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. This sucess was followed by debuts at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.

Carol Welsman

Whether she is singing the American songbook or Jonim, Sting, or Billy Joel, Carol’s interpretations range from sultry and warm to infectiously energetic. Her vocals run the gamut and hauntingly reminiscent of Peggy Lee to swing a la Ella, while her block chord piano/vocal etchings set her apart in today’s jazz/pop worlds. She blends international rhythms and launguages in a diverse and versitile repertoire, showcasing her ability to cross musical boundaries while remaining within the jazz idiom. Her refreshing interpretations breathe new life into Pop and Jazz song classics.

Artie Shaw Orchestra

Some of the most popular music of all time, hits such as Stardust, Begin the Beguine, Moonglow, and Carioca, were recorded by Artie Shaw and his band in the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s. Today, the Artie Shaw Orchestra continues to be one of the best of the remaining big bands from the swing era. Although, Artie passed away in 2005, his clarinet virtousity is now carried on by his choosen successor, bandleader Dick Johnson. The Artie Shaw Orchestra featuring Dick Johnson has toured the world since 1983, thrilling big band aficionados and swing dancers alike.

Mike Seeger

Seeger has devoted his life to singing and playing the traditional mountain music of the southern United States. His programs present the solo-home-made music of the rural 19th and early 20th century America, with a special emphasis on Virginia. Virginia’s Old Time Music is a general program of folklore, banjo songs, narrative ballads, humorous songs, blues, love songs and a variety of instrumental selections.