Reprise of “Fandango” and Premiere of the “Fort Point Channel Concerto”
March 1st, 2022 | 7:00 p.m.
Boston Virtuosi received a Watersheet activation grant for the first multi-media concert on Atlantic Wharf. This concert was designed to promote the district’s cultural vitality with live music. The ensemble has applied for the Watersheet Activation grant again.
We are seeking funding to repeat the concert and create a high-quality video that could be used by stake-holders to promote the district.
Boston Properties has kindly offer to host us again at Atlantic Wharf. Gillette has also offered Gillette Park as an additional venue, with free parking and lighting support. The video will likely be shot at both venues, with the Fort Point Channel Concerto shot at Gillette.
The Fort Point Channel Concerto will be commissioned for the ensemble for this second concert. Boston Virtuosi composer and guitarist Claudio Ragazzi has just won a Grammy award for his CD with Pablo Zeigler and we are pleased to have him as a partner in this project. The performance will feature string quartet, guitar, piano and five professional dancers whose movements are each paired with and inspired by a specific musician, as directed by Fort Point choreographer Kristen Fumarola. Each dancer will be dressed in the same color as their corresponding musician. They will move in space only when and how that musician plays a phrase, i.e., a red “cello” dancer, yellow “violin” dancer etc. The colors chosen will reflect the color of the sound of each instrument. The standard concept of ballet, musicians accompanying dancers, is turned upside down. The dancers will all have studied the score and will know their musician’s part. This creates a blending of artistic mediums, where each instrument is individually interpreted in a dance, which is also part of a larger, cohesive performance piece, which is a powerful outreach vehicle for children who have never had the opportunity to see a live performance.
The overarching goal is to create a Fort Point “branded” concert series, only available in this rich and creatively diverse cultural district. The concept of integrating visual art components in these concerts, along with the crossover between classical, non-classical and music with an ethnic identity will create a truly unique destination event. We believe this to be a valuable opportunity to create healthy high-quality evening activity in the district, contributing to the upward spiral of the Fort Point and Seaport Neighborhoods. The many financial district commuters might be enticed to stay a while after work and contribute to the local South Boston economy. The video will be made available to the office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, Boston Chamber of Commerce and other tourism organizations. We will offer it to schools, especially those in underserved communities that don’t have money for a music program and will create an outreach program based on our “Fandago” Project.
Boston Virtuosi Arts at Holy Trinity
November 11th, 2019 | 4:00 p.m.
Our Arts at Trinity Concert, arts@holytrinity.org was an amazing experience for the audience – and the performers! After the standing ovation and encore request, we launched into a wild reprise of the finale of “Libertango” with everyone taking improvised solos. As is our usual pattern, the encore had been decided an hour before the concert. Trinity Lutheran Church and the board of the generous foundation that supports this concert series were beyond thrilled and we have already been invited by popular demand to come next year.
We join a list of past performers which includes luminaries ranging from renowned Jazz pianist Fred Hersch, to the New Black Eagle Jazz Band and organist James David Christie.
The imagination and attention to detail of this organization was beyond anything we had ever seen and my colleagues tour all over the world. Every possible need was addressed even before we expressed it. After the post-concert reception, audience members could purchase ticket for a ‘Meet the artists” dinner with the ensemble. There were thought-provoking questions submitted by the audience that were in a little bowl in the center of our table and a microphone to pass around to answer them. The bond of friendship and camaraderie in this unique quartet was clear to the audience so stay tuned for our next project, a recording and video!
Fandango Performance
2014
The first “Fandango” performance was funded by a generous grant from the Watersheet Activation fund with additional support from Boston Properties. It was presented outside on Atlantic Wharf in Fort Point Channel. We are working to create a series of these concerts and take them to schools all over New England.
The concert featured string quartet, guitar, piano and five professional dancers. The possibility of a technology partner for the Fandango project is also intriguing.
The Ragazzi-Michelin duo will join us again, playing an exiting blend of contemporary Tango, Jazz and South American music.
“These two outstanding musicians take the guitar piano duet to the highest level, playing with power, passion and virtuosic wit. They don’t accompany each other in the traditional sense, so much as they melt together into one inspired voice.“ -WICN.ORG Radio
The performance will include choreographed dancers, directed by Fort Point Choreographer Kristen Fumarola. Each dancer is dressed in the same color as their corresponding “muse “musician. This creates a blending of artistic mediums, where each instrument is individually interpreted in a dance, which is also part of a larger, cohesive performance piece. The dancers have learned the score, thus turning the concept of ballet around as the dancers accompany the musicians.
The Fandango concert is amazing transforming outreach for children- and adults who have not had much experience with live acoustic instruments.
A taste of the Arts
June 14th, 2014 | Tour 2:30pm | Concert 5:30pm
Atlantic Wharf Waterfront Plaza 280 & 290 Congress Street, at the corner of Congress Street and Atlantic Avenue
As the perception of Fort Point as a rich landscape for the arts and dining deepens, many tourists and local professionals are curious to learn more. Please join Boston Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra for two unique multi-media concerts, each to be coordinated a different custom-designed tour of Fort Point/South Boston/Seaport restaurants and sites. The performances will feature string quartet, guitar, vocalist and five professional dancers. The first concert will be on Atlantic Wharf, across the channel from the Children’s Music. We thank the Watersheet activation fund and Boston Properties for their support. The Ragazzi-Michelin duo will join us again, playing an exiting blend of contemporary jazz and South American music.
“These two outstanding musicians take the guitar piano duet to the highest level, playing with power, passion and virtuosic wit. They don’t accompany each other in the traditional sense, so much as they melt together into one inspired voice.“ -WICN.ORG radio Jazz for New England
Boston Virtuosi Quartet: violins, Elliott Markow, Gerry Mordis, viola, Scott Woolweaver, cello Cameron Sawzin
Claudio and Nando have performed with and written for the orchestra for previous performances. Boston Virtuosi’s musicians are the finest free-lance string players in the city, performing with Boston Pops, Ballet, and other orchestras all over New England. Our second summer concert TBA at Gillette Park in late July/early August, so stay tuned!
This performance has an intriguing twist: We are choosing a special piece with well-shaped and visual phrases, the Boccherini “Fandango” for string quartet and guitar, to support distinctive dance accompaniment. The performance will include choreographed dancers, directed by talented Fort Point Choreographer Kristen Fumarola, an accomplished improvisational dance specialist and authentic movement facilitator. What makes this performance unique is that each dancer will be dressed in the same color as their corresponding musician. This creates a blending of artistic mediums, where each instrument is individually interpreted in a dance, which is also part of a larger, cohesive performance piece.
In partnership with well- known “HipHost” tour guide Bill Hall, Boston Virtuosi is designing two cutting edge “Fort Point restaurant crawls”, which will culminate in two free public concerts, the first on the water at Atlantic Wharf and the second, still in the planning stages at Gillette park on the Channel.
We have included select restaurants on the “crawl” that represent the best of Fort Point Channel and the Seaport district. This concert series is designed to promote the district’s cultural vitality with live music. Ticket price is 65.00 and there will be discounted group rates as well. Bill’s “HipHost” tours have ranged from Beer and Chocolate tours of Boston, to Paul Revere tours; quirky historical walks through the North End incorporating iconic bars and bistros. His North End tour focuses on locally owned spots and fun ways the entire neighborhood ties together.
Bill has been featured on NPR and the Improper Bostonian, among others. We look forward to bringing another fabulous concert to our neighborhood. Don’t miss this unusual and entertaining event!
Location: Waterfront Plaza, 280 and 290 Congress Street in front of Smith and Wollensky. Some seating is available near the musicians but many attendees prefer to lounge on the lawn overlooking the harbor “a la Tanglewood”. You are welcome to bring a blanket or beach chair and a bite to eat!
The restaurant crawl starts at Barlows 249 A Street.
Chamber Music as Art, Art as Chamber Music
September 6th, 2013 | 6:30 p.m.
Atlantic Wharf Waterfront Plaza, 290 Congress Street
Enjoy a classical/crossover mix of music ranging from Boccherini’s spectacular and evocative Night in the Streets of Madrid to Astor Piazzolla’s famous and compelling Libertango. The Boston Virtuosi are led by music director Paul Dulude. The three amazing guest soloists are guitarist Claudio Ragazzi, pianist Nando Michelin and violinist Elliott Markow. Claudio Ragazzi has scored original music for the ensemble, Nando Michelin and cellist Cameron Sawzin.
Talented Fort Point artists Maggie Connors and Susan Harter will share a canvas, painting what they hear live as the performances unfold on stage. Images will be recreated and available for sale!
Smith & Wollensky will be preparing a delicious Argentinean dinner for the price of $85.00, which includes reserved seating at the concert and a 15% discount on reproductions of the art created at the event.
InterContinental Boston has pre-purchased the original, but we are offering several different options for the reproduced image, ranging from a print to a full wrapped canvas piece. Send an email to cam.zin@verizon.net for a price list, which will also be on the website shortly. Interested supporters can also order the pieces at the concert. This Fort Point concert will be the first of many events designed to promote the district’s cultural vitality with live music and your purchase will move us forward to a full concert season.
For samples of Claudio and Nando’s music visit claudioraggizi.com
http://www.sonicbids.com/2/EPK/?epk_id=7062#audioconducted
Join us for an unforgettable concert!
For more Information, Contact Cameron Sawzin
Tel: 617-797-2307 cam.zin@verizon.net
Free Concerts at Children’s Wharf Park
Boston Virtuosi Quartet
Meet members of the Fort Point-based Chamber Orchestra Boston Virtuosi as they perform everything from Mozart – to Bluegrass, Tango and Classic Rock.
Claudio Ragazzi
Extraordinary Argentinean guitarist Claudio Ragazzi, pianist Fernando Michelin, Boston Virtuosi cellist Cameron Sawzin and violinist Gerry Mordis.
Boston Virtuosi’s Channel Cello Band
Cynthia Forbes and Cameron Sawzin with Cello Chix Rebecca Thornblade and Susanna Porte.
New England Brass Ensemble
Boston Virtuosi principal trumpet Jay Daly with the New England Brass Ensemble.
The string quartet performed in the series on June 25th. Musicians were: Rebecca Katsenes, Jane Hemenway violins, Scoot Woolweaver Viola, Cameron Sawzin Cello. The eclectic program ranged from Mozart Divertimento #3 and Bluegrass tune “Dawg’s Bull to “Layla” by Eric Clapton with red-hot tangos, bluegrass and a taste of Cole Porter in between.
Fabulous Argentinean guitarist and composer Claudio Ragazzi, pianist Fernando Michelin, violinist Gerry Mordis and Cameron Sawzin performed on the July 9th Concert. Claudio recently wrote several pieces for the film score for Francis Ford Copplola’s latest film and played all the guitar on it as well. I have recorded several of his compositions for the PBS show “Nova”. This very unusual concert was a mixture of sophisticated tango, jazz/fusion and contemporary music, featuring beautiful tunes and infectious rhythmic patterns. Claudio arranged all the music for this ensemble. The Ensemble will continue to perform together at future concerts as will the Channel Cello Band the String Quartet.
Boston Virtuosi musicians are developing collaborations with other ensembles, and the rock-out electric cello concert on July 16th featuring the cello chix included wild arrangements of “Dollars and Sense” by Radio Head, Whipping Post by the Allman Brothers and “Kashmir by Led Zepplin. The kinder, gentler first half included elegant acoustic and tonally rich classical music with the unique sound of a cello quartet. On the program were an arrangement of the slow movement of the Brahms Violin Concerto, and a wonderful version of the Mozart Sonata for two Pianos. Also featured were several of Susanna Porte’s lovely Beatles arrangements.
Still Haydn After All These Years!
- Paul Dulude, Conductor
- Michael Haydn Symphony in E-flat
- Joseph Haydn Concerto for Piano in D Major
- Joseph Haydn Concerto for Violin and Piano in F Major
- Irina Muresanu, violin
- Michael Lewin, piano
- Joseph Haydn Symphony #49 in f minor, “The Passion”
Still Haydn After All These Years
Friday May 4, 2007 | 8:00pm
Pickman Hall, The Longy School of Music, Follen Street, Cambridge, MA
Ticket prices: $30 Floor, $20 Balcony, $10 Seniors and Students.
Handicap access is available.
Tel: 617-484-2747 or 617-331-9066
Email: info@bostonvirtuosi.org
Directions to the Longy School
All programs are subject to change.
Still Haydn After All These Years
- Paul Dulude, Conductor
- Michael Haydn Symphony in E-flat
- Joseph Haydn Concerto for Piano in D Major
- Joseph Haydn Concerto for Violin and Piano in F Major
- Irina Muresanu, violin
- Michael Lewin, piano
- Joseph Haydn Symphony #49 in f minor, “The Passion”
Still Haydn After All These Years
Saturday October 18, 2003
Music of Michael Haydn and Joseph Haydn
- Paul Dulude, Conductor
- Michael Haydn Symphony in E-flat
- Joseph Haydn Concerto for Piano in D Major
- Michael Lewin, piano
- Joseph Haydn Concerto for Violin and Piano in F Major
- Irina Muresanu, violin
- Michael Lewin, piano
- Joseph Haydn Symphony #49 in f minor, “The Passion”
Ancient Inspirations
Saturday May 17, 2003
Paul Dulude, Conductor
Farina Pavana e Gagliarda
Boccherini Night in the Streets of Madrid
St. Georges Symphony Concertante
Mari Black and Stephen Yu, violins
Corigliano Voyage
Debussy Dances Sacree et Profane
Virginia Crumb, Harp
Respighi Ancient Airs and Dances, suite #3
Valentine Serenade
Saturday, February 15, 2003
Paul Dulude, Conductor
Vivalidi Concert in B-flat for Violin and Cello
Terry King and Laura Bossert, soloists
Joseph Suk Serenade for Strings, Opus 6
Tchaikovsky Serenade in C, Opus 48
Northern Lights
Saturday, December 7, 2002
Music of Scandinavia
Paul Dulude, Conductor
Carl Nielsen Petite Suite, Opus 1 Denmark
Dag Wiren, Serenade for String Orchestra, Opus 11Sweden
Jan Sibelius, Romanza
Ruataavara- Suite for Strings, [North American Premiere]
Edvard Grieg- Holberg’s Suite