DPO highlights piano virtuoso Spencer Myer

By Burt Saidel

It seems as if it were only yesterday…. This month the Dayton Philharmonic celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founder, Paul Katz.   What seemed like only yesterday were my many remembrances of Paul, his lovely wife Phyllis, and their talented family.  

As a child, I grew up in the neighborhood of Paul’s parents. A few years later, at age 12, I was given a season ticket to the Dayton Philharmonic and began my love affair with classical music.  Thousands, like me, are eternally grateful that this young violinist decided that Dayton needed a symphony orchestra. He backed his decision with hard work and dedication. He made the Philharmonic live and prosper into its 75th year, healthy and completely wonderful.  

To celebrate this milestone, Maestro Neal Gittleman programmed some of Paul’s favorite music.  At least Neal says it was Paul’s favorite music.  It certainly was for the enthusiastic audience.

The program had plenty of “zing” as the orchestra played Bizet’s Music for L’Arlèsienne, Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, and Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony. These works are very popular.  That appeal does not diminish their musical greatness.

The Suite from the incidental music to the play L’Arlèsienne is full of charming tunes and interesting dynamic rhythms. In spite of some glitches in the horns and even the woodwinds, the total energy of the piece was wonderful. I particularly enjoyed the saxophone and clarinet section which is missed when listening to recordings.  
Maestro Neal also introduced the Philharmonic audiences to a new sensation, pianist Spencer Myer. Very young and very handsome, Myer brings a special élan to his playing.  

Last season, Myer held a marvelous recital at Soirées Musicales playing challenging works by Mozart, Brahms, Ravel and Barber. The variety of the program was an easily met challenge for the budding virtuoso.  

For the Philharmonic, he was able to concentrate on one composer, Rachmaninoff. The work, however, the celebrated Paganini variations, was full of challenging musical diversity.  Myer approached each of the multi-colored sections in a sensitive but commanding manner.  Without bombast, he was able to convey the growth of the charming theme through its mutations, including the song-like famous 18th variation.  You can count on many return visits to Dayton from this young virtuoso.  I’ll certainly be there along with a myriad of music lovers.

The program closed with a beloved work, certainly one of Paul Katz’s favorites considering how many times he conducted it during his long tenure.  Beethoven’s Third Symphony, the Eroica, changed music forever.  Its stirring themes and relentless effects are now part of our musical vernacular.  

We no longer need to be shocked to love and enjoy this great music. The orchestra carved a clear path through the symphony.  Paul Katz would have been proud.
To make the event complete, there was birthday cake served to all at intermission.  Eva Christian of Café Boulevard and Cena, a master baker, supplied over 3000 pieces of cake and, to flirt with perfection, it was chocolate.

Dayton Playhouse Pippin

I continually am reminded of the magic of theater. It becomes more clear that size and scale are often artificial elements grafted on to a piece of literature.  Last week, I described a charming small-scale but grand version of A Little Night Music at WSU.   This week I give similar praise to the Dayton Playhouse production of Steven Schwartz’s delightful musical, Pippin.

Pippin made its debut in 1972. It is a curious blend of a semi-historical tale dealing with the son of Charlemagne told with rock-flavored music. To add to the mix, the narrator of the plot was a very contemporary song and dance man.  He was assisted by actors who jump between the turmoil of the 8th century and contemporary tribulations.  Having said that, the show has music.  The songs have verses and chorus and are immediately appealing, hummable on leaving the theater.  It is easy to remember such songs as “Morning Glow, “Corner of the Sky” and “Magic to Do.”   When sung by a starry-eyed young cast, many in high school, the effect is doubled. The set, complex and kinetic, was constructed in a few weeks by Chris Harmon. He also directed the musical.  The music, coming from a back-of-the-house orchestra, was led by Nancy Perrin.

The actors bubbled with enthusiasm. As the leading player, taking the part made famous by Ben Vereen, was Vereen look-alike, sing-alike and dance-alike Malcolm Walker.  Playing Charlemagne and his son Pippin were a real father and son duo, Rev. Monte and Nate Stevens.

Nate is a theater studies bundle of talent.  Dad did his first stage role, not on a pulpit, with real class.  Outstanding players were lovely Katelyn Yeager, Jennifer Shaw and veteran song-seller Terry Lupp.

This was the first Dayton Playhouse production under the leadership of energetic Amy Brown.  Amy replaces retired Adam Leigh who remade the Playhouse into one of the most vibrant theaters in the area.  Amy has her sights on even broader horizons and if her vision and her enthusiasm are a measure, they will be reached. Unfortunately, Pippin will be over when you read this.  My suggestion, check out the impressive Playhouse lineup at www.daytonplayhouse.org or by calling 937-424-8477.

Mamma Mia at Schuster Nov. 20 - 25

Victoria Theatre Association’s presentation of Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, returns to the Schuster Center for one week only, November 20-25.

MAMMA MIA! is at the Schuster Center Nov. 20-25. Performance times are: Tuesday,
Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 23 at 8 p.m.,  Saturday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Please note, there is no performance on Thanksgiving, Nov. 22.

Tickets for MAMMA MIA! start at just $33 and are on sale now via Ticket Center Stage. Tickets may be purchased at the Schuster Center box office in downtown Dayton or by phone, at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630. Ticket Center Stage hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday, noon - 4 p.m., and two hours prior to each performance. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Caio Pagano guest pianist for Soirees Musicales
Dec. 1

Soirees Musicales International Piano Series will present pianist Caio Pagano on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 8 pm. In Shiloh Church, N. Main Street at Philadelphia Dr. He has appeared with this piano series several times.

Pagano, professor of piano at Arizona State University, has performed throughout four continents in more than 800 public performances. He combines a profound
knowledge of the arts, literature and music, which characterizes his interpretations as authoritative and unique.

His program will include the Bach-Siloti Organ Prelude in G minor, Schumann’s Kinderscenen, Franck’s Prelude Choral and Fugue and the Brahms Sonata Opus 5.
Tickets may be purchased the evening of performance or by reservation, 228-5802.

Opera Guild gala looking for Bond Girls

Opera Guild of Dayton will hold one of its largest annual fundraisers, Opera Gala 2008, on Saturday, March 15, 2008. The theme for the festivities will celebrate the quintessential popularity of the captivating spy James Bond.  Who can forget Goldfinger, The Spy Who Loved Me, The Man with the Golden Gun, Thunderball, Dr. No, Diamonds Are Forever, Casino Royale and the rest? Never far away from this charismatic hero are his beautiful Bond Girls. The sensational Dayton Country Club will provide the glamorous setting for James and his friends to mix and mingle while intriguing surprises unfold throughout the evening.

Opera Guild of Dayton is seeking look-alikes for Miss Moneypenny, Mary Goodnight, Octopussy, Jinx, Natalya Simonova, Domino Derval, Pussy Galore and the others to help create the ambiance for the occasion.  Bond Girls will circulate among the guests to sell raffle tickets for fabulous prizes donated by the generous merchants of the greater Dayton area.  Costumes, a light supper and a stipend will be provided to applicants chosen to assist Opera Guild of Dayton at the party. Bond Girls must be at least 18 years old to qualify.

Please submit a resume and photo by email to http://www.operaguildofdayton.org. Or mail your resume and photo to: Opera Guild of Dayton, P.O. Box 661, Dayton, Ohio 45409-0661. The submission deadline is December 10, 2007.

Miami Valley Pottery fires up

The Naysons have fired up their wood-burning kiln (the largest and only one-of-two wood-burning kilns in Ohio) and have produced a spectacular array of beautiful plates in all sizes, many with a “Flora and Fauna” theme. Many other pottery items. For more information call 767-7517.

Call for artist entries - Works on Paper

Rosewood Gallery in Kettering, Ohio, announces a Call for Entries for the 18th Annual Dayton Area Works on Paper, a juried exhibition created as a showcase for artists living within a 45-mile radius of Dayton, Ohio.  Entries must be original works in any media (2-D or 3-D) on or of paper, completed within the last four years, not
exceeding 40 inches in width.  Jurying will be done from actual work.  Entries will be received at Rosewood Gallery on Saturday, Feb. 2, from noon to 3 p.m. and Monday, Feb. 4 from 12 p.m.-7 p.m.  A non-refundable entry fee of $20 for up to three works must accompany each completed entry form. The exhibit runs from Feb. 25 through March 21, 2008, with an opening reception on Sunday, Feb. 24, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

For an entry form please stop into Rosewood or write, call, or e-mail: Amy K. Anderson, Coordinator, Rosewood Gallery, 2655 Olson Drive, Kettering, OH, 45420, (937) 296-0294, amy.anderson@ketteringoh.org.

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November 20, 2007
Volume 16, No. 47

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