Anchorage Symphony's Opening Night
by Terradawn Laughton - West Anchorage High School

The diverse program of the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra’s Opening Night on Saturday, October 24th deserved much awe and celebration. The symphony began with Verdi’s Overture to I Vespri Siciliani, successfully played from its delicate, percussive beginning to its bombastic finale.

It set the stage for the next piece, to feature world class PercaDu, an Israeli percussion duo. As the Atwood’s orchestra pit rose, we stared in disbelief at the array of percussion instruments to be played by only two men. Up came two marimbas, a vibraphone, drum sets, saw blades, and various cymbals and bells. And yet through Avner Dorman’s Spices, Perfumes, and Toxins! Tomer Yariv and Adi Morag traveled between instruments with spirit, grace, and speed. But even more impressive than their rendition of Spices, Perfumes, and Toxins! was PercaDu’s second (yes, second) encore. They played a piece called Flight of the Bumblebee: a lightning fast battle featuring both percussionists on a single marimba, as they circled around the instrument and crisscrossed each other’s mallets without ever missing a stroke.

After intermission, the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra achieved one of the chief characteristics of romantic music, expressing the powerful emotions of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F Minor. They provided a faithful rendition of his image-provoking symphony, with precise pizzicato and a well-played cymbal explosion in the fourth movement, a finale that beats all records for the number of cymbal crashes per minute. It was an Anchorage Symphony Orchestra evening to be remembered, exciting us all for the season to come!

Opening Night
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra
October 24, 2009 at 8:00 p.m.
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Atwood Concert Hall

Intersections
by Hannah Swanson - West High School

Two amazing companies, Alaska Dance Theatre, along with James Sewell Ballet, came and intersected at Discovery Theatre on Saturday the 25th. These two ballet companies put a spin on ballet, and even added a little comedy. Alaskan students danced along side company dancers from Minnesota and they collaborated beautifully.

A relative piece to Alaska, as well as Minnesota, was Winter. This piece started with each dancer putting on scarves, hats, mittens, and legwarmers. Then they depicted throwing snow down each others back, making snow angels, all winter activities. Each piece was inspired from a small poem, shown in the program. One piece gave the idea of the dancers being like Bambi and slipping and sliding on the ice. The whole piece ended with dancers opening like a snowflake and snow falling.

James Sewell came and did a solo with these small metal rings. He was a gymnast which showed in his amazing flexibility bending his body thru these tiny rings. Chopin Studies was amazingly hilarious. The dancers fought over an imaginary crown in which case, the janitor who had to clean it up got to keep it! In the third movement they used a foam mat, which showcased amazingly leaps and flips.

The piece choreographed for the ADT dancers was named, There’s So Much to Do, which in this case was completely true. The dancers never stopped moving for a second. They lifted each other, ran from one side of the stage to the other.

All of the movements were very contemporary ballet. It was interesting to see another style of dance come out of these students, and as well an opening experience for the audience.

Intersections
Alaska Dance Theatre
April 25, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Discovery Theatre

The Velveteen Rabbit
by Hannah Swanson - West High School

Stuffed animals really do come to life in this play, performed by Alaska Theatre of Youth on Thursday night. These aspiring actors ranged from the age of 7-11 years old, and put on a mildly entertaining show. It was the classic story of the Velveteen Rabbit who found his heart in his sawdust inside, to save the boy from the scarlet fear, or the scarlet fever. Full of morals and a happy ending, there was a little more love in the Sydney Laurence Theatre.

The main characters included the Velveteen Rabbit played by Jacob Gershel who was at least 6 feet tall, and towered over all the other actors. His four friends included the Skin Horse, Wind-up Mouse, Bulka the Puppy, and Timothy the Lion. Each character had their own little quirk through ought the play. Timothy sneezed at Bulka’s dust collecting ears. Bulka fainted at any scary moment. The Skin Horse was known for being wise and having all the answers. Each child portrayed their personalities well thru emotions on their faces, as well as body language.

The set was beautifully made and painted, from volunteers listed in the program. The stage was split in half. On the right was Alex‘s bedroom, the sick boy. On the left was the garden on the outside of the house. All trees were painted with great detail, and the bedroom had great colors. The costumes were also very nicely constructed and fit well into the play.

The acting done by the children was very impressive for the age. None forgot their lines, or even so much as fumbled a word. For as many lines as some of the main characters had to memorize, that was a great feat to have accomplished. They kept the energy going, even involving the audience of verbal participation helping Alex’s nanny. We all got to yell, “Find the rabbit! Find the rabbit!”

It was a very sweet performance put on by this theatre. Although it was one of its last shows for the season, next season should be pleasing as well. With a classic, Winnie-the-Pooh, and a thriller, Frankenstein. So keep an eye out for this local group that would love the support!

The Velveteen Rabbit
Alaska Theatre of Youth
April 23, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Sydney Laurence Theatre

Anchorage Symphony
by Terra Laughton – West Anchorage High School

The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra’s performance on Saturday, April 11th in the Atwood Concert Hall was engaging and well-executed. The evening featured guest conductor Robert Moody and Anchorage’s own Juliana Osinchuk on piano.

Saturday’s program was diverse to say the least, beginning with Mexican composer Arturo Marquez rendition of a Danzon. Then came Handel’s Suite No. 2 from Water Music, Hinemuth’s Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber and finally Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Guest conductor Moody describes the selections as some of the “most popular works in all of music”, and it’s quite clear why.

The first piece burst with engaging passion and rhythm, and was clearly enjoyed by the musicians and audience alike. Inspired by a Cuban salon dance, Marquez’ seductive and image-provoking melody was one of the evening’s highlights to be sure.

Overall, the Symphony gave a compelling performance. There were only a few moments when one part of the piece came off slightly sloppy, such as the horn solo in Handel’s Suite. However, this passed so quickly it was almost as if it hadn’t happened at all.

Juliana Osinchuk’s performance of Tchaikovsky Concerto No. 1 was magnificent. Her hands brilliantly sped up and down the keys, expressively offering everything from percussive piano to delicate trills. Osinchuk received three degrees from Juliard before coming to Alaska, where we now proudly claim her as our own. The Symphony Orchestra effortlessly blended with Osinchuk, providing string swells and intense musical climaxes. Each component of the Concerto’s performance served as an appropriate complement, neither overpowering the other.

At the end of the performance, the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra left us satisfied and appreciative. Through the conductor’s energy, the elegance of the orchestra’s performance and the talent of the guest pianist, our minds and hearts were opened to the music of Marquez, Handel, Hindemith and Tchaikovsky in a way that we rarely have the privilege to enjoy.

Showmanship
Anchorage Symphony Orchestra
April 11, 2009 at 8:00 p.m.
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Atwood Concert Hall

Black Violin
by Hannah Swanson - West High School

Hip hop is a stereotype; baggy clothes, and deep base beats. Classical music is a stereotype; stuck up musicians, and powdered wigs. But what do you call it when you put the two together? The easy answer is, Black Violin. This 3 man group has toured with artists from Lil Wayne to the Eagles. Their new sound has charged a new era to the violin.

The two artists met Dilliard Performing Arts High, their way to stay off the streets. Kev Marcus plays the violin, and Wil B plays the viola. The two never thought of becoming anything until they met Stuff Smith, the biggest jazz violinist during the swing era. The name of the group was inspired by Smith’s final album.

The group came out onto stage playing their strings, with a familiar beat known as “A Milli” by Lil Wayne. Most of the evening consisted of improving to popular radio songs. Their DJ, TK, kept the beats coming, and the audience clapping. The three actually said, this isn’t a concert, this is a party. They insisted that they should bounce in their seats, get up and dance in the aisles, scream, whatever! Even some ushers found the beat moving enough.

The technique of the artists came thru when they each had a solo. Wil B, and Tiffany, his viola, had a amazingly smooth flow. The rhythm of the music was constant and slow, but the pitches changed with grace. Wil B also showed his fast fingers skills, almost as if the bow was going to fly out of his hand. Then Marcus had his chance to shine, with his specially made violin with holes on both sides, leaving only the strings in the center. His solo consisted of high pitched notes, but were so fast it sounded like 4 other violins were playing.

The two then, after performing their biggest hit, “Dirty Orchestra”, challenged each other and battled for Anchorage’s favorite string player. Kev Marcus took the win for his fast finger work. To keep the energy up, the two ended with a classical piece known as “Brandenburg”. Of course, there was the swagger of hip hop, with the taste of the classical composition. Black Violin not only gave the audience the most interesting violin ‘concert’, but a beat that will inspire many more future string artists.

Black Violin
Alaska Junior Theater
April 3, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Atwood Concert Hall

Jake Shimabukuro
by Hannah Swanson - West High School

A Japanese virtuoso, playing a Hawaiian-based instrument, who is compared to Jimi Hendrix. The most unusual combo to say the least, but Shimabukuro is a most amazing revolutionary artist. The average human has 10 fingers. I really believe that Shimabukuro has 10,000. The speed, technique, and intensity of his music seems like there isn’t just two hands playing his ukulele.

Jake starts out with a flamenco inspired piece called ‘Lets Dance’. He plugged the ukulele into two huge amps sitting in front of his stool on stage. When his speed picked up, the amps gave the effect of a guitar. The Spanish had familiar plucking techniques and notes that you would expect to hear in a Zorro movie. The fast strumming in the end created a huge crescendo that had the audience whistling, after only the first song!

All of Jake’s pieces were inspired by something. Either from his family gas trips, Bruce Lee, a friend’s ill grandmother, or one too many Shirley Temples. His songs don’t include lyrics, so he explained the story for each song. You could tell at what point the story was by the speed, and how loud or soft the sound was. H also drew inspiration from a Japanese instrument called a ‘koto’. It’s very hard to re-create the same sounds from a 13 string instrument, to a 4 string instrument. The Asian style was in the notes, but didn’t bring the same effect. It was an idea, but it shouldn’t have been attempted on the ukulele.

The music was very awe-inspiring, by not only the sound, but watching Jake himself. When the first note was strummed he closed his eyes, rocked back and forth, tapped his feet, and moved to every note and rhythm he played. The mount of soul put into the music, Jake showed onstage in presence which made each song more endearing. You never wanted the song to end.

Jake closed the night once again with a rip roaring tune, this time inspired by the bluegrass, and the Orange Blossom Festival in Georgia. Once again the amps helped accentuate the fast southern strums. After a deafening final hit of all four strings, the audience, almost as on cue, stand up in a whooping standing ovation. Jake strummed the heartstrings of Anchorage on Sunday afternoon, and showed how he has begun to change the ukulele’s limits and potential.

Jake Shimabukuro
Anchorage Concert Association
March 29, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Atwood Concert Hall

Dougie MacLean Charms Audience
by Ally Landis - South Anchorage High School

Despite volcano ash descending upon Anchorage Saturday afternoon, Dougie MacLean was able to give a sold-out crowd a concert that kept audience members clapping to the beat, singing along, and laughing out loud. When the Scottish singer/songwriter sang his first song it was clear that the audience was in for a treat. The song was reminiscent of a lullaby and had a calming affect over the crowd. “I might be foolish but I don’t care as long as you are there,” sang MacLean as he played the guitar. The audience responded with nothing less than an enthusiastic round of applause and cheers. MacLean gave insight as to how he came to write the songs along with some of his personal experiences on tour. He prefaced the second song with “The older I get the more like my father I become…It’s terrifying!” But the show wasn’t just about sitting back and relaxing, the audience was invited to sing along with the choruses on almost all of the songs and after a couple of times through, the audience was left to lift up their voices as MacLean stepped away from the mike and just played the guitar. The more fast-paced songs were accompanied by the audience clapping to the beat of MacLean’s foot. “Try to watch my foot from the corner of your eye so you don’t look so stupid up here,” exclaimed MacLean to the audience, which followed with laughter from the crowd. MacLean charmed the crowd with his witty anecdotes and blunt humor but won them over with his melodic voice and lyrics that spoke of love- whether it be the love of nature or the love of his homeland in his moving song Caledonia. And just when one thought it couldn’t get any more entertaining than this MacLean pulled out his harmonica, which he wanted to play because Bob Dylan did and it looked “cool.” And play he did. Along with love, MacLean sang of humanities ignorance in his song “Broken Wings” and also did a spooky piece in which he wrote after visiting the execution site of Mary Queen of Scots. At the end of the show the audience showed their appreciation for the talent of the Scottish singer with a standing ovation that resulted in MacLean coming back on stage for an encore.

Dougie Maclean
Whistling Swan Productions
March 28, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.
Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Sydney Laurence Theatre