BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Connecticut Virtuosi - ECPv6.2.9//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Connecticut Virtuosi X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://thevirtuosi.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Connecticut Virtuosi REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260501T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260501T193000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20260226T164826Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T182716Z UID:12218-1777663800-1777663800@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Hartford: CARMEN DESCRIPTION:Buy Tickets \nJoin us for an electrifying evening as Bizet’s immortal Carmen—one of the most beloved and recognizable operas in the world—returns to the stage with irresistible passion\, color\, and drama. Carmen remains a timeless masterpiece\, captivating audiences with its fiery spirit and unforgettable melodies. Set in vibrant Seville\, the story follows Don José\, a soldier torn between duty\, love\, and the magnetic allure of the free‑spirited Carmen. As jealousy consumes him and Carmen turns her attention to the charismatic bullfighter Escamillo\, the opera hurtles toward its gripping final scene outside the bullring. \nThe Virtuosi OPERA international cast is headlined by Brazilian mezzo‑soprano Rebecca de Almeida as Carmen\, American tenor Jax Hassler as Don José\, Polish‑American baritone Wojciech Bonarowski as Escamillo\, and American soprano Makaela Shade-Alexander as Micaëla. Other cast members include Laurentiu Rotaru (Zuniga) Brian Alvarado (Le Dancaïre)\, Daniel Kamalic and Kevin Courtemanche (alternating the role of Le Remendado)\, AddieRose Brown (Mercédès)\, and Emily Tate Daniel (Frasquita). \nArtistic Director maestro Adrian Sylveen leads the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and the Virtuosi OPERA in a fully staged production enhanced with English super‑title translations. From the iconic “Habanera” to the thrilling “Toreador Song\,” every moment promises intensity\, beauty\, and musical brilliance. Whether you are a longtime opera lover or discovering this classic for the first time\, Carmen will sweep you into a world of passion and fate. Reserve your seats and experience the power of grand opera at its finest. \nCAST: \n\n \n \n \n \n CARMEN: Rebecca Almeida\n \n \n \n \n \n Don José: Jax Hassler\n \n \n \n \n \n Escamillo: Wojciech Bonarowski\n \n \n \n \n \n Micaëla: Makaela Shade-Alexander\n \n \n \n \n \n Zuniga: Laurentiu Rotaru\n \n \n \n \n \n Le Dancaïre / Moralès: Brian Alvarado\n \n \n \n \n \n Mercédès: AddieRose Brown\n \n \n \n \n \n Le Remendado: Daniel Kamalic\n \n \n \n \n \n Frasquita: Emily Tate Daniel\n \n \n\nBuy Tickets URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/carmen/ LOCATION:First Presbyterian Church in Hartford\, 136 Capitol Ave\, Hartford\, CT\, 06105 CATEGORIES:2025-2026 Season,2025-2026 Season,Hartford,Operas ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Carmen-Poster-2025@1920px-copy.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260419T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260419T180000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20260409T175613Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T181100Z UID:12307-1776621600-1776621600@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:ORGAN @ CYRIL: Easter Music Celebration DESCRIPTION:Featuring Historic 1938 Austin Pipe Organ \n\nIn Program: \nEaster Songs for Chorus\, organ & Strings\nwith the Moniuszko Choir \nPerformance by the Students\nof the Virtuosi Music Academy \nSelection of works for Organ and Voice\nwith mezzo-soprano Rebecca Almeida \nProgram sponsored in part by Marjorie Jolidon Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving \n\n \nMoniuszko Choir\nBrazilian Mezzo-Soprano Rebecca de Almeida brings an exhilarating presence and transparent energy to the stage. A native of Rio de Janeiro\, Brazil\, Rebecca has performed a wide variety of roles throughout the US and Europe. Rebecca Almeida’s achievements include 1st prize at XXVI Concurso Latino Americano Rosa Mística\, II Concurso Nacional Jovem Destaque\, two times winner of ‘Concurso Villa Lobos’ as well as 2nd prize at 20º Concurso de Piano ArtLivre – Prova Estímulo\, performances at renowned venues such as Teatro Municipal de Niterói and CCBB in Brasil\, and The Garde at New London\, CT. Rebecca actively performs in New England with VIRTUOSI OPERA\, Hartford Opera Theatre\, and East Coast Chamber Orchestra. URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/2024-02-23-2/ LOCATION:Cyril and Methodius Church\, 63 Popieluszko Court\, Hartford\, Connecticut\, 06106 CATEGORIES:2025-2026 Season,2025-2026 Season,Cyril & Methodius Church,Hartford,Organ Music @ Cyril ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Organ-Cyril-photo-web-e1726585289682.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T193000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20250903T161807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T231259Z UID:11988-1772739000-1772739000@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Splendor of Italian Baroque DESCRIPTION:The Connecticut Virtuosi & the members of Orchestra “Il Contrapunto” from Empoli (Italy) in performance of the most beautiful Italian baroque concertos. \nIn Program:\nGiuseppe Valentini: Concerto in A minor for 4 violins\, Op.7 No.11\nGiuseppe Tartini: Violin Concerto in A major\, GT 1.A09\nAntonio Vivaldi:\nConcerto For Harpsichord\, Strings and Continuo RV 780\nConcerto for 4 Violins in E minor\, RV 550 (from L’estro armonico\, Op.3)\nViolin Concerto in E major\, RV 269 “The Spring” \nTickets:\nGeneral Admission: $29.00\, Senior: $19.00\, Student: $5.00 \nBuy Tickets \n\nAbout the Soloists: \nArtistic Director of Orchestra “Il Contrapunto” from Empoli\, Italian violinist Damiano Tognetti began musical studies at the age of seven with Maestro A.Fornai and graduated in 2001 from the “Boccherini” Musical Institute in Lucca under the guidance of Maestro A.Bologni. He was first violin and soloist of the institute’s orchestra. Having perfected his skills at the Fiesole Music School\, he was the winner of several national competitions. Already a member of the Cherubini Orchestra of Piacenza directed by Riccardo Multi\, he collaborates with various orchestras including Orchestra del Teatro Massimo di Palermo\, Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina\, Orchestra Regionale of the Emilia Romagna Tuscan Foundation\, Orchestra of Padua and Veneto\, Venetian Regional Orchestra. \nA principal member of the Orchestra “Il Contrapunto” Giacomo Benedetti is a dynamic Florentine musician celebrated for his versatility as organist\, pianist\, harpsichordist\, cymbalist\, and choir director. Trained at the Cherubini Conservatory and enriched by studies with masters such as Matteo Imbruno and Gustav Leonhardt\, he performs widely across Europe\, Japan\, Mexico\, and the United States. He has held prestigious church posts in Florence\, collaborates with Maggio Musicale Fiorentino\, and appears with ensembles including Florence Sinfonietta\, Armonia Ricercata\, and Ensemble San Felice. A prizewinning competitor and passionate continuo player\, Benedetti brings vibrant artistry to festivals\, orchestras\, and historic venues throughout Italy and abroad. \nThe Concert-master of the Connecticut Virtuosi Albanian‑American violinist Brunilda Myftaraj has earned enthusiastic praise for her expressive musicianship across Europe\, Israel\, Morocco\, and the United States. Critics\, including The New London Day\, describe her as an “especially fine and beautiful player.” Her albums Naked Violin and The American Pie received outstanding reviews in Fanfare magazine\, highlighting her inspired performances and masterful Bach interpretations. She contributed to the award‑winning Love’s Tango project and serves as Concertmaster of the Greve Opera Festival. Myftaraj also directs the Virtuosi Music Academy and Summer Music Institute in Farmington\, teaching violin and chamber music. \n \nViolinist Stephanie M. Ruddy performs throughout Connecticut as an orchestral musician\, chamber artist\, and soloist. She is a member of the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and has appeared with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra\, the New Britain Symphony Orchestra\, and the Connecticut Symphony Orchestra. She is a founding member of the Musa String Quartet. A devoted interpreter of Baroque repertoire\, she performed with the Hartt Collegium Musicum\, studying performance practice with Emlyn Ngai. Stephanie holds both a B.F.A. and Graduate Professional Diploma in Violin Performance from the University of Hartford\, where she studied with Anton Miller and Katie Lansdale. She is also a Suzuki violin instructor\, teaching from her home studio in Litchfield\, Connecticut. URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/virtuosi-ditalia/ LOCATION:First Presbyterian Church in Hartford\, 136 Capitol Ave\, Hartford\, CT\, 06105 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2025-2026 Season,Hartford ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/515493393_748092611474649_4355980986204378999_n-2-copy.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251130T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251130T180000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20250903T160403Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T165341Z UID:11982-1764525600-1764525600@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Opera PAGLIACCI by Leoncavallo DESCRIPTION:Buy Tickets \nRuggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci is a gripping masterpiece that blends raw emotion\, unforgettable music\, and timeless drama. Audiences should not miss the chance to experience what resonates across generations: love\, betrayal\, jealousy\, and revenge—all set within a traveling performing troupe. The famous aria “Vesti la giubba\,” where the lead character Canio sings of hiding heartbreak behind a painted smile\, is one of the most iconic moments in operatic history. \nPagliacci is a perfect entry point for newcomers to opera and a thrilling favorite for seasoned fans. Its compact structure—just two acts—makes for a fast-paced\, emotionally intense evening. The music is lush and dramatic\, with soaring melodies and gripping orchestration that heighten every twist of the plot. Visually\, productions of Pagliacci often feature vibrant costumes that contrast the colourful world of performers with the dark undercurrents of their personal lives. It’s a story that asks: what happens when the mask comes off? \nWhether you’re drawn by the music\, the drama\, or the spectacle\, Pagliacci offers a cathartic\, unforgettable experience. It’s not just opera—it’s human emotion laid bare\, and it will leave you breathless. \n
\nCAST: \n\n \n \n \n \n Don José: Jax Hassler\n \n \n \n \n \n Frasquita: Emily Tate Daniel\n \n \n \n \n \n Jonathan R. Green (Tonio)\n \n \n \n \n \n Eliam Ramos (Silvio)\n \n \n \n \n \n Mario De La Garza (Beppe)\n \n \n\nDirector: Rosemarie Danziger\nBorn in Copenhagen\, Denmark\, Rosemarie Danziger studied at the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem and the Hartt College of Music in Connecticut. She earned her degree in Theater from Cornell University and worked as a playwright at the Tåstrup Theater in Denmark while continuing to perform in concerts and operas. She collaborated with major Danish orchestras\, including the Sjællands Symphony\, Danish Radio Symphony\, and Aarhus Symphony. In 1989\, she moved to Canada\, performing with the Orchestra London\, McGill Orchestra\, and Edmonton Symphony. Since settling there\, she has toured extensively across Europe\, appearing in cities such as Mannheim\, Freiburg\, Hamburg\, Graz\, Basel\, Budapest\, and Gdańsk. She has sung under renowned conductors like Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos\, Walter Weller\, Donald Runnicles\, Jun Märkl\, Nir Kabaretti\, and Leon Botstein. Her repertoire spans operatic roles by Mozart\, Richard Strauss\, Verdi\, and Puccini\, as well as classic operettas by Johann Strauss\, Emmerich Kálmán\, and Franz Lehár. She has also performed widely in recitals and concerts. In 2014\, Danziger co-founded the non-profit Vienna-Tel Aviv Vocal Connection (VTAVC) with Maestro David Aronson and Sylvia Greenberg. VTAVC supports emerging professional singers by producing fully staged operas with leading Israeli orchestras. Since 2023\, the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra\, led by Maestro Julian Rachlin\, has been VTAVC’s exclusive partner. Her recent directing and production work includes Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and Don Giovanni\, Strauss’s Die Fledermaus\, Pergolesi’s La serva padrona\, Ullmann’s Der Kaiser von Atlantis\, and The Impresario. She has worked with orchestras such as the Israel Chamber Orchestra\, Haifa Symphony\, and Israel Sinfonietta Beer Sheva. Danziger also teaches acting techniques and mentors professional singers. \nAdrian Sylveen\nAward-winning musician\, Adrian Sylveen enjoys a performing career in the United States and Europe. He is a founder and artistic director of the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra (USA) and the Greve Opera Academy and Chamber Music Festival (Italy). He also appears frequently with Teatro Lirico D’Europa (USA) and Camerata Gdynia (Poland). Mr. Sylveen has conducted approximately 35 operatic titles and has an extensive orchestral and oratorio repertoire. He has conducted and performed concerts in the United States\, Poland\, Italy\, Israel\, Cuba\, Switzerland\, Germany\, Austria\, and the former Soviet Union. Between 2004-2024\, Mr. Sylveen was a co-founder\, artistic director\, and the principal conductor of the Connecticut Lyric Opera. He worked with such ensembles as Israeli Chamber Orchestra\, Olsztyn Philharmonic\, Elbląg Chamber Orchestra\, Classical Orchestra of Piła (Poland)\, Associazione Il Contrappunto (Italy)\, Holguín Symphony Orchestra (Cuba)\, Orchestra da Camera di Greve-In-Chianti (Italy)\, Central Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra\, the New Britain Chorale\, Coro di teatro Garibaldi\, Chór Akademii Staszica (Piła\, Poland)\, among others. A winner of many prizes in Europe and the United States\, he received the American Council for Polish Culture Primus Inter Pares Award from the President of the Republic of Poland and received permanent US residence for “Extraordinary Abilities in the Arts”. Mr. Sylveen holds Master of Music and Artist Diploma degrees from the Yale University School of Music; he is also a graduate of the Paderewski Music Academy in Poznan\, Poland (diploma with distinction). During the school years\, he participated in several international Festivals in Weimar\, Łancut\, Żagań\, and others. A dedicated music educator and community activist\, Sylveen is on the faculty of the Virtuosi Music Academy and Summer Music Festival\, Greve Opera Academy\, and works with a community “Moniuszko” Choir. \n
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Greve Opera Academy

\nFounded in 2015\, the Greve Opera Academy and Music Festival is a collaborative effort between the American performing organization Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra\, and the municipality of Greve-in-Chianti in the province of Florence. The inaugural festival featured a fully staged production of Le Nozze di Figaro performed in the Teatro Boito in Greve\, the Teatro Niccolini in San Casciano and in the public square – Piazza Metteotti – of Greve\, as well as additional performances in Greve and else wherei. 2016 saw performances of “La Boheme” in Greve and San Gimignano and of “Don Giovanni” in Greve\, with additional concerts and recitals in Florence and Greve; and 2017 saw performances of both “Tosca” and “Cosi fan Tutte” in San Gimignano and Greve\, with additional concerts and recitals in Florence and Greve. In the first three seasons\, attendees have come from the US\, Italy\, Canada\, China\, Austria\, Poland\, Cypress and Australia. \n
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Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra

\n””Established in 1997\, the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra is Connecticut’s premier professional chamber orchestra\, based in the Greater New Britain area\, and dedicated to presenting both traditional and contemporary works to the public. As artists\, the Virtuosi strive to be cultural leaders and teachers and to inspire our audiences to recognize the beauty and quality of classical music in any form. \nThe Orchestra\, led by founder and artistic director Adrian Sylveen\, presents approximately ten critically acclaimed concert and opera programs each season. Virtuosi also presents eight school concerts for the New Britain Department of Education. The group performs thirty times a season in New Britain\, Hartford\, New London\, Middletown\, New York\, and Waterbury. Virtuosi also presented occasional concerts in Mystic\, Meriden\, New York City\, and Pennsylvania. URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/opera-pagliacci-by-leoncavallo-2/ LOCATION:First Presbyterian Church in Hartford\, 136 Capitol Ave\, Hartford\, CT\, 06105 CATEGORIES:2025-2026 Season,Hartford,Operas ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Pagliacci-CAST-.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251009T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251009T193000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20250903T155709Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T113135Z UID:11976-1760038200-1760038200@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Season Opening: Gershwin\, Tracz\, Mozart DESCRIPTION:An exceptional Chinese young pianist from the Juilliard School of Music\, Weiran Lydia Meng will perform Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Also in the program is the World premiere of XXI Music for string orchestra by a young Polish composer from Gdańsk Music Academy\, Sandra Tracz\, and Mozart’s Symphony No. 29 in A-Major. \nBuy Tickets \n\nSandra Tracz – XXI Music for String Orchestra\nGeorge Gershwin – Rhapsody in Blue (in arrangement for the Chamber Orchestra)\nW. A. Mozart –  Symphony No. 29 in A major\, K. 201 \n\nWeiran Lydia Meng\, a pianist of profound imagination and emotional sensitivity\, is currently pursuing her studies at The Juilliard School under the guidance of the renowned Soyeon Kate Lee.\nA captivating performer with a growing international presence\, her performances have taken her across the globe\, including Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in New York\, Shenzhen concert hall in China and the Wiesbaden City Hall in Germany.\nHer accolades include First Prize at the Hong Kong Asia Piano Open Competition\, Third Prize at the International Piano Competition in Wiesbaden\, Germany as the youngest competitor in the entire competition\, and Third Prize at the Juilliard Piano Concerto Competition (2024-2025 season.)\nDemonstrating a remarkable versatility as an artist\, She was invited in April 2025 to perform at Carnegie Hall for a celebratory concert honoring the legendary American composer\, Meredith Monk. Lydia Meng embraced stepping into the role of Meredith Monk herself in the dance-theater piece Particular Dance. Juilliard President Damian Woetzel praised Weiran’s fearless artistry\, stating that she “embodies Juilliard’s ideal of interdisciplinary exploration\, uniting music\, dance\, and theater with fearless creativity.”\n“I believe music is my most authentic voice—a universal dialect that transcends borders. My mission is to use this piano to narrate the world’s boundless wonders\, inviting listeners to feel its vibrant pulse and captivating stories.” \n\nSandra Gabriela Tracz is a young Polish composer currently completing her fifth year of composition studies at the Academy of Music in Gdańsk\, under the mentorship of Prof. Krzysztof Olczak. Her compositional work embraces both autonomous and film music\, written for various ensembles and often incorporating electronics. She draws on a wide range of interests\, integrating them into her creative and professional life. This versatility fuels her imaginative approach and helps define her unique voice within the contemporary music scene. Tracz has received notable recognition\, including winning an international carillon arrangement competition—her piece was broadcast daily from the Main Town Hall tower in Gdańsk throughout May. She is also a recipient of a grant from the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage under the “Composers’ Commissions” program\, through which she created Threads of Bach—a quadruple concerto for clarinet\, alto saxophone\, marimba\, violin\, and symphony orchestra\, written to mark the anniversary year of J.S. Bach. Sandra Gabriela Tracz sees her future in the creation of innovative\, interdisciplinary projects that connect music\, movement\, and the spoken word. For her\, versatility is not a distraction but a deliberate path toward artistic integration and expressive depth. URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/season-opening/ LOCATION:First Presbyterian Church in Hartford\, 136 Capitol Ave\, Hartford\, CT\, 06105 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2025-2026 Season,Hartford,New Music Hartford ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/VIRTUOSI-2025-10-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250817T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250817T180000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20250716T220121Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T125339Z UID:11929-1755453600-1755453600@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Vivaldi: Stabat Mater & Magnificat with the Moniuszko Choir & VMI Ensemble DESCRIPTION:Antonio Vivaldi: Stabat Mater\, RV 621\, Magnificat\, RV. 610 \nThe Moniuszko Choir\nVirtuosi Institute Ensemble\nAllison Lindsay\, alto\nMary McCue\, soprano\nAdrian Sylveen\, conductor \n\nAntonio Vivaldi’s Stabat Mater (RV 621) and Magnificat (RV 610) stand as poignant examples of his sacred vocal music\, revealing his deep sensitivity to liturgical texts. Stabat Mater\, composed in 1712\, features a solo alto\, strings\, and continuo\, unfolding the Virgin Mary’s grief at the crucifixion through solemn tempos\, expressive dissonances\, and emotionally charged melodic lines. In contrast\, the Magnificat is a celebratory canticle of Mary’s praise\, written for mixed choir\, soloists\, and orchestra. Its twelve brief movements balance vivid contrasts\, intricate counterpoint\, and moments of spiritual exuberance. Both works showcase Vivaldi’s mastery in channeling sacred texts into music that transcends mere ritual\, merging the emotional depth of devotion with the stylistic flair of the Venetian Baroque. Together\, they illustrate his ability to express sorrow and joy with equal conviction\, offering audiences a glimpse into the sacred heart of his musical imagination. URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/final-festival-concert-with-moniuszko-choir/ LOCATION:Cyril and Methodius Church\, 63 Popieluszko Court\, Hartford\, Connecticut\, 06106 CATEGORIES:Chamber Music,CT,Cyril & Methodius Church,Hartford,Summer Festival,Virtuosi Music Academy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/picasso-musicians-e1732921414930.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250605T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250605T193000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20240527T223716Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T181301Z UID:11285-1749151800-1749151800@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:THE MUSICAL PILGRIMAGE OF POLISH DIASPORA DESCRIPTION:“WE THE PEOPLE” — Immigrant stories in music \n\nFOR ADMISSION INFO\, CLICK HERE >>> \n\nIn Program: \nFrédéric Chopin:\nPiano Concerto no. 2 in F-minor\nSoloist: Corbin Beisner \nStanisław Moniuszko:\nLatin Mass in E-flat major\nAgnieszka Tyrawska\, soprano\nRebecca Almeida\, alto\nEd Napier\, tenor\nDavid Kennedy\, bass\nThe Academic Choir of Lublin University of Technology\nElzbieta Krzeminska\, artistic director\nThe Moniuszko Choir\nConnecticut Virtuosi \n\n \nThe 2025 concerts of the Academic Choir of Lublin are held under the patronage of the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York. \n\nThe Academic Choir of Lublin University of Technology was established in 1975. Elzbieta Krzeminska has been the Conductor and Director of Music since 1987. The Group consists of Lublin Technical University students\, graduates and staff as well as students of other Lublin universities. The repertoire embraces wide variety of folk songs of different cultures\, sacred\, jazz and oratorio pieces. The Choir participated in various prestigious national and international festivals\, very often with great success: Academia Cantat ’89 (Poland)\, Eurotreff ’89 and ’94 (Germany)\, Cant Coral ’90 (Spain)\, Oskarshamn ’93 (Sweden)\, Riva del Garda ’96 (Italy) – Golden Diploma and Conductor Prize Winner\, Rhodes ’98 (Greece) – awarded the Bronze Medal\, Grado ’01 (Italy) – Golden Diploma\, Winner of the Mixed Choir Category and Conductor Prize Winner\, Oristano ’03 (Italy – Sardinia)\, Coimbra ’05 (Portugal)\, Bratislava ’07 (Slovakia) – Golden Band and Conductor Prize Winner\, Cantate Croatia ’09 (Croatia). The Group has given concerts in most European countries. Since its very beginning\, the Choir has been very much involved in the cultural life of the Technical University and the city. Owing to the cooperation with orchestras\, such as the Lublin Philharmonic\, Baltic Philharmonic and Torun Chamber Orchestra\, the Choir had an opportunity to perform the following musical works: G. Rossini’s Stabat Mater\, L. van Beethoven’s Symphony no. 9\, A. Vivaldi’s Gloria\, M.A. Charpentier’s Te Deum\, J. Haydn’s Stabat Mater and Nelson Mass\, J.S. Bach’s Wachet auf and Weihnachtsratorio\, C.Orff’s Carmina Burana\, G. Mahler’s Symphony no. 2 & 8\, W.A. Mozart’s Coronation Mass\, Requiem\, Grand Mass in C minor\, G. Puccini’s Messa di Gloria\, W. Kilar’s Exodus\, Angelus and Missa pro pace\, G.F. Handel’s Messiah and Dixit Dominus. Good reviews of these performances were the result of great interpretations conveyed by conductors like: sir David Willcocks\, Laszlo Heltay\, Krzysztof Missona\, Wlodzimierz Szymanski\, Zygmunt Rychert\, Jerzy Salwarowski\, Tadeusz Wojciechowski and Ruben Silva. The Choir has so far recorded three albums. The strongest attribute\, notwithstanding the high artistic level\, is the special bond between the members\, who after many years of creating wonderful music together remain close friends for a long time. \n\nElzbieta Krzeminska – professor of musical arts\, a graduate from The Artistic Department at Maria Sklodowska-Curie University in Lublin\, and a graduate from two-year Postgraduate Programme at Music Academy in Bydgoszcz\, in the class of choir management and voice pedagogy. She works as a Professor in the Music Institute of the Artistic Department at Maria Sklodowska-Curie University\, where she commands the class of choir management. She has been the conductor of The Choir since 1987. Under her direction\, The Choir has given about 400 concerts of a cappella and oratorio music\, both in Poland and across Europe. The Choir has won many prizes in the choral competitions\, among others: Golden Diploma and Conductor Special Award in Riva Del Garda (Italy\, 1996)\, Bronze Medal on Rhodes (Greece\, 1998)\, Golden Diploma and Conductor Special Award in Grado (Italy\, 2001)\, Golden Band and Conductor Special Award in Bratislava (Slovakia\, 2007)\, National Festival of University Choirs “Swiety Krzyz 2014” (Kielce\, Poland)\, two Golden and Silver Diplomas in 5th International Choir Competition and Festival “Cançó Mediterrània 2015” (Lloret de Mar\, Spain)\, two Golden Medals in 1st International Choir Competition “Adratic Pearl” in Dubrovnik (Croatia\, 2019)\, 8th International Choral Music Festival in Eišiškės (Lithuania\, 2021) – the highest score\, „Musica Orbis Festival” in Prague (2021) – the Golden Medal and two Silver Medals in 15th Rimini International Choral Competition (Italy\, 2021)\, 30th Prague Advent and Christmas Choral Festival in 2022 – Grand Prix and 1st Prize. In the years 2013-2018 Elzbieta Krzeminska worked as the conductor of ‘Lutnia Lubelska’\, the Lublin Philharmonic Choir. Elzbieta Krzeminska has been invited to sit on the jury of many choral competitions and festivals. She was taking part in the work of The Chancellery\, which grants the Artistic Award of the City of Lublin. She has been awarded the Golden Cross of Honours\, the Board of Education Medal\, the Gloria Artis Medal\, the Medal for the Meritorious for the City of Lublin\, the Medal for the Meritorious Activity in the field of Culture\, President of the City of Lublin Award for cultural and artistic achievements and the Medal of the Lublin city’s 700th jubilee. \n\nMr. Beisner has been active as a classical pianist throughout the United States and Europe since his solo recital debut in 2005. A year later in 2006 he gave his debut concerto performance with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no. 3 in C minor\, op. 37. Notable performances have included recitals at the Conservatoire Liceu in Barcelona\, Spain\, the Liszt Saal at the Accademia d’Ungheria in Rome\, Italy\, numerous recitals throughout Switzerland\, including an all-Liszt recital in the famous “Le Troi Rois” hotel in Basel. Repeated invitations at the Schmiedenhof Zunftsaal\, also in Basel\, various concerts in Budapest\, Hungary\, and performances at the Summer Liszt Academy in Schillingsfürst\, Germany. In the United States\, he has been invited to perform by Chopin societies in Connecticut\, Texas\, the Chopin Foundation in Florida\, the American Liszt Society\, and the Polish-American Foundation of Connecticut. Mr. Beisner has performed with symphony orchestras in Indiana\, Connecticut\, and Nevada in the U.S. and in Switzerland and Italy. He also frequently collaborates with colleagues in chamber music and vocal accompaniment. He is a graduate of the Hartt School of Music in Connecticut\, USA (BMus) and the Franz Liszt Academy of Music (Liszt Ferenc Zeneművészeti Egyetem) in Budapest\, Hungary (M.A.). Mr. Beisner received rave reviews in the German/Swiss newspapers “Die Neue Fricktaler Zeitung” and “Badische Zeitung” for his recitals\, notably his performances of the music of Beethoven\, Debussy\, Chopin\, and Liszt. He is also a 1st prize winner of the London Liszt Society Competition\, and holds the “Marie Hohenlohe” medal for pianistic excellence from the Summer Liszt Academy at Schloss-Schillingfuerst\, Germany. His debut CD\, presenting the works of Franz Liszt\, was released under the German label “Perfect Noise.” URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/2025-06-05/ LOCATION:Cyril and Methodius Church\, 63 Popieluszko Court\, Hartford\, Connecticut\, 06106 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2024-2025 Season,Bushnell Arts Center,Hartford ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Academic-Choir-of-Lublin-University-of-Technology-e1739887391627.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250503T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250503T193000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20241231T171510Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250502T180602Z UID:11738-1746300600-1746300600@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:RIGOLETTO by Giuseppe Verdi - (Semi-Staged) DESCRIPTION:FOR THE TICKETS\, CLICK HERE >>> \n\nTeatro Lirico D’Europa with Connecticut Virtuosi Orchestra and Greve Opera Academy presents:\nRIGOLETTO – An opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi. The Italian libretto was written by Francesco Maria Piave based on the 1832 play Le roi s’amuse by Victor Hugo. \nThe tragic story revolves around the licentious Duke of Mantua\, his hunch-backed court jester Rigoletto\, and Rigoletto’s daughter Gilda. The opera’s original title\, La Maledizion (The Curse)\, refers to a curse placed on both the Duke and Rigoletto by the Count Monterone\, whose daughter the Duke has seduced with Rigoletto’s encouragement. The curse comes to fruition when Gilda falls in love with the Duke and sacrifices her life to save him from the assassin hired by her father. \nDespite serious initial problems with the Austrian censors who had control over northern Italian theaters at the time\, the opera had a triumphant premiere at La Fenice in Venice on 11 March 1851. The work\, Verdi’s sixteenth in the genre\, is widely considered to be the first of the operatic masterpieces of Verdi’s middle-to-late career. \nThis is a SEMI-STAGED VERSION Italian production with English supertitles. \n\nCAST:\nBaritone:            Michael Nansel – RIGOLETTO\nTenor:                  Nathan Snyder – DUKE\nSoprano:             Gayane Ghambaryhan – GILDA (Apprentice — Greve Opera Academy)\nBasso:                 Nathan Resika – SPARAFUCILE\nMezzo Soprano: Rebecca De Almeida – MADDALENA\nBass Baritone:   Vladimir Hristov – MONTERONE\nBass Baritone:   Robert Garner –  MARULLO\nTenor: Zachary Morehouse – BORSA\nBaritone: Christian Arencibia – Count CEPRANO \nMaestro:              Adrian Sylveen – Conductor\nChorus Master:  Rider Foster\nStage Director:   Giorgio Lalov –  Sets\, costumes\, and lights \n \nMichael Nansel – RIGOLETTO: Michael Nansel is an award-winning singer and actor. Best known as an opera singer\, he is also an accomplished recitalist and concert artist and appears frequently in musical theater classics. Between Opera and Musicals\, Mr. Nansel has over 80-roles to his credit. He sings music from the Mozart to Sondheim\, from Verdi to Rodger & Hammerstein. He was the Wichita Grand Opera Singer of the Year in 2012 and was the dual winner in 2003 of the Washington Area Theatre Community Honors for continued \nNathan Snyder – DUKE OF MANTUA: Praised for his “rich and nuanced” sound and “riveting” acting\, tenor Nathan Snyder has built a reputation of excellence in all genres. His energy and impressive versatility make him an outstanding presence on any stage. Nathan recently performed the role of Young Jim Thompson in GLORY DENIED and the United States Airforce Academy earning him a Challenge Coin from the current Superintendent of the Academy. A rare and auspicious honor for someone not in the military. Nathan also performed the role of Paco in Manuel De Falla’s LA VIDA BREVE for Opera Fort Collins in their first ever Spanish opera. This summer\, Nathan joined the chorus of LA BOHÈME at the Bravo! Vail Music festival with the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin \nGayane Ghambaryhan GILDA the winner of the first prize at the 2023 UK international “Golden Talent” competition\, the first prize at the 2018 “New 8th Sound” competition in Armenia\, and the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theater soloist\, soprano Gayane Ghambaryan began her singing journey at Romanos Melikyan Music College in 2004. A member of the 2024 Greve Opera Academy\, Gayane participated in the Nicola Martinucci International Voice Competition in Lucca\, Italy. In December 2022\, she appeared as Violetta Valery in Verdi’s La Traviata at the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theater. \nRebecca De Almeida – MADDALENA: Brazilian Mezzo soprano “Rebecca de Almeida gave a staggeringly commanding performance as Carmen. I will be following her meteoric rise” said Lisa Reisman of the New Haven Register and Shore Life about her debut in the title role of Bizet’s CARMEN with Opera Theatre of CT in 2022. A couple years before the pandemic Rebecca switched her career as a pianist to become an opera singer\, and she is quickly establishing herself as one of the leading mezzo sopranos in Connecticut. She has performed a variety of roles throughout the US\, Latin America and Europe. \nBass Nathan Resika SPARAFUCILE has been hailed as “a magnificent singing actor who easily combines beautiful singing with deeply emotional feelings behind each and every note” (Delaware & Hudson CANVAS). The New London Day wrote of his performance in Don Giovanni\, “Resika\, with perfect comic timing\, a gift for the double take and a commanding and rich timbre\, very much made this opera his.” He has performed as the bass soloist in Beethoven’s Mass in C Major and Haydn’s Mariazellermesse at Carnegie Hall (Stern Auditorium) and performed roles with Caramoor\, Opera North\, Opera Orchestra of New York\, the Center for Contemporary Opera\, New York Grand Opera\, Hudson Opera Theatre\, Cleveland Opera Circle\, Connecticut Lyric Opera\, Opera New Jersey\, the New Britain Symphony\, Opera in the Heights\, and Utah Festival Opera\, among many others. He was a finalist in the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera’s 28th Annual International Vocal Competition. URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/2025-05-03/ LOCATION:First Presbyterian Church in Hartford\, 136 Capitol Ave\, Hartford\, CT\, 06105 CATEGORIES:2024-2025 Season,Hartford,Operas ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Rigoletto-artwork-WEB.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250406T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250406T130000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20250322T105115Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250322T111111Z UID:11845-1743944400-1743944400@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:REQUIEM\, op. 48 by Gabriel Faure DESCRIPTION:THE MONIUSZKO CHOIR\nWanxue Zhang\, soprano\nMcKayla Ferguson\, alto\nIgor Antonio\, tenor\nDavid Kennedy\, bass\nMembers of the Connecticut VIRTUOSI\nAdrian Sylveen\, conductor URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/requiem-faure-ct/ LOCATION:Cyril and Methodius Church\, 63 Popieluszko Court\, Hartford\, Connecticut\, 06106 CATEGORIES:2024-2025 Season,Cyril & Methodius Church,Hartford ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Moniuszko-Choir-2023-p1-e1706648017408.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250223T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250223T150000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20240607T164249Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T162457Z UID:11399-1740322800-1740322800@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:ORGAN MUSIC at CYRIL: Rheinberger & MORE DESCRIPTION:Featuring Historic 1938 Austin Pipe Organ \n\nFor Admission info CLICK HERE >> \n\n  \nPROGRAM:\nJosef Gabriel Rheinberger: Concerto (Suite) for Violin\, Cello and Organ\, Op. 149\nJohann Sebastian Bach: Concerto in D for Organ & 2 Violins\n“Mein gläubiges Herze”  (My believing heart) from Cantata #68\nFelix Mendelssohn Nachspiel in D major\, MWV W 12\nHymn: Hear my prayer\, MWV B 49\nGettano Felice Piazza: Sonata for 2 Organs in F major\nCesario Gussago: Sonata La Leona a 8 \nProgram sponsored in part by Marjorie Jolidon Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving \nSOLOISTS: Giacomo Benedetti\, Eugenio Milazzo\nBrunilda Myftaraj\, Sanga Yoon\, Laura Andreini\, Adrian Sylveen \n  \n  URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/2024-02-23/ LOCATION:Cyril and Methodius Church\, 63 Popieluszko Court\, Hartford\, Connecticut\, 06106 CATEGORIES:2024-2025 Season,Cyril & Methodius Church,Hartford,Organ Music @ Cyril ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Copy-of-Untitled-Design.png ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250202T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250202T150000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20240527T221919Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250119T214609Z UID:11271-1738508400-1738508400@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:A JOURNEY IN DREAMS OF TIMES & PLACES DESCRIPTION:A beautiful program connecting different significant inspirations and sounds from Antiquity to the Contemporary. Performing under the baton of maestro Damiano Tognetti\, Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra presents a concert honoring Italian and Italian American heritage\, including new music by New York native Ernesto Ferreri. The program also includes Brahms violin concerto in a new arrangement for chamber orchestra\, featuring Polish American soloist Adrian Sylveen. \n\nOttorino Respighi: Antiche danze et arie per liuto\, Suite No.3\nErnesto Ferreri: Octet for Chamber Orchestra\, op. 32\nJohannes Brahms: Violin Concerto\, Op.77\nAdrian Sylveen\, violin\nConnecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra\nDamiano Tognetti\, guest conductor \n\nCLICK HERE FOR TICKETS >>> \n\nItalian Conductor and violinist Damiano Tognetti began musical studies at the age of seven with Maestro A.Fornai and graduated in 2001 from the “Boccherini” Musical Institute in Lucca under the guidance of Maestro A.Bologni. He was first violin and soloist of the institute’s orchestra. Having perfected his skills at the Fiesole Music School\, he was the winner of several national competitions. Already a member of the Cherubini Orchestra of Piacenza directed by Riccardo Multi\, he collaborates with various orchestras including Orchestra del Teatro Massimo di Palermo\, Orchestra da Camera Fiorentina\, Orchestra Regionale of the Emilia Romagna Tuscan Foundation\, Orchestra of Padua and Veneto\, Venetian Regional Orchestra. \n\nAward-winning musician Adrian Sylveen enjoys a performing career as a conductor and a violinist in the United States and Europe. He is a founding artistic director of the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and the Greve Opera Academy and Festival. \nMr. Sylveen has conducted approximately 35 operatic titles and has an extensive orchestral repertoire. He has conducted and performed concerts in the United States\, Poland\, Italy\, Israel\, Cuba\, Switzerland\, Germany\, and the former Soviet Union. He worked with ensembles such as the Israeli Chamber Orchestra\, Teatro Lirico D’Europa\, Olsztyn Philharmonic\, Elbląg Chamber Orchestra\, Holguín Symphony Orchestra\, Orchestra da Camera di Greve-In-Chianti\, The Palmetto Opera\, Kamerata Gdyńska\, and others. \n\nCLICK HERE FOR TICKETS >>> URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/2025-02-02/ LOCATION:Bushnell Arts Center @ the First Presbyterian\, 136 Capitol Ave\, Hartford\, CT\, 06106 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2024-2025 Season,Bushnell Arts Center,Hartford ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/johannes-brahms-1233241744-editorial-long-form-0-e1736191942963.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241210T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241210T193000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20241129T225316Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241210T185751Z UID:11670-1733859000-1733859000@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:NEW MUSIC HARTFORD DESCRIPTION:3-concert chamber music series\nfeaturing works written by living composers\nfrom New England. \nIn Program:\nJonathan KANE:\n“Convergence” String Quartet (2012)\, October Quartet (2013)\, “Debunk—Rebunk” \nAdrian SYLVEEN:\n“So We don’t forget” Kaddish in an étude form for cello and piano (2024)\n“Divertimento Fantastique” for Violin Solo (2024)\, “The Fear of Calm” for Flute Solo \nMike YOUNG:\n“Daphne” for Solo Flute \nGonzalo Cortez: Flute\nMichael Korman: piano\nBrunilda Myftaraj: violin\nAdrian Sylveen: Violin\nJonathan Kane: Viola\nChristopher Pilon: Cello URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/new-music-hartford/ LOCATION:First Presbyterian Church in Hartford\, 136 Capitol Ave\, Hartford\, CT\, 06105 CATEGORIES:2024-2025 Season,Chamber Music,CT,Hartford,New Music Hartford,Virtuosi Music Academy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Musicians-Picasso-BRIGHT.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Virtuosi Music Academy @ First Presbyterian Church":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241201T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241201T150000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20240607T163258Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241127T162956Z UID:11395-1733065200-1733065200@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:ORGAN MUSIC at CYRIL: Respighi & Poulenc DESCRIPTION:Featuring newly installed\, historic 1938 Austin Pipe Organ \n\nADMISSION by the suggested donation of $35. To make a charitable donation CLICK HERE>>> \n\nPROGRAM:\nSuite in G major\, P.58 (Respighi\, Ottorino)\nOrgan Concerto\, FP 93 (Poulenc\, Francis)\nConnecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra\nSOLOIST:  Chris Davenport \n\nChris Davenport is a graduate of Ithaca College (music education\, ’18)\, and Central Connecticut State University (computer science\, ’23). He is active as an organist\, pianist\, singer\, and conductor throughout Connecticut. Currently\, Chris serves as the director of music at Saint Patrick Oratory in Waterbury\, CT. Previously\, he was organist at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury and director of music at the parish of Saint Michael the Archangel in Pawcatuck. \n\n  \nProgram sponsored in part by Marjorie Jolidon Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/organ-music-at-cyril/ LOCATION:Cyril and Methodius Church\, 63 Popieluszko Court\, Hartford\, Connecticut\, 06106 CATEGORIES:2024-2025 Season,Cyril & Methodius Church,Hartford,Organ Music @ Cyril ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Organ-Cyril-photo-web-e1726585289682.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241121T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241121T193000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20240527T221221Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241119T113259Z UID:11267-1732217400-1732217400@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:PUCCINI: LA BOHEME DESCRIPTION:CELEBRATE the 100th ANNIVERSARY of Giacomo PUCCINI’S LEGACY! An INTERNATIONAL cast of winners from the USA\, Korea\, Armenia\, and MET singers in NYC will bring his masterpiece to life. Don’t miss the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra’s dazzling production in collaboration with the TEATRO LIRICO D’EUROPA! Puccini’s legacy endures through his masterful operas\, which continue to captivate global audiences with their emotional depth and melodic beauty. His innovative orchestration and dramatic storytelling have cemented him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of opera. \n\nADMISSION: Tickets on sale at the BUSHNELL Box Office >>>\nor call (860) 987-5900 \n\nThe CAST: \nMimi – Gayane Ghambaryan (Armenia)*\nRodolfo – Daniel Juarez (USA)\nMarcello – Cheoncho Lee (Korea)*\nMusetta – Hannah Wolfe (USA)*\nColline – Gregory Sheppard\nSchaunard – Wayne Artur\nBenoit/Alcindoro – Stefan Szkafarowsky (USA) \nStage Director – Carlos Conde\nSets and Costumes – Teatro Lirico D’Europa\nArtistic Director & Conductor – Adrian Sylveen \n* Young Artists of the 2024 Greve Opera Academy \nPerformed in Italian\, with English subtitles. \n\n \n \n \n \n Gayane Ghambaryan\n \n \n \n \n \n Daniel Juarez\, tenor\n \n \n \n \n \n Cheoncho Lee\, Baritone\n \n \n \n \n \n Stefan Szkafarowsky\, bass\n \n \n \n \n \n Gregory Sheppard\, bass-baritone\n \n \n \n \n \n Hannah Wolfe\, soprano\n \n \n \n \n \n Wayne Arthur\, baritone\n \n \n\n\nADMISSION: Tickets on sale at the BUSHNELL Box Office >>>\nor call (860) 987-5900 \n\nThis most famous opera\, Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème is a poignant drama capturing the essence of Bohemian life in Paris. It narrates the tragic romance between Rodolfo\, a poet\, and Mimì\, a seamstress\, set against a backdrop of poverty and artistic aspiration. The opera\, with its memorable arias\, is celebrated for its emotive power and lush melodies. La Bohème remains a staple in the opera world\, resonating with audiences for its portrayal of love\, friendship\, and the bitter-sweetness of life. URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/la-boheme-hartford/ LOCATION:Bushnell Arts Center @ the First Presbyterian\, 136 Capitol Ave\, Hartford\, CT\, 06106 CATEGORIES:2024-2025 Season,Bushnell Arts Center,Hartford,Operas ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/web-slide-BOHEME-v2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241006T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241006T150000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20240527T220824Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240917T134837Z UID:11261-1728226800-1728226800@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:THE SHADOWS OF OUR DESTINY DESCRIPTION:“WE THE PEOPLE” Immigrant stories in music \n\nADMISSION: Tickets at the BUSHNELL Box Office. Click here>>>\nor call (860) 987-5900 \n\nPROGRAM:\nJakub Polaczyk: Slavic Streams: “Śmiętlana” (world premiere)\nAlban Berg: Violin Concerto (arr. for chamber orchestra)\nJoseph Haydn: Symphony No.44 in E minor\nSOLOIST: Brunilda Myftaraj\, violin\nConnecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra\nAdrian Sylveen\, artistic director and conductor \n\nAlbanian-American violinist Brunilda Myftaraj has drawn enthusiastic accolades from audiences and critical acclaim for her masterful musicianship in Albania\, Italy\, Greece\, France\, Morocco\, Austria\, Switzerland\, Poland\, Israel\, and the United States. She has been praised by the critics as an “especially fine and beautiful player.” Myftaraj’s teachers are some of the world’s finest\, but her true inspiration comes from her audiences and students. Since 2023 Mrs. Myftaraj is a member of The Berkshire Bach Society. Her recordings of“Naked Violin” and “The American Pie” received impeccable reviews from Fanfare magazine. \nJakub Polaczyk\, born in Kraków\, Poland\, is a New York-based composer and pianist. Double Silver Medal winner of the Global Music Awards (2023)\, Winner of the 2020 American Prize in Composition\, and 2013 Iron Instant Composer Award in Cleveland\, OH. He graduated from Jagiellonian University\, Krzysztof Penderecki Academy of Music in Kraków\, and Carnegie Mellon University\, and as a Socrates-Erasmus exchange program\, he studied at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. Since 2015\, he has been teaching at the New York Conservatory of Music and\, since 2018\, has been a New Music Director of the Chopin and Friends Festival in NYC\, directing the International Composition Competition “New Vision” and in 2020 Virtual NYDAI Quarantine Talks Series. Since 2021\, Jakub has been hosting his “Coffees after Bach” program at the Polish Radio WRKL: AM910\, NYC/AM1030\, Chicago. URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/berg-violin-concerto/ LOCATION:Bushnell Arts Center @ the First Presbyterian\, 136 Capitol Ave\, Hartford\, CT\, 06106 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2024-2025 Season,Bushnell Arts Center,Hartford ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Arnold_Schonberg_Alban_Berg_1910-e1717179010257.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240818T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240818T150000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20240717T133546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240817T191304Z UID:11419-1723993200-1723993200@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Bach\, Biber & much more... DESCRIPTION:Final VIRTUOSI SUMMER FESTIVAL concert\npresented by an Ensemble of the faculty and students\nof the 2024 Virtuosi Sumer Music Institute \nIn Program:\nJohann Sebastian Bach: Gavotte en Rondeau from Violin Partita No.3 in E major\nFriedrich August Kummer: 2 Cellos Duett op. 22\, No. 1\, Mov. 1 (Allegro)\nJohann Sebastian Bach: Motet “Jesu\, Meine Freude”\, BWV 227\nJonathan Kane & 2024 VMI: op. 2 (world premiere)\nHeinrich Ignaz Franz Biber: Battalia à 9 \n\n Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber (1644-1704) was a Bohemian-Austrian composer and violinist\, renowned for his innovative violin techniques and compositions. Born in Wartenberg\, Bohemia (now Stráž pod Ralskem\, Czech Republic)\, he worked in Graz and Kroměříž before settling in Salzburg. Biber’s music\, especially his *Mystery Sonatas*\, showcases his mastery of scordatura (alternative tunings) and polyphonic writing. He was a pioneer in violin music\, pushing the instrument’s capabilities to new heights. His works include operas\, sacred music\, and chamber pieces. He was ennobled by Emperor Leopold I in 1690. \nJohann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a German composer and musician of the Baroque period\, renowned for his mastery of counterpoint\, harmonic organization\, and motivic development. Born in Eisenach\, he was part of a prolific musical family. Bach’s works include the *Brandenburg Concertos*\, *The Well-Tempered Clavier*\, and the *Mass in B Minor*. He served as Thomaskantor in Leipzig\, where he composed music for the principal Lutheran churches. His compositions\, which encompass orchestral\, keyboard\, and choral music\, have had a profound influence on Western classical music. URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/final-festival-concert/ LOCATION:ANVIL Place\, 51 West Main Street\, New Britain\, CT\, 06051\, United States CATEGORIES:2024-2025 Season,Chamber Music,Hartford,Summer Festival END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240811T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240811T123000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20240717T133113Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240811T112123Z UID:11415-1723379400-1723379400@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Students' Showcase DESCRIPTION: URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/students-showcase/ LOCATION:Cyril and Methodius Church\, 63 Popieluszko Court\, Hartford\, Connecticut\, 06106 CATEGORIES:2024-2025 Season,Chamber Music,Cyril & Methodius Church,Hartford,Summer Festival END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240804T124500 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240804T124500 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20240717T132811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240731T170942Z UID:11411-1722775500-1722775500@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Bach & Corelli DESCRIPTION:Johann Sebastian Bach:\nAir from Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major\, BWV 1068\nJesu Joy of Man’s Desiring from Cantata BWV 147\nAdagio from Violin Concerto in A minor\, BWV 1041\n“Sheep may safely graze” from Cantata BWV 208\nAdagio from Concerto for Two Violins in D minor\, BWV 1043\nAdagio from Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord\, BWV 1017\nBach / Gounod – Ave Maria\nArcangelo Corelli:\nTrio Sonata in D major\, Op.2 No.1\nTrio Sonata in B-flat major\, Op.2 No.5 URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/j-s-bach-mini-festival-2/ LOCATION:Cyril and Methodius Church\, 63 Popieluszko Court\, Hartford\, Connecticut\, 06106 CATEGORIES:2024-2025 Season,Chamber Music,Cyril & Methodius Church,Hartford,Summer Festival END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240602T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240602T150000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20230823T033239Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240529T191318Z UID:10341-1717340400-1717340400@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:The Story of Brazil in Motion with Felipe Puletini DESCRIPTION:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music – Part Eight:\n \nViolinist Brunilda Myftaraj leads the Virtuosi in a concert featuring Brazilian-American choreographer Felipe Puletini and Ballet RI dancers Alexa Kearnan & Garret McNally. The love of movement and its artistic expression in dance are essential elements of Brazilian culture and music. These traditions are reflected in the work of the Brazilian American dancer Felipe Puletini and his AMA Dance Theatre. The event’s repertoire will feature Bachianas brasileiras No.9\, by Heitor Villa-Lobos\,  Sonata for strings “O Burrico de Pau” (The Wooden Donkey) by Antônio Carlos Gomes. \nThe concert and the Virtuosi Season will include an ever-beautiful Symphony No. 29 in A Major\, K201 by W. A. Mozart. \nTICKETS at: https://bushnell.org/shows-concerts/connecticut-virtuosi-the-story-of-brazil-in-motion \n\nFelipe Puletini\nFelipe Puletini is a member of the International Dance Council – CID/ UNESCO. Puletini is currently the head of the children’s division and company manager for Ballet RI. His responsibilities include coordinating the school and being the children’s cast director for The Nutcracker\, as well as assisting the dance company’s directors in organizing productions\, scheduling\, communications\, cultivation of donors\, and tour management. Throughout his professional career in Brazil and the USA\, he has performed in repertory classical ballet\, musical theater\, and Brazilian television. Career highlights include Cinderella\, Swan Lake\, Paquita\, Don Quixote\, The Nutcracker\, Don Quixote (Cuban version)\, and La Fille Mal Guardée (Cuban version)\, I Gotcha! (Bob Fosse and Fred Ebb)\, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame\, The Lion King\, The Little Mermaid\, and the ensemble in 1st Bibi Ferreira Awards (The Brazilian Tony Awards). His repertory includes contemporary works by Rodney Rivera\, Sergei Vanaev\, Alejandro Ulloa\, Lauren Edson\, Gabrielle Lamb\, Catherine Fellows\, Pascal Rekoert\, and Nan Giordano. Puletini is a guest teaching artist for Central Connecticut State University (Dance Education)\, and coaches/choreographs for many schools in New England. As a choreographer and dancer\, he has collaborated with the New Britain Symphony Orchestra\, the Mystic River Chorale\, Mystic Outdoor Festival Performing Arts Stage\, the University of South Carolina – Beaufort\, and New England Ballet Theatre of CT. \nGarret McNally began his classical training in 2008 at the Robert Ivey Ballet in Charleston\, SC. In 2014\, he attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts High School Program training under Susan Jaffe\, Jared Redick\, Misha Tchoupakov\, Frank Smith\, and others. There his passion for dancing grew\, performing many works including August Bournonville’s Napoli Pas de Six\, Frederick Ashton’s Birthday Offering\, George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante\, Donizetti Variations\, and Serenade\, Helen Pickett’s Petal\, Natalia Makarova’s La Bayadere\, and Michel Folkine’s Les Sylphides. Afterwards\, he joined the New Orleans Ballet Theatre amid studying History at the University of New Orleans. After graduating in 2021\, he joined the Richmond Ballet as a Second Company dancer being promoted into the main company the following season. There he worked and performed in Malcolm Burn’s Romeo & Juliet\, Stoner Winslett’s Echoing Past\, and The Nutcracker\, MaCong’s Thrive\, Firebird\, and Ershter Vals\, Jerome Robbins’ In the Night\, George Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante\, and Serenade\, as well as works by Jennifer Archibald\, Val Caniparoli\, Yury Yanowsky\, Nicolo Fonte\, and Katarzyna Skarpetowska. This is his second season with Ballet RI. \nAlexa Kearnan is from Uxbridge\, Massachusetts where she trained at Deane Dance Studio in Mendon\, Massachusetts. Alexa started dancing with Ballet RI as a trainee during the 2021/2022 season. She is returning to her fourth season with Ballet RI now promoted as an Apprentice. \nAlbanian-American violinist Brunilda Myftaraj has drawn enthusiastic accolades from audiences as well as critical acclaim for her masterful musicianship in Albania\, Italy\, Greece\, France\, Morocco\, Austria\, Switzerland\, Poland\, Israel\, and in the United States. She has been praised by the New London Day critic as an “especially fine and beautiful player”. Although Myftaraj’s teachers are some of the world’s finest\, her true inspiration comes from audiences and her students. Her recordings of“Naked Violin” and “The American Pie” received impeccable reviews from Fanfare magazine. Brunilda was part of the Love’s Tango recording project with Alex Nakimovsky and June Bizantz\, which has been awarded a 2019 Silver Global Music Award for Outstanding Achievement in the album & lyrics/songwriting categories. Ms. Myftaraj currently holds the position of Concertmaster for the Connecticut Virtuosi\, Connecticut Lyric Opera and Greve opera festival in Italy. She is the director of the Virtuosi Music Academy and the Summer Music Institute in Farmington Connecticut\, where she also teaches violin and chamber music. \nAbout the Series \nConnecticut Virtuosi’s “We The People” concert series was partly funded by an Arts grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. From 2021 to 2024 the Virtuosi will introduce audiences to the rich and diverse cultural threads woven by America’s immigrants into 20th and 21st-century music. Each concert features an immigrant composer and/or musician whose music reflects inspiration from a distinct culture or group of cultures. Each concert includes written and/or spoken word pieces by writers who are themselves immigrants from the culture(s) being highlighted. When words fail\, music speaks. The series explores connections between cultures\, languages\, and people. URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/the-story-of-brazil-in-motion-with-felipe-puletini/ LOCATION:Bushnell Arts Center @ the First Presbyterian\, 136 Capitol Ave\, Hartford\, CT\, 06106 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2023-2024 CVCO Concert Season,Bushnell Arts Center,Hartford ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Facetune_08-08-2022-22-23-47-scaled-e1708384150403.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240518T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240518T193000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20230828T154510Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T020308Z UID:10518-1716060600-1716060600@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Madama Butterfly 2024 Bushnell DESCRIPTION:Join us for an unforgettable operatic experience as the Connecticut Lyric Opera brings Madama Butterfly to life. Madama Butterfly is one of opera’s most enduring and poignant tales of unrequited love. Composed by Giacomo Puccini\, this tragic masterpiece unfolds against the backdrop of early 20th-century Japan. The story revolves around Cio Cio San\, a young Japanese geisha\, who falls deeply in love with the American naval officer Pinkerton. Their union\, however\, faces cultural clashes\, societal expectations\, and heart-wrenching challenges. Pinkerton arranges a marriage with the fifteen-year-old Cio Cio San\, known as Madam Butterfly. Their passionate union faces heart-wrenching challenges\, leading to a devastating climax. The opera explores themes of tradition\, devotion\, honor\, and justice\, taking audiences on an emotional journey from innocence to acceptance of a destiny dictated by personal honor. Don’t miss this emotional journey set to Puccini’s exquisite music. Reserve your seats now and witness the magic of one of the best OPERAS ever written! \n\nMEET THE CAST: \n\n \n \n \n \n Kristin Sampson (Cio- Cio- San) \n \n \n \n \n \n Daniel Juarez\, tenor\n \n \n \n \n \n Rebecca Almeida (Suzuki)\n \n \n \n \n \n Martin Fisher ( Sharpless) \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephen Fredericks ( Uncle Bonzo)\n \n \n \n \n \n Jeremy Sivitz ( Yamadori )\n \n \n \n \n \n Josaphat Contreras ( Goro)\n \n \n \n \n \n Miguel Angel Vasquez (Imperial Commissioner) \n \n \n \n \n \n Kelly Whitesell ( Kate Pinkerton) \n \n \n \n \n \n Stephanie Foster ( Kate Pinkerton) \n \n \n \n \n \n Rachel Abrams (Cio-Cio-San’s Mother) \n \n \n \n \n \n Shaunna Lucas (Aunt) \n \n \n\n\nThe Creative Team: \nGiorgio Lalov & Ed Napier (stage direction)\nDara Blackstone (chorus master)\nPatrice Newman (pianist)\nSamuel Oram (pianist) \nAdrian Sylveen (artist director and conductor) URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/madama-butterfly-hartford/ LOCATION:The Bushnell Performing Arts Center\, 166 Capitol Ave.\, Hartford\, CT\, 06106\, United States CATEGORIES:2023-2024 CVCO Concert Season,Bushnell Arts Center,Hartford,Operas ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/54458_166727700012791_7718439_o-e1709059581980.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Lyric Opera":MAILTO:info@ctlyricopera.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240421T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240421T130000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20240130T205635Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240527T223014Z UID:11063-1713704400-1713704400@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Mozart: Coronation Mass DESCRIPTION:Prepare to be transported to an era of grandeur and celestial harmonies! Join us for the beautiful Coronation Mass by Mozart\, a luminous gem that has thrilled audiences for nearly 250 years. The concert features the Moniuszko Choir\, Soloists Mary McCue\, soprano; Allison Lindsay – alto; Ed Napier – tenor; Dariusz Ocetek – bass; and the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra players. One of Mozart’s most beloved works\, the Coronation Mass (Krönungsmesse) resonates with both earthly splendor and spiritual fervor. Composed in 1779\, it captures the essence of regal coronations and divine blessings. \n\n \n \n \n \n Mary McCue\n \n \n \n \n \n Allison Lidsay\n \n \n \n \n \n Ed Napier\n \n \n \n \n \n Dariusz Ocetek\n \n \n\n\nMeet the Soloists: \nAllison Lindsay\nis an active operatic\, theatrical\, and concert performer from the Northeastern United States. A few of her notable roles to date include Frau/Inmate in Erwartung and Hänsel in Hänsel und Gretel (both with Madison Lyric Stage)\, the title role in Handel’s Ariodante (New York Lyric Opera Theatre)\, Siebel in Faust and Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia (both with Connecticut Lyric Opera)\, among others. READ MORE \nMary McCue\njoined CLO for the Greve Opera Academy\, Italy\, as Fiordiligi in Cosi fan Tutte. Studied with Katia Ricciarelli\, Paolo Bellocci\, Armando Ariostini\, Giacomo Benedetti. She has performed Micaëla in Bizet’s Carmen\, Tebaldo/Celestial Voice in Verdi’s Don Carlo\, Eglé in Rameau’s Daphnis et Eglé\, and Bubikopf in Ullman’s Der Kaiser von Atlantis. In 2021\, she debuted with Madison Lyric Stage as Mistress of Novices/Nursing sister in Suor Angelica. Ms. McCue returns to MLS for their 2024 season as the title character in Richard Strauss’ Elektra. READ MORE>> \nEd Napier\nis a singer who wrote numerous of his plays that have been performed in NY\, LA\, and beyond. Smith and Kraus\, Dramatist Playwriting Service\, and Applause Theatre Books have published his work. He was a Columbia Senior Writing Fellow\, a Juilliard Playwriting Fellow\, and a Playwriting Fellow at the Lark. Recipient of Berilla Kerr Award. READ MORE>> \nDariusz Ocetek\nhas performed in operas\, oratorios\, operettas\, opera gala concerts\, song recitals\, musicals\, and drama plays in Poland\, the Czech Republic\, Germany\, Italy\, and the USA. His voice was heard at the New York Lyric Recovery Festival at the Carnegie Hall\, Liederkranz Opera Foundation\, North Shore Center for Performing Arts\, and Cami Hall\, 92NY\, among others. READ MORE>> URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/mozart-coronation-mass-2/ LOCATION:Cyril and Methodius Church\, 63 Popieluszko Court\, Hartford\, Connecticut\, 06106 CATEGORIES:2023-2024 CVCO Concert Season,Chamber Music,Hartford ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240324T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240324T140000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20240318T182327Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240527T223014Z UID:11134-1711288800-1711288800@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Charter Oak Quartet plays Schubert's "Death and Maiden" DESCRIPTION:The Charter Oak String Quartet\, consisting of Adrian Sylveen (violin)\, Sandro Ladu (violin)\, Jonathan Kane (viola)\, and Zack Sears (cello)\, commences their residency at the Church with a captivating performance. The first program artfully blends the classical and contemporary\, featuring Schubert’s timeless “Death and Maiden” quartet. Additionally\, in the program\, Jonathan Kane’s “Mystic” Quartet and the premiere of Sylveen’s evocative Duet “Unresolved” for Violin and Viola. \nThis inaugural concert at the FPC marks the beginning of a promising musical journey for the ensemble within the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra community\, representing the first out of three planned performances this year. URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/charter-oak-quartet-plays-death-and-maiden/ LOCATION:First Presbyterian Church in Hartford\, 136 Capitol Ave\, Hartford\, CT\, 06105 CATEGORIES:2023-2024 CVCO Concert Season,Chamber Music,Hartford ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Charter-oak-quartet-scaled-e1692203130487.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Virtuosi Music Academy @ First Presbyterian Church":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240225T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240225T140000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20240130T203111Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240527T223108Z UID:11045-1708869600-1708869600@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Organ Concertos Recital by Giacomo Benedetti DESCRIPTION:Get ready for musical magic! The Connecticut Virtuosi Players will perform at the beautiful St. Cyril & Methodius Church\, Hartford\, CT. The star of the show? The one and only Giacomo Benedetti enchanting us all with a mesmerizing performance of concertos for organ and strings. Mark your calendars and get ready to be swept away by the music! \nCONCERT PROGRAM:\nGeorge Frideric Handel: Organ Concerto Op. 4\, No. 3: HWV 291\nGeorge Frideric Handel: Organ Concerto Op.4 No.5 in F Major\, HWV 293\nGiuseppe Sammartini (1695-1750) Organ Concertos Op.9\, No.1 in A major\nWolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Sonata Da Chiesa C major KV 336 for 2 violins organ & B/C\nAntonio Vivaldi Concerto in D major for violin and Organ\, KV. 541 \nABOUT GIACOMO BENEDETTI: \nGiacomo Benedetti has studied Organ and Organ Composition in the conservatory “Lorenzo Cherubini” in Florence with Mariella Mochi and graduated with G. Libertucci: he studied with Matteo Imbruno\, organist of the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam\, following Masterclasses in Amsterdam. He studied piano with Rosa Scarlino\, harpsichord with Annaberta Conti and Alfonso Fedi\, basso continuo with Andrea Perugi\, and also following Masterclasses with Gustav Leonhardt. He worked as an assistant organist in the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence\, in the Church of Orsanmichele\, in Saint Mark’s Church; currently\, he is an organist in the Churches of San Miniato\, Santo Spirito\, and in the Anglican Church of Saint Mark in Florence. He collaborates with the theatre “Maggio Musicale Fiorentino” as an assistant cymbalist and works in many musical associations in which he often performs as a piano accompanist with singers and various musicians\, cymbalist soloist\, and accompanist. He also collaborates with the association “Ensemble San Felice”. He took part in many organ and piano competitions winning first prizes and placements. He performs concerts as Organist\, Pianist\, Cymbalist and Choir Director in various contexts: International organ festival of La Verna; Japan (Yokohama ) in the “Festival Barock” as cymbalist soloist ; XIV Festival of Ancient\, Renaissance and Baroque Music in Querètaro (Mexico) \, International Organ Accademy of Pistoia; Haendel’s soloist concerts for organ and orchestra with the Regional orchestra Val d’Arno; Anton Bieber’s Sonatas for harpsichord and violin; Florentine Chamber Orchestra with M.Lanzetta as pianist soloist; frequent collaborations with “Florence Sinphonietta” in Florence and with the baroque Ensemble “Armonia ricercata”; bassocontinuist in the baroque Ensemble “Armonia ricercata” and “I Fiori Musicali”;he followed courses with Celestino Dionsi for flute and harpsichord in baroque chamber music; in Munich for the bavarian radio; concerts in Ausburg in the Rokokolossal and in Ausburg’s Cathedral in duo and in trio with organ and piano; in Helsinki for the Italian Institute in Finland; in Turuku\, in the Cathedral and in the National Theatre; university’s choir in Florence; inauguration concerts of Legri’s organ in Calenzano with a CD recording for Calenzano’s municipality; concerts for the musical festival of Orsanmichele in Florence; realization of a DVD of a Benito Zorzit’s opera for Florence’s municipality; Choir “Armonia Cantata”; Schola Cantorum of the lutheran and anglican church in Florence; choir “Capriccio Armonico”. URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/2024-02-benedetti-htfrd/ LOCATION:Cyril and Methodius Church\, 63 Popieluszko Court\, Hartford\, Connecticut\, 06106 CATEGORIES:2023-2024 CVCO Concert Season,Chamber Music,Cyril & Methodius Church,Hartford ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240204T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240204T150000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20230823T031306Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240527T223108Z UID:10336-1707058800-1707058800@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:American Influencers: Hindemith\, Schoenberg\, Brahms DESCRIPTION:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music – Part Seven:\n  \nThe Program presents the music of legendary German & Austrian composers who left a legacy on both continents. They became influential in establishing 20th-century American musical heritage: Hindemith by teaching at YALE\, and Schoenberg at Universities in California: the Concert includes Paul Hindemith’s “TrauerMusik\,” Arnold Schoenberg’s “Verklarte Nacht.” Also in the program is Johannes Brahms’ Double Concerto for Violin and Cello. The concert will feature the principal cellist of the Virtuosi\, Zack Sears\, in his debut as a soloist\, with Adrian Sylveen on the violin. \nPROGRAM: \nPaul Hindemith: “Trauermusik”\nJohannes Brahms: The Double Concerto in A minor\, Op. 102 (red. chamber orchestra)\nZachary Sears\, cello\,  Adrian Sylveen\, violin\nArold Schoenberg: “Verklarte Nacht” \n  \n\n \n \n \n \n Zack Sears\, cello\n \n \n \n \n \n Adrian Sylveen\, violin URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/romantic-influencers-hindemith-schoenberg/ LOCATION:Bushnell Arts Center @ the First Presbyterian\, 136 Capitol Ave\, Hartford\, CT\, 06106 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2023-2024 CVCO Concert Season,Bushnell Arts Center,Hartford ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Copy-of-American-Infuenres.png ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231217T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231217T123000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20231116T175703Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240527T223109Z UID:10839-1702816200-1702816200@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Saint-Saens: Oratorio de Noël - Christmas Oratorio DESCRIPTION:Join us on December 17th at 12:30 pm for a performance of the Oratorio de Noël\, Op. 12\, by the renowned composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Presented by the CLO soloists and chorus\, in collaboration with the Connecticut Virtuosi\, this Christmas Oratorio promises to be a mesmerizing musical experience that will leave you filled with the joy and spirit of the holiday season. The Oratorio de Noël is a stunning composition that beautifully captures the essence of the holiday season. With its rich harmonies\, soaring melodies\, and heartfelt lyrics\, this performance will undoubtedly touch your soul and ignite your Christmas spirit. \nSoloists are: Kelly Whitesell\, soprano\, Anna Kelly\, mezzo-soprano\, Emily Gregonis\, mezzo-soprano\, Rebecca de Almeida\, alto\, Seth Allen\, tenor\, John Gibney\, baritone. \nTaking place at the beautiful Cyril & Methodius Church\, this event is a perfect opportunity to gather with friends and family and immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of Saint-Saëns’ masterpiece. The talented soloists and chorus\, accompanied by the Connecticut Virtuosi\, will transport you to a world of musical brilliance and Christmas magic. \nDon’t miss out on this extraordinary musical event. Mark your calendars for December 17th at 12:30 pm and join us at the Cyril & Methodius Church in Hartford\, Connecticut. Come and celebrate the joy of Christmas with us as we embark on a musical journey through the Oratorio de Noël. URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/saint-saens-oratorio-de-noel-christmas-oratorio/ LOCATION:Cyril and Methodius Church\, 63 Popieluszko Court\, Hartford\, Connecticut\, 06106 CATEGORIES:2023-2024 CVCO Concert Season,Hartford,Operas ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Christmas-Tree-Snow-drawing-1080x675-1.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Lyric Opera":MAILTO:info@ctlyricopera.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231118T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231118T193000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20230828T153227Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240527T223109Z UID:10516-1700335800-1700335800@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Connecticut Lyric Opera 20th Anniversary Concert DESCRIPTION:This special event will feature the most memorable moments from the operas performed by the Connecticut Lyric Opera Company over the past two decades\, such as Faust\, Tosca\, Boheme\, Oniegin\, to name the few. \nYou will have the opportunity to relive the highlights of our shared history\, performed by your most-loved singers Daniel Juarez\, Jurate Švedaitė\, Steved Frederiks\, Stefan Szkafarowsky\, Robert Garner\, Stephanie Foster\, along with Maestro Sylveen and the Connecticut Virtuosi. We would be truly honored if you could join us for this celebration of our own journey. \n20 ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONNECTICUT LYRIC OPERA CONCERT PROGRAM: \nMarriage of Figaro\, overture – W.A.Mozart (1756-1791) \nGianni Schicchi\, O mio babbino caro – G.Puccini (1858-1924)\nStephanie Foster \nBarber of Seville\, La Calunnia – G.Rossini(1792-1868)\nSteven Fredericks \nEugene Onegin\, Prince Gremin’s Aria – P.I.Tchaikovsky( 1840-1893)\nStefan Szkafarovsky \nTosca\, E lucevan le stelle – G.Puccini(1858-1924)\nDaniel Juarez \nCarmen\, Votre Toast ( Toreador song) – G.Bizet(1838-1875)\nRobert Garner \nRigoletto\, Act 3 quartet – G.Verdi(1813-1901)\nDaniel Juarez\, Laura Kate Garner\, Jurate Svedaite\, Robert Garner \nTosca\, Vissi d’arte\, vissi d’amore – G.Puccini (1858-1924)\nJurate Svedaite \nFaust\, prelude – Ch.Gounod( 1818-1893) \nLa Bohème\, Act 3 quartet – G.Puccini (1858-1924)\nDaniel Juarez\, Jurate Svedaite\, Stephanie Foster\, Robert Gatner \nLa Bohème Vecchia zimmara\, senti – Puccini (1858-1924)\nStefan Szkafarowsky \nEugene Onegin\, Act 3 Finale duet – P.I.Tchaikovsky( 1840-1893)\nRobert Garner\, Jurate Svedaite \nCosì Fan Tutte\, Soave sia il vento – W.A.Mozart(1756-1791)\nLaura Kate Garner\, Stephanie Foster\, Robert Garner \nLa Traviata\, Brindisi – G.Verdi (1813-1901)\nDaniel Juarez\, Jurate Svedaite & Co. \n\n \n \n \n \n Daniel Juarez\n \n \n \n \n \n Jurate Svedaite\n \n \n \n \n \n Stefan Szkafarowsky\n \n \n \n \n \n Robert Garner\n \n \n \n \n \n Adrian Sylveen\n \n \n \n \n \n Steven Frederiks URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/clo-20th-aniverary/ LOCATION:Bushnell Arts Center @ the First Presbyterian\, 136 Capitol Ave\, Hartford\, CT\, 06106 CATEGORIES:2023-2024 CVCO Concert Season,Hartford,New London - CT,Operas ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/clo-gala-concert-e1698946245646.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Lyric Opera":MAILTO:info@ctlyricopera.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231015T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231015T170000 DTSTAMP:20260511T094240 CREATED:20230823T005516Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240527T223109Z UID:10261-1697382000-1697389200@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:"Vissi d'Arte" with Jurate Svedaite DESCRIPTION:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music – Part Six:\nConcert of Arias by Puccini\, Bellini\, and Verdi\, “Vissi d’Arte” stands as a luminous one-woman tribute to the legendary Maria Callas. Meticulously researched\, this theatrical journey blends Callas’ profound reflections with iconic arias she’s renowned for\, captivatingly performed by soprano\, Jurate Svedaite. Set against the intimate backdrop of Callas’ Paris apartment in September 1977\, the narrative unveils as Maria\, in conversation with an unseen journalist\, delves into her unparalleled triumphs\, poignant tragedies\, and profound insights on the art of performance. \nRadiant Lithuanian soprano\, Jurate Svedaite\, has performed throughout Europe and the United States with the Lithuanian National Chamber Orchestra\, the European Baroque Festival Opera\, Connecticut Lyric Opera\, Kaunas Chamber Orchestra\, Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra\, the Lithuanian National Ensemble “Lietuva\,” and Mystic River Chorale\, among others in venues as varied as the Lithuanian Philharmonic\, Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall\, and Foxwood’s Resort and Casino. \nQuickly establishing herself as a stage performer of remarkable artistry and sensitivity capable of “transfixing audiences with moments of opera magic\,” in 2009/2010 Ms. Svedaite will add two contrasting Verismo roles to her repertoire – Nedda in Pagliacci and Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi – as well as reprising Adina in l’Elisir d’Amore. Her previous roles include Violetta in La Traviata\, Mimi in La Bohème\, Contessa in Le Nozze di Figaro\, Donna Anna in Don Giovanni\, Marguerite in Faust\, the title role in Floyd’s Susannah\, Micaela in Carmen\, Rosina in Il Barbiere di Siviglia\, Adina in l’Elisir d’Amore\, Tatyana in Eugene Onegin\, Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors and Valencienne in The Merry Widow. An active performer of sacred works and oratorios as well\, her credits include Monteverde’s and Vivaldi’s Magnificats; Handel’s Messiah\, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio\, Coffee and Peasant Cantatas as well as numerous sacred cantatas; Mozart’s Requiem\, Exsultate Jubilate and Missa Brevis; Pergolessi’s Stabat Mater; and Faure’s Requiem. \nThe granddaughter of one of Lithuania’s most revered composers and arrangers of traditional music\, Jonas Svedas\, she began performing at an early age and made her recording debut at the tender age of twelve; also at that time\, she hosted several programs for children on national television. Ms. Svedaite later attended the Lithuanian Music Academy\, where she earned Bachelors and Masters and Degrees in Opera and Vocal Instruction. \n  \n  URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/ct-virtuosi-concert-details-tba-2/ LOCATION:The Bushnell Performing Arts Center\, 166 Capitol Ave.\, Hartford\, CT\, 06106\, United States CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2023-2024 CVCO Concert Season,Hartford ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR