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:20260308T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260308T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 CREATED:20250903T161923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T231327Z UID:11990-1772982000-1772989200@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” \nFor the EVENT admission info CLICK HERE >>> \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-2/ LOCATION:New Britain Museum of American Art\, 56 Lexington St.\, New Britain\, CT\, 06052 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2025-2026 Season,New Britain,The New Britain Museum of American Art ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/46946IMG_musica_b.png ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260307T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260307T200000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 CREATED:20260206T141956Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T231054Z UID:12195-1772913600-1772913600@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” \nAdmission by the Suggested Donation: $25\nDonate Now \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. \n  URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/2026_03_07/ LOCATION:St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church\, 269 Parkville Ave\, Brooklyn\, NY CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2025-2026 Season,New Britain,The New Britain Museum of American Art ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/baroque-musicians-copy.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T193000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 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:20251221T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251221T160000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 CREATED:20250903T161135Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T181440Z UID:11984-1766332800-1766332800@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Annual Polish Christmas Concert DESCRIPTION:In Program: \nKarol Szymanowski: Arrangements of Polish Folk Songs\nHenry Wieniawski: Selected pieces\nErnesto Ferreri: “A Nocturn for Violin & String Orchestra” (World Premiere)\nEdward Grieg: Holberg Suite (Selections)\nTraditional Polish Christmas Carols\nwith the Moniuszko Choir (arr. Kowalewski\, Sylveen) \nSoloists: Michael Schiano\, accordion\, Patrycja Posluszna\, soprano \nMichael Jude Schiano is Associate Professor of Music Theory at the University of Hartford\, having studied at Princeton\, London\, and Brandeis University.\nHe is originally from Brooklyn\, New York\, and has performed as accordionist with Connecticut Virtuosi and the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.\nHe lives in Simsbury\, Connecticut with his other half\, Carolyn. \n \nPatrycja Posluszna is a Polish-American soprano based in New York City. She earned her\nBachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the Conservatory of Music at Brooklyn College in\n2023\, where she studied with Jack LiVigni. Her stage credits at Brooklyn College include\nAmore\, First Soldier\, and Athena in L’incoronazione di Poppea\, as well as the First Witch in\nDido and Aeneas. In the summers of 2022 and 2023\, Patrycja attended the Mediterranean Opera\nStudio and Festival in Sicily\, Italy\, appearing in concerts and fully staged productions\, including\nLauretta in Gianni Schicchi. In 2024 and 2025\, she was selected to join the prestigious Institute\nfor Young Dramatic Voices under the direction of Dolora Zajick. Patrycja regularly performs at\nhigh-profile events for the Polish Consulate in New York City\, the Embassy of Poland in\nWashington D.C.\, the Residence of the EU Ambassador\, and other prominent Polish cultural\norganizations. Patrycja recently began her Master of Music studies at the Manhattan School of\nMusic\, studying under Jack LiVigni. She will perform the title role in a scene program of\nMireille in Fall 2025\, and perform the role Micaëla in Carmen in Spring 2026. \n  URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/annual-polish-christmas-concert/ LOCATION:Torp Theater\, Central Connecticut State University\, 1615 Stanley Street\, New Britain\, CT\, 06050\, United States CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2025-2026 Season,New Britain ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-CCSU-Concert-Postcard-copy-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251012T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251012T150000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 CREATED:20250903T155948Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251007T122302Z UID:11978-1760281200-1760281200@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. \nFor Admission Info\, CLICK HERE >>> \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-2/ LOCATION:New Britain Museum of American Art\, 56 Lexington St.\, New Britain\, CT\, 06052 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2025-2026 Season,New Britain 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:20260405T073840 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:20250608T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250608T150000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 CREATED:20240527T223822Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T181621Z UID:11287-1749394800-1749394800@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/2025-06-08/ LOCATION:New Britain Museum of American Art\, 56 Lexington St.\, New Britain\, CT\, 06052 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2024-2025 Season,New Britain,The New Britain Museum of American Art ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Chor-PL-fot.-Grzegorz-Winnicki-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250605T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250605T193000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 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:20250216T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250216T150000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 CREATED:20240527T222028Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250217T154911Z UID:11273-1739718000-1739718000@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:A Journey in Dreams of Times & Places - CANCELED due to the weather conditions DESCRIPTION:“WE THE PEOPLE” Immigrant stories in music – part 10 \n\nDivertimento in D major\, K.136 — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart\nLe quattro stagioni (The Four Seasons) — Antonio Vivaldi\nHolberg Suite\, Op.40 — Edvard Grieg \nAdrian Sylveen\, violin\nConnecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra \n\nCLICK HERE FOR ADMISSION INFO >>> \n\n  \nDivertimento in D major\, K. 136 (also known as K. 125a) is a delightful piece by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Composed in 1772\, it is the first of the three Divertimenti (K. 136-138)\, often referred to as the “Salzburg Symphonies.” Designed for string orchestra or quartet\, this three-movement work captures Mozart’s cheerful and light-hearted style. The fast-paced Allegro\, graceful Andante\, and spirited Presto movements showcase his knack for clear\, melodic lines and engaging textures. Despite its simplicity\, the Divertimento in D major remains a charming and vibrant piece that continues to enchant audiences and performers alike. \nLe quattro stagioni (The Four Seasons) by Antonio Vivaldi is a mesmerizing set of four violin concertos\, each capturing the essence of a different season. Composed in 1723\, Vivaldi’s genius shines through in these vivid musical portraits\, brimming with energy and emotion. Spring bursts forth with lively melodies\, heralding new life. Summer scorches with intense heat and dramatic storms. Autumn celebrates with joyful harvest dances. Winter enchants with its chilling beauty and cozy warmth. Each concerto invites listeners on an evocative journey through nature’s cycles\, making The Four Seasons an enduring masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire. \nHolberg Suite\, Op. 40 by Edvard Grieg is a sparkling tribute to the Baroque era\, brimming with charm and elegance! Composed in 1884 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of playwright Ludvig Holberg’s birth\, this delightful suite captures the spirit of 18th-century dance music. From the lively\, buoyant Præludium to the stately Sarabande\, the suite takes listeners on a joyful journey through time. The flowing Gavotte\, playful Rigaudon\, and tender Air showcase Grieg’s melodic genius and flair for evoking moods. Holberg Suite remains a beloved gem in the repertoire\, enchanting audiences with its grace\, wit\, and vibrant energy! \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 Greve Opera Academy\, and a conductor of the Teatro Lirico D’Europa. Mr. 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 and 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 ADMISSION INFO >>> URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/tognetti-brahms-new-britain/ LOCATION:New Britain Museum of American Art\, 56 Lexington St.\, New Britain\, CT\, 06052 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2024-2025 Season,New Britain,The New Britain Museum of American Art ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Copy-of-CVCO-Feb-2025-2.png ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250207T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250207T200000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 CREATED:20240527T222126Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250122T015239Z UID:11275-1738958400-1738958400@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:A JOURNEY IN DREAMS OF TIMES & PLACES DESCRIPTION:“WE THE PEOPLE” Immigrant stories in music – part 10 \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. Mr. 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/brahms-ny/ LOCATION:Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall\, 154 W 57th St\, New York\, NY\, 10019\, United States CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2024-2025 Season,New York City ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/WRH-at-CH.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:20260405T073840 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:20241015T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241015T200000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 CREATED:20240527T221013Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T153748Z UID:11265-1729022400-1729022400@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:THE SHADOWS OF OUR DESTINY DESCRIPTION:“WE THE PEOPLE” Immigrant stories in music \n\nADMISSION: For tickets at the Carnegie Hall Box Office CLICK HERE>>>\nor call (212) 247-7800 \n\nJakub Polaczyk: Slavic Streams: “Śmiętlana” (world premiere)\nOttorino Respighi: “Il Tramonto” (The Sunset)\nAlban Berg: Violin Concerto (arr. for chamber orchestra)\nJoseph Haydn: Symphony No.44 in E minor\nSOLOISTS:\nBrunilda Myftaraj\, violin\nLaura Andreini\, soprano\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. The critics have praised her 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. \n\nSoprano Laura Andreini lives near Florence in the heart of Chianti.\nIn 2020\, she celebrated her first ten years of a career as an opera singer\, which has taken her around Italy and the world. Her suitcase is always ready\, and her enthusiasm and passion have been cultivated through years of study in Italy\, Arezzo\, Siena\, and abroad in the Netherlands and Switzerland. She has also performed in concerts\, opera productions\, and events in prestigious theaters and concert halls worldwide. \n\nJakub Polaczyk\, born in Kraków\, Poland\, is a New York-based composer and pianist. Double Silver Medal winner of the Global Music Awards (2023)\, the 2020 American Prize in Composition winner\, and the 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. \n\nAdrian Sylveen\nAward-winning musician Adrian Sylveen enjoys a performing career in the United States and Europe. He is an artistic director of the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra and the co-founding music director of the Connecticut Lyric Opera. Mr. 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 and worked with such ensembles as the Israel Chamber Orchestra\, Holguín Symphony Orchestra\, Orchestra da Camera di Greve-In-Chianti\, Olsztyn Philharmonic\, Elbląg Chamber Orchestra\, Central Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra\, and others. From 2011 to 2013\, he was a conductor for the Magnum Opus series with the New Britain Symphony – The Connecticut Virtuosi. He is also a founder of the Classical Orchestra of Pila in Poland and the newly formed Hartford-based Moniuszko Choir (2016). Mr. Sylveen has won prizes at competitions 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. He received permanent US residence for “Extraordinary Abilities in the Arts”. \nMr. Sylveen holds a Master of Music and Artist Diploma from Yale University School of Music; he is also a graduate of the Paderewski Music Academy in Poznan\, Poland (diploma with distinction). He has participated in several international Festivals in Weimar\, Łancut\, and others. Since 2012\, he has been on the faculty of the Virtuosi Summer Music Institute in Farmington\, Connecticut\, and\, since 2015\, he has been the Artistic Director of the Greve Opera Academy and Chamber Music Festival in Greve-In-Chianti\, Italy. URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/the-shadows-of-our-destiny-nyc/ LOCATION:Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall\, 154 W 57th St\, New York\, NY\, 10019\, United States CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2024-2025 Season,New York City ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/459200833_946485707505436_5716029459583256924_n-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241013T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241013T190000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 CREATED:20241007T200451Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241007T201443Z UID:11576-1728838800-1728846000@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:Post Concert reception at Gallery 66 DESCRIPTION:Please support our work by joining us at the reception.To purchase tickets\, please CLICK HERE >>> URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/post-concert-reception-at-gallery-66/ LOCATION:Gallery 66\, 66 West Main Street\, New Britain\, Connecticut\, 06051 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2024-2025 Season,New Britain,The New Britain Museum of American Art ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/454003990_480134007984375_1375859606447338780_n-e1728331443238.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241013T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241013T150000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 CREATED:20240527T220906Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241008T153850Z UID:11263-1728831600-1728831600@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:THE SHADOWS OF OUR DESTINY DESCRIPTION:“WE THE PEOPLE” Immigrant stories in music \n\nADMISSION: For the NBMAA Museum admission information click here>>> \n\nJakub Polaczyk: Slavic Streams: “Śmiętlana” (world premiere)\nOttorino Respighi: “Il Tramonto” (The Sunset)\nAlban Berg: Violin Concerto (arr. for chamber orchestra)\nJoseph Haydn: Symphony No.44 in E minor\nSOLOISTS:\nBrunilda Myftaraj\, violin\, Laura Andreini\, soprano\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. The critics have praised her 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 has been a member of The Berkshire Bach Society. Her recordings of“Naked Violin” and “The American Pie” received impeccable reviews from Fanfare magazine. \n\nSoprano Laura Andreini lives near Florence in the heart of Chianti.\nIn 2020\, she celebrated her first ten years of a career as an opera singer\, which has taken her around Italy and the world. Her suitcase is always ready\, and her enthusiasm and passion have been cultivated through years of study in Italy\, Arezzo\, Siena\, and abroad in the Netherlands and Switzerland. She has also performed in concerts\, opera productions\, and events in prestigious theaters and concert halls worldwide. \n\nJakub Polaczyk\, born in Kraków\, Poland\, is a New York-based composer and pianist. Double Silver Medal winner of the Global Music Awards (2023)\, the 2020 American Prize in Composition winner\, and the 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/the-shadows-of-our-destiny-new-britain/ LOCATION:New Britain Museum of American Art\, 56 Lexington St.\, New Britain\, CT\, 06052 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2024-2025 Season,New Britain,The New Britain Museum of American Art ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shadows-Image-Hartford-1.jpg 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:20260405T073840 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:20240609T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240609T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 CREATED:20230823T033457Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240605T144930Z UID:10343-1717945200-1717952400@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:THE STORY OF BRAZIL IN MOTION WITH FELIPE PULETINI DESCRIPTION:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music – Part Eight:\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 Sonata for strings “O Burrico de Pau” (The Wooden Donkey) by Antônio Carlos Gomes\, an ever-beautiful Symphony No. 29 in A Major\, K201 by W. A. Mozart\, and Bachianas Brasileiras No.9\, by Heitor Villa-Lobos. \nFOR ADMISSION PLEASE VISIT: https://nbmaa.org/events/sunday-music-series-2024 \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-2/ LOCATION:New Britain Museum of American Art\, 56 Lexington St.\, New Britain\, CT\, 06052 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2023-2024 CVCO Concert Season,New Britain,The New Britain Museum of American Art 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:20240602T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240602T150000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 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:20240211T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240211T150000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 CREATED:20230823T032158Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240527T223108Z UID:10338-1707663600-1707663600@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” URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/romantic-influencers-hindemith-schoenberg-2/ LOCATION:New Britain Museum of American Art\, 56 Lexington St.\, New Britain\, CT\, 06052 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2023-2024 CVCO Concert Season,Chamber Music,New Britain,The New Britain Museum of American Art 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:20260405T073840 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:20231105T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231105T213000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 CREATED:20230823T005516Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240527T223109Z UID:10530-1699212600-1699219800@thevirtuosi.org SUMMARY:"Vissi d'Arte" with Jurate Svedaite DESCRIPTION:Jurate Svedaite\n“Visi d’Arte (Everything for Art)\,” is a tribute to the legendary Maria Callas to commemorate the 100th anniversary of her birth. Soprano Jurate Svediate does not portray La Divina but recalls her sentiments on the craft of singing\, the art of performance\, love\, and relationships\, intertwined with performance of some of her emblematic arias. As Jurate breathes life into Callas’ own words\, she’ll be accompanied by members of the CT Virtuosi\, creating a magical evening of reverence and remembrance. URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/visi-darte-jurate-svedaite/ LOCATION:Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall\, 154 W 57th St\, New York\, NY\, 10019\, United States CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2023-2024 CVCO Concert Season,New York City ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/weill-recital-hall-at-carnegie-hall-3v2-e1693239034351.png 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:20260405T073840 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 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231008T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231008T170000 DTSTAMP:20260405T073840 CREATED:20230823T005036Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240527T223109Z UID:10256-1696777200-1696784400@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  URL:https://thevirtuosi.org/event/visi-darte-with-jurate-svedaite-oct-8-nb/ LOCATION:New Britain Museum of American Art\, 56 Lexington St.\, New Britain\, CT\, 06052 CATEGORIES:“We the People” Immigrant Stories in Music,2023-2024 CVCO Concert Season,New Britain ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thevirtuosi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/svedaite.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra":MAILTO:info@thevirtuosi.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR