Tonsehen

Influences and Expressions by The Arkansas Tech University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, led by Dr. Daniel A. Belongia, has been released!! Available on all streaming platforms.

Influences and Expressions explores three compositions by composers Katahj Copley (DOPE), Ksenija Komljenović (Slavdom), and David Maslanka (Song Book). Each work draws upon the background and inspirations of its composer, and employs winds and percussion in innovative and beautiful ways. Maslanka's “Song Book for Flute and Wind Ensemble" features ATU Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Phoebe Robertson.

Arkansas Tech University Bands

It's coming: Influences and Expressions from Arkansas Tech University Bands. Hits all streaming services on Friday!

Influences and Expressions STREAMING RELEASE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 “Influences and Expressions” explores 3 compositions by brilliant composers Katahj Copley, Ksenija Komljenovic, and David Maslanka. Each work draws upon the background and inspirations of its composer, and employs winds and percussion in innovative and...

Congratulations Jacob Dalager, Trumpet !

From the ITG News Desk! To read the full article, visit the ITG Website or follow the link: trumpetguild.org/news.

Congratulations to the Salon Trio for their review in Fanfare Magazine!

"The Salon Sessions, featuring a variety of works performed by Salon Trio, is an impressive tribute to the landscape in which these two instruments coexist." - Allison Eck

Learn more about The Salon Sessions here: https://www.tonsehen.com/collections/salon-trio/products/the-salon-sessions
Arts Laureate

Enthusiasm for Dwight Bigler’s grand work from Dr. Rosemary Blieszner, Interim Dean at Virginia Tech College of Architecture, Arts, and Design.

Meet Christopher Holmes, a baritone soloist featured in Dwight Bigler's Mosaic for Earth.

https://www.tonsehen.com/collections/albums/products/mosaic-for-earth

With over 35 operatic roles to his credit, baritone Christopher Holmes has been featured by companies such as Austin Lyric Opera, Central City Opera, Eugene Opera, Opera Idaho, Phoenix Opera, Juneau Lyric Opera, and San Antonio Opera.

A "powerful, melodious baritone" with "soul and passion" is a small sample of enthusiastic reviews being received by Holmes. Mr. Holmes remains active as a concert artist having sung such works as Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and St. John Passion, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Brahms' A German Requiem, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Handel’s Messiah, Orff’s Carmina Burana, the Faure Requiem, Mozart's Mass in C Minor and Requiem, Schubert’s Mass in G Major, Vaughan Williams’ Dona nobis pacem, and Verdi's Messa di Requiem.

Blacksburg Master Chorale

Meet Isaac Hurtado, a tenor soloist featured in Dwight Bigler's Mosaic for Earth.

​Money-­notes worth every penny, wonderful acting, movie star good looks, and passionate elegance are just a few of the phrases used by critics to describe tenor Isaac Hurtado. Critically acclaimed for portrayals of Don José in Carmen, Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, Werther in Werther, the Duke in Rigoletto, Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Rodolfo in La Bohème, Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, Alfredo in La Traviata, and Roméo in Roméo et Juliette, Mr. Hurtado is the complete package.

Most recently in 2022, Hurtado performed as tenor soloist with Opera Roanoke in their season opener, "Opera Gems," under the baton of Maestro Steven White. He also performed the tenor solos in a new work for choir, orchestra and soloists entitled "A Mosaic for Earth" at Virginia Tech University.

www.isaachurtadotenor.com

Meet Jami Rhodes, a mezzo-soprano soloist featured in Dwight Bigler's Mosaic for Earth.

A native of North Carolina, Rhodes is currently Associate Professor of Voice at East Carolina University where she teaches applied voice, conducts the ECU Concert Choir (ECU's treble ensemble), and serves as coordinator of vocal pedagogy. She holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in vocal performance and pedagogy from Louisiana State University, a Master of Music in vocal performance from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Music in music education from East Carolina University. Dr Rhodes also maintains a private voice studio and serves on the faculty of the New York State Summer School for the Arts (NYSSSA). Dr Rhodes is also an active performer in a variety of genres and holds a number of favorite operatic roles to her credit.

www.jamirhodes.com

Meet Danielle Talamantes, the soprano soloist featured in Dwight Bigler’s Mosaic for Earth.

A prolific and versatile artist, audiences can find Danielle in performances on the operatic stage, concert hall, and recital salon. “It’s not often that an operagoer is fortunate enough to witness the birth of a star!,” noted of Soprano Danielle Talamantes’ recent turn as Violetta in La Traviata with Hawaii Opera Theatre. Last season she made her Washington National Opera début as Maria Hernández in Kamal Sankaram’s Rise as part of their production Written in Stone, returned to her signature role as Mimì in Puccini’s La Bohème with Jacksonville Symphony and three world premiers: Mosaic for Earth by composer Dwight Bigler at her Alma Mater, Virginia Tech, the rhapsody written for Talamantes and orchestra based on T.S. Eliot’s iconic poem The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock with the National Philharmonic, and the stunning choral cantata Kohelet with the Washington Master Chorale and Santa Clara Master Chorale.

https://danielletalamantes.com/

Blacksburg Master Chorale

Mosaic for Earth by Dwight Bigler is an epic homage to the splendor and fragility of our collective home. The work unfolds over 14 movements and draws upon the visual arts, works of environmental literature (including authors Terry Tempest Williams, Erik Reece, N. Scott Momaday, and W.S. Merwin, among others), adaptations of ancient religious texts, and insights from the sciences to convey a profound sense of reverence for the natural world and to issue a call to action for the preservation and betterment of this wondrous place we inhabit. The Mosaic for Earth premiere featured visual arts projections designed by Virginia Tech’s David Franusich and stunning illuminations by Barbara Wolff, Psalm 104: You Renew the Face of the Earth.

Virginia Tech Choirs, Blacksburg Master Chorale, Blacksburg Children’s Chorale, and Virginia Tech Philharmonic Orchestra were all a part of this magical collaboration.

On Dwight Bigler's Mosaic for Earth: "I was especially delighted by your non-repetitive invention and vast palette of colors, textures and combinations within the chorus and orchestra—many extraordinary moments of unique beauty. Combined with the visuals..., we were completely enthralled." Dr. Jeffrey Sandborg, Director of Choral Activities, Roanoke College

Blacksburg Master Chorale

Dr. James Glazebrook, professor emeritus and past conductor of the Virginia Tech Philharmonic, has glowing praise for Dwight Bigler’s composition:

"Hearing [Mosaic for Earth] in its completed form... left me speechless with admiration... This was hands down the most significant musical event in the history of music at Virginia Tech. And based on the almost hysterical reaction [of the premiere audience] at the end, audiences everywhere will love it, and will be completely carried away by the brilliant finale."

Blacksburg Master Chorale

Mosaic for Earth by Dwight Bigler, performed by the Virginia Tech Choir + Orchestra, Blacksburg Master Chorale, and Blacksburg Children's Chorale is coming SOON!

Dwight continues, “Terry Tempest Williams often speaks of the importance of community and conversation. Mosaic for Earth is my contribution to both: it brings people together to hear words of wisdom presented with the power of music and visual arts. I hope it inspires wonder and illumination regarding our place in this world and our responsibility towards it. May we move closer to the proverbial Garden of Eden rather than further into the increasingly chaotic and extreme climate of our own making. May we come to a greater understanding of our influence on this planet, remember our duty as moral beings, and be better neighbors to all life on Earth.”

Dwight Bigler Blacksburg Master Chorale

Cool! Arizona Public Media picked up "Nocturne" from last month!

https://radio.azpm.org/schedules/kuatfm/d/2022/10/17/

Plog Tonsehen

“Verhy’s Clarinet Concerto came to me by chance in a lot of music purchased online. Amongst the dozens of pieces I received was the piano reduction of the concerto. After a quick reading of the work, I was amazed that I had never heard of it. Beautifully written for the clarinet and very pleasing to the ear, I knew this work would be a wonderful addition to any recital program. I was also surprised to read the dedication to Muhfield at the top of the score and each time I performed the work would think about the possibility of a recording of the concerto paired with the Brahms Quintet. As I pursued the idea, I realized recording the full orchestra version would just not be possible because of its huge size and that a quintet version might be a great fit. My next step was to asked my friend and colleague, composer Ray Fields, if he could set the work for string quartet; he agreed. Working from the original orchestral score, he captures, amazingly well, the feel of the full orchestra and has brought to life a work that may never be performed. Hopefully this work will return to the stage and become a staple in the clarinet repertoire.”

Robert Dilutis, on having Verhy’s Clarinet Concerto arranged by Composer Ray Fields

For your GRAMMY® consideration!!


Strauss & Villa-Lobos by the Grand Rapids Symphony - Orchestral Performance

Orbits of Infinity by Stanley Curtis - Classical Instrumental Solo, Engineered Album Classical

Twentieth Century Art Songs by Luke Spence - Classical Instrumental Solo, Engineered Album Classical

Paradigms by Jacob Dalager - Classical Instrumental Solo

Reger Three Suites by Tonya Burton - Classical Instrumental Solo

Meet the Mellifera Quartet, from the album “Destination Riverdale”!

https://www.tonsehen.com/collections/albums/products/destination-riverdale

“Mellifera (mel-IF-air-ah), from the Latin word meaning honey-bearing, signifies the aural aspirations of the group. By crafting programs that span the musical spectrum, Mellifera brings newly composed pieces to their audience alongside well-traveled classics. The quartet's debut recordings were with clarinetist Robert DiLutis, Professor of Music at the University of Maryland, and clarinetist on the album “Destination Riverdale.”

The members of the Mellifera Quartet view kindness and compassion as equals to the goal of performance excellence. They strive to create a musical environment that reflects these beliefs.” ~MQ

This new album is a continuation of this wonderful collaboration!

Clarinetist Robert Dilutis released his album “Destination Riverdale” along with the Mellifera String Quintet last weekend!

https://www.tonsehen.com/collections/albums/products/destination-riverdale

Read more about Dilutis below:

Robert DiLutis is Professor of Clarinet at the University of Maryland and in his 6th season as Principal Clarinetist of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Mr. DiLutis previously taught at Louisiana State University and held positions with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, San Antonio Symphony Orchestra and Eastman School of Music. His recent recitals and classes have included ClarinetPasto in Colombia South America, Cincinnati Clarinet Mini-Fest, University of Michigan, Interlochen Arts Academy and Clarinetfest, Madrid, Spain and Ostend, Belgium. Born in Baltimore, Maryland to a family of musicians, Mr. DiLutis studied with William Blayney and later at the Juilliard School with David Weber of the NYC Ballet. In 1989 he made his Carnegie Recital Hall debut as the winner of the Artist International Chamber Music Competition. As a soloist Mr. DiLutis has performed with the San Antonio Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Baton Rouge Symphony. Mr. DiLutis has toured with the New York Philharmonic and is co-director of the Clarinet Academy of America. In addition to his performance career Mr. DiLutis is the creator of the Reed Machine, a reed making device used by top professionals around the world. Mr. DiLutis is an Artist for Buffet Crampon, Rovner and Lohff and Pfeiffer Denmark. His recent work can be heard on the Delos, RM Records and Tonsehen labels.

“Destination Riverdale” by Clarinetist Robert Dilutis and the Mellifera String Quartet has been RELEASED!

https://www.tonsehen.com/collections/albums/products/destination-riverdale

"Both Johannes Brahms and Theodorus Verhey were so moved by the artistry of clarinetist Richard Bernhard Herrmann Mühlfeld (February 28, 1856 – June 1, 1907) that they each dedicated the works on this recording to him. Not only was Mühlfeld an incredible musician but his artistry inspired both composers to write for him. His legacy was my inspiration for commissioning this arrangement of Verhey’s concerto for strings and quintet and the recording of the Brahms Quintet."

——Robert Dilutis

CONGRATULATIONS to Daniel Belongia and the Wind Ensemble on winning the American Prize for their last album of works by James Syler and Roy David Magnuson!

Photo by Christian Amonson (who also recorded the album! Arts Laureate) from their Carnegie Hall performance 😎

See you at the Eastman Trumpet Institute!

Jacob Dalager, Trumpet

Big batch of heading out to the renowned Eastman Trumpet Institute where will be guest artist/clinician this year! Thanks for the support !

Congratulations to Justin Drew - Horn, finalist for the The American Prize: celebrating American excellence in the arts for his album The C***o D'Amore! 😎

Congratulations to the Salon Trio (Robert A. DiLutis, Clarinet, Noah Getz, Saxophone, and Jeffrey Chappell, Piano) who are finalists for the The American Prize: celebrating American excellence in the arts!

Their album The Salon Sessions is in the finals for the Chamber Music Performance, 2022— professional division.

http://theamericanprize.blogspot.com/2022/03/national-finalists-chamber-music.html

Congratulations to all! 🤩

Both Jacob Dalager, Trumpet’s “Paradigms” and Luke Spence, trumpet’s “Twentieth Century Arts Songs” are featured on the cover of next month’s Fanfare Magazine! 🎉

Here's the cover of next month's Fanfare Magazine! is right there along with my friend and fellow Tonsehen artist Luke Spence, trumpet! Interview and reviews within.

Orbits of Infinity by Stanley Curtis has been reviewed on Cadence Info!

Link ⬇:
https://www.cadenceinfo.com/stanley-curtis-orbits-of-infinity-cinq-oeuvres-musicales-sur-l-univers.htm

Featuring five fantastic space-themed works by Kevin Poelking, James M. David. Amy Dunker, Douglas Hedwig, and Kevin Michael Olson 😎

Album photography by the incredible Stacy Abernathy!

Stay tuned for another album release by the Salon Trio in the near future! 👀

Have you had a listen to this fantastic album by the Salon Trio? 🤩

The Salon Trio-- including Robert DiLutis (clarinet), Noah Getz (saxophone), and Jeffrey Chappell (piano)-- brings a number of exciting world premiere recordings to an album full of variety and nuance in The Salon Sessions. The Salon Sessions brings the same intimate feel that the trio has come to be known for in their salon concert series throughout the DC Metro area. Whether you are a long-time fan or looking for a new, cohesive sound, the Salon Trio has you covered in The Salon Sessions!

Featured composers include Jessica Krash, Gregory Wanamaker, David Heinick, Leon Stein, John Heins, and James Grant.

https://www.tonsehen.com/collections/salon-trio/products/the-salon-sessions

Take a look at the fun space-themed story behind trumpeter Stanley Curtis' album, Orbits of Infinity!

https://www.tonsehen.com/blogs/news/album-release-stanley-curtis-orbits-of-infinity

Album Release - Stanley Curtis | Orbits of Infinity "My colleague, James David, wrote a piece for me called Moonwatcher, which shifted my focus to outer space. I talked with four other composers to see if they might be interested in writing more “space” music. What I got back was a treasure trove of gorgeous, ethereal and original music. With thi...

Enjoy this wonderful performance of Caroline Shaw's "and the swallow" conducted by Tyler Austin and arranged by Danielle Fisher, which will be part of the Maryland Chamber Winds next album on Tonsehen! 😎 Youtube link below ⬇️

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW916f3rD_c

Audio: Christian Amonson + the Arts Laureate Team
Producers and Video: Tyler Austin & Evan Harger