NEWSLETTER
#ritesmusicfest
Southold, NY –Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, this season would have brought the fifth edition of the Rites of Spring Music Festival [ROSMF www.ritesmusic.org/] to multiple venues across the north fork of Long Island.
Launched in 2016 by founder Paolo Bartolani, the focus of ROSMF has been to expand its music in new, compelling, and adventurous ways. With the challenge of stay-home orders and closed venues, ROSMF has expanded their creative forces to present “Music & Tell,” a virtual performance series hosted on Saturdays at 2 p.m. through May in 45-minute sessions on Zoom. Music & Tell is aimed to expand the mission of ROSMF and create a stronger sense of identity while investing in the passion and artistry of classical and contemporary artists.
“We have found ourselves moved and inspired by the many musicians connected with our festival,” shares Paolo Bartolani. “Music is essentially a human relationship; we can communicate our inner world through contact with the other person. To me, that is the essence of music: a reflection of the soul through sound. Living in particular times like these, music allows us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. We cannot recall a more important time to share such sustenance”.
ROSMF Schedule:
Music & Tell Episode #1 Saturday, May 9th at 2:00pm
Italian Baroque Sonatas
This first session of Music & Tell presents music by two Italian composers: Domenico Scarlatti and Domenico Cimarosa. Sonatas will be performed and compositional aspects will be presented, featuring Scarlatti, Cimarosa and more…
Led by Paolo Bartolani, pianist
Music & Tell Episode #2 Saturday, May 16th at 2:00pm
The Pleasures of Solitude
Syrinx by Claude Debussy, Semblance by Nathan Hudson, and operatic paraphrases. The artist will perform and talk about three aspects of solitude in music:
- necessity: the 19th century practice of bringing back home opera melodies with transcriptions for solo instrument;
- choice: with Debussy, the flute instrument chosen for introspection and bucolic solitude;
- obligation: in the current period, social distancing provokes new ways of connecting the self to art, and art to social.
Led by Ginevra Petrucci, flutist
Music & Tell Episode #3 Saturday, May 23rd at 2:00pm
Discovering Mrs. Rossini
This session of Music & Tell will tell the story of the wife and muse of composer Gioachino Rossini of Barber of Seville fame, Spanish-born 19th century diva Isabella Colbran who was the toast of the opera stages of Europe in the early 19th century. This afternoon will tell the tale of love, passion and intrigue at the San Carlo Opera in Naples, woven with excerpts of music from Rossini’s Neapolitan period that Isabella premiered as well as some of her own compositions. This concert is based on a production presented by Divaria Productions in 2015 in collaboration with Italian musicologist Professor Sergio Ragni, author of Isabella Colbran, Isabella Rossini, edited by Zecchini in Italy.
Led by Ashley Galvani Bell, soprano
Music & Tell Episode #4 Saturday, May 30th at 2:00pm
Benjamin Britten and Roman Mythology
Six Metamorphoses after Ovid for Oboe Solo by Benjamin Britten
Led by Terry Keevil, Oboe
Classical and contemporary musicians hailing from multiple continents are annually hosted by ROSMF. While in-person performances have been postponed, ROSMF’s goal is to continue providing financial support to musicians who rely on live performances and festivals as income. ROSMF has announced a subscription package for its 2020 music festival (including the virtual Music & Tell series) where proceeds will go towards booking artists and continuing the 2020 music series. Subscribers and donors receive access to all 2020 online performances, membership to the ‘Circle of Friends’ and will be listed on the website and paper program, exclusive invitations to special news and events throughout the year. The subscription fee is $100. Sponsorships are also available. Live events will be announced in the future as local and state guidelines allow.To subscribe or make a donation, visit ritesmusic.org/get-involved.
“Shifting to online performances has made classical music more accessible than ever.” continues Paolo Bartolani. “As artists, we also fear it is endangered. It is up to us to share and up to our audience to decide how much it’s worth.”
ROSMF now offers remote, private music lessons as an opportunity to engage with and learn from international contemporary artists while at home. “We are exploring every way we can develop and strengthen our relationship with people interested in learning more about music, “ says Paolo Bartolani. Music education is offered in bboe, flute, piano, and music theory. Those interested in lessons can find more information at ritesmusic.org/online-music-lessons or email info@ritesmusic.org
Rites of Spring Music Festival [ROSMF itesmusic.org] is a 501(c) non-profit seeking to involve, enrich and inspire the Long Island community by providing classical and contemporary music events in unconventional manners. For more information email info@ritesmusic.org. Follow ROSMF at f./ @ritesofspringmusicfest i./ @ritesofspringmusic
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Press Contact: Kristy Verity