André Watts remembered as ‘a pianist’s pianist’

André Watts

The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music announced yesterday the death of renowned pianist André Watts on July 12. The artist was 77. Mr. Watts, a frequent guest artist in Cincinnati, was distinguished professor of piano and the Jack I. and Dora B. Hamlin Endowed Chair in Music at the university. He joined the faculty there in 2004.

Mr. Watts was a brilliant statesman of the art form and a piano superstar, celebrated across the globe as a musical genius. At age 16 in 1962, Mr. Watts won a competition to play in Leonard Bernstein’s televised “Young People’s Concerts” series with the New York Philharmonic. A year later, he stepped in to play for Glenn Gould with the New York Philharmonic, launching a performance career that would span more than 60 years.

“André was first and foremost a gentleman who had a profound understanding of the human experience,” said Eugene Pridonoff, emeritus professor of piano at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. “His humility was genuine and he never let his fame define him.  This was reflected in his music making that was always in service to the music and never about him.  He will be greatly missed!”

Mr. Watts was beloved by Cincinnati audiences.  He appeared in 17 subscription weekends with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, beginning in March of 1970, when he performed Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor. He also appeared with the Cincinnati Symphony at Carnegie Hall in 1977, performing Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 2 under the baton of Leonard Bernstein.

UC Hillel’s singing competition to honor Lauren Shmalo Berg

The University of Cincinnati Hillel’s “Campus Superstars,” a collegiate singing competition, 7 p.m. Sunday, April 3, will feature local students competing for a $5,000 cash prize.

A panel of celebrity judges — Kim Mann, Deondra Means, Pamela Myers and Kathy Wade — will narrow 11 finalists down to three. Then you — the audience — will vote for the winner. This year’s competition, held at the Aronoff Center’s Jarson Kaplan Theater, will showcase our region’s superb musical talent. All contestants are full-time, local undergraduate students who have passed multiple auditions for the chance to compete.

They’ll be singing in every genre, including opera, musical theater, jazz, country and spirituals.

This year’s event will honor Lauren Shmalo Berg, an original member of the show’s staff. In October 2021, Lauren suffered a devastating spinal cord injury as the result of a fall. Before the accident, she was a talented singer, dancer, actress, Pilates/Zumbini instructor, preschool teacher, and competitive figure skater who was featured on the classic MTV show “Made.”

After multiple surgeries and 3-1/2 months at the Shepherd Institute in Atlanta, Lauren is now home with her husband and two small children. She is impressing her doctors and therapists and making remarkable progress.

Of course, Lauren’s journey to recovery comes with an exorbitant price tag, much of which is NOT covered by medical insurance. As a result, Cincinnati Hillel will be giving Lauren 50% of all new gifts and gift increases for this year’s event. All contributions made to Help Hope Live (Helphopelive.org) are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law and are used specifically for Lauren’s uninsured medical and injury related expenses.

About the show

The team of professionals to support the contestants includes Susan Winters- assistant director, Pat Kelly-Musical Director, orchestrator, conductor; Steve Hoskins–Woodwinds; Michael Scharfe- Bass; and John Taylor-drums. Also, Andrew Wright, of CCM, is the lighting designer; and Clear Sound Design will be doing the sound.

The competition’s past competitors have gone on to get advanced degrees at some of the nations most prestigious universities including Julliard, Eastman School of Music, Rice, Yale School of Drama and Indiana. Others have starred in or appeared in Broadway and touring productions including Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, The Prom, Miss Saigon, The Book of Morman and Wicked.

Tickets to the show: Cincinnatihillel.org/campussuperstar-tickets

 

Cincinnati Ballet reschedules productions, cite financial repercussions

A message from Cincinnati Ballet: Cincinnati Ballet’s upcoming performances of Director’s Cut (March 19-21) at Cincinnati Music Hall are being rescheduled to April 30-May 2, 2020 at the Aronoff Center to recorded music. The decision to reschedule these performances will allow our patrons to experience the athleticism and artistry of this compelling program while also protecting the health of our community. Those who have tickets to affected performances will receive direct communications regarding their options.

Cincinnati Ballet’s upcoming performances of Family Series: Snow White have been cancelled. This was a difficult but necessary decision to protect the health of our community. A bit of good news – Snow White will be added to the 2020-2021 Season, in lieu of The Little Mermaid.

These unprecedented circumstances pose financial repercussions for our community and Cincinnati Ballet. As a non-profit arts organization, ticket sales only account for 35% of what it takes to support a world-class ballet company. Our patrons are our livelihood and the reason our dancers perform each season. We thank you for your continued support of Cincinnati Ballet and value you as a member of our family.

For questions and other ticket needs, email info@cballet.org or call Patron Engagement at 513-621-5282.

Melissa Gelfin and Cervilio Miguel Amador in the leading roles of Cincinnati Ballet’s “Romeo and Juliet” in 2017. Photo provided.

CSO, Pops cancel shows through April 5 after Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine bans gatherings of more than 100

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Pops have canceled all concerts through “at least April 5 due to coronavirus concerns. The orchestra released this statement on its website:

“Governor DeWine’s decision prioritizes public health by restricting all large gatherings, and we are committed to the health and well-being of our audience members, musicians, volunteers and staff.

“This cancellation will have a significant financial impact for the Orchestra. We are especially appreciative of our generous supporters who will consider their donating tickets for these performances. Throughout our 125-year history, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra has navigated challenges and continues to thrive because of the strength of our community. Now, as always, we are grateful for our community’s extraordinary support.”

Click here for information about ticket exchanges or how to donate.

Here are others that we know about:

♦Memorial Hall has closed due to concerns around the spread of COVID-19.

♦Chamber Music Cincinnati has canceled the Pavel Haas Quartet concert scheduled for tonight. Ticket fees will be refunded automatically. Info: 513-977-8838.

♦Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati (ETC) is temporarily suspending all performances, events, and community programs, effective immediately.

The theatre is working to identify dates to reschedule its shows and ticket holders for upcoming performances will be contacted. Additionally, ETC will be relaxing its exchange policies and waive all fees to find suitable solutions for its patrons.

♦YPCC has canceled Saturday’s Radio Revelry Gala Concert at Cincinnati Museum Center. It will be rescheduled for May 19. Details here.

♦The Metropolitan Opera has canceled its Live in HD performances in movie theaters around the country.

♦At the Aronoff Center: Friday’s performance of Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood: The Scared Scriptless Tour has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at 7:30 PM at the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall.

♦Tomorrow evening’s performance of Sex n’ the City: A (Super Unauthorized) Musical Parody has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 7:30 PM at the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater.  The show was originally scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2020.

♦Due to Johnny Mathis’ specific travel and health advisements, this Saturday’s concert with Johnny Mathis has been rescheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 8:00 PM at the Aronoff Center’s Procter & Gamble Hall.  The concert was originally scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2020.

Current Aronoff Center ticketholders will be sent new tickets with the rescheduled date and time the week of April 6, 2020.  Refund info prior to Friday, April 3, 2020 at (513) 621-2787 or ticketing@cincinnatiarts.org.

♦Cincinnati Art Museum: The Gorham Silver: Designing Brilliance, 1850–1970 opening reception and lecture have been cancelled. However, self-tours will be permitted in the new exhibition until 7 p.m., and the museum will remain open until 8 p.m.

Across the country, the arts are taking a hit. At 5 p.m. today, Broadway theaters will go dark by order of Governor Andrew Cuomo. Here’s Playbill.

See the list in the previous post for more cancellations.