The Lookout
Sonya Vartabedian
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Symphony by the Sea wraps up its 29th season with masterpieces from the Romantic Era on Sunday afternoon at The Governor's Academy in Byfield.
The program spotlights Johannes Brahms' first work for full orchestra, the Serenade No. 1, Opus 11. Brahms was just 23 and had written only chamber music and piano pieces before composing the piece, which is sometimes referred to as Brahms' "almost symphony." Set in six movements, three of them quite short, the Opus 11 Serenade is lighter in tone and looser in form than a symphony but yet symphonic in scope, employing 14 wind instruments in addition to the usual strings and percussion.
Also on the program will be Mendelssohn's "Fingal's Cave" overture and Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello and Orchestra, which will be performed by Holgen Gjoni, winner of this year's Symphony by the Sea Tamarkin Concerto Competition.
Gjoni is the Gregor Piatigorsky fellow at New England Conservatory in Boston and holds degrees from The Juilliard School in New York, Boston Conservatory and the Bucharest University of Music.
Sunday's concert starts at 3:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center at The Governor's Academy on Elm Street. Conductor Donald Palma will lead a pre-concert talk at 2:45.
The concert will also be performed Saturday at 8 p.m. at the First Universalist Church of Salem and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Endicott College's new Center for the Arts in Beverly.
Tickets are $30. For reservations or information, visit www.symphonybythesea.org.
WomenSong celebrates the female voice
WomenSong showcases the diverse repertoire written for the female voice in a concert on Saturday at 8 p.m. at First Parish Church, 20 High Road (Route 1A), Newbury.
The all-female chorus will begin the program with three uplifting pieces by Vermont composer Gwyneth Walker, followed by two versions of "Ave Maria," one by Brahms and a second by contemporary composer David McIntyre.
La Mort d'Orphee, a rarely performed piece by Hector Berlioz for tenor solo and women's chorus, will be a highlight of the program and will feature Newburyport tenor Neal Ferreira, who has been performing with Boston Lyric Opera.
Works by Leonard Bernstein, Gustav Holst and Eric Whitaker will round out the program, with the Andrews Sisters' "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Chattanooga Choo Choo" to cap things off.
WomenSong was founded by music director Frances Burmeister at the request of a group of women who had been singing in one of her choruses and made its debut in 2008. The group features more than 30 members from Greater Newburyport and the North Shore.
The concert will be repeated Sunday at 4 p.m. at North Parish Church in North Andover. Admission to both concerts is a $10 donation. Visit www.womensong.org.
Verses in all languages for poem project
Poems in Greek, Spanish, Montenegrian and, of course, English will be shared as part of the eighth annual Favorite Poem Project on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Firehouse Center for the Arts in Newburyport's Market Square.
Students from third grade through high school as well as representatives of the Newburyport school community, including new Superintendent Marc Kerble, will read their favorite poems as part of the event. Parents, members of the Powow River Poets and others are also slated to participate. Translations will be provided for poems in a foreign language, and vocalist Penny Lazarus will be singing her poem as a special treat.
The event is built around the Favorite Poem Project that former U.S. poet laureate Robert Pinsky initiated in 1997 to celebrate the sheer pleasure of poetry with the public at large.
The event is presented by the Newburyport High School creative writing class and its Poetry Soup group. Admission is free.
Rocking the house for youth baseball teams
Nerve 8, a five-man rock band based in Salisbury, will appear at the Elks Club on Low Street in Newburyport Saturday night to raise money for Knucklehead Sportz youth baseball teams.
Composed of lead vocalist and guitarist Terry Morengi Jr., drummer Jon Tindle, bassist Nick Poulin, keyboardist Cameron Kaszuba and guitarist DJ Marengi, the band covers hits from groups like 311, Van Halen, Radiohead and the Black Crowes.
Knucklehead Sportz of Salisbury runs three youth baseball teams — two 12-and-under teams and one 10-and-under team. Founders and coaches Spike Fortin and Mike Roberge are looking to relieve parents of player fees by holding fundraisers like the one on Saturday.
Admission is $10. Proceeds will go to the baseball teams. There will be a full cash bar. TCS Communications of Salisbury is donating the sound system.
Sharing laughs for Rotary fundraiser
Three Boston comics deliver their stand-up for the Amesbury Rotary Club's annual comedy night benefit on Saturday at 8 p.m. at Amesbury Sports Park at 12 Hunt Road.
Robbie Printz, Rob Steen and Eric Hurst share the bill for the event, which will include dinner plus the show.
Tickets are $25, and must be purchased in advance. Proceeds will support the Rotary Club's projects, including scholarships to Amesbury High students, shelter box survival kits to Haiti, Our Neighbors' Table food program in Amesbury, the Readers are Leaders program and the Amesbury senior holiday party.
For tickets or information, call Sue at 978-884-9687. For a preview of the comedians' acts, visit www.rentacomic.com.
Night of Middle Eastern dance and music
Spring Belly Dance Show and Dance Party livens up the atmosphere tomorrow night inside Newburyport's Belleville Congregational Church Hall at 300 High St.
The evening of Middle Eastern music and dance will feature belly dance performances by Alizah Afet, Morgana Mirage and Qamar set to the music of the Ed Melikian Ensemble. There will also be a Greek folk dance demonstration. Zbeide will be teaching Armenian line dancing. Audience participation is encouraged.
The dance party goes from 7 to 10 p.m. Admission is $15 in advance, $18 at the door, with seniors and children under 12 welcome for $10. Contact Amy Smith at info@bellydancenewengland.com or 978-590-8502 for more.
'Wizards and Knights' for school break
Lesley Smith's Theater of Life Puppets and Band, starring Sammy Snail, presents three performances of its "Wizards and Knights" show today at The Actor's Studio in The Tannery, 50 Water St., Newburyport. Performances are at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
A ventriloquist and puppeteer, Smith's magical ride with her giant puppets is based on the book "Castle in the Attic." The show is appropriate for all ages. Admission is $7, with a 10 percent discount for families. Call 978-465-1229.
Comedy Chaos stand-up to fight breast cancer
Amy Tee's Comedy Chaos presents a fundraiser for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer featuring Mike Prior tomorrow at 8 p.m. at Hobo's Cafe & Lounge, 5 Broadway, Salisbury.
Prior has performed on MTV and Comedy Central. He will be joined by comedians Jay Grove, Julie K, Kris Leduc and Jack Walsh, with Tee as host. Tickets for the show plus dinner are $12. Call 978-465-4626.
Nashville Songwriter Series keys up show
Jean Schott takes the stage tomorrow night for the next concert in the Nashville Songwriter Series hosted by Eastern Lumber at 65 Haverhill Road (Route 110) in Amesbury.
Eastern Lumber owner and songwriter Anthony Matrumalo, who makes weekly trips to Nashville to work on his music, launched the series last fall in hopes of bringing songwriters to Amesbury on a regular basis to provide them with some exposure.
The show starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Call Eastern Lumber at 978-388-0366 for tickets or information.
Synagogue marks anniversary with film
In recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day earlier this month, Congregation Ahavas Achim in Newburyport is showing the award-winning Holocaust movie "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" on Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the synagogue at Washington and Olive streets.
Set during World War II, the movie tells the story of Bruno, the 8-year-old son of a commandant at a concentration camp, whose forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence has startling and unexpected consequences. April 11 marked the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Nazi concentration camps at the end of World War II.
The free screening is being funded by a mini-grant from the Newburyport Commission for Diversity and Tolerance. The public is invited; refreshments will be served. E-mail Congregation Ahavas Achim at caanewburyportcc@comcast.net for more information.
A jazzy Sunday in store for Port Library
Singer, musician and composer Lisa Yves brings her jazz group to Newburyport Public Library at 94 State St. tomorrow for an afternoon concert of springtime tunes.
Yves will be joined by her backup band, which includes Elmer Drotos on reeds, Dave Zox on bass and Richard Rancatore of Newburyport on keyboard. The group has been playing concerts throughout Boston for years.
The free concert starts at 2 p.m. in the program room at the library. Call the library at 978-465-4428 or visit www.newburyportpl.org.
Family scavenger hunt at wildlife refuge
Celebrate Earth Day with a family scavenger hunt on Saturday at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island.
All ages are invited to join the fun and hunt for items while exploring the refuge. The event goes from noon to 4 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to everyone who completes the hunt, and will be available at the refuge visitor center at 6 Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport.
The event is free; registration is not required. Call the refuge at 978-465-5753 or visit http://parkerriver.fws.gov for more.
Touring Newbury's historic places, spaces
Discover some of the historic places and spaces of Newbury on a guided bus tour Saturday at 11 a.m. as part of the town's 375th anniversary celebration.
The tour will depart from the main parking lot at The Governor's Academy on Elm Street in Byfield, and visit the John Atkinson House, Jackman-Willett House, Byfield's Adams House, William Moody House and the Mansion House. The Governor's Academy is also opening its Little Red Schoolhouse, where an archival exhibit will be on display.
Tickets are $10 and available at Newbury Town Hall on High Road or online at www.newbury375.org.
A trek through the Common Pasture on tap
A free walking tour through the historic section of the Common Pasture in Newburyport and Newbury sets out Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.
The walk will be led by Mary Harbaugh, chairwoman of the Newburyport Open Space Committee, and Dave Rimmer of Essex County Greenbelt, which is hosting the event. The group will stop at Greenbelt's wildlife viewing platform on Scotland Road in Newbury to scan the Wet Meadows for spring migrants.
Participants should meet at the viewing platform at Wet Meadows opposite 102 Scotland Road. For more, call 978-768-7241.
Walking tour, cleanup at Maudslay State Park
Pitch in to ready Newburyport's Maudslay State Park for the coming season at a Park Serve Day on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Park Serve Day is intended to supplement the state Department of Conservation and Recreation's work. Interested volunteers should meet in the main parking lot on Curzon Mill Road. Wear sturdy shoes and work clothes. Work gloves and equipment, as well as drinking water and a snack, will be provided. The parking fee will be waived.
Tomorrow, enjoy the early-blooming trillium within the park on a free walking tour at 2 p.m. Participants will learn about the trillium, where the plant is located in the park and why it should be protected.
The outing starts from the visitors center across from the main parking lot. Wear walking shoes and outdoor clothing; children must be accompanied by an adult.
For more, call the park headquarters at 978-462-7223. To learn about Park Serve Day, visit www.mass.gov/dcr or e-mail park.serve@state.ma.us.
Auditions set for talent show fundraiser
The Youth Group at St. Paul's Church in Newburyport is hosting a talent show to benefit Haiti relief efforts on Saturday, May 8, at 7 p.m. at the church at 166 High St.
Performers of all ages and skill levels are invited to audition for the show on Sunday at noon and 6 p.m. Musicians, vocalists, actors, dancers, poets, comedians, jugglers and other performers are encouraged to try out; both solo and group acts are welcome.
Proceeds from the talent show event will go to the Episcopal Relief & Development fund for Haiti. The agency, which helps communities rebuild after disasters and empowers people by offering lasting solutions that fight poverty and disease worldwide, is working with partners in Port-au-Prince and other affected areas to meet immediate needs such as food, water, shelter and medical care.
For more on participating in the talent show, e-mail talentshowforhaiti@gmail.com or call Caroline or Paul Acquaviva at 978-462-5653.
Wine tasting, auction for Homecoming
Yankee Homecoming kicks off the fundraising for the 2010 celebration with a wine tasting and auction on Saturday, May 22, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Nicholson Hall, 9 Harris St., Newburyport.
Guests will sample a variety of fine wines as well as selections from Mercury Brewing Co., including Ipswich Ale, paired with hors d'oeuvres and cheeses. There will also be live and silent auctions featuring pieces by local artists and a chance to bid on a six-night South African photo safari for two at the Zulu Nyala Game Reserve.
Tickets are $30 before May 1, $40 after. Proceeds will support Yankee Homecoming events. Visit www.yankeehomcoming.com or e-mail event chairwoman Robin Johnson at robinj204@comcast.net for more.
Abstract Artists Group seeking new members
The Abstract Artists Group of New England is signing on new members in advance of its annual group show in June at the Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St., Newburyport.
The group's next meeting will be Tuesday, June 8, at 7 p.m. at the art association; prospective members are urged to attend. For information abut joining and exhibiting with the Abstract Artists Group, e-mail group coordinator Ross Bachelder at artsmultiple@gmail.com.
Call goes out for 2011 New Works Festival
The 2011 New Works Festival Committee is issuing a call for new full-length, one-act and 10-minute plays by New England-area playwrights for the Firehouse Center for the Arts' annual competition set for January 2011 at the theater in Newburyport.
A panel of five judges from the New England theatrical community will review the entries and select a combination of shorts, one-acts and full-length plays to be performed at the festival. The best full-length play will receive a $175 prize, with $75 awarded to best one-act and 10-minue play.
Launched in 2002, the New Works Festival aims to foster the development of local theater companies, writers, directors and actors and provide insight into the playwrighting process from conception to presentation.
Submissions must be postmarked or hand-delivered to the Firehouse by July 18; only 10-minue plays may be e-mailed to info@firehouse.org. For an application form or more information on the submission guidelines, visit www.firehouse.org.
Directors wanted for 'Mikado'
The Byfield Gilbert and Sullivan Group is accepting applications for music and stage directors for an August production of "Mikado." All rehearsals and performances will be held at the Byfield Community Arts Center at 7 Central St. in Byfield.
To apply, call the arts center at 978-463-3335 or e-mail info@ByfieldCAC.org.
Seacoast Civic dancers garner top scores
Members of the New Hampshire Academy of Performing Arts' Seacoast Civic Dance Company and Performance Groups and their choreographers and faculty members racked up gold and platinum medal scores at the Dance Educators of America's regional dance competition and convention in March in Connecticut.
Senior company member Christian Gray of Salisbury was awarded a full scholarship to DEA's National Ballet Seminar to be held in Las Vegas this summer.
The lyrical piece "Ave Maria" performed by the dance company's most advanced group was awarded the highest overall score/first place competition piece. Other pieces received specialty awards, including most entertaining honors, and the faculty was recognized for outstanding choreography.
Based in Seabrook, the New Hampshire Academy of Performing Arts' Seacoast Civic Dance Company was founded in 1976 and is composed of 45 auditioned dancers ranging in age from 10 to 18 from throughout the Seacoast and North Shore. Call 603-474-2444 or visit www.nhapa.org/scdc for more.
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