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The
Vienna Philharmonic Society presented The Vienna Philharmonic
Orchestra for over one hundred benefit guests
at
a private club.
There
are many grand fundraisers in New York, but some nights are
special and this is always because of their hosts. Although the
Chairman of The Vienna Philharmonic Society, Marifé Hernández,
was unable to attend, her attention was evident everywhere.
Resting comfortably at home, recovering from surgery, she still
saw to the placement of every guest and every detail. Her
beloved husband Joel Bell arranged a first - the evening was
videotaped so she could see it. Guests were invited to record
their own get-well messages for the much-missed chairman. Her
warm presence was felt everywhere.
Following cocktails, there was a remarkable performance of the
Octet in F Major by Franz Schubert, a signature piece of the
Orchestra repertory. The concert and dinner were under the
distinguished patronage of all the senior Austrian officials in
our country including His Excellency Wolfgang Waldner, Austrian
Ambassador to the United States and Mrs. Gudrun Faudon-Waldner;
His Excellency Jan Kickert, Permanent Representative of Austria
To the United Nations and Mrs. Latica Tomasic-Kickert; His
Excellency Helmut Boeck, Austrian Consul General in New York and
Mrs. Barbara Boehm-Boeck; Christine Moser, Director, Austrian
Cultural Forum.
Through generous sponsorship of
Vienna Philharmonic Society (in partnership with the Weill Music
Institute at Carnegie Hall) Principal
musicians from the Orchestra conducted Master Classes with
former students of Carnegie Hall's National Youth Orchestra (NYO),
all of whom are now Conservatory students in Baltimore,
Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York City,
Oberlin, Philadelphia, and Puerto Rico. The message to them
throughout the day was legato – learning to play in a smooth,
flowing manner, without breaks between notes, to play with
passion, and to play as if you are making your instrument sing.
Steeped in the rich history of the 176-year-old Vienna
Philharmonic, the instructors emphasized understanding the
history of each work and its author, to bring the music to life
as the composer intended.
The Vienna Philharmonic Society,
founded in 2016, is a New York based non-profit organization
that supports and celebrates the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
and works to extend its performances across the United States.
Through a variety of educational programs with their partner,
The Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall, including Master
Classes for advanced students and music events for children in
the community, the Vienna Philharmonic Society helps the
Orchestra expand its contribution to the cultural life of New
York and cities throughout the country. For more see: www.ViennaPhilharmonicSociety.org |