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Loomis Law Firm Challenge Makes Your Dollar Go Further
The law firm of Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, Davis & Gotting, P.C. has issued a challenge grant to the Lansing Symphony, encouraging us to raise $90,000 of new or increased contributions by June 30, 2010. The firm will match all new or increased contributions to the orchestra on a 1:3 basis, for a $120,000 total campaign goal. For every three dollars of new development income we receive, the firm will donate one dollar. Increased annual gifts from current donors will be matched on the difference between the old and new gift. MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY!
“We are proud of our relationship with the Lansing Symphony, an organization that adds so much to the quality of life in our community,” explained Loomis Partner Jack Davis. “We hope this challenge encourages other businesses and individuals to make their own investment in the LSO.” |
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 | MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT:
Dessislava Nenova,
Cello and Librarian
Where are you from? Plovdiv, Bulgaria (click here for a map)
What brought you to Lansing? I came to Michigan State University to pursue a Master of Music in Cello Performance because I was awarded an assistantship. I also knew there were a lot of orchestras in the state, and I needed to work while pursuing my degree.
How long have you been a member of the Lansing Symphony Orchestra? Since 2002.
What are the duties of an orchestra librarian? The librarian locates, buys or rents all music for the season, makes musicians' folders, puts in bowings and other markings, and gives instrumentation. I also get to carry Timothy Muffitt's scores on and off stage during the concerts.
Do you feel that being librarian gives you additional insight into the music the orchestra plays? I know it does. This past cycle, I found out that the Overture to Don Giovanni had three different endings because as soon as we finished running through it for the first time, Timothy said "What edition do you guys have? I was done two minutes ago!" Of course we started laughing, but then he asked me if I had bought a conductor's score, and I had not because he uses his own scores most of the time. So then I had to buy and overnight a score which used Mozart's own ending. Who knew that someone else's ending was more popular than the composer's?!
What other orchestras do you perform with? I am a member of Flint and West Michigan Symphony Orchestras, and I sometimes sub in other groups in the area.
How do you balance performing all over the state, finishing up school, and everything else? I am not sure I balance it really well. School is somewhat on a back burner, but that is going to change next year because I really have to graduate. I try to do my library work and practice during the day because I usually have orchestra rehearsals in the evening. I usually do any extra performing during orchestra off-weeks. I believe I multitask very well. Otherwise, I would never make it!
Why did you choose the cello? This is a very funny story. When I was five years old, I wanted to play the piano, so I applied for the School of Music and had an exam, which was just solfege: singing tunes, transposing them, and some rhythmic exercises, which were supposed to be sung while clapping my hands. Well, I was doing really well until I had to clap my hands - I just refused! I do not know why, but of course I was not accepted in the school. I told my mother I really wanted to take piano lessons with the teacher I had just met and really liked, and he happened to be a cellist. So at 5 years old, I decided that I was going to play the cello because I really liked the teacher. I was never sorry I made that choice. I am happy I did not clap my hands and was stubborn about it even when I was five. I think being stubborn is a good trait to have if one wants to be a musician.
Hear Dessislava up close and personal in a Piano Trio Chamber Series concert on Sunday, March 14th at 3pm at Plymouth Congregational Church. PURCHASE TICKETS. |
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 | REINVENTING POPS: The Music of Elton John
On Friday, April 16, 2010, the Lansing Symphony will enter a new world - the music of Elton John. Featuring a live band of vocals, piano, bass and drums, the final concert in this season's Pops Series is certainly a departure from the usual. The show will feature favorite Elton John classics including: “Bennie and the Jets,” “Your Song,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” “I’m Still Standing,” “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Saturday Night’s Alright” and much more!
Arranger Peter Brennan’s group Jeans ‘n Classics combines rock musicians and headlining stars with symphony orchestras throughout the world to bring a new audience of classic rock fans to the symphony. They have been called “fabulous performers who engage the audience, entertain and elevate their art to new levels.”
Singer Jean Meilleur is in his eleventh year as Jeans ‘n Classics headliner and has been praised for his coverage of Elton John’s vocal range. A review of this show from The Grand Rapids Press said, "these days, Meilleur sounds more like the original Elton John than the 62-year-old singer himself, who's had vocal issues in recent years." Pianist John Regan covers piano and backup vocals, and brings with him an easy stage presence and quick wit for an entertaining and well-rounded stage show, and Guest Conductor Jeff Christmas will bring the rock and orchestral elements together. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO A PREVIEW.
If you like Elton John, don't miss this exciting new Pops concert! Rocket Man: The Music of Elton John is Friday, April 16, 2010. RESERVE YOUR SEATS NOW!
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