Modlin Center for the Arts

Watching Lakatos, Hearing the Divine: A YouTube Encounter

2009-01-01T17:16:00.013-05:00

In anticipation of Roby Lakatos’ appearance at the Modlin Center on January 31, I decide to track down his videos on YouTube. I’m delighted to discover that the site offers plenty clips of the violin virtuoso who has earned the respect (and inspired the awe) of critics and audiences throughout the world.

I pick a clip at random and click. A young Japanese man, sporting a blond pixie reminiscent of Annie Lennox, provides the introductory commentary to a television broadcast of Lakatos and his group. The fact that I can’t understand what the commentator is saying and am unable to read the words (also in Japanese) that appear on screen isn’t important. The commentator’s enthusiasm—infectious, convincing—transcends the language barrier. I feel confident that the performance I’m about to witness is going to be well worth the cyber-visit.

The curtains are drawn to reveal a darkened stage. The first impassioned strains of Two Guitars (Dve Gitari) leap like flames from Lakatos’ violin. Frenzied yet precise. Ecstatic yet exquisite. But wait. This is the music of Gypsies, whose nomadic lives are filled with both joy and pathos. Almost immediately, the pathos reveals itself. Lakatos makes a seamless segue into a lyrical, plaintive melody and begins to pluck the strings of his violin as if it were a mandolin. The yearning is almost palpable. Another melodic mood change and the listener is swept up in a vigorous csardas. And so it goes. At performance’s end, Lakatos and his violin—together with the expert instrumentalists who accompany them—have masterfully evoked such a wide-ranging gamut of emotions that the mind boggles at an accomplishment achieved within a mere six minutes.

I move on to another clip from the same broadcast—Lakatos playing the Hungarian Dance No. 5.

Once again, I’m mesmerized. Although the Brahms has become standard concert fare, Lakatos reinvigorates the work with his characteristic intelligence and intensity. His interpretation is marked by such a keen sensibility that I’m startled out of my familiarity with the piece and begin to feel as if I’m hearing it for the first time. The man exemplifies pure genius.

With his Dali-esque waxed moustache, ingenuous smile and boxer’s physique, Lakatos cuts an endearing figure as he strolls across the stage. The rapport he shares with his fellow musicians is glowingly evident. Critics have remarked on his charisma. I regard charisma as a quality that its possessor deliberately cultivates with an eye to eliciting the approbative description “charismatic.” Roby Lakatos, on the other hand, radiates pure joy. He is one virtuoso who obviously has fun making music.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T13:35:00.004-05:00

As the holiday season winds down, the Modlin Center is preparing for a very busy and exciting second half of the season. I will look forward to seeing you at one of our many upcoming events.

I thought you would be interested in seeing this photo from the world premiere of Krzysztof Penderecki's String Quartet No. 3 in Warzaw last month. Pictured are the Shanghai Quartet, for whom the piece was written, and Maestro Penderecki. The Maestro will join the quartet for the Virginia premiere of this piece on Sunday, February 22, 2009. I hope to see you there.

Here's wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

February Premiere of New String Quartet by Penderecki

2008-12-19T18:15:00.004-05:00

Of the many things we do at Modlin, the activity of which I am most proud is our commitment to the commissioning of new work. As a university presenter, I feel that we have an moral obligation to be certain that new work is created, developed and performed. It is the most important work we do to further the performing arts forms.

One of the most exciting projects Modlin has ever undertaken in is the commission of a new string quartet by Krzysztof Penderecki. The quartet, written for our former ensemble in residence the Shanghai Quartet, is co-commissioned by the Modlin Center for the Arts and Montclair State University in New Jersey. The piece had it's world premiere in Maestro Penderecki's native country of Poland and will have its Virginia premiere Sunday, February 22, 2009 at the Modlin Center.

In anticipation of this remarkable performance, I thought you'd enjoy reading an email Nick Tzavaras, the quartet's cellist sent to me after the work premiered in Warsaw earlier this month.

"Dear Kathy,

Last week we premiered the Penderecki Quartet in Warsaw. It is an outstanding piece and was extremely well received. Both the public and the press seemed to think this work will become a major part of the quartet literature and perhaps be considered one of his greatest chamber works.

The piece is about 15 minutes long and is in one movement with defined sections within it. Starting with an almost grave intro, it heads directly to a driven Vivace in G Minor which surfaces through the entire piece. Soon a beautiful Waltz surfaces, followed by a poignant
notturno, then back to the Vivace pattern which Penderecki wanted faster, faster." By the end we could barely play all the notes in the new furious tempo. At the end a spectacular gypsy melody surfaces, one that hasn't been heard in his writing as of yet. We asked Penderecki about it and he told us that it is a melody that his father used to play on his violin, perhaps a Romanian melody he thought. At the climax all of these themes surface and collide in a

powerful moment that is quite remarkable. The end, like most of his works these days, is soft, almost walking away into the distance, with harmonics echoing the gypsy melody at the very end.

We think Penderecki wrote a masterpiece and, though we got it in its complete form just days before our first performance, we are extremely happy with the work. I think audiences here will truly appreciate it. Penderecki did ask quite a lot about the american premieres, and I think he is looking forward to the next set of performances. The director of Schott (his music publisher) was also at the premiere and was ecstatic with the work.

Thanks again Kathy for making this commission a reality. I think the work will be a major part of the chamber music literature for centuries to come and we thank the Modlin Center and the University of Richmond for making this project possible.

Cheers,

Nick"

You can really hear the excitement in Nick's voice and I hope you are planning to join me and the Shanghai Quartet for this history-making performance.

Happy holidays,

Culture Stock! Your Online Stocking-Stuffer Source

2008-12-09T20:08:00.000-05:00

The Modlin Center's online shop Culture Stock! offers stocking stuffers and small gifts that please the eye while sparing the wallet. Stop by our cyberboutique to pick up a few goodies for friends and family.

Feel free to make a purchase or simply window shop. We offer magnets, bumper stickers, mugs, t-shirts and more. Culture Stock! was designed with you, the Modlin Center fan, in mind.

If you don't find what you're looking for, leave a suggestion and we'll do our best to accommodate you. We can't promise that the item will be ready for the holidays—but please remember that Culture Stock! is open all year long. The Modlin Center is committed to making your holiday and gift shopping experience as convenient and trouble-free as possible!

Unique and Hassle-free: The Gift of Live Entertainment

2008-12-04T12:55:00.000-05:00

During December, a trip to the local mall for that "special something" often turns out to be a wearying exercise in futility. Does your father really need another silk tie? Will you ever see your brother again when he's holed up 24/7, playing the latest video games he added to his collection this holiday season? The Modlin Center can eliminate your shopping angst by restoring the enjoyment in gift-giving—for both you and the recipient. Simply wrap the present of live entertainment in a box! Purchase a ticket to one (or more) of our fabulous upcoming events and you're assured of a custom-sized gift guaranteed to please.

Is your father a musical theatre aficionado whose favorites include Sunday in the Park with George and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum? He'll no doubt welcome the opportunity to see and hear their creator, the legendary Stephen Sondheim, in person with a ticket to "An Evening with Stephen Sondheim" hosted by New York Times columnist Frank Rich. The Modlin Center presents the event at Richmond's Landmark Theater on February 2, 2009 at 7:30 pm.

Treat your brother to the real-time experience of light, color, movement and sound with Cirque Éloize: Nebbia. Appearing at the Modlin Center in late January, Cirque Éloize provides magic, spectacle and excitement in full measure. And isn't a breath of fresh air exactly what your brother needs?

Spare yourself the hassle of mall parking and the headache of battling holiday crowds. Visit our Web site to sample a dazzling array of performances and events that include MOMIX and Garrison Keillor. When you give the gift of live entertainment, you give an experience that lingers long and lovingly in the memory. It's just the ticket!

Rockapella: Singing and Swinging and Making Your Holidays Bright

2008-12-02T14:26:00.004-05:00

Rockapella—whose members have earned a well-deserved reputation as the undisputed kings of a capella music—launches a month of festive celebration in high style and with more than a touch of class when they perform "A Rockapella Holiday." The group, a Modlin favorite, will appear at Camp Concert Hall on December 5 in two evening performances (7:30 and 9:30 pm).

The ensemble has jazzed up, doo-wopped and modernized the a cappella genre so successfully that their revamp of the art form has become a signature style all its own. Give your spirits a well-deserved boost with traditional favorites that include "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas," as well as the Rockapella original "Snowstar."

Rockapella always attracts a sold-out Modlin crowd, and tickets to the 7:30 pm show are almost gone. Be sure to purchase your tickets in advance by calling the Box Office at (804) 289-8980 or visiting the Modlin Center on the Web.

"The Skin of Our Teeth" ends this weekend

2008-11-19T10:35:00.002-05:00

The Department of Theatre and Dance and the University Players have been hard at work this fall on their first production of the 2008-09 season: Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, The Skin of Our Teeth. The play, which opened last weekend in the Alice Jepson Theatre, is the satiric story of the extraordinary Antrobus family through the ages. This family has survived flood, fire, pestilence, the ice age, a dozen wars and as many depressions. Ultimately bewitched, befuddled and becalmed, they are the stuff of which heroes and buffoons are made. Their survival is a wacky testament of faith in humanity.

Dorothy Holland, associate professor of theatre at the University of Richomond, directs the production which features Actors’ Equity Artists-in-Residence Joe Inscoe and Irene Ziegler. The student cast includes Rex Bradley, Ryan Breen, John Conrad, Alyssa Davis, Caitlyn Duer, Adam Ferguson, Mark Ferguson, Mary Beth Gayle, Christopher Hooper, Patrick Jones, Jackson Knox, Kiara Lee, Bryarly Richards and Amy Szerlong. Also included are University of Richmond community members Jane Dowrick, Elizabeth Kirkwood and Fiona Ross.

To learn more about the play, listen to the podcast that was recored by Peter Solomon for WCVE Public Radio. In it, Solomon talks to actor Joe Inscoe, offers clips from the production and discusses the impact this play has in 2008.

The production runs nightly through Saturday, November 22, 2008. Tickets are currently on sale through the Modlin Center Box Office for $15 with discounts for seniors, students, children, groups and University of Richmond employees and students.

I hope you can make it!

Follow up to NSP benefit concert

2008-11-18T14:48:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share the results of the National Student Partnership's annual Thanksgiving benefit concert, as mentioned in an earlier post. The group collected over $1000 in cash and in-kind donations from students, employees and Richmond community members, which will go towards full Thanksgiving meals to Richmond families. I'm told this is an increase from last year, so thanks to everyone who attended the concert and helped to make a difference. And thanks to the student members of NSP who so willingly give of their time to support such needed efforts.

Rockapella returns to Richmond

2008-11-14T11:40:00.004-05:00

Kick off the holiday season on December 5 when the popular a cappella group Rockapella returns to the Modlin Center following two previous sold out appearances. This year, they bring their smash hit show, "A Rockapella Holiday," for performances at 7:30 (almost sold out) and 9:30 pm in Camp Concert Hall. Here's a video from the group's 2007 holiday tour.

This year's tour will feature traditional favorites like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” as well as Rockapella’s original “Snowstar” (which was not on the set list for 2007).

Scott Leonard, Jeff Thacher, Kevin Wright, John K. Brown and George Baldi put on a great show. Don't miss it. Ticket are selling quickly!

Something new to listen to

2008-11-14T10:43:00.002-05:00

I've recently uploaded two Modcasts for your listening enjoyment! These podcasts feature question and answer sessions with artist and audience members following recent Modlin Center performances. On October 24 & 25, Thomas Mapfumo and The Blacks Unlimited performed in Camp Concert Hall and took questions from the audience concerning, among other things, the current political and economic situation in Zimbabwe.

On October 27 & 28, the Modlin Center presented Monday Night World Theater's dramatic reading of Sixteen Wounded by Eliam Kraiem, directed by Donna E. Coghill. The performances, in Cousins Studio Theatre, were followed by a Q&A with the actors, director and dialect coach, Martin Sulzer-Reichel. Audience members asked about the actors' preparation for the reading, including learning the necessary Israeli and Palestinian dialects, along with inquiring about insights into the characters backgrounds and futures.

Whether you attended these performances or not, you can still enjoy these podcasts! And I'd love to hear your feedback about them right here!

Punch Brothers headed to Richmond

2008-11-10T15:50:00.006-05:00

I thought this post from the Nonesuch Web site was worth sharing. We're looking forward to performances Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the Modlin Center!

Punch Brothers Tour Introduces Band's New Bass Player

Punch Brothers kicked off a string of November tour dates this past weekend after some time off that allowed for Chris Thile's monthlong tour with bassist Edgar Meyer featuring music from their recent debut duo album on Nonesuch (to which the Montreal Gazette recently gave 3 1/2 stars). These latest dates marked the debut of Punch Brothers' new bassist, Paul Kowert, who, fittingly, studied with Meyer at Philadelphia's Curtis Institute of Music.

The Bluegrass Blog, in a post earlier today, features a bit of biographical information on the young bass player and a review from the site's John Lawless of the new lineup after their sold-out gig at Kirk Avenue Music in Roanoke, Virginia, last night.

"Kowert," the site reports, "is more than up to the task. Not only has he memorized the demanding Punch Brothers repertoire, but he is a brilliant soloist in his own right." Lawless calls Kowert's tone "gorgeous" and crediting his playing with having "brought a new dimension to the band’s already impressive sound."

There's no shortage of praise for the other members of the band as well, though the reviewer sees it as almost self-evident enough not to state it again:

I don’t suppose there is any news value in pointing out that each member of Punch Brothers was equally stunning on stage, as was the group as a whole. They continue to strike me as the most technically gifted string ensemble yet assembled, and the discipline they exhibit individually and as a unit is a wonder to behold.

To read the full article, visit thebluegrassblog.com. The tour continues with sets tonight and tomorrow night in Richmond, Virginia, at the Modlin Center for the Arts. For more tour information, visit nonesuch.com/on-tour.

Frank Rich on Oprah today

2008-11-07T14:55:00.004-05:00

A friend (and big Oprah fan!) told me this morning that Frank Rich is scheduled to appear on Oprah today to give his input on the recent election. I can't find anything on Oprah's website but it's probably worth watching anyway. And if you miss it live, I'm sure you can check her site later. Rich, the Op-Ed columnist for The New York Times, will be visiting Richmond this weekend for two appearances at the Modlin Center: Sunday, Nov. 9 at 3 pm and Monday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 pm.

According to a recent preview in Style Weekly, Rich called Richmond home when he helped create the weekly paper The Richmond Mercury in 1972. Since then, he spent 13 years as the chief drama critic for The New York Times and is now an Op-Ed columnist there, offering a weekly editorial on the connection between culture and news. If you're able, don't miss this fabulous talk by one of the leading journalists of our time as he reflects on the impact of this historic election. He'll take questions from the audience and there will be a post-appearance book signing. Tickets are still available!

Students helping others at Thanksgiving

2008-11-05T16:14:00.004-05:00

The Modlin Center Box Office is often asked for assistance by various groups on campus. Our services are requested to sell tickets to big concerts and events presented around campus by the Campus Activities Board, student theatre productions in Cousins Studio Theatre, annual Family Weekend a cappella concerts and so on.

One group we've always assisted is the National Student Partnership (NSP), a group that recruits and trains VCU/UR volunteers to work one-on-one with low-income community members in obtaining economic stability. Each November, NSP hosts an a cappella concert in the University of Richmond's Cannon Memorial Chapel. Again this year, the concert (November 13 from 7-9 pm) will feature the four University of Richmond a cappella groups--Choeur du Roi, The Octaves, Off the Cuff and the Sirens. This year, Virginia Commonwealth University's first co-ed a cappella group, The Notochords, will also be featured.

Here's the good part: all proceeds raised from ticket sales and donations will help provide full Thanksgiving meals to NSP clients and their family members. Tickets are only $3 or 3 canned goods. Such a deal! Tickets will be available in advance at a table in UR's Tyler Haynes Commons next week (Nov. 10-13) or at the door. I hope you can come out and support NSP and their wonderful student volunteers--students who give so much of their time in support of others.

Two new Modcasts just posted

2008-10-29T22:01:00.004-04:00

We've just posted to new Modcasts (Modlin Center podcasts) on our site.

One is a post-performance Talkback following the October 1 Shanghai Quartet concert featuring the world premiere of Dick Hyman's Quartet in G. This was a wonderful discussion, and worth a listen whether you attended the concert or not.

The other is an interview with Punch Brothers' fiddler Gabe Witcher. Punch Brothers will visit the Modlin Center for two nights (November 11 & 12). Having made their first appearance on the country music scene only a year ago, the Punch Brothers featuring Chris Th ile are already playing to sold-out crowds across the United States. Composed of the blazingly talented Chris Thile (mandolin), Gabe Witcher (fiddle), Chris Eldridge (guitar), Noam Pikelny (banjo) and Greg Garrison (bass), this fledgling band has won the hearts of music lovers everywhere from fans of bluegrass to devotees of the classics. Tickets are on sale now!

So, listen online or subscribe with iTunes. Check it out now!

Sixteen Wounded: first day of rehearsal (Hans meets Mahmoud)

2008-10-24T16:55:00.007-04:00

A few minutes ago, we began our first rehearsal for the upcoming Monday Night World Theatre series dramatic reading of SIXTEEN WOUNDED by Eliam Kraiem. Today, Walter Schoen (left, playing Hans) and Adam Saunders (right, playing Mahmoud) met for the first time (Adam just flew in from Los Angeles). Together, they are working with Donna Coghill (director) and Martin Sulzer-Reichel (dialect coach/cultural consultant) on nuances of the piece including accents, cultural issues, etc. Amy Berlin (stage manager) is here to keep the rehearsal moving smoothly.

Earlier today, Donna and Amy arrived to get the space ready, tables set and check out the greenroom (which had been prepped by Nancy Balboni and Elizabeth Kirkwood). Since there are only 3 days to rehearse, it is extremely important that everything be ready-to-go. Time is everything.

Special thanks to Dana Rajczewski and Ben Paul for their help setting up Cousins Studio Theatre this afternoon and to Sean Farrell and Mike Burns for hanging the lights and setting the platforms yesterday. We are in very good shape for this reading.

Tomorrow, the full company arrives for the first read-through. It will be very exciting to see all of the pieces come together. Stay tuned for more updates.

The quiet before the storm

2008-10-13T15:14:00.002-04:00

Ahh. It's quiet and peaceful around the Modlin Center today. The greatly anticipated Fall Break has finally arrived! Two days with no classes, when students exit campus in droves, looking to relax or blow off steam after busy weeks of mid-terms and papers. However, that doesn't really affect the Modlin Center. Sure, we don't have performance when students are gone, but there is still much to do to prep for upcoming events. The first group of Russians (Saratov Academic Youth Theater) have arrived on campus, and will be followed shortly by the Germans (Max Raabe & Palast Orchester), then the hip musicians from New York's East Village (East Village Opera Company). They are followed quickly by the Africans (Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited) and then the Hollywood crowd (L.A. Theatre Works). And that's just October.

So, although it's called Fall Break, the only break we have at the Modlin Center is a break from the students. There are always tickets to sell, ads to design, mailing lists to create. And a few quite days to enjoy before the halls fill up again with students practicing their dance moves, running lines or drawing in the hallways. I'll enjoy it while I can. That is, when I'm not responding to e-mails, selling tickets, designing ads, running reports... Know what I mean?

Modcasts (Modlin podcasts) ready for your ears

2008-09-27T19:37:00.002-04:00

I've just posted two new podcasts to the Modlin Center Web site. With much thanks to Mike Burns in our production office, we were able to record discussions with the Hot 8 Brass Band on September 4 and eighth blackbird on September 17. Both of these Talkbacks (Q&As with the artists) were recorded live in conjunction with events at the Modlin Center.

On September 4, members of New Orleans' own Hot 8 Brass Band were on hand for the second night of a screening of Spike Lee's documentary, When the Levees Broke. Having just returned to New Orleans following evacuation due to Gustav, the timing couldn't have been more perfect to discuss the after-affects of Hurricane Katrina in 2006. Read more about Hot 8's visit to Richmond in my post from September 5.

On September 17, members of eighth blackbird, the Grammy Award-winning ensemble-in-residence, offered a post-performance discussion on the works they performed that evening with DJ/composer Dennis DeSantis. Among other things, the musicians discuss performing new works by contemporary composers, and how, sometimes, new music can be interpreted by various musicians in various ways.

You can listen to our podcasts online on our Web site, or you can subscribe to receive them automatically via iTunes. Either way, it's worth a listen!

Enjoy,
Samantha

Behind the Box Office Window (2nd Edition)

2008-09-15T16:17:00.000-04:00

For about a full year now, I have been privileged to work for the Modlin Center at the Box Office. As with the beginning of every school year there is the excitement of new classes, new dorm rooms, and (if we're lucky) some new menu items at the Dining Hall. But all of the student employees of the Modlin Center have something else on their list, and that is a brand new season of shows to start learning about.

This year, however, you will not only just hear my voice on the phone and maybe see me at one of our box office windows, but you might also see me running around wearing a headset. I have begun training (as of last weekend) to work as a student house manager for a number of MCA's shows this year. My new job as a member of the outstanding group of house managers which you see everytime you visit for a performance is very exciting. I can now see the larger picture at our events, seeing how to most efficiently direct our audiences into their seats, how to best make use of new technologies (like last year's ticket scanning and Tickets @ Home), and how to ensure a smooth and on time start of each performance.

I am excited, albeit overwhelmed, by the number of tasks which must be completed before, after, and during performances but realize that as long as the whole process is seamless and easy for you, the audience member, then our job has been done correctly. As always, please let us know how your experience is after each performance you attend, your comments are always appreciated.

Another component of each Modlin performance are the volunteer ushers -- people who are willing to donate their time to make sure everyone can find their seats in our theaters. These folks are great and, with the large number of ushers who work each year, are very flexible to differing production needs for each performance. I already enjoy working with these very special folks having volunteer ushered myself a few times (it's a great way to see a performance!)

That's all for now, I look forward to writing more about my training soon. I'll see you at the theater!

Paul

The Irish are coming...

2008-09-08T13:24:00.001-04:00

And we’re off! The 2008-2009 season kicked off this weekend with a matinee performance full of jigs, reels and rubbery-limbed Irish dancers. “An Irish Homecoming” featuring Cherish the Ladies, Bohola, Dermot Henry and the incredible Maura O’Connell brought a healthy dose of the Emerald Isle to Richmond on Saturday afternoon. Audience members braved the threat of a tropical storm to join in on the party, and the performers did not disappoint. Two hours after the first performance, they did it again in front of a sold-out evening crowd. It was announced over radio that we even had a few returning patrons from the afternoon show, purchasing standing-room only tickets. Aside from perhaps a change in location to a crowded Dublin pub, the group did not leave much room for improvement. The jigs were tight, the ballads were strong and they even managed to dig up perhaps the only Irish love song with a happy ending, shocking all in attendance.

For a member of the MCA production staff, the start of the season marks the beginning of what I like to call “Whatdayisitagain?”-itis. Days start to bleed in to each other, dates and times dance around my head with little Google Calendar alarms going off, and all hope of telling a Wednesday from a Saturday is lost. And yet it’s a small price to pay for events like Saturday, for the opportunity to work with a seemingly endless amount of incredibly talented performers and to watch the audience enjoy the results.

But do me a favor – the next time you see me looking confused behind the sound board, kindly remind me what day it is…

Hot 8 comes to Richmond to talk and play

2008-09-05T10:55:00.004-04:00

There was a wonderful Q&A session with members of New Orleans' own Hot 8 Brass Band last night in the Alice Jepson Theatre. It was held in conjunction with the second night of a film screening of Spike Lee's HBO documentary, When the Levee's Broke. The band members, who are featured in the film, took questions from the audience and discussed life in New Orleans before and since Hurricane Katrina. It was truly remarkable that they were here in Richmond at all, given that the band scattered all over once an evacuation of New Orleans was mandated due to Gustav. As it is, two musicians and the tour manager didn't reach Richmond for the Q&A. That didn't detract from the impact of the stories we heard. It was very touching to hear their stories, and though they all evacuated New Orleans as Katrina approached, they had much to share about the devastation the hurricane left in its path. The Modlin Center will post the Q&A as a podcast in a few days, so look for it. These guys are truly amazing.

The Hot 8 is also in town for two performances today. They will perform outdoors on the Lower Forum here on campus (lunchtime concert from 11:45 am-12:45 pm), and later head downtown to participate in the First Fridays Art Walk from 7-10 pm. We are extremely excited about these outdoor performances. Hot 8 had its beginnings as a Second Line band, leading parades through the streets of New Orleans. If the weather holds out, they will lead a parade tonight to kick off First Fridays and the 1708 Gallery's InLight Richmond festival. However, if it rains as expected, the band will be stationary, taking cover. The band will play three sets during the evening, so there are lots of opportunities to experience Hot 8 live without traveling to New Orleans. Come out and join us. We'll be there rain or shine!

Samantha

Subscriptions update

2008-07-28T09:57:00.003-04:00

The nice thing about blogging is that it can be done anywhere, at any time. I'm currently enjoying the third day of my vacation on the sunny shores of southern North Carolina. Jealous? I am enjoying a much deserved break, if I do say so myself. The past two weeks have been very busy at work, for a very good reason. I'm thrilled to announce that the Modlin Center has already received a record number of subscription orders for the upcoming 2008-2009 season! And we still have over a month before the season starts!

Our previous record was from the 2006-2007 season, when David Sedaris first visited Richmond and sold out the Landmark Theater. That season also had two of our other top selling events: MOMIX dance company and Cirque Eloize, the Canadian circus troupe that combines dance, music, acrobatics and theatrics. With all three of those back for the 2008-2009 season, we had hoped for a good response through subscriptions. But, add in a few other big sellers--Garrison Keillor, The 5 Browns, Frank Rich, Stephen Sondheim--and we've broken all records.

In the past two weeks, my staff and I have seated all our subscribers and, with the help of a lot of other people*, were able to get all subscription packets in the mail so I could go on vacation. Actually, I would have taken vacation anyway but it was a huge relief getting all that done before I left. :)

Don't worry, though--we'll still accept your subscription order. Although some events are selling out (Frank Rich and first performance of Cirque Eloize), there are still great seats left for most of our events. Subscribing is really the best way to guarantee your seat in our audience. And with 45 events to choose from, we really do have something for everyone.

So, take a look and place your order. I'll need something to do when I get back from vacation, right? Help me out!

Signing off from the sunny, sandy shores of NC,
Samantha

*Special thanks to David, Dana, Kaitlin, Donna, Christine, Tiffanie, Caitlyn, Nancy, Susan, Katy, Irin and Mike

Summer Days, Summer Nights are Gone...

2008-07-01T11:06:00.003-04:00

It’s July? Seriously? It’s hard to believe that the summer is already half-way gone. While our marketing department has kept busy getting the 2008-2009 season ready to go and taking orders for the many great events it holds, summer in the production world is a bit different. You might think that when the last show is finished in May the production crew packs their bags, jumps in a car and goes on vacation for the production-less summer. You would be wrong. Just because the next great event is months away doesn’t stop the work from pouring in.

It begins with a heavy helping of graduation related events – the School of Continuing Studies graduation, Jepson School Senior Awards and the Henrico County Teacher of the Year Awards. Every summer the Jepson Theater hosts a handful of local dance studios in their end of the year showcases, such as the Village Dance Studio and Bon Air Dance. May ended with the Kitts Piano Sale, a weeklong event that takes over Camp Concert Hall and the rest of the Booker building. There’s Partners in the Arts – another weeklong series of workshops for teachers K-12 aimed at showing the benefits of the arts and encouraging their use in every subject. The entire month of July is consumed by Governors School – a special session of classes and events for incoming high school seniors in Virginia that were hand selected by their teachers to represent their schools in a specific subject area. We host the Arts and Humanities group, with topics ranging from dance, art and music to archaeology, sociology and beyond.

Before you know it, it’s August and we are knee deep in contracts, making phone calls and exchanging e-mails to figure out who needs what production-wise for the upcoming season. In late August, a new class of freshman has arrived and we are busy running the many orientation events in Camp and Jepson. September rolls in and a new season begins.

Needless to say, there is never a dull moment at the Modlin Center.

Box office busy with orders

2008-06-29T21:48:00.002-04:00

It was such a relief to have the season finally announced last time I posted. Months of hard work was finally coming to an end and I couldn't wait to hear the reaction from our loyal patrons. Now, four weeks into our subscription campaign, I can say it's been a success! Sales are still steady and our numbers are up from last year, with subscriptions from over 650 households having already selected their events for the 2008-09 season.

Since our subscription package consists of five or more events from our season of 45, it's always interesting to see what patrons pick for their unique package. I love looking over orders as they come in and seeing the variety of combinations. We have people who pick only classical music, or primarily dance events. There are those who go crazy for our world music events...so it's a good thing that we have a lot of those to offer. Then there are those that truly pick a variety of events: David Sedaris, Chanticleer, Aquila Theatre Company, DRUMLine Live, MOMIX and Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited. These are the subscribers who truly appreciate the wide range of attractions that the Modlin Center presents in Richmond.

The renewal deadline is July 1, so we'll begin seating returning subscribers in the next week or so. Then we seat all new orders that have come in. It's not too late to place your order! I hope you'll be joining us when wour season starts in September!

Samantha

remodeling and looking back

2008-06-16T12:25:00.004-04:00

I may ruin a bit of a surprise here by posting this picture, but take a look at the new and improved Booker Lobby! My disclaimers are: 1) this is still a work-in-progress 2) I know this is a weird angle, and 3) I am no professional photographer. That said, I'm excited to share the news that we've had the lobby outside of Camp Concert Hall remodeled, and it looks fantastic. We now have an official-looking lobby for our gorgeous performance venue, and I'm looking forward to what it will look like when it's totally finished.

The 2008 incarnation of the lobby got me thinking about the last time the lobby was changed, and what changes we've both gone through together (okay, so I realize that this makes the lobby sound human or something, but I'm taking some artistic license here).

I arrived at UR in 1995 fresh out of high school and ready to get involved with the music department. I admit to not remembering too much about how the lobby looked back then, because it was in the process of a major renovation - it was going from the Camp Theatre in the Fine Arts Building (oh, the time spent in The FAB!) to the Camp Concert Hall in the Booker Hall of Music, which would then be part of the Modlin Center for the Arts. I remember taking a hard-hat tour of the new building and of this lobby, and it was exciting. I knew that great things were coming, and I was glad that the Modlin Center would open my sophomore year, because this meant that I had 3 years to enjoy it (my friends who were seniors at the time were seriously jealous).

I was pretty sure that most of my time spent in the Modlin Center would involve performing - the University music ensembles rehearse and perform in the concert hall, and this is an incredible opportunity for students - and attending performances. I had no idea that the Modlin Center would become a second home for me, both during school and after graduation.

One of my activities during college was Alpha Phi Omega, the co-ed service fraternity. As part of my volunteer hours, I often ushered for student recitals in Perkinson Recital Hall during my freshman year. The APO member who organized the project was a senior, so my friend Jodie and I decided to take that project over for sophomore year. In retrospect, I realize that this decision seemed small at the time but ended up having a huge impact on my life. Since the Modlin Center was opening soon, they were looking for students to volunteer for the opening weekend, and I think that's the first way in which I got involved - I had made the connection with the Modlin Center while working on the recital ushering for the year. When the Modlin Center looked for student house managers, I was ready to give it a try.

I admit that I'd not thought about the arts business as a career before then. I was an elementary education student, and I eventually taught school for five years after graduating from UR in 1999. While teaching, I was a pro house manager here, because it was a part of my life that I couldn't imagine living without. When a full-time job opened up at the Modlin Center, I knew that it was something that I wanted to do. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made!

I'm proud to say that I've worked for the Modlin Center in some capacity since its opening in October of 1996. Here's to another great year, new lobby and all!

Performing Arts Management Students Blog about their Internship Experiences

2008-06-09T12:14:00.002-04:00

They're off. Our students on internships this summer have begun a blog about their experiences. Check it out! http://blog.richmond.edu/artsfieldreports