Grammy-nominated Guitarist Frederic Hand Performs with 315 East: A Chamber Ensemble
2/15/2012
On Friday, February 17, D-E's resident professional chamber ensemble, 315 East, welcomes Fredric Hand, Grammy-nominated composer and acclaimed guitarist and lutenist with the Metropolitan Opera.
Entitled "Guitar with Friends", the concert will be performed in Hajjar Auditorium, at 7:30 p.m., and is being offered as part of the
2011-'12 Head of School Series.
This latest chamber ensemble concert from 315 East includes music from the 13th century through the present, featuring prominent composers J.S. Bach and W.A. Mozart, to works by Hand (
Prayer; Psalm of Thanksgiving) and jazz performers/composers Chick Corea and Oliver Nelson. In addition to performing as soloist, Hand will also be supported by some of the members of 315 East, including ensemble director, flautist and D-E Orchestral Director John Littlefield; violinist Annaliesa Place; violist Ah Ling Neu; and cellist Peter Saunders.
Click here for a D-E School media release (PDF) about the February 17 concert.
Beyond his role with the Metropolitan Opera, Fredric Hand is also a highly sought-after teacher at the Mannes College of Music, Purchase College at the State University of New York, and Bennington College. His versatile performing style and concert programs feature his own works which have brought him renown as both a Grammy nominated and Emmy Award winning television composer and recording artist. Noted for his unique performances of early music, Frederic Hand is the creator and director of Jazzantiqua, a group The New York Times has described as "scintillating and brilliant."
Mr. Hand arranged and performed the theme from the Academy Award-winning film, "Kramer vs. Kramer", which led to the best-selling recording "
Baroque and on the Street" (CBS). His composition
Prayer, recorded by John Williams, was nominated for a Grammy award. Hand’s recordings include
"Jazzantiqua" and
"Heart's Song" on Music Masters, and "
Trilogy", an album of solo guitar music released by the Musical Heritage Society. He has performed onstage with Placido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti, conducted by James Levine. Hand's playing and improvisations have also been heard on the scores of numerous films, and his televised performances include appearances with Meg Ryan, Marisa Tomei and Anne Heche, and he has performed on the Broadway stage.
Tickets for this February 17 performance are priced at $25 for general admission and $15 for students and seniors. Seating is limited. For reservations, call 201-569-9500, ext. 3403 or Email
silvek@d-e.org. There is ample free parking, and the facility is handicap-accessible.
Now in its third year, the D-E Head of School Series showcases exceptional professionals in the visual and performing arts. The concerts are performed in an environment ideal for their genre. All who attend enjoy light refreshments, wine, and sparkling beverages.
Remaining Series events scheduled this year include 315 East: A Chamber Ensemble, performing on Thursday, April 12, featuring Igor Stravinsky’s
“L’Histoire du Soldat” in its entirety and with a theatrical puppetry presentation. The concert will take place in Schenck Auditorium in the D-E Khabani Performing Arts Center.
The Series then wraps up its 2011-’12 season on Sunday, April 22 (raindate of April 29), with an Opening Reception and Lecture for the
First Annual Sculpture Exhibit on the Dwight-Englewood School campus. The exhibit features four exceptional works on loan to the School by special arrangement with The Sculptors Guild, and includes works by celebrated sculpture artists Sarah Haviland, Richard Heinrich, Howard Kalish, and Elaine Lorenz.
Click here to learn more about the Sculpture Exhibit.
The Head of School Series is made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors. The Series’ 2011-’12 sponsors include: Grace & Mercy Foundation; Telebrands, Inc.; NY Waterway; Dr. John and Mrs. Sharon Hajjar and Family; Robin Klehr Avia and Kenneth Avia; Brencourt Financial LLP; Kathy Neisloss Leventhal and Richard Leventhal; Raphael Benaroya; Paul Keyes Associates; and several anonymous donors.