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Berlin Is A City Musically Undivided
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- Parent Category: Travel Info
- Category: Things To Do
- Published on Friday, 12 February 2010 21:20
- Written by Brad Balfour
Germany has been a divided country, split by very different ideologies and economies. Though such a partition ended over 20 years ago, unification brought a new set of problems, not least of which were a dual set of orchestral organizations. That's an asset for the musically inclined for there is a plethora of companies hailing from each side of the destroyed wall. While the richness of Berlin's classical music scene has caused funding headaches, many of these organizations have lasted into the 21 century despite negative predictions.
So Berlin is still a major center of Western Europe's vibrant classical music life. And who pops into mind when thinking of classical music heavyweights? Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, Wagner, Strauss, among the foremost famous, all share the German language as their native tongue. And many avant gardists who shaped modern music such as Amold Schoenberg and Alban Berg also hailed from Western Europe's largest country.
German stars such as violinist Anne Sophie Mutter or the whole Berliner Philhamzonisches Orchester are internationally established and front a classical music scene unmatched by most cities. For such music fans, the German capital yields a rich tapestry of musical opportunities and performances that take place there daily.
As the principal locations for this music, the Philharmonie building (in super modernistic Potsdamer Platz) and Konzerthaus (in classic Gendamzenmarkt in Mine) offer gorgeous interior spaces befitting the music produced therein. These spots couldn't be more contrasting and represent the bi-polar nature of Deutschland's capital.
Conservative and progressive trends vie with each other reflecting the country's turbulent, dynamic past and the East/West dichotomy --·still latent in Berlin -- lies in some of the repertoire performed there. The West Berlin audiences seem more conditioned to avant garde styles while the Eastern audiences have more traditional appetites.
One evening, the Berliner Sinfonie-Orchester performed both the stolid Robert Schumann's Manfred overture and 3rd Symphony as well as the archly avant garde Wolfgang Rihm's Frau Stimme which garnered wildly diverse audience reactions. One set grumbled,while another contingent seemed in heaven. Besides these two great orchestras east/west (BSO/BPO) and their operatic counterparts, there are the two radio orchestras from each side, which enjoy a continuing presence there--the DSO served the West, while the RFO performed for the East.
Berliner Philhannonisches Orchester
The Philharmonie is home to the BPO (also known as the Philhamtoniker--the business entity) which has recorded with the 20th century's finest conductors and soloists -- including R. Strauss, I. Stravinsky, P. Hindemith, W. Lutoslawski and H. W. Henze (under the composers' direction). At the advent of new technologies -- during the years with famed conductor Herbert von Karajan -- the BPO made the first stereophonic orchestral production (the complete Beethoven symphonies in '61 and '62) and first CD, Carmen (Deutsche Grammophon), in '83.
The Philharmoniker has received innumerable awards including Grammys in '78, '92, and '97. Classical met contemporary again when The BPO played on the heavy rocking Scorpions' latest CD. Now helmed by Sir Simon Rattle, it remains one of the top three orchestras in the world. On one evening I visited there, the BPO played Mendelssohn which yielded an astounding Thomas Zehetmayr violin solo displaying such articulate bowing skills as to be apparent to even the most novice audience member.
Berlin Philharmonic Hall
Herbert-von-Karajan-Str. 1
10785 Berlin
+49 (030) 254 88-999
www.berliner-philharmoniker.de
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin
Through the 20th century's second half, the DSO, under the guidance of four conductors -- Ferenc Fricsay, Lorin Maazel, Riccardo Chailly and Vladimir Askenazy -- has molded a unique repertoire with an ear to both past tradition and present stirrings. Askenazy's baton was passed to the orchestra's chief conductor/artistic director, Kent Nagano who passed it to the orchestra's current principal conductor, Ingo Metzmacher, effective with the 2007-2008 season.
The orchestra's 53 year old aesthetic by introducing new repertoire much of it to be performed at the Philharmonie. Such was the night when it performed Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition using the piano as lead instrument and focal point, interpolating it with the standard orchestral arrangements. This performance illuminated such a well-known piece in a very different light and merited kudos for the Orchestra -- that's what makes it a world-class orchestra.
Konzerthausorchester Berlin
Founded in '52, the Berlin Symphony Orchestra (Berliner Sinfonie-Orchester) was Communist East Berlin's main outlet of classical music . The Leningrad Philharmonic Artistic Director Kurt Sanderling took the BSO's helm in 1960 guiding it with a conservative style until '77. Giinther Herbig followed his tenure and it then was led by Claus Peter Flor. Since reunification, it was first headed by Michael Schonwandt, then Eliahu Inbal. Since 2006, Lothar Zagrosek has been the orchestra's chief conductor. After German reunification in 1989, the orchestra was threatened with dissolution, but subscriber action maintained the ensemble. The orchestra acquired its current name in 2006. While firmly rooted in tradition, the BSO can stray from the expected course with unexpected results.
Rundfunk-symphonieOrchester Berlin
Of the two radio orchestras which enjoy a continuing presence in Berlin, the RFO -- originally formed in 1923-- served as DDR radio's classical voice. Since the wall has come down, it continues performing on radio and in Konzerthaus under the direction of conductor Rafael Friihbeck de Burgos. An affiliate company to the RFO, The Rundfunkchor Berlin expresses the romantic classical ideal shared with the RFO.
Symphonieorchester Berlin
With offices in Charlottenburg, the Berliner Symphoniker (SOB) started in 1966 on an independent course from the state-sponsored ensemble created when the wall went up and musicians left. Under conductor Lier Shambadal's leadership, the SOB provides concert series held at both the Philhamzonie and Konzerthaus as well as performances at schools and in public spaces.
Deutsche Oper Berlin
During the '50s, the Stadtische Oper (the company became Deutsche Oper Berlin in '61) opened its doors of tradition to new works. First performances and world premieres by Menotti, Malipiero, Zillig, Henze, Britten and others took their place in the repertoire. The Deutsche Oper Berlin has showcased in its own modemistic building in Charlottenberg younger directors such as Werner Reich and Giinter Roth as well as older masters like Carl Ebert. During its 36 years, the Deutsche Oper Berlin has brought out some 60 musical world premieres.
Staats Oper Unter Den Linden
Under famed conductor Daniel Barenboim's helm, the State Opera was East Berlin's premier Opera company. Situated in Mitte (which directly translated as "center"), and performing at Konzerthaus or in its own building, this institution is truly at the core of Berlin's contemporary cultural life. The Opera reflects the same grand traditions it has cultivated since its inception. When Giacomo Meyerbeer's Robert Le Diable was performed with much bombast, big voices and hard-to-comprehend story, the drama (with some nudity) seemed dense and oblique. It reveled in its very complexity and demonstrated the company's mastery of such productions.
Staatsoper Unter den Linden
Unter den Linden
7
10117 Berlin
+49 30 20 35 40
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www.staatsoper-berlin.org
Komische Oper Berlin
A unique cultural center ever since its founding in '47 by operatic stage director Waiter Felsenstein, the renowned Komische Oper Berlin was created as a place where opera and theater would blend together under one roof. Through the current directors and Conductor Yakov Kreizberg, the Opera became a workshop to fuse music and dramatic interpretation. That the productions are solely in the German vernacular has brought positive response from native audiences. The Oper's dance company--founded in '66 and run by British choreographer Richard Wherlock -- is an international respected ensemble presenting both ballet and contemporary dance.
The Musikinstrumanten Museum
In addition to these institutions, this Museum on Tiergartenstrasse near the Philhamzonie is a treasure trove of the most beautiful musical instruments in the world. With all these organizations present, Berlin offers a rich tableau for any classical music fan.
NYC Places to Go: The Central Park Snowscape
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- Parent Category: Travel Info
- Category: Things To Do
- Published on Friday, 04 December 2009 22:09
- Written by Marion DS Dreyfus
I got off the bus at 57th Street and 6th Avenue and walked up through the Central Park snowscape.![Tavern on the Greeen -- New Year's Day [photo: B. Balfour]](/images/stories/tavern-on-green.jpg "Tavern on the Greeen -- New Year's Day [photo: B. Balfour]")
Faerie time.
Little kids with their brilliantly colored toboggans or inverted large plastic frisbees in cherry, lime green, turquoise and violet flopped down the tiniest slopes, shrilly screaming with delight. People were running the track, as per usual, enclosed in their huffing and timing.
Many teams of families and friends were building snowmen, and I saw at least three snow caves, which we always advise people to build in the chilly North, if they are caught in a snowstorm or are lost in the woods and there is available snow.
I watched four energetic bunches of people cavorting on tamped-down slopes; some of the adults were sitting on the plastic garbage-can covers so they looked behind their tots.
Your Face Deserves High End, try HourGlass
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- Parent Category: Travel Info
- Category: Places To Shop
- Published on Monday, 05 March 2018 16:07
- Written by Lapacazo Sandoval & Daurisa Tessier
Whatever you do, please don’t get turned off by the words “high end” — especially when it comes to your pretty face, ladies.
Something happened to me, recently inside a Sephora store. I met a woman with ebony-hued skin and a specular glow — so fantastic, that I thought, perhaps, she had stepped from the pages of a very modern fairytale.
The makeup on the woman’s face was HourGlass cosmetics, and she was a representative from the company. After a few well placed phone calls to their public relations team, I received a gift package and began my journey to learn more about the products.
To assist me in this task, I enlisted professional makeup career, Daurisa Tessier, a “sister” with over 10 years experience as a professional makeup artist. Her work is featured in many notable publications and global ad-campaigns, including Vogue, Berta Bridal, MAC, Chanel, Nars, Victoria Secret, and much more.
Here’s what makeup artist Miss Daurisa Tessier had to share about using HourGlass
Q: How can a woman of color match her skin to get a natural look with HOURGLASS?
Daurisa Tessier: Hourglass foundation sticks are absolutely beautiful for women of color. With 26 beautiful shades, there is a color for every woman and ethnicity. Not only is the Hourglass stick a foundation, but the coverage conceals under eyes and any imperfections of the skin, leaving you with a beautiful finish that feels like it was set with powder. When I tried the foundation for myself, I must say I was very impressed with the coverage and how long the makeup lasted throughout the day. The benefits are that it is something you can carry in your purse or travel with because it is only .25 OZ. I used it with the Vanish seamless foundation brush, which made the foundation go on as if it was silk. I was never a fan of stick foundations but I must say I was impressed how the color I chose was perfect for my skin tone which was honey, and how effortlessly it was to put it on. Everyone wants skin that looks perfect, and Hourglass foundation sticks by far are the closest to getting a flawless application and beautiful skin.
Q: How important is a primer for women of color?
DT: Primer for a woman of color is the canvas before the art. let me explain: Here are so many benefits to using a primer the first one is that is blurrs out imperfections in the face and minimizes pores in the skin before putting on the foundation. The other amazing reason for using primer is it helps with oil and it makes your makeup stay fresh and last all day. I definitely recommend a primer to all women of color. We all know the saying “black don’t crack” but we all know it can get some creases (smiles). One of the primers I recommend is by Hourglass, and it is the Veil Primer. Some of the benefits are that it smooths out the skin, its oil-free, and it makes the makeup last all day long. It helps with making pores, wrinkles and lines in the face look very minimal, and it even has SPF 15 to protect from the sun and last but not least its vegan. So yes ladies, before we paint our face, lets prime it first.
Q: Hourglass's Lip Color stays on long and keeps the lips moisturized. How does a woman add that extra sparkle for the holiday season?
DT: Using Hourglass Femme rouge velvet creme lipstick is the way to go for the holidays. One of my favorite shades is Muse which is a beautiful coral color. The lipsticks are very creamy and are infused with vitamin E. To give it a more sparkly look for the holiday, I would add their Extreme Sheen High Shine lipgloss in the color reflect which will give the lips a nice glossy pout.
Q: How can you get a Sparkle Holiday look?
DT: When I think of a Holiday look I think of highlighting and contouring the face and glitter. Combining all of these wonderful Hourglass products and adding a touch of glitter on the lips and eyes gives off a sparkle to the face that is absolutely beautiful. Hourglass makes a beautiful highlighter and one of my favorites is the Ambience Strobe Lighting powder in Eurphoric. Brush this powder delicately on your forehead, down your nose, cheekbones, and browbone to give your skin a beautiful glow. A holiday looks also need lashes and of course a winged out eyeliner on the top lid in black.
To learn more, go to: www.daurisatessier.com
A Gift Guide For The Weary and Uncertain
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- Parent Category: Travel Info
- Category: Places To Shop
- Published on Sunday, 24 December 2017 02:48
- Written by Brad Balfour
I have been wrangling for days to think of a premise for a gift guide because, as a regulation pack rat — okay,hoarder— I like to have everything. But then, I thought to myself, “Self, where have you recorded all the things you have liked that you would want to give or share with someone else?”
So I went back to my trusty, though shitty, cell phone camera and found my many gifts to have or give. There’s a greater joy in giving that gift, maybe more than when opening the perfect gift that’s been received.
An ideal present is unique and personal, one you hope someone never thought of but would actually enjoy. It’s great to let someone know how much you care. From theater events to underwear, here a small selection of my peculiar selection of holiday gifts for 2017.
Let’s begin.
Go see actor John Leguizamo, whose new show, “Latin History For Morons” has been getting great reviews because this multi-talented actor/writer provides a unique, prickly history of his own culture and its place in the greater sweep of mankind. Get a pair of tickets and take that particular companion who will laugh along with you at Studio 54 sometime soon.
Then pick up a new book, “My Antonioni,” edited by Carlo di Carlo which details the life and aesthetic of the late great Italian director, Michelangelo Antonioni. There’s not only the book but a detailed retrospective that’s just starting to overview his career playing at MoMA through January 7th. Definitely worth seeing his movies if only because his classic “Blow Up” — is a film you should share with an intellectually adventurous friend.
One evening I made it to Sotheby’s on East 72nd Street where they were holding this amazing auction of classic and luxury cars. I could even imagine getting one of those — or at least getting into one… But it was this sculpture — made of European gas cans — that struck me as the ideal item for someone who has everything and needs something so weird that no one else would ever imagine having it.
Radio City Music Hall hosts the annual Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular and though I am not usually drawn to such touristic fare, I would love to have that right person besides me when I go to see this show. In all my years in NYC, I have never never seen it. If only for one time, I want to go and share it with someone as corny as me.
I think of the many fashion statements that would serve as great gifts, but not usually do I get down to the looking at the undies — except at Victoria's Secret. I care not how male undergarments look and feel (except on me) but Spartan Boxers offers something more — protection against radiation. This is a pair to get for any safety-conscious buddies. Designed in Paris, you can shield your nuts from wireless radiation. But staying safe shouldn't compromise style so this company offers cutting-edge technology merged with design that’s modern, minimalist and antibacterial.
Miley Cyrus’ new album, “Younger Now,” is out now. She’s an incredible talent who surprises with every new record — so this is the one to pass along. Forget Taylor Swift. Though Miley’s a paparazzi fodder, this former child/pop star is a brilliant cultural appropriator whose new release means a new Miley. Dreadlocks, twerking, and druggy days are in the past as she debuts her sixth studio recording; she’s abandoned a rap persona in favor of a stripped-down country-pop which means that finding out who this new Miley is something to share with someone who appreciates my fascination with this chameleon.
American artist Raymond Pettibon, born Raymond Ginn on June 16, 1957, lives and works in New York City now. But he came to prominence in the early ‘80s as part of the southern California punk rock scene — creating posters and album art for groups such as Black Flag who were on SST Records, owned and operated by brother Greg. Recently he’s enjoyed a New Museum retrospective and an exploding price tag; his one-of-a-kind works have become expensive but if you find the right gallery you can get one of his prints — a much more affordable way to collect or give art.
Take a loved one or good friend to the midtown eatery “Rice N Beans” at 744 9th Avenue near the intersection of 9th and West 50th St. This homey Brazilian restaurant is totally affordable and sumptuous in its portions. A Clinton neighborhood mainstay, it’s open from 11:30 am to 10 pm. Check out the menu at ricenbeansnyc.com
The company BIO-key has been developing and delivering advanced fingerprint biometric hardware and software solutions since 1993. Its technology has been used by the FBI, AT&T, NCR and leading hospitals across the U.S. In 2015, BIO-key introduced a line of compact fingerprint readers (SideTouch, SideSwipe & EcoID) that support Windows Hello. Now BIO-key introduces the TouchLock™ line of smart padlocks and bicycle locks empowered by fingerprint and Bluetooth technology. Maybe not the most romantic item to give as a gift but certainly one to offer security.
Actress Jenna Fischer’s book, “The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide,” not only details her Hollywood journey but it also gives helpful advice and support to novices. He career began when, at age of 22, she moved to Los Angeles from her hometown of St. Louis. With a theater degree in hand, she was determined and confident, ready to work hard. She tells all about what can and did go wrong along the way and how she lived to tell the tale. For all your talented wannabes who might find this perfect guide to receive.
Another book that addresses celebrity lifestyles is veteran music interviewer Mark Bego’s fabulous cook book, “Eat Like A Rock Star.” In it things get really tasty from this author (he’s done 62 books on celebrities from Glen Campbell to The Supremes) as he discovers what our favorites stars like to make and eat inthis “authorized” rock & roll cookbook. Its 10 chapters highlight Breakfast, Lunch, Hors d’Oeuvres, Poultry, Meat, Pasta, Fish & Seafood, Vegetables & Side Dishes, Desserts, and Cocktails. All of the recipes have been personally tested and include ones developed by the likes of Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones, The Monkees’ Micky Dolenz, Martha Reeves, Debbie Gibson, Boz Scaggs, and many more. A perfect book to use to spice up a holiday party.
