Tag Archives: Adele Valovich

Candlelight 2015: A Concert For The Ages

Posted on December 20, 2015 | 20 comments

Hundreds of alumni — from as far away as California, and as long ago as the 1950s — poured in to the Staples High School auditorium, for last night’s 75th anniversary Candlelight Concert.

At the end of the emotional evening, they poured onto the stage for Staples’ largest-ever “Hallelujah Chorus.” In addition to the traditional choral singers, several former orchestra members brought their instruments on stage too.

Candlelight has inspired musicians and concert-goers for three-quarters of a century. Here’s to the next 75!

Wellington Baumann holds his candle proudly, during the "Sing We Noel" processional. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Wellington Baumann holds his candle proudly, during the “Sing We Noel” processional. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

The timeless "Sing We Noel" processional. (Photo/Kerry Long)

The timeless “Sing We Noel” processional. (Photo/Kerry Long)

Among the programs on display was this. The 2nd verse of "Sing We Noel" is no longer sung -- making it a lost verse from a carol that (except for Staples) is now quite obscure.

Among the programs on display was this. The 2nd verse of “Sing We Noel” is no longer sung — making it a lost verse from a carol that (except for Staples) is now quite obscure. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Dr. Robert Kwan accompanied the chorus and chorale. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Dr. Robert Kwan accompanied the chorus and chorale. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Vocal director Luke Rosenberg asks his chorale to take a bow. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Vocal director Luke Rosenberg asks his chorale to take a bow. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Adele Valovich's orchestra wowed the audience with 2 selections from "Coppelia Ballet." Nick Mariconda's band was similarly stunning. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Adele Valovich’s orchestra wowed the audience with 2 selections from “Coppelia Ballet.” (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Nick Mariconda's band added a big brass sound. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Nick Mariconda’s band added a big brass sound. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

World music is an important part of Candlelight. The African song "Noel" included rhythmic clapping by the a cappella choir. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

World music is an important part of Candlelight. The African song “Noel” included rhythmic clapping by the a cappella choir. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Don Rickenback's original production number included a Santa "Grinch." (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Don Rickenback’s original production number included this Santa “Grinch.” (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

David Ohanian -- son of Candlelight founder John Ohanian, and himself a world renowned French horn player -- guest-conducted the orchestra for the "Hallelujah Chorus." Former choral director Alice Lipson did the same honors with the vocalists. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

David Ohanian — son of Candlelight founder John Ohanian, and himself a world renowned French horn player — guest-conducted the orchestra for the “Hallelujah Chorus.” Former choral director Alice Lipson did the same honors with the vocalists. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Alumni joined current singers and orchestra members for a memorable "Hallelujah Chorus." (Photo/Kerry Long)

Alumni joined current singers and orchestra members for a memorable “Hallelujah Chorus.” Click on or hover over this (and every) photo for the full effect. (Photo/Kerry Long)

A program from 1958 -- just one thread in an unbroken string of memorable Candlelight Concerts, from 1940 to 2015. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

A program from 1958 — just one thread in an unbroken string of memorable Candlelight Concerts, from 1940 to 2015. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Bonus feature: Joe Pucci’s video of the “Hallelujah Chorus:

 

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Posted in Arts, Education, Looking back, People, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Candlelight Concert Rings In The Holiday Season

Posted on December 12, 2014 | 8 comments

Tonight’s Candlelight Concert — the 1st show of the 2-day, 74th annual gift to the town from the Staples High School music department — wowed a packed auditorium.

Hundreds of singers and musicians performed sophisticated pieces with aplomb. They threw in a PDQ Bach number, and the world premiere of a global warming-themed production number by Don Rickenbach.

And, of course, the timeless “Sing We Noel” processional, and rousing “Hallelujah Chorus” finale, serve as fitting bookends for one of Westport’s favorite events of the year.

"Now let hosannas ring..." (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

“Now let hosannas ring…” (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

The chorus and chorale, with accompanist Dr. Robert Kwan. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

The chorus and chorale, with accompanist Dr. Robert Kwan. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

The a cappella choir, directed by Luke Rosenberg. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

The a cappella choir, directed by Luke Rosenberg. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Adele Valovich leads the symphonic orchestra.

Adele Valovich leads the symphonic orchestra. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Nick Mariconda and the symphonic band. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Nick Mariconda and the symphonic band. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

There was a lot going on during the clever production number. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

A lot went on during the clever production number. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

At the end of the "Hallelujah Chorus," the audience was invited to return next year -- when the Candlelight Concerts celebrates its 75th anniversary. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

At the end of the “Hallelujah Chorus,” the audience was invited to return next year — when the Candlelight Concerts celebrates its 75th anniversary. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

 

 

 

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Getting In The Candlelight Mood

Posted on December 4, 2014 | 1 comment

Staples’ 74th Candlelight Concert is more than a week away. But the orchestra, choirs and bands are hard at work, rehearsing for the high school’s annual gift to the town.

Ever wonder what it’s like to be part of the “Hallelujah Chorus”? Here’s an up-close-and-personal view, from backstage behind the string section.

Hallelujah!

 

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Posted in Arts, religion, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Calling All Candlelight Connoisseurs

Posted on November 22, 2014 | 7 comments

Next year, Staples’ Candlelight Concert celebrates its 75th anniversary. Hallelujah!

To mark the occasion, the music department — in conjunction with Class of 1961 grad John Brandt — plans a spectacular video.

In 1979, the annual concert was already 39 years old.

In 1979, the annual concert was already 39 years old.

Candlelight originator John Ohanian was known for his meticulous attention to detail. The organizers of next year’s celebration have learned his lessons well.

Thirteen months ahead of time, they’re already searching for archival material. They need programs from before 1961 (the 1st one — 1940 — would be golden).

They’d like still photos, and of course recordings — either vinyl, old Beta videos, even reel-to-reel tapes.

Please send in jpeg or .wav format — or simply in its original form. All material will be copied and returned. Send to: Adele Valovich c/o Staples High School, 70 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. You can email her at  avalovich@westport.k12.ct.us, or call 203-341-5128. The deadline is December 12.

Now let hosannas ring…

Choir member Michael Sixsmith was part of the always-evocative "Sing We Noel" processional. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

A recent Candlelight processional. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

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Songs Of Staples

Posted on May 1, 2014 | 2 comments

The weather was awful. There was no publicity.

Still, those are slim excuses for last night’s maybe-half-filled Staples auditorium.

If you weren’t there to see the performance — and, based on the enormous number of musicians on stage, plenty of parents skipped their own kid’s concert — here’s what you missed.

The high school’s Symphonic Band played a haunting hymn for peace, then rocked an American salute.

Claire Smith and Jack Baylis solo with the A Cappella Choir. (Photo/Lawrence J. Zlatkin)

Claire Smith and Jack Baylis solo with the A Cappella Choir. (Photo/Lawrence J. Zlatkin)

The A Cappella Choir did Broadway proud. Then the Symphonic Orchestra galloped through a Boston Pops-style “William Tell Overture.” Daniel Shapiro soloed beautifully on a Mozart concerto. And Max Liben took conductor Adele Valovich’s baton — for only the 2nd time in her career — to lead a rousing “Danzon No. 2.”

The next Staples concerts are May 21 (Orphenians and Chamber Orchestra) and May 22 (all choirs). They’re well worth your time.

Plus, the weather will be much better.

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Songs For Sandy Hook

Posted on February 2, 2013 | 4 comments

Last Thursday night — with little fanfare, but tremendous talent and spirit — the Staples Music Department offered a phenomenal concert.

A fundraiser for the Sandy Hook Family Fund, it featured the elite Orphenians a cappella singing group, and chamber orchestra.

If you weren’t there, you missed an amazing night. Fortunately, Jim Honeycutt — the indefatigable Media Lab director — produced an 18-minute “highlight reel.”

The 1st clip is the Orphenians’ “There Will Be Rest,” by Frank Ticheli (Luke Rosenberg, director).

The 2nd is from the Chamber Orchestra’s “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,” by Mozart (Adele Valovich, director).

The 3rd series of clips, with the combined groups, is from the movements of Schubert’s “Mass No. 2 in G Major”: Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus
and Agnus Dei.

Click below for this inspiring performance. If your browser does not support a direct link, click here, then click on the YouTube video.

(The full video is available on Channel 78, at 8 p.m. most evenings.)

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Warmed By Candlelight

Posted on December 15, 2012 | 1 comment

Celebration and solemnity mixed together last night at Staples.

The high school’s 72nd annual Candlelight Concert provided not only its traditional joy, pageantry and warmth, but also a chance for Westporters to gather and reflect on the morning tragedy a few miles north in Newtown.

Principal John Dodig noted that the realization that 20 sets of parents would never again hug their children reinforced the importance of being with “the kids we love.”

Then the healing power of music began.

Choir member Michael Sixsmith was part of the always-evocative "Sing We Noel" processional. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

Choir member Michael Sixsmith was part of the always-evocative “Sing We Noel” processional. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

The Staples Choir's rendition of "Holy Night, Silent Night" was hauntingly beautiful. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

The Staples Choir’s rendition of “Holy Night, Silent Night” was hauntingly beautiful. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

The choir's traditional production number included -- as usual -- reindeer. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

The choir’s traditional production number included reindeer. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

Santa, elves, the choir, chorus, chorale and orchestra joined in a magnificent "Hallelujah Chorus" finale. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

Santa, elves, the choir, chorus, chorale and orchestra joined in a magnificent “Hallelujah Chorus” finale. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

New choral director Luke Rosenberg and veteran orchestra conductor Adele Valovich take bows after last night's Candlelight Concert. Nick Mariconda's band also played magnificently. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

New choral director Luke Rosenberg and veteran orchestra conductor Adele Valovich took bows after last night’s Candlelight Concert. Nick Mariconda’s band also played magnificently. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

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Hallelujah!

Posted on December 9, 2012 | 8 comments

From my very 1st Candlelight Concert, way back in 19whatever, I’ve been a huge fan of this Staples High School holiday tradition.

Candlelight 2011. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

Candlelight 2011. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

I’ve never missed a year. And I’ve never not had goosebumps the moment the “Sing We Noel” processional begins.

But until this week, the closest I’ve gotten to the stage was singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” at the final performance with dozens of ecstatic alums.

On Thursday, I was walking in the hall behind the auditorium. Adele Valovich was rehearsing her orchestra; Luke Rosenberg’s choir was singing.

I wandered in, mesmerized. Standing behind the strings and percussion, I heard the “Hallelujah Chorus” in an entirely different way. After all those years, this remarkable work sounded more awesome than ever.

Enjoy!

(If your browser does not support YouTube directly, click here for the video. Free tickets for this year’s Candlelight Concert — Fri., Dec. 14 at 8 p.m., Sat. Dec. 15 at 2 and 8 p.m. — are available at Staples’ front desk, until 3 p.m. this week.)

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71st Annual Gift To The Town (New Photos Added)

Posted on December 11, 2011 | 4 comments

Every year since 1940, the Staples High School music department has offered the Candlelight Concert to the town.

This weekend, several hundred teenagers — and instructors Adele Cutrali-Valovich, Nick Mariconda and Justin Miller — provided the gift of music to 3 wildly appreciative audiences.

The program included solemn hymns, classical music, a rousing African number, whimsical tunes — and of course, a production number.

In everyone’s thoughts were Nava Zeevi, the longtime accompanist whose husband Kuti was killed in a robbery Thursday night. Todd Simmons, assistant director of the Westport School of Music, stepped in to take her place.

Solomon Sloat (top) and Will Bitsky in the traditional "Sing We Noel" processional. (Photos by Lynn U. Miller)

Senior Mike Ljungberg provides the beat for the lovely African song "Ogo ni fun Oluwa!" (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

Sophomore chorale member Rick Daily gives it his all. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

Mrs. Claus and her dancers (top), and her husband Santa Claus and the Staples choir, in the traditional production number. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

(From bottom left) Michael Sixsmith, Mikell Washington and Santa Claus singing the rousing finale, the Hallelujah Chorus. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller)

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Tooting Josh Frank’s Trumpet

Posted on November 2, 2011 | 2 comments

When Josh Frank received a Westport Arts “Horizons” Award in 2009 — as a “rising young artist” — he was surprised and honored.

He also felt guilty.  “I thought, ‘they recognized me, but what have I done for Westport?'” the trumpeter, composer and movie producer asked recently.

Though he lives in New York, he vowed to do more.

Josh enjoys working with kids.  He’s doing that now, teaching pro bono “master classes” for trumpeters at Staples and Coleytown Middle School.

Josh Frank

He talks with the students about trumpet fundamentals — but ties the instrument in with the real world.  “Music doesn’t exist by itself, or in a box,” he says.  “The lessons that come out of it — practice regimens, connecting with people — they’re so important in life.”

His students like to hear about his own post-Staples career.  He’s recorded a film score for a Francis Ford Coppola movie; performed at Central Park’s SummerStage with Yo-Yo Ma and Bobby McFerrin; been featured on camera in “Royal Pains”; recorded a commercial for IBM; toured as a soloist with the New York Symphonic Ensemble; helped found a chamber orchestra that’s been featured on Channel 13; and performed with his “Batteries Duo” group at various sites in Minneapolis — including the Apple Store.

The Staples (Class of 2000), Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music grad has recorded with David Byrne, and toured Japan with Boyz II Men.

Who says you can’t make a living doing what you love?

Josh Frank in action.

As if that’s enough, Josh has started teaching privately in Westport.  He’s got a few trumpet students already, but has room for one or two more.

He can relate to plenty of kids in town.

“When I first started playing, in 5th grade at King’s Highway, I was like every other kid in band,” he recalls.  “I loved it, but I had no idea where it would lead.”

But his teachers and parents encouraged and supported him.  Gregg Winters, Nick Mariconda, Adele Valovich — all those Westport instructors and more have helped make him who he is.

And now Josh Frank is paying it — and playing it — back.

And forward.

(To contact Josh, email josh@joshfrankmusic.com, or call 917-742-6040.  Click here for his website.)

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