Tag Archives: Frederic Chiu

Roundup: Shearwater, STG Fun Run, MoCA Carnival …

Posted on March 17, 2024 | 10 comments

Shearwater Coffee Bar– the Westport outpost of the Fairfield shop, in what was formerly Bertucci’s and, long before that, the Clam Box — closed permanently yesterday.

Word on the street is that it will be replaced by Greenology, a New Canaan vegan spot.

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Staples Tuition Grants helps hundreds of graduates each year.

Now some Staples students want to help too.

The 1st annual Staples Tuition Grants Fun Run — for youngsters in grades 3 through 5 — is set for April 6 (8 to 10 a.m., Paul Lane Field at Staples). Registration is just $25.

All proceeds benefit STG. Last year the organization awarded $407,000 to 116 students, in grants ranging from $1,000 to $7,500.

The morning includes races, a bounce house, face painting, temporary tattoos, a bake sale and raffle.

Medals will be awarded to winners at each age level.

The STG Fun Run is the brainchild of Staples junior Alexis Krenzer. She wanted to do something good and fun for her community, with a theme of “kids helping kids.”

Alexis got Sara Hollard Sports to coordinate the races, and rallied other students to help. Over 30 volunteers will work with the children that day. Others have been involved, for example creating the logo.

Staples cheerleaders will lend their support too, while and SCI mentors — a group encouraging kids to learn about science — lead the bake sale.

Click here to register for the run. Information can be found on Instagram (@stgfunrun).

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Frederic Chiu — Westport’s favorite internationally know pianist — comes “home” to MoCA next Saturday (March 23, 4 p.m.).

He’ll join with funky family-friendly poet David Gonzalez, to give Camille Saint-Saëns’ “The Carnival of the Animals” a new twist.

The Tortoise, The Swan, Wild Horses and the rest of the musical menagerie will be “reborn” with the duo’s performance.

The work includes 14 separate pieces, each  suggesting a particular animal. It often serves as an introduction for young audiences to classical music.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Frederic Chiu (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Earthplace’s 3rd annual Beer Garden & Tasting is not just for adults.

The Arbor Day “Toast to the Trees” event (April 27, 4 to 6 p.m.) includes sparkling beverages and arts and crafts for kids, and beer tastings for those over 21, along a self-guided trail walk.

Then everyone gathers in the Beer Garden for s’mores, lawn games, food trucks, and beers for purchase.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

 

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Fred Cantor is a man of many interests.

And many talents.

The Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate is an attorney, theatrical producer (“All Good Things”) and short film producer.

“The High School That Rocked!” explored the magical years when great bands — The Doors, Yardbirds, Cream, Remains — played at Staples.

Cantor’s latest documentary is “It’s a Hollywood Life!” The half-hour film focuses on longtime Westport resisdent Susan Granger’s 80-plus years connected to the movie business. (Spoiler alert: She started in childhood,  appearing with some of the biggest stars during the Golden Age of Hollywood.)

The Ridgefield Independent Film Festival will screen Cantor’s movie May 18. Immediately after, there’s a Q-and-A with Granger, Keir Dullea, Mia Dillon, and directors, Laurie Valentina Gomez Acosta and Maya Weldon-Lagrimas.

Click here for more information.

Susan Granger on set with Wallace Beery and her father, director Sylvan Simon, in a still from Fred Cantor’s documentary.

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Today’s very cool “Westport … Naturally” photo shows the unnatural shape of Compo Beach sand.

It’s been prepped for the summer months. Soon the trucks and tire treads will be gone. And all will be “natural” again.

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … here’s a toast to today!

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Children, Entertainment, Restaurants

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Pic Of The Day #2332

Posted on September 6, 2023 | 4 comments

Lanternfly and Frederic Chiu share a Compo Beach sunset. (Photo/Jeanine Esposito)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Pic of the Day

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Roundup: Staples Lacrosse: State Champs! …

Posted on June 12, 2023 | Comments Off on Roundup: Staples Lacrosse: State Champs! …

First there was Wilton. Then Darien.

Now there’s a new powerhouse in Connecticut boys lacrosse: Staples.

The Wreckers won their 2nd straight state championship — and 2nd ever — yesterday. Seeded #2 in the “L” (large schools) division, they dominated #1-ranked Fairfield Prep en route to a 13-6 victory.

The score was 4-2 at halftime. The blue-and-whites never looked back.

Goals and/or assists came from Tyler Clark, Sam Eigen, Ben Burmeister, Leo Sequenzia, Gavin Rothenberg, Adam Udell, Tristan Schaefer, Michael Nealon and Dixon Scherer. Josh Marcus was a rock in goal.

Two days earlier, in a much closer contest, Staples edged #3 Darien, 9-8.

Congratulations to coach Will Koshansky, and the entire team, on a hard-earned, well-deserved, and fantastic accomplishment!

(Photos/Jada Mirabelle for CIAC Sports)

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A 13% cut in Metro-North service — and 4% fare increase — are coming down the tracks this fall.

What can be done?

Nothing.

That’s the opinion of Jim Cameron, CT Mirror’s transportation columnist.

Click here to read today’s full column. And get ready to gnash your teeth.

Jim Cameron describes what’s on track for local trains. (Photo/Molly Alger)

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Beechwood has been sold.

The storied Weston Road property owned by Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito changes hands later this month.

Before then, the couple’s Beechwood Arts & Immersion — named for the enormous copper beech tree that has shaded the home for 2 centuries — is holding an online auction. It closes this Wednesday (June 14, 7:30 p.m.). Click here for the link. All proceeds go to The Hive, Chiu and Esposito’s next collaborative project.

On Thursday, June 22 (3 to 7 p.m.), there is a “Take and Make” event. It is
“Beechwood’s version of a tag sale.” Go to Beechwood, have refreshments, visit the tree, share a memory of your time there, take some treasures, and make a donation for The Hive.

Among the items: women’s clothing, accessories and jewelry; rare, unusual and fun books; CDs and LPs; home and yard items, and more.

Beechwood House, and its towering copper beech tree.

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Remember this big, ugly, unneeded monstrosity from last summer?

(Photo/Matt Murray)

It’s gone this year.

The view of the plantings at the Compo Beach entrance is now much more soothing.

But wait! How will anyone know how many spaces are available in each lot?!

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Village Pediatrics had 4 interns this spring. Among their tasks: create a new “story walk” outside the office.

The new exhibit — “The Emotions Book” — features a cute elephant who learns to deal with big emotions. The public is invited to wander through the walkway, at 323 Riverside Avenue.

Cooper DeGirolomo of Hamden Hall Country Day School was one of the interns. He says: “The opportunity to learn from such a fantastic group of doctors and nurses has been inspiring, and reinvigorated my interest in pursuing a career in medicine.”

He shadowed physicians during well and sick visits. He learned about diseases and conditions, treatment plans, and medications.

The interns also read books about health, and discussed them with physicians.

Kayla Teplitz, 5, enjoys the Village Pediatrics story walk. She is working on her pre-reading skills, preparing for Coleytown Elementary School kindergarten this fall.

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“Riders to the Sea” was performed this past weekend at the Brooklyn Art Haus.

But theater-goers got a healthy dose of Westport.

Staples High School 2013 graduates (and former Players actors and/or musicians) Phoebe Corde, Jake Landau and Michelle Pauker had prominent roles.

Corde and Landau — part of a group called Off Brand Opera — adapted the opera into a musical. Landau also served as musical director, while Pauker was in the cast. Jake and Phoebe are board members of Off Brand Opera, which produces exciting cross-genre collaborations.

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Speaking of theater: “Days of Wine and Roses” — the new off-Broadway show starring Westport’s Kelli O’Hara — earned a rave review in the Washington Post.

“Her exceptional coloratura proves irresistible for a Guettel-mixed cocktail of ecstasy and pain,” writes Peter Marks.

“At a time when the American musical seems ever more pumped up on pop, what a pleasure it is to encounter a palette of new show tunes delving deeply into character, that favor sweeping emotionality over Spotify familiarity.”

Click here for the full review. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)

Brian d’Arcy James and Kelli O’Hara in Atlantic Theater Company’s world premiere for the musical version of “Days of Wine and Roses.” (Photo/Ahron R. Foster for the Washington Post)

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A rose is a rose … is a “Westport … Naturally” photo.

Today’s beautiful image was taken by Tammy Barry, on Harbor Road.

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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And finally … in honor of today’s gorgeous nature shot (above):

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Roundup: Budget, Westport10, Gravity …

Posted on May 2, 2023 | 2 comments

Last night, Westport did easily something the US Congress struggles with.

It passed a budget.

The Representative Town Meeting approved the town side of spending for 2023-24: $81.3 million.

The Board of Education Budget — approximately $152 million — will be debated tonight (7:30 p.m., Town Hall). If approval does not come tonight, a second meeting could be held tomorrow, at the same time and place.

The town budget passed unanimously. It included the Transit District’s full budget of $291,231, which was approved 33-1 after having been lowered by the Board of Finance to eliminate Wheels2U service. Louis Mall voted nay, while Peter Gold — who also serves as the Transit Director director — abstained.

Gold said he and his colleagues received over 325 letters in support of restoration. He said, “Their emails made it clear just how much the Wheels2U service means to all segments of the Westport population, and to those who commute to work in Westport.”

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The other day, News12 reported on Westport10 — the social and networking group of Black men and their families, whose mission is to make Westport a more diverse and welcoming town.

Yesterday, they aired a second segment. This one focuses on founder Jay Norris, and several other members. It’s a great look at another important slice of Westport life. Click here to see.

Westport10, on the News12 website.

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Speaking of Jay Norris:

He’s helping organize tonight’s Common Ground session at the Westport Library (Tuesday, 7 p.m.).

The event includes a conversation with former Congressman Roy Blunt — a Missouri Republican known for his bipartisan work — and Steve Parrish, whose consulting firm specializes in corporate social responsibility and public affairs.

The aim of the initiative is to host positive, productive conversations on how we work together as a civil society, encouraging respectful, constructive dialogue while tackling challenging, controversial issues.

The Library leads the effort, with community leaders representing a wide array of constituents and views. Click here for more information.

Senator Roy Blunt

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As Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito prepare to sell their beloved Beechwood estate, they’re planning one last event.

They’re partnering with realtor Cyd Hamer to give prospective buyers a very cool look inside. A “Spring Soirée” this Sunday (May 7, 3 to 6 p.m.) includes 3 mini-concerts by Frederic, the internationally renowned pianist.

Each will be followed by a house tour of secret spaces and buildings, with Champagne and sweet bites.

Space is limited; all guests must click here to register.

Beechwood House, with its magnificent copper beech tree.

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“Einstein’s Ears: The New Astronomy of Gravitational Waves” is the topic of the next Westport Astronomical Society webinar.

Scott Hughes, associate professor of physicals at the Massachusetts Institute of Technbology, talks about the quest for gravitational waves, and all kinds of related stuff.

It’s May 16 (8 p.m.). Click here for the Zoom link; click here to watch on YouTube.

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Save the date: MoCA Westport’s annual arts celebration/fundraiser “The Surrealist Soirée: A Bash Beyond Reality” is set for September 30.

Tickets start at $325 per person. Click here for more information.

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This bobcat sits serenely for his “Westport … Naturally” close-up.

(Photo/Sean Hogan)

But there was plenty of action nearby. Photographer Sean Hogan spotted this guy on Bay Street — right near the heart of downtown.

Or course, he has every right to be there. His crew was here long before ours.

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And finally … in honor of the upcoming Westport Astronomical Society lecture:

 (“06880” covers the arts, the sciences, the environment, and anything else with any Westport connection. Please click here to contribute — and thank you!)

 

 

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Roundup: Condo Hunt, Village Stories, Touch A Truck …

Posted on April 21, 2023 | 3 comments

In October, “06880” reported that Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito were putting their historic, gorgeous Beechwood home up for sale.

For 10 years, the internationally known pianist and his talented artist wife had opened their property — with its 216-year-old rooms, grand piano and towering copper beech tree — to the public. They hosted innovative salons, with everyone from Joshua Bell to dancers and chefs sharing their talents and ideas.

Six months later, the New York Times has picked up the story.

Frederic and Jeanine are the stars of this Sunday’s Real Estate “The Hunt” feature. Each week, the paper describes a home buyer’s search for the perfect property. Readers learn what they looked and did not purchase (and why) — and, of course, what they finally bought.

On Sunday, you can find out which of 3 Norwalk condos they decided on. You can click on the story here and find out too — but first you’ll have to take a quick quiz on which of the properties you would like, and which one you think Frederic and Jeanine preferred. (Hat tip: Peter Gold)

Jeanine Esposito and Frederic Chiu in their new home. (Photo/Jane Beiles for he New York Times)

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Earth Day is tomorrow.

With no school on Saturday, Kings Highway and Saugatuck Elementary Schools celebrated yesterday.

Parents gathered on the hill between to watch their kids sing “This Land is Your Land,” and offer tips about sustainability and the impact we all have on this planet.

4th and 5th graders beat drums to accompany the 800-plus students singing “This Pretty Planet” by Tom Chapin and Libana’s “The Earth is our Mother.”

The event was the the brainchild of Ashley Moran of SES and Priscila Jones of KHS, with great enthusiasm from music teachers Colleen Cooney and Amy Laurino. (Hat tip: Allegra Gatti Zemel)

Earth Day at Kings Highway and Saugatuck Elementary Schools.

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Every pediatrician’s office has story books in the waiting room.

Village Pediatrics has them outside too.

Patients — and their parents – know that a visit to 323 Riverside Avenue includes time exploring the “story walk” along the Saugatuck River, behind the building.

Dr. Nikki Gorman and her colleagues put up the first story when they moved in, nearly 8 years ago. They’ve changed them seasonally every since.

The Village staff enjoys picking different books to highlight — those with interesting stories, and plenty of illustrations.

The featured book right now is (aptly) “Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring.”

Everyone is welcome to enjoy this great tale. You don’t need an earache or cough to visit Village Pediatrics — well, at least their story walk.

Medical office assistant Nick Schiff Denota joined Village Pediatrics 2 years ago, after graduating from Weston High School. He takes pride in putting up and maintaining the story walk.

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Speaking still of kids: Fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, cranes, dump trucks, buses, big rigs, boats and others roll into the Imperial Avenue parking lot on Saturday, April 29.

They’re all part of the Westport Weston Co-op Nursery School’s 16th annual Touch-A-Truck fundraiser (9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; quiet hour without sirens or horns is 9 to 10 a.m.).

Children of all ages can get up close, climb on, and take photos with vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

They’ll also enjoy food trucks, music, balloon animals, magic shows, face painting, sensory play and more.

Admission is $35 per family. Click here for tickets.

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Moving on to teenagers: What’s the difference between the ACT and SAT exams? Which one should my child take? How much do test scores matter? How do test-optional schools evaluate applications?

Those questions and more will be addressed — and hopefully answered — next Tuesday (7 p.m., Zoom).

College admissions counselor Amy Chatterjee talks about “Everything You Didn’t Know — But Should — About the SATs/ACTs.”

The webinar — sponsored by S4 Study Skills — is free, but registration is required. Click here to sign up.

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As part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Rowan Center — a local sexual assault resource agency — wants everyone to know how to keep children safe.

On Monday, April 24 (7 p.m., MoCA Westport), they’ll share information about social media, mental health, and sexual violence prevention education. Click here for more information. The event is free.

To RSVP, email info@therowancenter.org.

Artwork for the Rowan Center event.

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The limited edition vinyl LP of “Verso Records: Volume One” has arrived. Now, the Westport Library gets ready to celebrate the “artists, conspirators and community” that helped create the first vinyl record ever recorded, produced and released by a public library.

June 3 marks the official release. It includes 12 live tracks from tri-state area artists. Genres include rock, jazz, hip hop, folk and indie. All were recorded at the Library’s Verso Studios.

A release party is set for that night (7 p.m., Trefz Forum). Four of the bands will perform live.

The release party is free. A $25 ticket option includes a copy of “Verso Records: Volume One” and a free drink. (No record player? A digital copy will be available for $10.)

The album is available for pre-order. Preorders can be picked up at the release party, or will be shipped afterward.

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Speaking of music: The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston celebrates International Jazz Day with a unique, open worship service for all ages and denominations.

The April 30 event (4 p.m.) combines the liturgical traditions of vespers with the exciting, soulful sounds of saxophone player John Collinge, bassist Steve Clarke, pianist Pat Marafiote, drummer Chris Stanley, guitarist Antonio Penn, and vocalist Jae Jones.

It’s a great introduction to jazz for young audiences, and a toe-tapping service for all.

Admission is free (donations are accepted). For more information click here, or call 203-227-4707.

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The comedy/mystery “Bad Accents” kicks off the Westport Country Playhouse’s “New Works” series on Monday (April 24).

The audience is invited to meet playwright Matthew Greene and director Liam Lonegan (Playhouse assistant artistic director) in the lobby after the performance.

Click here for more information, and tickets. All seats are $25.

The cast of 5 includes Halima Henderson.

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“06880 has covered the hatching of swan eggs by the Saugatuck River, a few yards from the hustle, bustle and carbon monoxide of Parker Harding Plaza.

But a couple of days ago — after that birth — Alina Rodescu-Pitchon spotted another mother, with her nest.

“Westport … Naturally” — and all of downtown — is twice blessed.

(Photo/Alina Rodescu-Pitchon)

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And finally … Otis Redding III only 3 years old when his father and namesake died in a 1967 plane crash.

Otis III — who went on to a fruitful, career as a musician — died Tuesday in the Redding family’s home town of Macon, Georgia. He was 59, and suffered from cancer.

Otis III was not burdened by his father’s fame. He had his own band. But he also sang Otis’ biggest hit, “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay.”

Otis III worked with his family’s foundation to organize summer camps, teaching children to play music. And he served as president of the local chapter of Meals on Wheels. Click here for a full obituary.

(“06880” scours the world for Westport stories. To help us do it, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Real estate, religion, Westport Country Playhouse

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Beechwood Arts: Turning The Page To Chapter 3

Posted on October 18, 2022 | 2 comments

There are many chapters in Beechwood’s storied history.

The 3-acre property on Weston Road includes a handsome 1806 house, carriage house, and stunning 400-year-old beech tree.’

For the past 12 years it’s been the home of world renowned pianist Frederic Chiu and his wife, equally talented artist Jeanine Esposito. For nearly as long, they’ve shared it with the community.

Beechwood House — with its magnificent copper beech tree — is the site of fascinating salons.

The couple created and curated Beechwood Arts & Innovation. Originally a way to showcase music in a sunny, circular room, the non-profit soon evolved into a multi-generational, ever-changing, truly innovative salon.

Violinist Joshua Bell, artists in every medium, chefs — and an eclectic cast of culturally curious area residents — gathered every 3 or 4 months. They listened, observed, ate, asked questions, debated, and gained new perspectives on our universe.

Food was an artful part of the Beechwood experience.

Chapter 1 of Beechwood Arts & Innovation was its workshops, Chiu and Esposito say. They created a destination, a physical community where could join together and connect, over a shared discipline.

Chapter 2 involved greater collaboration, across arts genres, and an outreach to even more diverse artists and audiences. When COVID struck, and intimate gatherings grew difficult, Beechwood pivoted to interactive livestreams and “Salons Around the World,” happening simultaneously in a variety of venues.

A piano performance was  just part of one salon.

Now — at the same time Esposito and Chiu are planning their 100th Beechwood event October 30 — they’re preparing for Beechwood’s Chapter 3.

Soon, the magnificent property will be on the market. The 216-year-old home they’ve spent the past 2 years renovating will be sold. They’ll stay in the area. though — and shepherd Beechwood into Chapter 3.

The end of the pandemic is only part of the reason for the latest evolution. In recent months, Chiu’s touring and piano competition judging schedule has increased dramatically.

He’s on the road constantly. And when he’s not touring, he’s teaching. He began during COVID; now he’s doing it in the classroom, away from Westport.

Jeanine Esposito and Frederic Chiu, at their Beechwood home.

Yet there are still concerns about large gatherings in small spaces, especially as the weather forces more people indoors. Summertime “Beechwood Open” series — conducted outdoors — are impractical most of the year.

The summer 2021 gathering was a great success. Ongoing extensive renovations made this year’s Open impractical, however.

Esposito and Chiu had originally planned small repairs. “It’s an 1806 house though,” she notes. “One thing always leads to another.”

The immediate next “other” for Beechwood is October 30 (2 to 6 p.m., 52 Weston Road). Guests can wander around, at their leisure. There will be  performances under the tree and in the music room — and an open piano and stage.

In addition, 21 artists will offer tiny paintings, commemorating secrets from the property’s long history.

A scavenger hunt will enable attendees to see parts of the house they’ve never been in. A tag sale — with items grouped by collections (and vintage outfits, hats, jewelry, scarves and bags) — will help Chiu and Esposito downsize.

Plans are not finalized for all of Chapter 3. It will, however, involve collaboration with institutions like the Westport Library, MoCA, SHU Community Theater and other partners. Small dinners will continue, with guest musicians and artists.

And a name has already been chosen: “The Hive.”

“Beehives are totally collaborative,” Esposito says.

“And buzzing with activity,”” Chiu adds.

(Guests at the October 30 event should park at the United Methodist Church on Weston Road, across the street from Beechwood. There is no charge, but pre-registration is requested; click here.) 

(“06880” regularly covers Westport’s arts scene. Please click here to contribute to this hyper-local blog.)

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Classical Music World Watches Westport

Posted on August 4, 2022 | 1 comment

From August 11 to 13, the eyes of the piano world will be on Westport.

Will we notice?

After a 2-year COVID absence, the Heida Hermanns International Piano Competition returns. The winner — one of the top young pianists on the planet — will earn $10,000. The other 3 finalists receive $2,500 each.

The 4 finalists (clockwise from upper left): Nathan Cheung, Katherine Benson, Artem Kuznetsov, Aaron Kurz.

The musicians will compete at MoCA, on the Hamburg Steinway “D” piano that once graced the Carnegie Hall stage. Sandwiched around the performances and awards ceremony are master classes at the Westport Library, plus a lecture on Nathaniel Dett — the pioneering yet long-forgotten Black composer whose work will be featured in the competition.

The international event has a strong local flavor, too. Staples High School 1983 (and Yale University and King’s College Cambridge) graduate Alexander Platt serves as artistic director. Longtime resident, internationally renowned pianist (and 1986 Hermanns winner) Frederic Chiu chairs the jury.

This is Big Time. So how come you haven’t heard of it?

You should have. The Heida Hermanns Competition is 50 years old. It alternates every other year, between pianists and vocalists. Both events draw enormous attention, in the classical music world.

The venue and sponsors have changed. It bounced for years between the Westport Arts Center’s various homes, and Town Hall. Now, MoCA has taken the reins. Hopefully, they can give it the press it deserves.

The public needs to learn a bit about its namesake, too.

Born in Germany in 1906, Heida Hermanns studied with some of Europe’s top musicians. She debuted with the Berlin Philharmonic at 18, then toured Euroope.

She married Artur Holde, a noted music critic and author. In 1936, with Nazi power on the rise, they emigrated to the US.

Hermanns made her debut at New York’s Town Hall in 1942. She gave annual recitals by composers outside the mainstream repertory, and performed often with John Corigliano. (The New York Philharmonic concertmaster lived in Westport. He’s buried in Assumption Cemetery.)

Heida Hermanns and John Corigliano (father of today’s composer).

A few years later, Hermanns and her husband moved here. The couple liked the town’s “eclectic, liberal, creative, artistic” reputation, Platt says. They quickly became involved in its cultural life.

She recorded frequently with Ruth Steinkraus Cohen (the musician and UN activist, for whom the Post Road bridge is named).

Hermanns and Holde formed Friends of Music and Performers of Connecticut (now called the Connecticut Alliance for Music). She also supported the Levitt Pavilion. When the Westport Arts Center was built in the 1980s, she underwrote the Artur Holde Concer tHall.

Hermanns died in 1995. But her support of young musicians lives on.

Musicians like Chiu and Platt are paying it forward. One way is by carrying on Hermanns’ legacy of highlighting overlooked musicians.

Nathaniel Dett

Artistic director Platt first learned of composer, organist, pianist, choral director and music professor Nathaniel Dett while in college. Platt is thrilled to program Dett’s music. Each finalist will include some of his work, as part of their recital.

“This will be the greatest Heida Hermanns Piano Competition ever.”

MoCA executive director Ruth Mannes, her staff and board are fully behind the event. The 3 American and 1 Russian competitors have a packed schedule — and should draw packed houses.

They should certainly enjoy conducting master classes at the Library, and playing at MoCA. As for the piano itself: there’s nothing better than that Steinway.

“It’s exactly what Heida would have played on in Vienna,” Platt says. “It will be like she’s back here with us.”

(Click here for tickets and more information on the Heida Hermanns International Piano Competition.)

(“06880” relies on contributions from readers (and music lovers) like you. Please click here to help.)

Alexander Platt conducts the Minnesota Philharmonic.

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Roundup: Jersey Mike’s, Osprey, Kiwanis …

Posted on March 22, 2022 | 6 comments

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Jersey Mike’s — the “fast-casual sub sandwich” shop in Compo Acres Center — has closed permanently.

That’s what a sign on the door says. The location — which opened in September 2015 — is already gone from the website of the 2,171-store chain.

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Meanwhile — not far away — an osprey has returned to its Fresh Market perch.

Alert “06880” reader Wendy Crowther reported last evening: “He was primping the nest as I passed by just now. I drive by Fresh Market to and from work or doing errands nearly every day. I always look in that direction.

“This is my first sighting since he left for parts south last fall. I was in my car so I don’t have a photo.”

So this one from last year will have to do:

(Photo/Carolyn Doan)

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Like many Westporters, Stephan Taranko has followed the news from Ukraine closely.

He has a special interest: His family is from there.

Earlier this month, he ordered 50 flags, to hand out at the Stand With Ukraine rally on Jesup Green.

They did not arrive in time. When he finally got them, he did the next best thing: He put them on his mailbox, with a sign inviting people to take one.

Steve lives on a private road, off Sturges Highway. Yet all 50 were taken quickly.

Westporters around town are also decorating their homes and yards with Ukrainian flags. Several line Prospect Road, in a show of support for that courageous nation.

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The Kiwanis Club is one of Westport’s less publicized civic groups. But they’ve been around for decades, aiding everything from Safe Rides and local playgrounds to gear for the EMS bicycle unit.

Very quietly, they continue to enrich our town.

The other day, they donated $5,000 to Save the Children’s relief efforts in Ukraine. Now Kiwanis is gearing up for their grant program for high school seniors. Funding comes from their annual family-friendly Mini-Triathlon at Compo Beach.

The Kiwanis College Grant application is open to income-qualified Staples High School who have demonstrated academic excellence and service to the community. Click here for an application. The deadline is April 15.

The Triathlon is open to all ability levels. It includes a point-to-point swim at Compo Beach, followed by short bike and run courses in the Compo neighborhood.

The event is great for first-timers, and families wishing to race together. To register for the September 11 event or donate to the college grant program, click here.

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What do Rosa Parks, Helen Keller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Katharine Hepburn, Golda Meir, Jackie Kennedy, Peggy Guggenheim and Mother Teresa have in common?

All will be celebrated this Saturday by Westporter Suzanne Tanner, in her inspiring millinery musical “Voices of Herstory.”

The event (March 26, 3 p.m., St. Andrew’s Church, Kent) coincides with Women’s History Month. And it’s for a great cause: Proceeds benefit Ukrainian refugees, honoring the memory of Tanner’s daughter Tess.

PS: Wear a hat!

Suzanne Tanner

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We all know how “Romeo and Juliet” ends, right? (Spoiler alert if you don’t: badly.)

On April 8 and 9 (7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively; Sacred Heart Community Theatre, Fairfield) you’ve got a chance to change Shakespeare’s 425-year-old classic. Internationally renowned pianist — and Westport neighbor —  Frederic Chiu is a Prokofiev expert. Among his most noted works: the piano suite from the composer’s “Romeo and Juliet” ballet.

Almost 30 years ago, Chiu discovered the original score. Written entirely for the piano, it contained a revised ending. The lovers do not die.

Twenty-five years later, he commissioned choreographer Sandra Shih Parks to collaborate on “Romeo & Juliet: The Choice.” The audience votes on which ending — Prokofiev’s original happy one, or the traditional dismal version — will be performed.

It debuted at Drexel University in 2018, with Chiu playing the entire ballet on piano, while dancers performed — and the enthralled audience waited for the outcome.

Now, WSHU brings it to Fairfield. Click here for tickets and more information.

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Staples High School’s Zero Waste Committee is wasting zero time making an impact.

In addition to next month’s pop-up thrift shop, countering the wasteful “fast fashion” shopping trend, co-chairs Kayla Iannetta and Jenn Cirino are partnering with Sustainable Westport and ZenWTR for a Compo Beach cleanup on April 30.

This is the first time all the Zero Waste Committees from different Westport schools join together for one effort.

ZenWTR is the first beverage in the world to be certified plastic negative (meaning they remove more plastic from the environment than they produce, by investing in sustainable programs). ZenWTR is sold in the Staples High School cafeteria.

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A new store — Bobbles & Lace — has opened their first Connecticut location in Bedford Square.

Lindsay Rose Rando launched the store 14 years ago in Marblehead, Massachusetts. B&L offers “modern fashion forward designs at affordable prices.” There are other outlets in Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Maine.

Rando says she “loves the sense of community” in Westport, and calls her Church Lane location “bright and beautiful.”

Bobbles & Lace is opoen Monday through Saturday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bobbles & Lace, Bedford Square. (Photo courtesy of Inklings News)

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that Michael Bolton was representing Connecticut, in last night’s premiere of NBC’s “American Song Contest.” The show is a US version of the long-running Eurovision competition.

We missed the trailer — which features our neighbor touting his home state’s charms. It includes a few shots from his Westport home.

Alert reader Ann Marie Holm sent it along:

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A few seats remain for this year’s Westport Library “Booked for the Evening” gala. The June 1 honoree is television producer/screenwriter/ author Shonda Rhimes — twice named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Shonda Rhimes

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Earlier this month, “06880” reported on Coleytown Middle School students headed to the state Mathcounts competition.

A followup: Vikram Sarkar finished first in Connecticut. He leads the 4-person Connecticut team that will compete in the national event, in Washington. Ayush Rudra finished 9th overall.

Vikram Sarkar

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While driving on Roseville Road the other day, Bob Weingarten spotted this unusual sight on a tree.

He has no idea what it means. But he figures at least one “06880” reader might know.

If you’ve got a clue, click “Comments” below.

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The first day of spring was Sunday.

Right on time, here’s a very vernal photo for our “Westport … Naturally” series:

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

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And finally … in honor of Frederic Chiu’s choose-your-own “Romeo and Juliet” ending (story above):

 

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International Piano Competition Returns To Westport

Posted on December 29, 2021 | 3 comments

After a hiatus of 2 years, one of the nation’s most important piano competitions is back.

And — though it’s flown under the radar since it began — it’s back in its hometown: Westport.

The Heida Hermanns Piano Competition returns from January 13 to 15,, at MoCA Westport. It originated with the Connecticut Alliance for Music. For many years it was sponsored by the MoCA’s predecessor — the Westport Arts Center — and held at Town Hall.

The event brings 4 of the world’s top pianists to Westport. Finalists were selected through an extensive international application process, including video submissions.

Though global in scope, the event has a true local flavor. Staples High School 1983 graduate Alexander Platt — whose career as conductor, music director and curator in symphony, chamber music and opera have taken him around the world — will serve as artistic director for the competition.

Alexander Platt conducts the Minnesota Philharmonic.

This year’s finalists include Americans Katharine Benson, Nathan Cheung and Aaron Kurz, and Russian Artem Kuznetsov. They’ll play on MoCA’s vintage Hamburg “D” grand piano, newly restored by the technician who took care of it at Carnegie Hall.

The winner earns $10,000. The other finalists receive $2,500 each.

Judges includes noted pianist Sahun Hong, Zhenni Li, and 2019 Heida Hermanns winner Priscila Navarro.

The 2022 Heida Hermanns International Piano Competition spotlights the neglected music for solo piano of African American composer Nathaniel Dett. He is regarded as a trailblazing Black composer of classical music.

In addition to the finalists’ performances, the 3-day event includes master classes at the Westport Library, and performances by the jury.

Tickets are available for individual events or a 3-day package. Click here for more information, and to purchase.

Heida Hermanns

Heida Hermanns was born in Germany in 1906. She debuted on the piano with the Berlin Philharmonic at age 18, and toured Europe through the 1920s and ’30s.

She immigrated to the US in 1936, and made her Town Hall debut in 1942. In the late 1940s she moved to Westport and helped start the Friends of Music, to present chamber concerts.

She also founded Performers of Connecticut, which later became the Connecticut Alliance for Music. Click here for much more on Heida Hermanns.

PS: There’s one more Westport connection. One of the previous winners — Frederic Chiu — now lives here. For the past 10 years, he and his wife Jeanine Esposito have sponsored and led Beechwood Arts’ Immersive Innovation series.

Frederic Chiu: former Heida Hermanns winner. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Roundup: Gloria, National History Day …

Posted on June 21, 2021 | 2 comments

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Gloria — oysterman Alan Sterling’s beloved boat, which for years after his death has bobbed in Gray’s Creek between Longshore and Owenoke — has run aground.

Several Westporters noticed it yesterday. The years had taken their toll on the wooden vessel. But — defying weather and time — Gloria continued to enthrall everyone who saw it.

Alan was a Westport original. Saw was Gloria.

Her fate now is unknown. (Hat tip: Gene Gavin)

(Photo/Bruce McFadden)

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The last public concert Frederic Chiu played before the world shut down and all his concerts were cancelled was March 5 2020. The internationally famed pianist played a few miles from his home, at The Westport Library for an audience of 400 people.

This Thursday (June 24, 7  p.m.), he return to the Library. It’s his first post-pandemic live concert, once again on the Forum stage.

The program is the 3rd of his 3 Classical Smackdowns. It’s a great format. Chiu pits the music of 2 favorite composers against each other, with the audience voting, interactively, in real-time, round by round.

This one is “Young Geniuses: Mendelssohn vs. Chopin.” It includes music they composed before they were 20. It’s only the second time this program is played, after its premiere in 2020.

The ability to perform live was made only days ago. He’s excited by the chance to have votes from a global audience (virtually) and a live audience.

This is a great opportunity to help Chiu, the Westport Library and Beechwood Arts (series sponsor) celebrate their return to in-person, immersive music experiences!

Tickets are $30. They  provide a “Series Pass,” to see and vote on all 3 Classical Smackdown programs virtually.

To attend in person on Thursday, you must purchase a ticket. If you already have one, you must still register for the entry list.

To attend in person on Jun 24 at The Westport Library, you must register and purchase a ticket. If you’ve already purchased a ticket, you still need to register (for free, using the link above) to be put on the entry list.

To attend the Global Live-stream, click here, To purchase a Series Pass to watch and vote on all 3 Smackdowns at your convenience, click here.

For a sneak peek, click below:

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Staples High School students made history.

At, fittingly, the National History Day national competition.

Honorees included:

  • Zachary Brody, 3rd place, Senior Individual Exhibit
  • Jeffrey Pogue, 4th place, Senior Individual Performance
  • Hannah Fiarman, 6th place, Senior Individual Exhibit
  • Michael Nealon and William Jin, 10th place, Senior Group Exhibit.

Congratulations to all — and to their teachers, Drew Coyne and Neill-Ayn Lynch.

Click below for Jeffrey Pogue’s clever, creative performance, channeling Thomas Paine.

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Speaking of Staples: The high school rugby team returned yesterday from Kansas City. Playing in 100-degree heat, they exceeded expectations: Seeded 5th, they finished 4th, in the 8-team event.

They opened with a 26-22 win over higher-ranked St. Thomas Aquinas, then fell 48-14 to eventual champion Herriman (Utah) 48-14. The dropped the consolation match, 17-14 to Gonzaga (Washington).

Congratulations to coach Dave Lyme and his ruggers on a great run!

The 2021 Staples High School boys rugby team.

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Congratulations to Westport’s newest Eagle Scouts — and #86 and #87 for Boy Scout Troop 100.

For his project,  Benjamin Cohen collaborated with the Mianus Chapter of Trout Unlimited to repair the Norwalk River’s riparian buffer at Schenck’s Island. He removed invasive species, and used native plants to prevent further erosion and decline.

 Jeffrey Pressman worked with Temple Israel to organize materials, books and supplies for classrooms; inventory all materials, to determine needs for supplies; organize High Holiday books; clean and organize the basement to prevent flooding, and build and fix cabinets that hold religious school supplies.

Ben Cohen and Jeffrey Pressman.

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 Old Hill is the site for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo. Brian Schiller captured a deer, nursing her fawn:

(Photo/Brian Schiller)

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And finally … it’s the first full day of summer.

I could have picked 100 songs with “summer” in the title today. These are 3 that stand out. What are yours? Click “Comments” below.

BONUS TRACK: It doesn’t have “summer” in the title. But it’s hard to find a better summer song than this one:

 

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