Tag Archives: Luke Rosenberg

Pops Goes The Concert

Posted on June 9, 2016 | 3 comments

It took just 3 hours for the public to snap up all 1,600 tickets for tonight’s 1st-ever Staples High School Pops Concert.

And the crowd — old, young, Levitt Pavilion regulars and those who’ve never been to Westport’s riverside amphitheater — were not disappointed.

The orchestra, jazz band and choral groups — hundreds of very talented musicians — made this a (windy) night to remember.

Next year, the tickets will be snagged in a lot less than 3 hours.

Every inch of the lawn was filled, as the Staples orchestra welcomed Westporters to the 1st-ever Pops Concert.

Every inch of the Levitt Pavilion lawn was filled, as the Staples orchestra welcomed Westporters to the 1st-ever Pops Concert.

Dueling violinists.

Dueling violins.

Emcee -- and Tony Award winner -- Jim Naughton took a turn on the triangle.

Emcee — and 2-time Tony Award winner — Jim Naughton took a turn on the triangle.

The sun glints off the Levitt Pavilion pavilion, as the jazz band plays.

The sun glints off the Levitt Pavilion pavilion, as the jazz band plays.

Three Orphenians hang out, before they're called.

Three Orphenians hang out, before they’re called.

First Selectman Jim Marpe (far left) was part of the enormous crowd at tonight's Staples High Pops Concert.

First Selectman Jim Marpe (far left) was part of the enormous crowd at tonight’s Staples High School Pops Concert.

Orchestra leader Adele Valovich and choral director Luke Rosenberg address the audience.

Orchestra leader Adele Valovich and choral director Luke Rosenberg greet the audience.

The 1st-ever Staples Pops Concert was fun for all ages. (All photos/Dan Woog -- click on or hover over any photo to enlarge.)

The 1st-ever Staples Pops Concert was fun for all ages. (All photos/Dan Woog — click on or hover over any photo to enlarge.)

3 Comments

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, People, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged , , , , ,

Musica Caliente!

Posted on May 19, 2016 | 1 comment

On Friday, Staples High School’s Orphenians, A Cappella Choir, Chorus and Chorale presented more than a dozen songs from places near the equator: Brazil, Bali, India, Puerto Rico, Haiti, East Africa.

“¡Musica Caliente!” was the latest in an extraordinary series of gifts from the music department to the town.

If you missed it, no hay problema. Staples’ indefatigable Media Lab co-director Jim Honeycutt taped and edited the entire show. Now “06880” readers can enjoy it all.

NOTE: The first number is not a traditional “song.” But it does show the amazing sounds choral director Luke Rosenberg elicits from his teenage singers.

If your browser does not take you directly to YouTube, click here.

1 Comment

Posted in Arts, People, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged , ,

A Gift For Luke Rosenberg

Posted on May 14, 2016 | 6 comments

Last night’s “¡Musica Caliente!” concert was stunning.

Staples High School’s Orphenians, A Cappella Choir, Chorus and Chorale presented more than a dozen songs from places near the equator — Brazil, Bali, India, Puerto Rico, Haiti, East Africa — that were extraordinarily difficult to sing, beautiful in vastly different ways, and inspiringly presented.

It was a superb evening. But the highlight came after choral director Luke Rosenberg spoke movingly of his many seniors — the 1st class he’s seen all the way through Staples, since arriving 4 years ago.

Each senior described where he or she is going to college. Some are studying voice or musical theater; others will become engineers, journalists or psychologists. One hopes to enter the Marines.

Then the seniors announced a gift. They stood on the risers and sang “Dominus Vobiscum” by Sydney Guillaume, the Haitian composer whose “Tap Tap” they had already performed to thunderous applause.

Luke Rosenberg (left) listens to his graduating seniors sing.

Luke Rosenberg (left) listens to his graduating seniors sing.

The soon-to-be-graduates had chosen the piece, rehearsed it, and nailed it — all on their own.

That’s the greatest gift any educator ever gets.

6 Comments

Posted in Arts, People, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged , , ,

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:

 

20 Comments

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

Tagged , , , , , ,

Warmth Of The Season

Posted on December 12, 2015 | Comments Off on Warmth Of The Season

Santa brought his sleigh carriage to Main Street today.

He was headed here with reindeer, but the Texas-like temperatures forced the  switch to horses.

Horse carriage - Main Street Christmas 2015

Out in force too were Orphenians, Staples’ elite singing group. They donned their gay apparel — sweaters, scarves and caps — just for show. It was warm.

But you can’t keep a good rendition of “Jingle Bells” down.

After which, a few of director Luke Rosenberg’s carolers hopped in Santa’s carriage for a musical ride.

It’s all a warm-up for next weekend’s Candlelight Concert.

And we do mean warm-up.

Comments Off on Warmth Of The Season

Posted in Arts, Downtown, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged , ,

For Your Viewing Pleasure

Posted on November 4, 2015 | 1 comment

There’s a lot to see and hear in Westport. No one can do it all.

But if you missed 2 recent Staples High School-related events, YouTube can help.

A couple of weeks ago, the music department presented a fantastic concert: “The Art of Folk Music.” One audience member said “it equaled or surpassed many a NYC production.”

To hear Luke Rosenberg’s superb choral groups, click below:

Last week, David Roth’s Theater 3 acting class and Jim Honeycutt’s audio production class collaborated on a WWPT-FM live radio broadcast of “Dracula.” It was just like 1939: the Orson Welles Mercury Theater original script, period commercials, sound effects, the challenge of conveying a story completely with actors’ voices and sound effects.

The media lab shot the show. Here you go:

Enjoy!

1 Comment

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, People, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged , , , , ,

Folk Music Returns To Staples

Posted on October 19, 2015 | 4 comments

I seldom publicize Staples High School concerts. The quality of the choral groups, orchestras and bands is superb. But parents know all about the events, and they make up much of the appreciative audiences.

This Wednesday though (October 21, 7:30 p.m., Staples auditorium, free admission), there’s a choral concert that should not be missed.

Director Luke Rosenberg’s various choirs will perform “The Art of Folk Music.” Featuring American, Irish and Scottish songs, it promises to be a wonderful night.

Rosenberg explains, “Traditionally, folk music has been sung as a means of celebration, praise, mourning, or to express love or affection.

Choral director Luke Rosenberg in action. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

Choral director Luke Rosenberg in action. (Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

“To me it made perfect sense to put together a choral concert that both celebrates our own music of yesterday and that of our friends across the Atlantic, as well as give our students a chance to gain a new understanding of past culture, while keeping these treasured tunes alive within the voices and hearts of our youth.”

Earlier this fall, when the singers first received their music, the response was mixed. Some loved the selections and theme; others were skeptical.

It did not take long, Rosenberg said, for all to enjoy learning about “these musical treasures from the past. They’ve embraced the idea of using different styles of vocal production, to create the sound appropriate for each song.”

Highlights of the concert include arrangements of well-known tunes like “Shenandoah” and “Danny Boy,” along with lesser-known titles like “The Crawdad Song” and “Fionnghuala.”

If you’ve ever seen a Luke Rosenberg concert, you’ll know to expect the unexpected — and be wowed.

If you’ve never been to one: You have no idea what you’re missing.

Folk music poster

4 Comments

Posted in Arts, People, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged ,

The Pope, Stephen Colbert — And Luke Rosenberg

Posted on September 25, 2015 | 1 comment

Pope Francis owns the media this week — and Stephen Colbert is no exception. The “Late Show” host devoted last night’s entire show to the charismatic pontiff.

The final segment featured 2 choral groups: The YMCA Jerusalem Youth Chorus (with Christian, Jewish and Muslim youths) and the Choir of St. Jean Baptiste, affiliated with the Upper East Side cathedral of the same name. In the pope’s honor they sang a churchly version of “Joy to the World” (aka “Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog,” the old Three Dog Night ditty).

In the back row was Luke Rosenberg. His day job is choral director at Staples, where he’s taken the program to heavenly heights. One of his side gigs is singing with St. Jean Baptiste.

Luke Rosenberg is 2nd from left in the back row -- he's the guy with the beard.

Luke Rosenberg is 2nd from left in the back row —  the guy with the beard.

English is not Pope Francis’ forte. But if he happened to watch Colbert last night in his hotel room — or perhaps on an iPad in the back seat of his Fiat — chances are he would have found Luke’s choir’s rendition very joyful indeed.

(Click here for the “Late Show” segment. It begins around the 37:00 mark. Despite Pope Francis’ critiques of capitalism, you’ll have to sit through several commercials before it runs.)

1 Comment

Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Media, People, religion, Staples HS

Tagged , , ,

Orphenians Rock Yankee Stadium

Posted on June 23, 2015 | 17 comments

It’s been quite a year for the Staples Orphenians.

In March they traveled to — and wowed — San Francisco, as part of the prestigious Chanticleer festival.

Tonight they did the same at Yankee Stadium.

Choral director Luke Rosenberg directs the Orphenians at Yankee Stadium. (Photo/New York Yankees)

Choral director Luke Rosenberg directs the Orphenians at Yankee Stadium. (Photo/New York Yankees)

They had to wait out an hour-and-20-minute rain delay — hey, that’s show biz — but when they finally stood at home plate, they delivered a strong, sophisticated and inspiring rendition of our national anthem.

The largest crowd ever to watch the Orphenians perform gave them a loud, well-deserved hand.

Best of all, they made it onto the Jumbotron.

For the Yankees’ official high-def video, click here.

For Jim Honeycutt’s video — including scenes of the Orphenians greeting Jimmy Fallon and Lorne Michaels before they leave the field — click here:

To see Kim Mathias’ video, click below (or here, if your browser does not take you directly to YouTube):

To see Chip Stephens’ video, click below (or here, if your browser does not take you directly to YouTube):

17 Comments

Posted in Arts, Sports, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged , ,

Orphenians: One More From The Road

Posted on March 31, 2015 | 2 comments

Staples’ Orphenians fly home tonight from San Francisco.

They don’t even need a plane.

Last night, Staples’ elite a cappella group joined 9 other high school choirs, in a spectacular performance at sold-out Davies Symphony Hall.

Orphenians combined with other choruses from California, Arizona, Illinois and Tennesse — the culmination of 4 days of intense vocal workshops with internationally known Chanticleer.

Yesterday featured Chanticleer and the choirs in a day-long residency. Each performed individually on the stage, and attended master classes led by world-renowned operatic mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick.

At night, 300 singers joined with instrumentalists from the Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra, in a program featuring the West Coast premiere of Lars-Erik Larsson’s “God in Disguise,” and the world premiere of “Birdsong” by Zajick (composed for the occasion).

The Orphenians, in the after-concert glow of Davies Symphony Hall.

The Orphenians, in the after-concert glow of Davies Symphony Hall.

Rondi Charleston — whose daughter Emma Ruchefsky is an Orphenian — was awed by “these glorious voices blending together in beautiful harmony, floating over the full house. Our Orphs rose to the occasion, and achieved a new level of artistry. It was a magical evening full of hope for the future — of music, and humanity.”

Of course, as a parent she’s biased. Doug Bond — a 1980 1981 Staples grad (and former Orphenian, who traveled to Europe with director George Weigle) — might be biased toward the old days.

But Doug — who now lives in San Francisco — says: “Amazing voices! Amazing talent! A unique moment! Congratulations Orphenians and director Luke Rosenberg — you made an Orph alumnus proud!”

He adds that Chanticleer encouraged cell phone use during the concert, and gave directions on how to post videos to Vine.

To see all the Vines from last night, click here.

To view just the Orphenian videos from the 5-day adventure, click here.

(Be sure to right-click “Unmute” to hear these great voices!)

Orphenian Jacob Leaf posted this Vine video.

Orphenian Jacob Leaf posted this Vine video.

2 Comments

Posted in Arts, People, Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged , , ,