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Welcome to E-Notes from the Erie Philharmonic, brought to you by newline Creations. In this Issue
2006-07
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HEAT UP AT THE HOTTEST SPOT NORTH OF HAVANA 
Barry Manilow writes the songs and the Erie Phil Pops plays the music as they present At the Copa: The Best of Barry Manilow, featuring Gary Mauer. The concert is Saturday, February 17 at 8 p.m. at the Warner Theatre. Manilow, whose music career encompasses performing, composing, arranging and producing, is most known for his 25 consecutive Top 40 hits in the 1970’s (Mandy, Could it Be Magic, Weekend in New England, Copacabana), many of which will be performed by the Erie Phil and Mauer. Mauer most recently appeared with the Erie Philharmonic in 2005 in a Pops Series concert, BRAVO Broadway. No stranger to Broadway, he recently starred as the Phantom in the Hal Prince touring production of The Phantom of the Opera. He has also performed in the Broadway production of Les Miserables and in numerous regional productions including Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, Frederick in the Pirates of Penzance, Anthony in Sweeney Todd and Tony in West Side Story. Mauer will be assisted by local performers: Casey Kilroy and Eric Marshall. The Philharmonic’s third Hanes Erie Pops Series concert of the season, At the Copa, was developed here in Erie by Erie Phil Executive Director Eric Borenstein (see story below). The concert is also sponsored by National City Bank, Classy 100 and WSEE. THIS ONE'S FOR YOU --- AND YOUR VALENTINE! A special dinner/concert package is being offered by the Erie Phil, Matthew’s Trattoria and KaBloom. The This Ones’ For You package includes two tickets to the February 17 At the Copa concert, dinner at Matthew’s, and a flower for the ladies from KaBloom. And it's only $100. Call the Erie Phil today for more information or to reserve your package at 455-1375, ext. 4. Happy Valentine's Day! COULD IT BE MAGIC. . .OR SIMPLY SKILL 
Barry Manilow isn’t the only one who writes the songs and produces them. The Erie Phil’s own Eric Borenstein has done that and more. At the Copa: The Best of Barry Manilow was produced by Borenstein who drew upon his 12 years working and writing with the pop icon to develop the show. So what exactly does that mean? “It’s more than putting together a great song list which was the easy part,” said Borenstein who worked with Manilow in LA. “Who doesn’t know most of these mega hits?” Quietly pulling all the pieces together for years Borenstein tapped renown Jeans ‘N Classics arranger Peter Brennan to write the orchestra charts. “He’s the best I’ve ever worked with!” Identifying great backup singers was a real challenge only to find them right here in Erie in Casey Kilroy and Eric Marshall. But the one thing that brought it all together was the night he saw Gary Mauer perform with the Erie Phil Pops at a BRAVO Broadway concert. “I knew immediately that Gary could breathe life into At the Copa. He was sensational!” The result is At the Copa: The Best of Barry Manilow with Carl Topilow conducting and the Erie Phil Pops on Saturday, February 17 at the Warner Theatre.
From the Warner Theatre to Carnegie Hall, Erie Phil musicians do it all. In January, violinists Keita Fukushima and Louis Nicolia, known as "The Strada Duo," performed a concert of violin duets. Included in the program was the world premier of a work Nicolia commissioned from American composer Ned Rorem. The piece, Lullaby for Two Violins and Piano, was made possible thanks to the support of local classical music supporters Al and Peggy Richardson, Christie and Bob Ferrier, Bruce and Bonnie Kern and Dr. George D'Angelo. That wasn't Keita's first experience at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall. He made his solo debut there after graduating from Julliard. Last March Lou and Keita completed a week-long concert tour together in Japan. "Everything about the experience at Carnegie Hall was great," Lou said. "We were honored to have the opportunity and thrilled to play to a near-capacity crowd." Traveling to New York for the concert were long-time Erie Phil supporters Al and Peggy Richardson (far left in photo) and Executive Director Eric Borenstein.
Mercyhurst College will host an evening of tribute to Mark Marchant on Tuesday, February 13th at 7:30 pm. Mark, who passed away last August, was the Erie Phil's Principal Timpanist for many years. The event will be a celebration of Mark's life, not a memorial, according to Erie Phil Concertmaster Ken Johnson. It will begin in the basement of the D'Angelo Department with the blessing of the "Mark Marchant Ensemble Room," and then move across the street to Walker Hall at 8:00. There, the evening will include speakers, performers, and finally a reception. "We are inviting all friends of Mark's to attend," Johnston said. "In particular, anyone who would like to speak about Mark, recall stories, jokes, and so on." If you would like to speak or have any questions, please contact Ken at kfiddle99@yahoo.com.
March is busy for the Erie Phil. The fourth of our five Music Director candidates will conduct Sounds of Glory on Saturday, March 10. Daniel Meyer (right), of the Pittsburgh Symphony, will be joined by Alison Trainer, soprano, The Erie Philharmonic Chorus, directed by Elaine Braun, The Grove City College Choir, directed by Dr. Douglas Browne and Ken Johnston, violin. Mark your calendar for Thursday, March 8 for a reception for Meyer hosted by Cheryl and Tom Vicary. Call Jennifer at 455-1375, ext. 5 for information. On March 31, the Erie Phil Pops presents A Night of Silent Film, Featuring Chaplin, Keaton, Lloyd and the Phil. What better place to enjoy live sympohonic accompaniment of great old silent films than at the historic Warner Theatre. (And we're anxiously awaiting the completion of the addition to the Warner on the corner of 8th and French Streets in March!) |
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