News | Joel Friedman - Part 15
The Lede: Klein Competition announces its 2013 Winners; composer very happy.
On 16, Jun 2013 | In News | By Joel Friedman
This year’s Klein Competition is now over. It was a fabulous weekend with eight terrific semi-finalists playing Bach, Tchaikovsky, Berg, Bartok, Sibelius, Poulenc, and Friedman (among others). Three finalists were chosen. I had the pleasure of hearing multiple interpretations of my new pieces Uncle Hokum’s Fiddle (violin), When The World Disintegrates Before Your Eyes (viola), Two Movements from Triptych (Parting, Approaching Home) and being on the very experienced and wonderful panel selecting the winners. Some really amazing talent. I will post audio from my pieces in the coming weeks. More info
Dana Kelley, viola, 3rd Prize; Wyatt Underhill, violin, 2nd Prize; Youjin Lee, violin, 1st Prize.
Photo by Scott Chernis.
Almost there: the 2013 Klein International String Competition
On 22, May 2013 | In News | By Joel Friedman
We’re almost there: 3 weeks until the Klein Competition! The participants have my three new commissioned solo string pieces. Three very different, but technically comparable works: Uncle Hokum’s Fiddle (violin), When The World Disintegrates Before Your Eyes (viola), and Triptych: Dark Waters, Parting, and Arriving Home (cello). Each contestant is required to perform the pieces for the semi-final round. The finalists have a choice to include my work on their finals program the next day. The semi-finals are Saturday, June 8th and the finals Sunday, June 9th at San Francisco State. For more details see: Klein Competition Timeline
The ripple effect in action, or what teachers seldom hear but love to know
On 19, Feb 2013 | In News | By Joel Friedman
When I taught at Seton Hall University I had a really interesting student named Timothy Hester. When Tim graduated I do remember him saying how he enjoyed my courses. Little did I know that years later our paths would cross once more. Recently Tim contacted me to let me know about a posting on his blog Harvey Millican: Raising Your Kids Without Lowering Your IQ. I Read it and found myself speechless. We never really know the impact we might have on our students. But, once in a while we are lucky enough to find out. http://wp.me/s10sPo-5095
Heading Back East!
On 31, Jan 2013 | In News | By Joel Friedman
I’m very excited to announce that my family is moving back to the East coast, Washington D.C. to be specific. My wife, Jenny Bilfield, is the new President and CEO of the Washington Performing Arts Society (WPAS). Jenny will start April 1st and Hallie and I will join later. Meanwhile, I have a number of projects in the pipeline and will look forward to reconnecting friends and colleagues on the East coast network. Washington Post article
Commission for the 2013 Klein International String Competition
On 18, Dec 2012 | In News | By Joel Friedman
Joel has been commissioned to write a series of solo string pieces for the 2013 Irving M. Klein International String Competition. Founded in 1985, the Klein Competition is a premier competition for emerging string players. Past winners have included violinists Jennifer Frautschi and Jennifer Koh, and cellist Joshua Roman. Semi-finalists will present Friedman’s commissioned work June 8, 2013.
The Anatomy Of the Musical
On 13, Dec 2012 | In News | By Joel Friedman
Joel offers a unique “insider’s perspective” on the art, craft, and history of the musical. Works include classics such as Show Boat, Oklahoma!, West Side Story, Company, and A Chorus Line, with recent musicals like Rent, and Hedwig and The Angry Inch. The various constituent parts – book, score, lyrics, choreography, and direction – are dissected illustrating how they are employed to tell the story, propel the plot, and develop character. If you’ve ever wondered how a musical actually works then this is the course for you.
Revolution: The Music of The Beatles
On 12, Dec 2012 | In News | By Joel Friedman
Joel offers a clear-eyed assessment of The Beatles’ work and career as they developed from a local cover band to arguably some of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Seen from the unique perspective of a composer, Joel focuses on the key differentiator that sets the band apart: its creative output. History, analysis, influences, outtakes, technology. It’s all there.
Fallings – Work in Progress
On 21, Nov 2012 | In News | By admin
A multi-media chamber music theater piece residing in the realm between opera and musical theater, written in collaboration with librettist Seth Friedman. We are heading back to the Montalvo Arts Center in September 2013 to continue work.
Joel on the Auction Block
On 21, Nov 2012 | In News | By admin
Joel recently donated a night of fun and learning about one of the world’s greatest music and pop culture phenomena, The Beatles, to the Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation for their 7th annual Simply the Best Gala.
Interview with Frank Oteri
On 21, Nov 2012 | In News | By admin
Frank J. Oteri (editor of New Music USA’s New Music Box, well known new music writer, and composer) had the opportunity to speak with Joel about his work, philosophy and life.