John Williams to lead Lynn Harrell remembrance
NewsThere will be a celebration of the life of the widely mourned American cellist at UCLA’s Royce Hall on September 21.
The celebrated film composer John Williams will top the bill, alongside Anne-Sophie Mutter and other friends of Lynn.
This special evening will be held at Royce Hall on the UCLA campus, under the musical direction of composers and conductors John Williams and William Ross, and cellist/conductor Samuel Cristler.
The live concert features Grammy winner and violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, the American soprano Christine Brewer and baritone Rodney Gilfry; pianist Yefim Bronfman appears by way of video. Many Los Angeles-based musicians and talent, whom Harrell mentored and partnered with, will perform in the intimate celebratory tribute organized by Lynn Harrell’s widow, the violinist Helen Nightengale and the Lynn Harrell Foundation.
Proceeds from the benefit will go to the newly formed Lynn Harrell Foundation, which supports talent throughout the classical music field in the areas of education, research, performances, and individual artist development.
You can donate, or purchase tickets, here.
ASM could play Remembrances from Schindlers.
If anyone would like to catch a few glimpses of the young LH circa 1966 playing as Principal cello in Cleveland:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pt_LIn3RE2I
LH gave a pre concert talk at the
RFH. he said Szell threatened to
break his cello. but he was a great
conductor.
He has been quoted as saying that he and the orchestra had a love-hate relationship with GS. I’ve also read an account he gave in which shortly after joining the orchestra that GS asked him to remain on stage after a rehearsal. Once everyone had left Szell grasped his right hand and tentatively moved his bow across the strings while admonishing him for tepid and uninvolved music-making. In the account I read he admitted being incensed but agreed with Szell’s assessment and that it re-kindled his passion for playing after the passing of his parents.
The entire 60 minute 1966 Bell Telephone program has been downloaded and includes rehearsals of Brahms and Berg in addition to the Beethoven as well as a discussion between George Szell and the 3 assistant conductors. Among the principal players in addition to LH shown are Messrs. Bloom, Duff, Marcellus, Adelstein, Sharp, Druian, Mack and Goslee. A must for anyone interested in the conductor and orchestra.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OI4-QfKMhA