The concerts are held at the Rauschenberg Gallery which is located on the Edison State College campus. Each concert is at 1:00  the afternoon, lasting only one hour in order the accommodate the students’ schedules.  The concerts are free and open to the public.

On the program today was the Franz Schubert Quintet in A major nicknamed the “Trout”. This work  was written for Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass and Piano. The musicians performing today were Joan Stewart, Violin; Vivian Aiello ( me) Viola; Diane Coffman, Cello; Doni Landefeld, Bass and Dr Ronald Doiron, Piano.

After a brief speech by Dr Dorion giving a history of the piece, we performed the five movements: Allegro vivace, Andante, Scherzo, Theme and Variations and Finale.

You can view videos of past concerts at the gallery’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bob-Rauschenberg-Gallery/366206992334?sk=videos

Thank you to the Docents of the gallery for making these concerts possible!

It was a beautiful evening in February so they decided to have the event on the terrace. We had a beautiful view of the golf course and the  nearby Ritz- Carlton Resort. Along with me performing violin, the hosts had cigar rollers and provided open bar and h’orderves for their guests. It was very well attended.

I really appreciated the warm response I received. I started by playing some light classical music. Since it was a pre Valentines”s Day party, I decided to switch to popular music. This turned out to be a good decision. Special favorites seemed to be All I Ask of You from Phantom, the My Fair Lady Medley, Moon River and From a Distance.

I actually had a request for a song that I was able to fulfill. That hardly ever happens! A gentleman asked for the song Besame Mucho and I had it in one of my books!

Thank you to Bugatchi Uomo for having me be a part of this event and thank you to the Tiburon Golf Club for your hospitality!

I have been fortunate to be a part of the Opera Naples Orchestra since the company began seven years ago. On the playbill this week was Mozart’s Don Giovanni. I was excited because I have always wanted to perform this piece. Playing in the orchestra is really a rewarding experience. Working on the part helps improve my playing skills and working in the orchestra keeps me a well-rounded musician, I think. It requires such a  high level of concentration! I really enjoyed playing with Gail Picha and Barbara Lounsbury in the viola section! As always Stephanie Pearce, the founder of Opera Naples has chosen exceptional singers and the conductor Franz Vote was a real pleasure to work with! I am really proud to be a part  of these productions.

Here is a picture of Gail, Barbara and me along with the conductor.

Next month we tackle Gounod’s Faust.

Check out our reviews at Wedding Wire by clicking HERE

I am so grateful to our past clients for taking the time to write these reviews and to my colleagues Joan, Susan, Diane and Wendy for their professionalism and musicianship.

I am here with Joan Stewart and Diane Coffman and we are performing as the Seaside String Trio. Rabbi Michael Raab and Dr Dan Lamey are the Officiants.

We begin to play thirty minutes prior to the Ceremony which worked out perfectly since guests started to arrive just as we began to play. Emily and Jay had some specific requests for the prelude music. These included the Schubert Ave Maria, Mozart Eine Kline Nachtmusik, Handel Water Music and Bashana.

The last guests were seated just before 4:00 and the ushers went over to the grandmothers and led them to their seats to the music, Clair de Lune by Debussy. The Wedding Party was all lined up at the end of the huge lawn. Emily chose the Bach Air for their entrance. Last to proceed up the gazebo steps were Jay and his parents. Once they were in place, Emily came escorted by her parents to the music Pachelbel Canon in D.

As everyone took their places under the Chuppah, Rabbi Raab and Dr. Lamey welcomed everyone. I just love the service these two perform. They are both delightful people.

After the vows and the rings and a reading from the bible, we performed “Sunrise, Sunset” as Emily and Jay participated in the sand ceremony. This was a very special song for the family. Emily had included the words to the song on her program. Later , her mom expressed to me how special this was for her.

After the breaking of the glass and the first kiss,Emily and Jay were pronounced husband and wife. The Wedding Party exited to “I’m Yours” followed by Handel’s Le Rejouissance. Then Emily and Jay circled back around the gazebo and went down the rows to greet each guest. We finished with Mozart’s Alleluia.

We wish this wonderful couple all the best as they start the new year and their lives together!

 Since we had played there several times, I wanted to find music that we had not done before. I obtained a new album of Christmas music from Latham Publications arranged by Catherine McMichael and they were all beautiful arrangements. We performed Deck the Halls, Good King Wenceslas, Coventry Carol, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, What Child Is This?, The First Noel, and Il Est Ne. Jodie had asked me to choose two featured pieces. The first I chose was He Shall Feed His Flock from Handel’s Messiah which we played just before the service started. Since people were still coming in, we added one more, O Little Town of Bethlehem which was another  beautiful arrangement that helped set the mood for the evening.

The second feature piece which was performed within the service was “Mary Did You Know?” I had heard their choir sing this years ago and loved it. I obtained the sheet music and arranged it for the trio to perform this year. I know we enjoyed playing it so I hope the congregation enjoyed it too! We also played along as the congregation sang the familiar carols,  Angels We Have Heard on High, Silent Night and Joy to the World.

Jodie had a wonderful young singer featured during the service also. Kelly Cullinan sang Un Flambeau, Jeannette, Isabella and O Holy Night. She sang the latter song during their Candlelighting Ceremony. This is always an awesome sight when everyone holds up their lighted candles. Beautiful!

We have been asked back for next year so I am already thinking about possible music! Merry Christmas to all and we look forward to seeing you again next year!

We were greeted by the ladies from Niche Rental Events and Focus Floral as they were finishing up the set up for today’s Wedding. They were kind to take this picture of us prior to our start. I was joined by Joan Stewart and Diane Coffman to make up the Seaside String Trio.

We began the prelude at 1:30 with the selections that Megan requested. We were playing the Schubert, Ave Maria as Pastor Gene Scott arrived. He was serving as the officiant for today. We briefly discussed the details of the Ceremony and then it was back to the music. As we started the Bach, Air, the trolley with the guests arrived. The ushers quickly went to work and guests were being seated while others mingled . Since our couple is from Pennsylvania, I think most folks were from out-of-town. As the Wedding Party was gathering at the steps near the street, I could see the  horse- drawn carriage that was transporting Megan arrive. How romantic!

We began to play Pachelbel Canon in D as the Mothers were being seated; the two Bridesmaids entered followed by the young ring bearer with the Matron of Honor and lastly the two flower girls. The music change to the Clarke Trumpet Voluntary announced Megan’s entrance. Pastor Scott is the senior pastor for the Celebration Beach Church and it was apparent he was accustomed to projecting his voice in front of large crowds. He welcomed everyone, gave an opening prayer, led the exchange of vows, blessing of the rings and a reading . Next came the sand ceremony and we  began to play The Prayer”.  After the kiss, the newly married couple was presented and exited to the music, Le Rejouissance by Handel.  We played a few more pieces and then it was time for everyone to head back onto the trolley. I got a chance to meet and speak with Megan before pictures. She looked so beautiful and happy! May they have a long and happy life together!

Today I am joined by my colleagues that make up the Seaside String Quartet: Joan Stewart and Susan Sikuta on violin and Diane Coffman on cello. We began to play at 3:45 as guests arrived to enjoy pre ceremony beverages. Alexandra had left the prelude music choices up to me, so I picked the Bach Brandenburg Concerto #3 to start. We followed that with the Gift of Love, Delibes Flower Duet and movements from Handel’s Water Music Suite and Royal Fireworks Suite.

As we played, I saw Astrid and Rene of Astrid and Rene Photography taking the pictures. I had just seen them at the NAWP holiday party so it was great to see them again and watch them at work.

We were being helped by Kathie and Jacqui of Side by Side Destination Wedding Services so when Jacqui came out and took her place next to us we knew they were ready to begin. Alexandra had chosen the Prelude to Te Deum by Charpentier for the music for the seating of the Grandparents and Mothers.  When they were seated, Gail Alvarado, the Officiate, led the Groom and the Groomsmen out across the lawn to take their places.  The Bridesmaids entered to the music of the Pachelbel Canon in D. As Alexandra entered, we began to play more loudly and  skipped to the more familiar spot in the music to in order to announce her entrance. She looked beautiful!

It was a very touching Ceremony. The sister of the groom read a poem entitled “Recipe for Happiness” and told the story behind it. I saw several guests with tears in their eyes. It was a very moving tribute to the family and a beautiful legacy to leave to Alexandra and Michael.

After the vows were said, the rings were exchanged, Gail pronounced the couple husband and wife. The traditional Wedding March by Mendelssohn was the Recessional for the Wedding Party. As the guests began to move, we quickly followed that  with Handel’s Le Rejouissance, which I knew Alexandra liked. As the guests continued to move onto the south beach for the Cocktail Hour, we finished with Mozart’s Alleluia before we made our move onto the beach as well. Alexandra had requested a mix of music including Christmas carols. We put together a list that included “ Your Song” , “All You Need Is Love” (special requests by the couple ), a Christmas medley and more Mozart. As the sun began to set, we concluded the evening with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” , a wonderful arrangement in the style of a Beethoven fugue. As I was leaving , several guests stopped me to say they really enjoyed the music. A perfect ending to a perfect day! Thank you Alexandra and Michael for having us be a part of this special day!

The Ceremony was to take place in the Butterfly Conservatory. I got a chance to walk around the property a bit as we were setting up. They have a little cafe, sweet shop and gift shop which I would like to come back and explore someday soon ( especially the gift shop!). The area in the back was set up for the dinner and they even had a dance floor set up for the party later.

As a former avid gardener , I really loved the conservatory. The beautiful plants, the butterflies flitting about and the sound of the waterfall was all so relaxing. I thought it might be hot and humid inside but the temperature was just perfect. What a romantic spot for a wedding!

 We began to play thirty minutes prior to the Ceremony. As guests trickled in and wandered about, we played some Mozart Quartets. The Mother of the Bride stopped by to greet us. She made us feel so welcome and made us feel like we were a special part of the proceedings!

Once the guests had all entered the conservatory, we got the signal the Wedding Party was ready and we began to play Pachelbel’s Canon in D.

From my spot, I got to see all the people as they were entering. I got a glimpse of Alicia as she peeked it and I could just see her face alight with excitement when she saw us!  She looked so happy as she entered at the arm of her father.

Vows were made, rings exchanged and then it was Bach’s Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring for the exit music.

We then made our way to the deck where the Cocktail Hour was being held. We played mostly classical music. When we played Danube Waves, I could see the Bride along with some of her guests dancing to this waltz. That was the ultimate compliment!

It was a wonderful evening and we hope to be asked back to The Butterfly Estates!  Thank you Matt and Leigh Ann for having us!

All our best to the newly married couple!

Every detail was handled by Kathie Resop and her daughter Jacqui of Side by Side Destination Wedding Services. Kathie and I talked a couple of times before this particular wedding and I knew she would have everything we needed ready for us.

We arrived early to go over the music with Todd. As we were setting up, a steel band, Steel Cruzin’, was setting up on the lawn area. As the guests began to gather, they entertained everyone during the cocktail pre- wedding time. Twenty minutes before the Ceremony it was now time for us to start. I gave the steel band the signal that we were ready and we began with the Mozart Flute Quartet. I had worked with Margy, the Mother of the Bride , very carefully on the music. Lively was the order of the day!

Guests were escorted to the beach to the music of Boccherini and Handel.  Todd then joined us for the Mozart Alleluia from Exultate Jubilate. I could see they were almost ready so we played a quick movement from Handel’s Water Music Suite and then the signal came from Jacqui that they were ready. As we began to play Trumpet Tune by Purcell, two “sand” girls walked down the aisle with the sand filled vases that would later be used during the sand ceremony. Then the Grandparents were seated, the two Mothers were seated, and finally the Priest, Groom and the 12 Groomsmen took their places.

For the entrance of the Bridesmaids we played the Rondeau by Mouret. Since there were 10 girls, I appreciated Jacqui’s help once again in letting me know when the final girl was in place. We were able to time it perfectly!

For the Entrance of the Bride it was the Trumpet Voluntary by Clarke. Mary Jane looked beautiful as she was escorted onto the beach by her father. We ended just as she arrived before Father Suwalsky and Kevin.

After the greeting, opening prayer, and first reading, we accompanied Todd to Blessed Are Those by Haugen as the Responsorial Psalm. After the second reading, we all performed the Celtic Alleluia. The Gospel and Homily and Prayers of the Faithful followed and then the Wedding Party came forward for the Sacrament of Matrimony. Once vows were spoken, rings exchanged, Todd once again went to the microphone and we performed Hail Mary, Gentle Woman together. The Our Father was recited and Father Suwalsky gave the Nuptial Blessing. As the sun began to set, the sand  ceremony was performed to our music, Ode to Joy, with Todd singing the verses. The Closing Prayer and Blessing and Introduction of the Couple were quickly done and the newly married couple exited to Handel’s Le Rejouissance.

It was another very memorable event: beautiful location, wonderful weather, beautiful music, gorgeous sunset and happy people! Congratulations Mary Jane and Kevin!