Monday, January 24, 2011

The Modern Harp Quartet

The Founder's Room of The Players Playhouse provided the perfect setting for a mid-winter Sunday afternoon concert by The Modern Harp Quartet, composed of alumni from the harp studios of Cass Tech, Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. The afternoon was augmented by a delightful selection of teas and sweets, presented by Donna and Greg Ridella, Sally Van Deventer and Marianne Shrader.




Maurice Draughn, arranger and composer of music for the harp, voice and choir, is currently a freelance harpist performing with several orchestras in and around Michigan.









Amy Ley is principal harpist for the symphony orchestras of Flint, Ann Arbor and Windsor, performing regularly in concert and in education and outreach events.









Anne Brege has performed with the Wayne State Symphony Orchestra, the WSU Wind Symphony and the Detroit Civic Symphony. She also is a regular freelance harpist in Mackinaw City during the summer months.









Lydia Cleaver has performed with many orchestra and choral ensembles throughout the Midwest, and has worked with Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Eartha Kit and Mickey Rooney.






This wonderful group of harpists is a testament to Patricia Terry-Ross and the harp department of Detroit's Cass Tech High School, with Maurice, Anne and Lydia being introduced to and falling in love with the harp under her tutelage.






The program, titled "Dance", included

  • Sixth French Suite (J.S. Bach)
  • Malaguena (Ernesto Lecuona)
  • Suite of Eight Dances (Carlos Salzedo)
  • Le Tombeau de Couperin (Maurice Ravel)
  • Maple Leaf Rag and Bethena (Scott Joplin)
  • Juba (R. Nathaniel Dett)

Each piece held the audience spellbound, culminating in a standing ovation and a wonderful little encore.


Special thanks to Joshua Blenman for the event photography.


Saturday, December 11, 2010

Motor City Brass Quintet

The Fine Arts' Christmas season was again enhanced by this local brass quintet, led by John Rutherford on trombone. Joining John were Derek Lockhart and David Ammer on trumpet, Jacob Cameron on tuba and Detroit Symphony Orchestra member Bryan Kennedy on French horn.

The Motor City Brass Quintet presents "Christmas Vespers." from Brassjar Music on Vimeo.

Halloween Costume Party

Members and guests were hosted by Joann Castle/Hamlin and husband Mike Hamlin in the Signature Grill at The Riverfront Apartments for a rolicking good time at the first annual?? Fine Arts Halloween Costume Party.


A silent auction of items donated by members enhanced the FASD treasury.

For more pictures, see Joann's Album

A Nice Family Gathering

The first play of the 2010 - 2011 season was presented to the delight of two packed audiences.

Directed by Jesse Villegas, the cast of Jackie Detloff, Dan Badia, Lisa Lechniak, Geno Pirrami, Heidi Denler, Matt Decker, Joann Koch and Bill McCarthy provided lots of laughs and some very poignant moments. More than a few tears shed.

The tables at the Playhouse were set in their usual delightful way for members and guests.

For the first time in many years, the dress code for the Friday performance was relaxed, and picnic baskets were the norm.
For more pictures, see Marianne's Album

Planet D Nonet

Fine Arts members and guests enjoyed a rousing kick-off to the 2010 - 2011 season with a concert by the jazz group Planet D Nonet.
Led by drummer RJ Spangler, this group of nine musicians delighted a nearly packed Players Playhouse with their renditions of some old favorites and some new pieces specially arranged for them.