April 2014
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features
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CONCERT FEATURE: HANDEL’S WATER MUSIC The story behind the genius and his music that was, and still is, fit for king.
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DANA MANLY: A PASSION FOR PAINTING
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An artist at heart re-discovers her artistic calling and paints with passion, spirit, and purpose.
PAUL’S JEWELRY FAMILY SUPPORTING FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL
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Original pin/pendent created specially for Festival International pays homage to the beloved event while raising funds needed to keep it free.
BOMBINO
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Mystical and moving messages of peace and love through music.
A RETROSPECTIVE OF PATRONAGE
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The multi-talented, multi-faceted couple, Ann and Walter Dobie.
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BIG EASEL Meet two of the featured artists and gallary hop to 75 different artists’ “galleries” at the annual art show held in River Ranch’s Town Square.
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MAKE TONIGHT MEMORABLE. P L AY T O H E R H E A RT.
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contents
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8 OPENING NOTES Jenny Krueger, Executive Director 10 FANFARE Mariusz Smolij, Music Director & Conductor 16 RYAN SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE Bringing Irish culture to Acadiana 18 GUEST COLUMN Missy Paschke-Wood, Executive Director, Festival International de Louisiane
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38 THE ARTICLE Parents helping kids discover their creativity 40 TOOLS OF THE TRADE Paul Ayo, E’s Kitchen 42 REFLECTIONS OF ART Patrick Prejean 44 COMMUNITY SEAUXCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2014 Festival International Auction 46 SYMPHONY SEAUXCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Maestro Circle Reception 46 SYMPHONY SEAUXCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Mad Hatter’s Luncheon & Style Show
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Overture Magazine
April 2014 Vol. 1, No. 7
PUBLISHED BY
EDITOR Jenny Krueger jenny@acadianasymphony.org
PROJECT MANAGER Rebecca Doucet rebecca@acadianasymphony.org
WRITERS Emily Brupbacher, Ann B. Dobie ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Carolyn Brupbacher carolyncb@me.com • 337.277.2823
GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Mike Bedgood • Innovative Digital, LLC mike@inndgtl.com • 337.322.2854
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paul Ayo, Catherine Schoeffler Comeaux Katherine Moody-McCormick Anna Purdy, Mariusz Smolij Missy Paschke-Wood CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Lucius A. Fontenot Danny Izzo, Nouveau Photeau MAILING ADDRESS 412 Travis Street Lafayette, LA 70503 EMAIL overture@acadianasymphony.org ON THE WEB acadianasymphony.org
Overture Magazine is published nine times a year and distributed free of charge by Acadiana Symphony Orchestra & Conservatory of Music. No parts of this periodical may be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Overture Magazine. The owners, publishers, and editors shall not be responsible for loss or injury of any submitted manuscripts, promotional material and/or art. Unsolicited material may not be returned. Advertising in Overture Magazine does not imply endorsement by Overture Magazine or Acadiana Symphony Orchestra & Conservatory of Music. Overture Magazine reserves the right, without giving specific reason, to refuse advertising if copy does not conform with the editorial policies. Overture Magazine does not necessarily agree with nor condone the opinions, beliefs or expressions of our writers and advertisers. Neither the publishers nor the advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. The publishers accept no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers. © 2013 Overture Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
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Opening Notes
My Life Is My Message Jenny Krueger, Executive Director
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April in Acadiana is the month of Festival International. The bright colors fly, the buzz is in the air, and the entire community is planning their month around the event of the year! As a transplant to this area, and before I could attend Festival, I was intrigued by the enthusiasm. I was even more fascinated by the excitement this community had not only about the local music, but the world music, the musicians, and the cultures they bring with them from all over the world! Ghandi certainly lived a life that was worthy of his quote. I wonder if it was a conscious decision on his part, or a realization he made when looking back on his life. Several years ago I would have said the latter. But in putting My life is my together the April issue of Overture I am starting to think that there are people in this world who make the conscious decision message. early in life to build a life that is their message. I think that is true Ghandi about Bombino, a performer in the line-up for the 2014 Festival International. His life is certainly unlike anyone I have ever known. His life and his music are his real message. As you read the pages of this month’s issue you will learn about young musical artist Patrick Prejean, and the young visual artists highlighted in the 2014 Big Easel. The creativity doesn’t stop there. This issue we add a special series called, The ARTicle-Parents helping kids discover their creativity. Local parents share their stories with us. This issue we hear from one of our favorite local moms, Katherine Moody-McCormick, and how she keeps up with all the creative genius she finds in her children. You will learn that when Festival International has come and gone you can still get a flavor for another land by visiting with Irish Dancer Shiela Ryan Davoren. What a rich community we live in! So this month grab your issue of Overture and enjoy all of the worldly places that we get to visit in the comfort of Acadiana. Happy Festival month!
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Fanfare
Festival International Year Around! Mariusz Smolij, Music Director and Conductor
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It is not only in the last week of April during Festival International that Lafayette enjoys splendid displays of international musical presentations. Music from around the world and perhaps even stylistically broader multi-cultural performances take place in our community monthly through the musical offerings of the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. Each and every symphonic concert, chamber program or educational presentation by our organization is a kaleidoscope of many international musical cultures. One can experience the thrill of live music expertly performed by our own professional musicians and written by composers from almost every continent, from almost every historical period, and in all musical styles. In order to experience a miniature festival international in early April, please review the repertoire of our April 4th concert at St. John’s Cathedral. This concert will feature “Water Music,” a Baroque masterpiece by George Frederick Handel, which was part of one of the very first historical pop concerts ever presented. The composition had its premiere on a large barge floating on the Thames River and was witnessed by King George I and over 30,000 Londoners! Our April audience will also hear music from Venice by Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi and a choral-orchestral work by another Baroque master from Germany, Johann Sebastian Bach. Contemporary musical styles will be represented by one of the most successful contemporary Norwegian composers, Ola Gjeilo, and fans of the minimalistic style of music can enjoy the
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sweet hypnotic sounds of Estonian master Aarvo Part. Five countries, five different composers, five different musical genres during just one concert! Another international aspect of every concert presented by ASO is the diversity of our musicians’ nationalities. At least five other nations are represented during each concert and during certain performances the number exceeds ten! While many in Acadiana are anticipating the annual international festival in late April, we would like you to consider experiencing the exciting and extraordinary international music concerts offered throughout the year by your own multi-national, multi-lingual Acadiana Symphony Orchestra. Imagine the variety of international musical experiences you can enjoy as you explore the world from your seat on the musical journeys we offer you during the entire concert season. Next month’s issue will provide detailed information about our upcoming 2014/15 season and a passport to travel across continents and countries to visit the musical cultures of past and present that will resonate in your own world today. Overture Magazine
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Music Fit For a King: Handel’s Water Music By Ann B. Dobie, Photos by Danny Izzo, Nouveau Photeau Acadiana’s Publication for the Arts
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Picture this: The River Thames, July 17, 1717. King George I is cruising from Whitehall to Chelsea. For the occasion he has commissioned a new orchestral work, and George Frederic Handel has responded with a collection of musical movements presented as three suites played by a relatively large group of musicians so that their playing could be heard out of doors. And so the royal court was entertained in grand style by what has come to be called the Water Music. The composition may have provided more than entertainment, however. It may have helped Handel out of a worrisome position relative to the King. After studying organ, harpsichord, violin, and oboe, along with basic music theory in Halle, Germany, the city of
Handel’s birth, he was taken in 1696 at age eleven to Berlin, where he gained attention as something of a prodigy. After his father’s death he became organist at one of the churches in Halle, but remained there only a short time, soon moving to Hamburg, the center of German opera. After immersing himself in that art form and even having some of his own operas produced, he moved on to Italy where he made the acquaintance of accomplished musicians such as Scarlatti and Corelli. He returned to Germany as a successful composer and was appointed chapelmaster at the court of the Elector, a post that offered Handel little excitement and less glamour. He soon left for England with the intent of composing operas. Though he returned to Germany for a short time, he soon took leave again in 1712 to go back to England, with the proviso that he would return to his work as chapelmaster within a reasonable period of time. After two years he was still in England, leaving him in a difficult position relative to his employer, the Elector of Hanover, especially when it was he who succeeded Queen Anne, as George I, at her death in 1714. What may be an apocryphal story claims that Handel, 14 April 2014
understandably not in favor with the new King due his lengthy stay in England, was restored to the monarch’s confidence through his Water Music. It is said that the King so admired the score that a reconciliation immediately took place. The Daily Courant of July 19, 1717, stated that George I liked the music so well “that he caus’d it to be plaid over three times in going and returning.” Handel the musician was well known and documented, but personally he was an exceedingly private man. He went out of his way to keep his public life divorced from his private life. Consequently, even today we know much about his musical persona, but little about what he thought and cared about. We know that he was a large man, described
as an enormous eater. Sir John Hawkins, a British writer on music, commented: “his general look was somewhat heavy and sour; but when he did smile, it was his sire the sun bursting out of a black cloud. . . . He was impetuous, rough, and peremptory in his manners and conversation, but totally devoid of ill nature or malevolence.” We know that he was well traveled and acquainted with the important figures of the day (including British nobility). A £400 pension from George I and an additional £200 annual stipend from the Princess of Wales allowed him to play an active role in London’s social life, and it is said that he was easily persuaded to entertain at parties, performing on the harpsichord and accompanying singers. As a composer he was amazingly productive. Over his lifetime he wrote 22 oratorios, 47 operas, innumerable odes, dramatic pieces and anthems, 20 organ concertos, as well as sonatas and concertos for varied kinds and groups of instruments. He was known for the speed with which he composed, although his rapid pace was aided by his practice of sometimes inserting music he had written for an earlier work into a new one. Sometimes he even took the music of Overture Magazine
others and passed it off as his own. All of this took place while he headed opera companies and produced his own staged works. Despite the large body of work he left behind, little of it is heard today, in contrast to that of his contemporary, Johann Sebastian Bach. The Water Music is his most popular orchestral work; Messiah, premiered in Dublin in 1742, is his most frequently performed one. When the vogue for Italian opera waned in England, Handel turned to the oratorio, and it is those works for which he is best known today. Unlike his operas, the oratorios are in English and feature a chorus as a primary performer. Handel died in 1759 at the age of 74. His obituary in the Public Advertiser, which took the form of an acrostic, read: He’s gone, the Soul of Harmony is fled! And warbling Angels hover round him dead. Never, no, never since the Tide of Time, Did music know a Genius so sublime! Each mighty harmonist that’s gone before, Lessen’d to Mites when we his Works explore. Acadiana Symphony Orchestra will perform Water Music on April 4, 2014 at 7:30 pm at St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Lafayette. ASO will be joined by UL Chamber Singers, who will perform the Bach Cantata. Tickets are available at www.acadianasymphony.org.
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Ryan School of Irish Dance
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By Emily Brupbacher
Acadiana is known for its zydeco music, Cajun two-step, and festive fais do-dos. However, there is an additional style of dance that is slowly making a name for itself in the Acadiana area—Irish dance. Sheila Ryan-Davoren is a lifelong dancer, passionate teacher, and proud director of the Ryan School of Irish Dance in Lafayette.
Another exciting achievement for Davoren was being selected as one of the first American performers to travel internationally with the Dublin-based, Riverdance “I remember the Riverdance company called me at 4:00 AM, forgetting about the time difference between our 2 countries. My father took the call and screamed down the hallway for me to wake up and “What’s wonderful about Irish dance is that it’s always “If you love to move and to come to the evolving,” she explains. “Irish dancing has been around for phone.” Davoren hundreds of years. The basic movements are still the same, feel the rhythms of music toured with but we are constantly showing our creativity by modernizing inside you then you will Riverdance for three and changing things.” This fresh, more modern take on a years. traditional dance style has caught the attention of many locals love Irish Dance.” who flock to the Ryan School in the hopes of finding a place These days, you - Sheila Ryan-Davoren to have fun, express themselves creatively, and learn about will find Sheila another culture. “We hope to introduce the Irish culture to Ryan-Davoren in the area and keep it alive and thriving!” Davoren says. her dance studio in Lafayette, teaching students of all ages the spirit and the culture of Irish dance. While the focus Davoren was born and raised in the culture of Irish is on self-expression and enjoyment of dance, Davoren’s dance—from the time she learned to dance as a child, she students also compete in feis (Irish for “dance competition”) was hooked. and perform locally at schools and in parades. “We have a lot “I have been of fun,” she says. “We try to mix laughing with hard work. dancing The students love the music and love the end result when we since the age put on a performance.” of four.” Davoren recalls. “My mother used to teach Irish dance in the basement of our house. When she noticed that I really liked it and was good at it she sent me on to take lessons from Donny Golden, a well-known Irish Dancer with many accolades to his name.” This early beginning paved the way for Sheila to take part in the Irish Dance World Competition, where she placed 10th overall, 5th nationally, and 3rd regionally. 16 April 2014
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MIGNON FAGET
noted Louisiana artist and designer mignon faget has created extraordinary jewelry for over 40 years. She is inspired by the nature, architecture, traditions and beauty of her native environment. each handcrafted object of adornment is designed in her new orleans studio.
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3 3 7. 5 3 4 . 8 7 5 3
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Guest Appearance
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Festival Is Here
Missy Paschke-Wood, Executive Director, Festival International de Louisiane
Festival International de Louisiane (FIL) is right around the corner and let me assure you - we are ready! The band travel is booked, the pins are here, and volunteers are signing up online every day. A year of hard work by the incredible Festival team is about to debut, and there is not a drop of exaggeration when I say we can’t wait! Being the new gal on board, the past six months have been a crash course in all things Festival. What could have been overwhelming has instead been inspirational. I’ve met hundreds of people, all of whom graciously share their personal Festival stories. Lafayette’s recent history and FIL are so intertwined that it’s hard to find a local who doesn’t have a special connection, whether it be the 28-year-olds who have come every year since their birth, the spouses who met at FIL (lots of love connections happen between volunteer drink pourers and their customers, I’ve learned!) or the Festival Founders sharing their knowledge about what not to do (FIL is no longer in July for a reason.)
My immediate goals for FIL include starting preparations for our 30th anniversary in 2016, expanding Festival’s collaborations with local arts organizations and educating the community on how Festival is funded. I have met many folks who did not know that Festival International is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. I was shocked to learn that as loved as FIL is, only about 325 people give a gift of $25 or more each year. I believe with more transparency on The dedication our community has to Festival FIL’s side and educational outreach, we can reset the International is breathtaking. The most recent course of Festival’s fundraising to ensure the music estimate for attendees is 400,000 over the course never stops. of the week - this means not only does everyone in If you’d like to get involved this year, visit the FIL Acadiana attend, but they also have to house all of website (www.festivalinternational.com) to volunteer, their visiting friends and family! Any organization learn more about each artist and plan your Festival would be green with jealousy at our corps of 2,000+ schedule, make a donation to support the music or volunteers, many of whom have been with us 10 years sign up for the annual Courir de Festival 5k. Bonne or more. Festival! 18 April 2014
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Dana Manly:
A Passion for Painting
Š Festival International de Louisiane
By Ann B. Dobie
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Orleans, she enrolled at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she studied art for a time, but graduated in Health Promotion and Wellness, a small program in the College of Education. An art hiatus followed while she worked at Lafayette General for twelve years. Then about ten years ago, as she began to feel that she had something to say, she decided to pick up her art again. It had always been in her life, but the decision to change her career direction, or add a new one, she sees as the time that she started painting with a purpose.
The studio ambience should be no surprise. DD Manly comes from a creative family. Her grandmother studied to be a concert pianist, and her mother stayed busy creating center pieces for fund raisers or working in papier mâché. Encouraged by her grandmother, Manly entered the art world early, producing her first painting in her mid-teens, typically not an easy stage of life. Looking back to those days, she says, “Art needs expression at difficult times.”
At first she painted doorways, a lot of doorways. One now hangs from a rod in her studio. She went on to produce acrylic paintings, create posters, and design book covers and CD covers. So far she has not worked in sculpture, but feels drawn to try it. Regardless of the medium or the genre, the viewer is met with energy, passion, and movement. The blues are vibrant, the reds exciting. The whole pulsates with life.
Moving from her home in New
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Photo by Kevin Pyle
The sign by the front door says, “Enter through the blue gate.” I follow the arrow around the side of the house, slowly push open the tall blue swinging door and find a garden that stretches along an inviting walkway back to a cottage hung with welcome signs. The artist Dana Manly, better known as DD Manly, is standing on the porch of her studio. Inside candles burn on a small table set in the center of soft, cushioned chairs; paintings, posters, even a painted door cover the walls and work tables. Before a word is spoken, a good interview is already underway.
DD Manly’s work has not been long in finding success. She recently had a show
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at a Julia Street gallery in New Orleans and regularly shows at the City Club at River Ranch exhibits, at Barnel’s Art and Framing Gallery, and at the Big Easel in River Ranch, a one-day event that features around seventy artists working in painting, pottery, and sculpture. Her most recent accolade came when she was selected to design the poster for Festival International de Louisiane 2014. Looking for a theme, Manly came across a photograph of an Iranian-American dancer whiling in performance. She quickly recognized a spiritual quality in it that gave it power. After creating three paintings with the dancer as the subject, Manly chose one, the performer turning in a passionate red whirl, for the poster. The spiritual quality that she found in the dancer infuses her own work. As a part of her creative process she begins with meditation, a process to quiet her mind and open her being to what she will find when she begins to paint. At first her meditation followed the lines of stress management, using visual imagery and muscle relaxation, but now she participates in a group that uses a method known as centering prayer, which she learned while on a meditation retreat in Assisi, Italy. It is always a spiritual exercise. Some of her paintings come into being over a period of years. Some happen quickly. She works mostly in acrylic, and her preference is to use a palette knife to apply the paint because it frees the artist from controlling her work. She also likes it because it creates texture, which is a hallmark of her creations. She often works from photographs, but always leaves herself open to discovering something unexpected, unplanned. Her creations can be viewed on her website: www.ddmanly.com. Although the artistic demands she carries would be, for most people, enough to keep one busy, they are only some of D.D. Manly’s involvements. With a Masters Degree in kinesiology from Louisiana State University and a Masters in counseling from ULL, she currently finds herself involved one day a week in counseling at Lafayette General Medical Center and an Employee Assistance Program: Business Health Services. In addition, she spends two days a week working with local surgeons by doing mental health screening with patients preparing for bariatric (weight loss) surgery. She even gets involved with the annual bariatric fashion show. As if that were not enough, Dana also does a volunteer work for Miles Perret Cancer Services, using her skills as an artist to give two-hour therapeutic workshops that have patients working in acrylic mostly, along with a bit of sculpture and oils. Manly makes some surprising connections between painting and counseling. She approaches both with meditation, making a conscious effort to stay focused and to avoid distraction. Her desire and ability to connect with people and to help them creates an emotional, sometimes inspiring experience. Painting provides a vent for all that emotion at the same time that it evokes emotion. Then, too, like all creative enterprises, both painting and counseling have a spiritual dimension. Both involve a passion for life. Considering the scope and depth of all these activities, one is led to ask “Can a person do it all?” DD Manly says, “Yes.” Her art says, “Yes.” Acadiana’s Publication for the Arts
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Paul’s Jewelry family supporting Festival International By Emily Brupbacher
“The Paul’s Jewelry family is proud to support Festival International.” - Patty Naomi 24 April 2014
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With the impending approach of Festival International, it’s easy to forget that without the generosity of countless supporters, such anticipated cultural events might never come alive. Paul’s Jewelry has been serving the Acadiana area since 1954, and is one of those supporters. Festival International 2014 marks the second year in a row that Paul’s has designed a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that commemorates Festival in a way that gives back to the event. This versatile and unique piece of jewelry can be worn as both a pin and a pendant. It is made of 14-carat white gold, with the iconic Festival swirl set with blue sapphires and diamonds in the center. This special pin/pendant is valued at $3,500 and was auctioned for $2,100 at the 2014 Festival International Auction on March 13 at Cafe Vermilionville. All of the proceeds from the auction go to Festival International. For years, Paul’s Jewelry has been one of Festival International’s Rain Angels—a group of donors who ensure that the Festival can go on in the event of a rainstorm or some other unplanned hardship. These Rain Angels are a big part of why the Festival is a guaranteed stronghold of Louisiana culture for years to come. For Paul’s Jewelry, a family-owned company that loves its community, supporting Festival International was a no-brainer. “It’s such a culturally important and profoundly significant event for people in this community,” says Patty Naomi. “It brings international recognition to our community. The Paul’s Jewelry family is proud to support Festival International.” Although the 14-carat Festival swirl is one-of-a-kind, Paul’s also has more accessible and budget-friendly options available. For $120 locals can purchase a classic sterling silver pin/pendant featuring the swirl without jewels. This design is also available with sterling silver and topaz stones for $225. These two exclusive pieces are offered at both Paul’s Jewelry locations (one in River Ranch and one in the Oil Center), and 50% of the proceeds from any sales of these items benefit Festival International.
Lyn Bertucini Auction Winner
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Bombino By Jenny Krueger
“It is the music of freedom and of joy.� 28 April 2014
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Omar “Bombino” Moctar’s music and message performed in his native language of Tamashek encompass a Saharan sound that is as mysterious as it is moving. The sound of Bombino, an internationally acclaimed Tuareg guitarist and singer-songwriter from Agadez, Niger arrives in Lafayette for Festival International 2014. Bombino’s background is as fascinating as his sound. He was born a member of the Ifoghas tribe, which belongs to the Kel Air Tuareg federation, in Tidene, Niger. The Tuaregs are known as the travelers of The Sahara. They are known as Nomads, and their voices were rarely heard. For the Tuareg people the desert is freedom and music is power. From encampment, to rebellion against strict Islamic rule, to exile, Bombino as a child was given a guitar, and a world music star was born. Bombino is a storyteller and his guitar is his voice. His lyrics are not in a language many understand but his message is clear. His driving rhythm and the beauty of his melodies are some you can get lost in, like the long dry roads of the desert that seem to go on forever. The translations of his lyrics will give you an idea of the power behind Bombino’s music.
Imuhar (Freemen) What good is it to have Freemen who sleep in this world of suffering Wake up, my people Straighten up, my people Confront the difficulties of your current situation A long road awaits you What good is it to have Freemen who sleep in this world of suffering Freemen suffering shows us that times have changed In speaking with Bombino about his work, you get a glimpse of an artist who shares a much larger message to us all and hopes that his gift of music spreads peace and inspiration to all who listen.
OM: What experience will your performance at Festival International provide for the people in Lafayette?
Bombino: I hope it will be a very joyful experience. Mostly, I hope to make the audience dance! For me, when the audience gets excited and dances, it inspires us on the stage. We always want the audience pushing us to play our best. I know that we are going to have a very good time in Lafayette! OM: What relationship influenced your music the most? Bombino: It is difficult for me to answer this question,
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Zigzan (Patience) This life needs patience You go through life and it never ceases to question you You have to face this life to overcome its obstacles Patience will be your guide This life needs patience I remember this girl Whom I left under the stars Amongst those who invaded me This life needs patience When I returned, she was alone Abandoned on this barren and deserted earth Her memory haunts me day and night The Saharan folk sound of Imuhar (Freemen) has a driving continuous beat and a mesmerizing melody that enchants you with the swaying feeling of this melody. Its lyrics speak of peace. Acadiana’s Publication for the Arts
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because different relationships in my life have influenced me in very different ways. For example, my relationship with the great musical master Haja Bebe who gave me my name Bombino when I was a teenager, was a very important one for my development as a musician. But I must also say my wife has been the biggest inspiration for my music.
OM: What is the biggest life lesson you have learned through your music?
Bombino: I have learned that the only path for a good life is through peace and spreading love to other people around you. Many people can be convinced that to succeed other people must fail. This is not my philosophy. For me, if you
put love into the world, that is what you will enjoy yourself.
OM: What is one thing about you that would surprise us the most?
Bombino: I am a very shy person off the stage, even though I am always jumping around the stage. OM: Tell us what we can expect when you take the stage at Festival International?
Bombino: My music is the music of The Sahara desert. It is the traditional rhythms of the Tuareg mixed with American rock and blues music. In my experiences, audiences all over the world really enjoy listening and dancing to our music. It is the music of freedom and of joy. I hope to touch many people with our music.
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A Retrospective of Patronage Walter & Ann Dobie by Anna Purdy
32 April 2014
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“We have heard many memorable concerts by the ASO, but two that stand out in memory are the Saint Saens’ Organ Concerto and Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. They are very different works, the former having religious associations, having been performed in St. John’s Cathedral, the other sounding primitive and pagan.” These are just two of what Ann Dobie considers to be favorites in her and her husband Walter’s years attending Acadiana Symphony Orchestra performances. Overture is delighted to feature this couple as longtime patrons of the ASO and, as Ann says, “sponsors and supporters for longer than we can remember, dating back to the early days of the ASO.” The Dobies moved to Lafayette in 1958 and began attending ASO performances “since the day we moved here.” Although retired from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s English department for a decade now, Ann continues a rich involvement with the arts in Acadiana as both attendee and contributor herself — while a professor emeritus status has its perks it is by no means all leisure. She stays as busy with writing as ever. “My latest book, now going into publication, is Remembering Lafayette, 1930 - 1955...trac[ing] Lafayette’s growth from being a small South Louisiana town to being a burgeoning city.” Ann also contributes her writing to Overture magazine.
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Asked what upcoming performances the Dobies are looking forward to, Ann says they look forward to the continuation of ASO’s Symphony of Elements which evokes each through complementary music. Next up is the element of Fire “and if it is half as exciting as this year’s focus on Water, it should be spectacular.” The Dobies are particularly looking forward to the October 18th Firebird performance featuring Strauss and Stravinsky, among other composers. “We in Lafayette are so fortunate,” says Ann, “to have this remarkable symphony orchestra along with other first class cultural institutions. The two of us like to travel, but we would never move away. Think of all that we would miss.” And the ASO would miss the Dobies just as much.
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Leauxcal Festival
The Big Easel Catherine Schoeffler Comeaux
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While just a freshman in high school, Jacob Broussard exhibited several of his paintings at The Big Easel art show in River Ranch. “A few pieces even sold,” he discloses in a humble voice that belies the talent he has since developed. Today, Broussard gravitates towards the human figure in seemingly everyday settings. At first glance we see vivid color, simple people, and well-captured natural gestures, but spend a moment with his work and beautiful oddities reveal themselves - a young girl wears a dog draped around her neck, faces are blurred as if to be anyone’s, a mysterious pair of lone shoes hangs on a line, the wrestling figures blend into a single person. While studying art in Italy, Jacob discovered the term pentimento to describe what he had been instinctually including in his work. Pentimento is used to refer to a remnant of a change purposefully left in a painting – a face that was turning away is now looking straight ahead yet the work still reveals the looking away. What many artists erase or paint over, Jacob includes in his final piece. This style of painting contains a bit of the history of its creation, and it has become a hallmark of his work. Since his first showing in The Big Easel, Broussard’s unique interpretation of southern imagery has evolved. He explores themes of violence, male honor and rites of passage with Milo’s art rap or Flannery 36 April 2014
O’Connor’s words playing the soundtrack to his work day. Last year, he was awarded The Big Easel’s Best In Show for his painting Elmo Jun and this May, he will again hang his work at The Big Easel. Like the artists that it promotes, the event has grown over the past several years. What was once a relatively open event featuring 20–30 artists is now an annual art show with a highly selective jury process beginning in September of the previous year. The show attracts collectors, gallery owners and other art enthusiasts from all over the country. Organized and coordinated by volunteers, The Big Easel’s mission is to give artists a place to showcase their work and help them further their careers. Kelli Kaufman, last year’s top selling artist, is an example of one such painter. Standing in front of her landscape paintings, one feels as if they are looking over her shoulder, invited into an expansive view, created with a true love of Louisiana in her brushstrokes. Even her cramped bayou scenes hint at a promise of light and openness. “The short glimpses of marsh grass and clouds reflected on the water while passing over bridges, or sighted between trees close to the road make me Overture Magazine
long for a wider view,” says Kaufman. “The farther south we drive, the grander those scenes become, encompassing 360 degree views of beauty in all directions. It’s simply breathtaking.” Kelli debuted at The Big Easel in 2010 and has since opened her own gallery in downtown Lafayette, where she paints amidst the sound of local blues radio surrounded by the work of fellow artists that she loves to promote. “Last year’s Big Easel was our best ever and we plan to just keep making it better and better,” says coordinator Jeffery McCullough. This free event takes place in Town Square of River Ranch on Saturday, May 10th from 9am to 4pm. Seventy-five artists will set up temporary galleries, displaying their original paintings along with wood, metal, mixed media, jewelry, textiles, photography and ceramics. Live music will be provided by a trio from the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, followed by singer guitarist Aaron Paille. A food court with a seating area will feature nearby restaurants. Children will be entertained with face painting, balloon art, and the chance to create a special Mother’s Day gift sponsored by All Season’s Nursery. For anyone looking to get a preview of the artists’ works before the event, The Lounge Gallery at 402 South Buchanan Street in downtown Lafayette will be hosting a Big Easel Preview Show during the Second Saturday Artwalk on April 12th.
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the ARTicle Parents helping kids discover their creativity Katherine Moody-McCormick As the daughter of an artist, my childhood home was overflowing with creative outlets. We had all sorts of music playing with oil painting, pastels and watercolors at our disposal at all hours of the day. There were yoga classes in the den and even a sewing machine set up so that we could attempt to create our own clothes. I vividly remember being allowed to wear a ball gown costume, white gloves and a tiara to the grocery store on several occasions. I danced through pretend fairy tale I had created for myself at the old Superstore. Needless to say, the creative juices were flowing in my blood since birth. As I got older, I played the cello and the piano. I took dancing, tumbling, art classes and oftentimes my sister and I would create our own shows with the family video camera. As the “real world” slowly began to take over my life, the creative activities became more about live music performances, cool theater shows, and art walks. In 2007, my first child was born with an instant and obvious attraction to classical music. I knew I needed to make a conscious effort to inspire, encourage, and nurture the creativity with my own family.
Andrew, 6, comes to life with all kinds of music. This child was born with a beautiful gift, a musical ear. As a three year old he could name every instrument in the orchestra. He has been my symphony date for several ASO performances, which usually ended with me carrying him to the car fast asleep. Amelia, 4, our free sprit artist, comes to life when you bring out acrylic paint and large white sheets of paper. Her art “sessions” usually end up as adventures in body painting, but as long as I am prepared for this, all is right in her world. Elizabeth, 2, is beginning to show a preference for singing and can belt out any tune from her latest favorite musical. This month her favorite is The Sound of Music. She sings herself to sleep at night and can often be heard whispering songs long before anyone is stirring in the morning. It fills my heart with joy to see these three beginning to form their own creative path in their lives. My hope is that that I am allowing them the opportunity to be exposed to many forms of creative expression so that they can, one day, choose the path that aligns with their spirit. I once read a quote by Plato that says, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” This spoke to me on so many levels. I am a true lover of all sorts of music, and as a conscious practice, I try to have a different type of music playing at our house each afternoon. I believe that this exposure to various types of music stirs things in each of our souls that allow our creativity to flow. My most favorite moments of the day are the impromptu dance parties that happen in our kitchen and the love that is shared as our creativity is at its best.
Photo by Lucius A. Fontenot
Seven years and two additional children later, we are still in the beginning phase of our family’s exploration of creativity. Collectively, my children have participated in Kindermusik, formal Suzuki music violin lessons, and even informal music lessons with Pop, their grandfather, at the piano teaching them chopsticks. We participate in art classes, symphony concerts, French lessons, Broadway style shows, dancing classes, tumbling, festivals, and ballets. Through all of these activities, I can see my children’s awe and wonder as they fuel their creative juices. It is so beautiful to see each of their sweet distinctive personalities and how they process similar
experiences so very differently.
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Overture Magazine
30 TH
ANNIVERSARY
2014 2015
CONCERT SERIES
SEASON
MASTERWORKS CONCERTS
CHAMBER CONCERTS
Saturday, September 20, 2014, 6:30 pm Heymann Performing Arts Center
Sunday, November 2, 2014, 3:00 pm Acadiana Center for the Arts
FIREBIRD: MUSIC TELLS A STORY
HEARTSTRINGS
Saturday, October 18, 2014, 6:30 pm Heymann Performing Arts Center
Sunday, February 8, 2015, 3:00 pm Acadiana Center for the Arts
ROYAL FIREWORKS
FIRE OF LOVE
Sunday, November 16, 2014, 3:00 pm St. John’s Cathedral
Sunday, April 12, 2015, 3:00 pm Acadiana Center for the Arts
A FIRESIDE CHRISTMAS
FEUX D’ARTIFICE
Thursday, December 18, 2014, 7:00 pm Heymann Performing Arts Center
Sunday, May 31, 2015, 3:00 pm Acadiana Center for the Arts
SYMPHONIC EMBERS
FOR TICKETS:
FIRED UP
Saturday, March 21, 2015, 6:30 pm Heymann Performing Arts Center
VIRTUOSIC SPARKLERS
acadianasymphony.org 412 TRAVIS STREET /// LAFAYETTE, LA 70503 /// 337-232-4277
LES MISERABLES Saturday, April 25, 2015, 6:30 pm University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Angelle Hall MARIUSZ SMOLIJ // MUSIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR Acadiana’s Publication for the Arts
April 2014 39
Tools of the Trade By Paul Ayo, E’s Kitchen
At E’s Kitchen, we make cooking fun. We carry great kitchen gadgets, be lined with another metal to be safe. Copper is also cookware, knives, wine, spirits, and even have meals to-go. We also offer hard to keep shiny. Aluminum is also reactive and should not be used unless coated. Aluminum is easy to clean, classes featuring some of Acadiana’s best cooks and chefs. light-weight, and quick to heat up and cool. Aluminum Tools are a necessity for any artist in order to create. Last is often sandwiched between layers of stainless steel to month we talked about knives. Another very important improve heat responsiveness. Glass and ceramics are also tool in any kitchen is pots and pans. This seems like a poor conductors of heat. They are fragile and prone to simple concept, yet there is so much confusion about shattering. what they are and which pot to use when. I often am asked When cooking burgers, steak or tuna, cast iron is the what is the best pot or pan to use. The only good answer is, it depends! It is similar to asking, what is the best best tool. Once it gets hot, it stays hot, giving a beautiful instrument in sear to the meat. When cooking more delicate items such an orchestra? as eggs or fish, nonstick coated aluminum is the best tool Your choice for the job. The coating keeps anything from sticking, of tool or and does not continue to cook after the heat is turned pan depends off. When cooking highly acidic foods stainless steel mostly on performs best and will not react with the food. Stainless the following is also great for general everyday cooking. q u e s t i o n s . Just like in music, the right instrument must be used What are you in cooking to get the desired flavor. One pot or pan is cooking? What not necessarily better than another, but in my opinion, is your heat grandma’s cast iron can’t be beat. source, and what are the sizes of your portions? The If you have any questions please contact us at cooking@eskitchen.com best pot or pan depends on the process, and the desired outcome. First let’s look at the materials that make up cookware. Cast iron, stainless steel, copper, aluminum, glass, and ceramics are all used to make cooking vessels. Cast iron is a slow conductor of heat so it is great for long, even cooking, as well as high heat applications. It heats up slowly and holds that heat. Unfortunately, it is a little more maintenance intensive then other materials. Stainless steel is non-reactive, easy to maintain, but tends to stick, and has poor heat conductivity. Copper is the best heat conductor, but copper is reactive, so it must 40 April 2014
Overture Magazine
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April 2014 41
Leauxcal Students
Reflections on Art By Emily Brupbacher, Photos by Lucius A. Fontenot
Any artist can tell you that true art requires sacrifice. The art that moves an audience, crosses boundaries, and ignites passion requires the artist to give much of himself. Violist Patrick Prejean know much about the hard work, sacrifice and dedication it takes to be an artist. He has lived it, and so have his supporters.
aspirations. “My mother went into debt in order to fund my studies at Interlochen Arts Academy.” Mother and son shared sacrifices so Prejean could attend the prestigious fine arts boarding school. Interlochen was a fantastic experience and launch pad for Prejean, who returned home to attend the school of music at UL Lafayette, Nineteen years old, Prejean, a student at UL Lafayette, has where he studies music theory and composition. played viola since the age of eight. “My mother wanted me to play In addition to his studies at UL Lafayette, Prejean performs the trumpet,” he recalls. “I made it a point to prove her wrong and with a variety of classical groups including the Acadiana Symphony shatter that stereotypical mindset.” Hearing that her son wanted to Orchestra, Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra, and UL Lafayette play the viola, Prejean’s mother joked “Black people don’t play that Symphony Orchestra. He can also be found performing with instrument!” It was a little quip that lit a fire in her son. Lafayette’s First Baptist Church Orchestra every Sunday. All jokes aside, Prejean’s mother has been his biggest supporter Prejean looks for inspiration anywhere he can find it. Similar from his earliest days. Prejean notes that in addition to encouraging to many contemporary musicians, he admires the great classical his dreams and goals, she sacrificed many things for his musical composers. “I look to composers like Dmitri Shostakovich. His 42 April 2014
Overture Magazine
ability to touch the hearts of so many people during the purges of Stalin was remarkable.” Shostakovich brings to mind Prejean’s most cherished memory as a musician thus far: “my most exciting achievement has to be performing Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5 with Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra when I was sixteen. I left the concert emotionally weary...and with very little bow hair.” Prejean also finds inspiration among his loved ones. “My art is also reflective of the lives of my friends and others around the world.” Prejean’s music has notes of lessons he learned from other gifted musicians, whom he thinks of as mentors and teachers. “David Holland was one teacher who really influenced me as a musician. He taught me how to refine some of my techniques on viola. Someone else who I consider to be a great teacher is Quincy Hilliard, who showed me the importance of being concise in my compositions.” Prejean’s devotion to the classical music world transcends listening and even playing an instrument. In addition to performing as a violist, he composes his own music and hopes to one day conduct ensembles on a professional level. “Composing, conducting, and performing are my immediate goals. But I also look at other things I could do. I may want to minor in history in the near future.”
“My art is also reflective of the lives of my friends and others around the world.”
Prejean’s advice to aspiring musicians and artists is simple: “do what is necessary to fulfill your goal.” He applies this advice to his daily life as a - Patrick Prejean musician. “I practice however long is necessary—it can be as short as thirty minutes or up to several hours at a time.” He understands and excels at the challenging technical side of creating and performing music. “A typical day for me consists of a few classes, lessons, and rehearsals,” Prejean explains. “Music is my work and school is becoming easier to manage because I know what my teachers expect from me as a student.” Prejean strives to understand and relate to the emotional weight behind the music; he works to connect what music means to him to what it means to the audience. He believes that he must be moved by the music so he can pass that feeling to the listeners. “The music I perform requires enjoyment. If I don’t like a piece, I probably will not perform it to my highest ability.” Prejean says. “The music I write requires resilience and passion. I have written some emotionally demanding works, which is only an extension of my personality.” He hopes to perform more of his original compositions to new audiences as he matures as an artist. The notion that raw emotion must be present for true art to blossom is a theme that Prejean touches on again and again as he discusses music. Though still in his teens he has experienced enough to know that creativity and emotion are intrinsically bound. One, without the other, produces music that rings hollow or emotionally empty. That quest to convey meaning makes performing exciting. “The fact that I have someone’s attention and have such a profound impact over their emotions for a set amount of time, that’s what I love about what I do as a musician.” Acadiana’s Publication for the Arts
closing with a winner Saturday, May 17, 2014 /// 6:00 pm Acadiana Center for the Arts
Program: Music by Beethoven, Chopin and the famous “Trout Quintet” by Schubert.
guest artist: José Feghali, piano (Gold medalist, Van Cliburn International Piano Competition) ASO Chamber Players
Hubbell cHamber series no.4 April 2014 43
Community Seauxcial
2014 Festival International Auction March 13, 2014
Photos by Carolyn Brupbacher
The 2014 Festival International held their auction at CafĂŠ Vermilionville with delectable food and drinks. Some of the live auction items included three original paintings by the 2014 Official Visual Artist D.D.Manly, an original painting by local artist Gwen Voorhies, plus many more items. The most notable item up for grabs was the one-of-a-kind, second edition Festival International pin/pendant designed of 14-carat white gold with the iconic Festival swirl set with blue sapphires and diamonds in the center. All proceeds went to support the Festival International.
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April 2014 45
Symphony Seauxcial
Maestro Circle Reception March 15, 2014
Photos by Carolyn Brupbacher
Local fare provided by Bread & Circus Provisions (charcuterie), Le Belle Ecorce (cheese), and Poupart’s Bakery (bread), provided the Mignot Faget sponsored Maestro Circle reception with a very unique flare. Guests were delighted to mingle with the Maestro, meet Mignon, and enjoy special Symphony cocktails before the magnificent Mahler’s Resurrection concert event.
Mad Hatter’s Luncheon & Style Show March 17, 2014
Photos by Carolyn Brupbacher
More than just ladies at lunch, Mad Hatter’s raises money for the ASO’s children’s concerts. Guests of the luncheon globetrotted around the world, enjoyed a fashion show by several local boutiques, and sported fabulous hats. Live Auctioneer, Bob Dunn, was ever-so-charming and successful at keeping the bids soaring for fabulous trips, original art by Vergie Banks, and much more. A great time was had by all, and all for a great cause!
46 April 2014
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Sacred Heart equeStrian center SuMMer caMP A day camp open to boys and girls over the age of 6. Develop horsemanship skills in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
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Horse Care Colors, Parts, and Breeds of horses Scavenger hunts Pool activities
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337.662.5275
www.sshcoteau.org/equestrian
SSH accepts qualified students of all races, religions, national and ethnic origins.
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April 2014 47
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