Chamber Orchestra of New York
The Chamber Orchestra of New York (officially the Chamber Orchestra of New York - Ottorino Respighi) is a professional orchestra founded by composer/conductor Salvatore Di Vittorio. It was established on March 27, 2006, on the 250th anniversary of the birth of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Kelly Hall-Tompkins (also member of New Jersey Symphony) is First Concertmaster; Daniel Khalikov (also member of The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra) is Second Concertmaster.
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About the Orchestra
The Orchestra was modeled after other European-style young professional orchestras. It is one of the first auditioned orchestras in the history of New York to feature leading young musicians. The Orchestra provides regular performance opportunities for young musicians exiting the New York music conservatories, as well as those in the early phases of their careers. Its musicians are students and graduates of The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music and Mannes College of Music, and other music schools in the NY Tri-State area.
Mission
"The Chamber Orchestra of New York, established in honor of Ottorino Respighi, is dedicated to presenting the great orchestral repertoire alongside undiscovered or rarely performed gems which complement and extend the classical tradition, from early Italian legends to contemporary American masters. Serving the global community from the international city of New York, the Chamber Orchestra features young professionals and provides a venue for artistic and cultural exchange."[1]
The Orchestra and Ottorino Respighi
The Orchestra regularly programs the music of Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936) together with the standard repertoire. Its Music Director, Salvatore Di Vittorio, works closely with leading Respighi descendants, archive curators, musicologists and museum archives in Italy, for the research, restoration and publication of critical editions of rediscovered Respighi works.
The Respighi Prize Music Competition
The Respighi Prize / Il Premio Respighi Music Competition was founded in 2010 by Luigi Verdi (Director, Accademia Filarmonica di Bologna) and Salvatore Di Vittorio (Director, Chamber Orchestra of New York) in collaboration with Elsa & Gloria Pizzoli (Ottorino Respighi's great nieces) and Potito Pedarra (Respighi archive curator/cataloger). It is endorsed by the Comune di Bologna, Italy - Respighi's birthplace. "The Respighi Prize has been established to encourage and offer a performance opportunity for young talented composers and soloists through the inspiration of Ottorino Respighi’s music."[2] Each applicant submits a short essay explaining how their new composition or choice of repertoire (for soloists) may be inspired by (and/or programmed with) the music of Ottorino Respighi.
Soloists applicable: Pianoforte, Guitar; Violin, Viola, Violoncello, Contrabass; Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon; French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba; Percussion; Harp, Harpsichord; Voice: Soprano, Mezzo-soprano, Tenor, Baritone and Bass.
Board of Governors
Executive Board Members include Mr. Kim J. Hartswick (President) and Evan N. Wilson (Vice President for Artistic Affairs); Honorary Board Members include Elsa and Gloria Pizzoli (Respighi's great nieces), Potito Pedarra (Respighi cataloguer/archive curator), and Luigi Verdi (Respighi musicologist).
Venues
The Orchestra's debut was held at Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall. Concerts have also been regularly held at the landmark Church of St. Jean Baptiste in New York.
Discography
- Naxos Records:8.572332. RESPIGHI - Aria, Violin Concerto in A Major (featuring violinist Laura Marzadori), Suite for strings, Rossiniana
- Naxos Records:8.572333. DI VITTORIO - Overtura Respighiana, Sinfonia Nos. 1 & 2, Ave Maria for female choir, Sonata for clarinet (featuring clarinetist Benjamin Baron)
Affiliations
- League of American Orchestras
- Edizioni Panastudio, Ottorino Respighi Publications series
References
- ↑ Mission Statement at Chamber Orchestra of New York website
- ↑ Respighi Prize Competition at [1]
