SOUTHAMPTON, England, June 23 -- The recipients of cash
prizes totaling $252,000 for The Second Annual Jose Iturbi International
Music Competition at UCLA -- the highest cash prizes of any piano and
singing competition worldwide -- were announced Friday, June 20 (Vocal) and
Saturday, June 21 (Piano) at Schoenberg Hall.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080623/LAM080)
Thirty year-old Soprano Angela Meade earned the competition's $50,000
First Place Vocal prize by wowing the audience and judges with her dazzling
programme which included Pensar en el by Arrieta, Estrellita by Ponce and
Verdi's Pace, pace mio Dio. Currently a resident artist at Philadelphia's
Academy of Vocal Arts, Ms. Meade has collected top prizes from many
national and international competitions and is looking forward to future
debut engagements with the Dallas Opera and Teatro alla Scala plus several
projects with The Metropolitan Opera.
Hailing from the Ukraine and Germany, 26 year-old Mariya Kim's
performance was equally stunning, earning her the $50,000 First Place prize
in the Piano competition with a programme that featured Navarra by Albeniz,
Gershwin's Prelude No. 3 from Three Preludes (1926) and Rachmaninoff's
Moments Musicaux, Op. 16 (No. 3 in B Minor, No. 5 in D flat Major and No. 4
in E minor). Kim just returned from Seoul, Korea, having won First Place in
the 2008 Seoul International Music Competition. Among her many top
competition prizes, she won First Place in the "XVII Concorso
Internationale per Pianoforte e Orchestra Citta di Cantu" (Italy), and was
a prize winner of the Busoni International Piano Competition in Bolzano,
Italy -- both in 2007.
The remaining winners of the week-long Vocal competition were:
$25,000 Second Prize - Andrew Garland, 31, USA
$15,000 Third Prize - NaGuanda Nobles, 31, USA
$3,000 Spanish Prize - Andrew Garland, 31, USA
$3,000 American Prize - NaGuanda Nobles, 31, USA
$3,000 President's Prize - Jamilyn Manning-White, 23, USA
$3,000 People's Choice - Rodell Rosel, 32, Philippines/USA
The remaining winners of the week-long Piano competition were:
$25,000 Second Prize - Anastasia Markina, 29, Russia/USA
$15,000 Third Prize - Tommaso Cogato, 27, Italy;
(three-way tie) Stepan Simonian, 26, Russia/Germany;
Chetan Tierra, 24, USA
$3,000 Spanish Prize - (tie) Mariya Kim, 26, Ukraine/Germany;
Anastasia Markina, 29, Russia/USA
$3,000 American Prize - Yevgeniy Milyavskiy, 23, Belarus/USA
$3,000 President's Prize - Margarita Muzychenko, 22, Russia
$3,000 People's Choice - Chetan Tierra, 24, USA
"The talent of this year's competitors was staggering," said Donelle
Dadigan, president of the Jose Iturbi Foundation. "Our finalists are truly
destined for superstardom. Interest in the final rounds was so intense that
hundreds of people lined up in hope there would be last minute
cancellations."
Six finalists received cash prizes of $2,000 in addition to the $1,000
received by each of the 12 semi-finalists.
In addition to cash prizes of $50,000, the First Place winners will
present a Cunard Command Performance(TM) aboard Queen Mary 2 during the
April 26, 2009, Transatlantic Crossing from New York to Southampton,
England.
Also during the voyage, Donelle Dadigan will be joined by members of
the esteemed judging panel to present a series of classical music
discussions and Q&A's in association with Cunard Insights(TM), the line's
award-winning Guest Enrichment Programme. Guests sailing on this voyage
will also hear from the winners about their experiences as young musicians
competing to win the world's only weeklong competition that adds features
of "American Idol" to the world of classical music. Highlights of the 2008
Competition will be broadcast via Cunard's onboard stateroom television
system.
"We look forward to welcoming Angela Meade and Mariya Kim aboard Queen
Mary 2 to present a very special Cunard Command Performance(TM) for our
guests," said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard Line.
"Their exclusive appearance will surely be a memorable highlight of the
voyage," Marlow added.
Photos and biographies of the winners can be viewed at
http://www.joseiturbifoundation.org. In addition to presenting sponsor
Cunard Line, sponsors of the 2008 Jose Iturbi International Music
Competition include Alliance Bank, The Beverly Hilton, Fields Pianos and
The Luxe Hotel.
About Cunard Line
Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, QE2 and
Queen Victoria has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries
and the epitome of British refinement since the company's first
paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard
voyages bring together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard
hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service(TM), fine dining, sophisticated
adventure, the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.
Cunard Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The
exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America
Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a
passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, member
lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together they offer
exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable
destinations.
About The Jose Iturbi Foundation
Created in 1985 by Donelle Dadigan and Marion Seabury, The Jose Iturbi
Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to
continuing the legacy of concert great Jose Iturbi, and to fulfill his
desire of bringing to the public's attention today's greatest emerging
classical pianists and vocalists. The foundation's goal is to globally
expand the passion for classical music through dynamic competition and
compelling live performance. The competition distinguishes itself by giving
the largest cash prizes ($50,000 each) for first place winners for solo
piano and voice in the world. Last year, the foundation gave away $268,000
in prize money for the winners of The Jose Iturbi International Music
Competition.
One of the greatest concert pianists of his time, Jose Iturbi was also
a composer, conductor and performer of international acclaim who starred as
himself in seven MGM musicals including "Anchors Away" (1945) starring
Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly. He was the first classical musician to
receive a Gold Record representing record sales in excess of one million
and receive a star on the world-famous Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame.
Iturbi felt that classical music should be a more recognizable part of
everyone's entertainment. It was his hope that through live concerts,
motion pictures, recordings, international competitions, and public forums,
a larger number of people would learn to love classical music and attend
live concert performances. For rules and regulations on The 2008 Jose
Iturbi International Music Competition, go to
http://www.joseiturbifoundation.org. Ticket requests are available online
for the public to attend all rounds of the competition on a first come
first served basis.
See Also
Monday 30 June 2008
Emmerdale star Pallett set to quit
'Emmerdale' actress Roxanne Pallett is set to leave the show at the end of this year.
According to the show's official website, the actress, who plays Jo Sugden in the soap, plans to pursue a career in the West End.
Emmerdale series producer Anita Turner said: "Roxanne has given a fantastic performance and it will be an eventful six months for Jo."
Pallett's character Jo was recently at the centre of a domestic abuse storyline.
After filming the harrowing scenes for the show, Pallett revealed that she was once in an abusive relationship herself.
According to the show's official website, the actress, who plays Jo Sugden in the soap, plans to pursue a career in the West End.
Emmerdale series producer Anita Turner said: "Roxanne has given a fantastic performance and it will be an eventful six months for Jo."
Pallett's character Jo was recently at the centre of a domestic abuse storyline.
After filming the harrowing scenes for the show, Pallett revealed that she was once in an abusive relationship herself.
Sunday 29 June 2008
Aural planet
Artist: Aural planet
Genre(s):
Ambient
Discography:
Acoustic Plantation Releases
Year: 2004
Tracks: 1
Lightflow
Year: 1997
Tracks: 10
Ipsofacto
Artist: Ipsofacto
Genre(s):
Other
Discography:
Necklaces On The Branches Of Trees
Year: 2004
Tracks: 4
Giorgia
Santogold gets political at Glastonbury
Santogold brought a bit of glamour to the Park Stage at the Glastonbury Festival this afternoon (June 27).
Pelting out hits from her recently-released eponymous debut album with singers flanking her either side, the star pulled a big crowd.
Backed by a DJ spinning samples and backing tracks, Santogold stalked the stage like a pro.
Doing choreographed dance moves with her singers the singer, who was wearing a T-shirt faturing pictures of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, joked with the crowd about the rain.
Spotting a sign that said 'Fist Me Jesus' mid-set, Santogold exclaimed: "Whose sign is that? I love it - you're awesome!"
The heavens then opened and Santogold added: "It's raining but are you guys going to go home? This song's especially for you guys." The crowd cheered as she then launched into 'Unstoppable'.
Keep up with all the action from Glastonbury this weekend (June 27-29) as it happens on NME.COM. For news, pictures and blogs keep checking the NME.COM's Glastonbury Festival page. Plus make sure you get next week's issue of NME � on UK newsstands from July 2 � for the ultimate Glastonbury review.
Pelting out hits from her recently-released eponymous debut album with singers flanking her either side, the star pulled a big crowd.
Backed by a DJ spinning samples and backing tracks, Santogold stalked the stage like a pro.
Doing choreographed dance moves with her singers the singer, who was wearing a T-shirt faturing pictures of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, joked with the crowd about the rain.
Spotting a sign that said 'Fist Me Jesus' mid-set, Santogold exclaimed: "Whose sign is that? I love it - you're awesome!"
The heavens then opened and Santogold added: "It's raining but are you guys going to go home? This song's especially for you guys." The crowd cheered as she then launched into 'Unstoppable'.
Keep up with all the action from Glastonbury this weekend (June 27-29) as it happens on NME.COM. For news, pictures and blogs keep checking the NME.COM's Glastonbury Festival page. Plus make sure you get next week's issue of NME � on UK newsstands from July 2 � for the ultimate Glastonbury review.
Justin Berkovi
Artist: Justin Berkovi
Genre(s):
Rock
Discography:
Passion
Year: 2005
Tracks: 12
British techno don Justin Berkovi's productions offer merely as a good deal to advocates of hammer minimalism as to fans of the emotional ambient wing of techno. Born in Watford (though he exhausted part of his childhood in Luxembourg as well), Berkovi grew up with synth crop up and hip-hop. After experimenting with electronics and tape loops while still at school, he began direction on music after graduating from Sussex University in 1996. His start major releases came on Sativae and Cristian Vogel's Mosquito label, and he presently earned placard with singles for dancefloor experimentalist imprints care DJAX and Force Inc. By 1998, he'd founded his own label, Predicaments, and recorded his first LP, Appeal Hostel. One year by and by, After the Night followed.
The Zutons
Wadia Digital Delivers the iTransport Advanced iPod(R) Docking Station
SALINE, Mich., June 23 -- Wadia Digital, a high-end audio
company dedicated to the development of digital audio technologies, today
announced it is now shipping the 170iTransport, a digital player dock that
provides CD-quality audio from full-resolution file formats stored on
currently available iPod nano with video, iPod classic and iPod touch
models starting at $379.
The iTransport (SRP: $379) measures 2.7" x 8" x 8" (H/W/D), making it
an easy addition to most racks and entertainment centers. Wadia
incorporates a bit-perfect S/PDIF digital audio output and high-resolution
component video output, as well as analog audio and s-video outputs for
easy connection with most audio/video systems. The iPod is charged while in
the dock.
The suggested retail price includes the iTransport, plus a digital
cable, iPod dock inserts for all compatible models, and a Wadia remote
control.
Wadia Digital's iTransport is available at select high-end audio
specialists and the Wadia Digital web site - http://www.wadia.com .
About Wadia Digital
Founded in 1988, Wadia Digital (http://www.wadia.com) is one of the foremost
high-end audio companies dedicated to the development of digital audio
products. Wadia innovations have shaped and defined digital audio
processing and conversion for the high performance consumer electronics
industry. Wadia designs are born of a delicate balance of technology shaped
by a passion for music. This combination of technical skill and
understanding of musical enjoyment has allowed Wadia to produce superior
digital playback components for over 20 years. For further information,
product loans, and interviews with company executives, contact Adam Sohmer;
Sohmer Associates, LLC; 718-499-9161, adam@sohmerassoc.com.
See Also
company dedicated to the development of digital audio technologies, today
announced it is now shipping the 170iTransport, a digital player dock that
provides CD-quality audio from full-resolution file formats stored on
currently available iPod nano with video, iPod classic and iPod touch
models starting at $379.
The iTransport (SRP: $379) measures 2.7" x 8" x 8" (H/W/D), making it
an easy addition to most racks and entertainment centers. Wadia
incorporates a bit-perfect S/PDIF digital audio output and high-resolution
component video output, as well as analog audio and s-video outputs for
easy connection with most audio/video systems. The iPod is charged while in
the dock.
The suggested retail price includes the iTransport, plus a digital
cable, iPod dock inserts for all compatible models, and a Wadia remote
control.
Wadia Digital's iTransport is available at select high-end audio
specialists and the Wadia Digital web site - http://www.wadia.com .
About Wadia Digital
Founded in 1988, Wadia Digital (http://www.wadia.com) is one of the foremost
high-end audio companies dedicated to the development of digital audio
products. Wadia innovations have shaped and defined digital audio
processing and conversion for the high performance consumer electronics
industry. Wadia designs are born of a delicate balance of technology shaped
by a passion for music. This combination of technical skill and
understanding of musical enjoyment has allowed Wadia to produce superior
digital playback components for over 20 years. For further information,
product loans, and interviews with company executives, contact Adam Sohmer;
Sohmer Associates, LLC; 718-499-9161, adam@sohmerassoc.com.
See Also
Grey's stars say Chambers is now "fine"
Justin Chambers' 'Grey's Anatomy' co-stars have said that the actor is "doing just fine" following his stint in a psychiatric ward recently.
According to People magazine, James T Pickens, who plays Dr Richard Webber, said: "[Justin] just needed a break. He said: 'Man I'm fine'."
He also said that the actor was planning on spending some time relaxing with his family. "[He] thanked everybody for their concern but everybody's good," Pickens said.
Chambers' co-star Chandra Wilson, who plays Dr Miranda Bailey in the show, also said: "Everybody goes through stuff. It's no different than anybody else in the world. We just happen to be in the public eye... Justin's doing just fine."
A representative for Chambers recently confirmed that he checked himself into a psychiatric ward because of a sleeping disorder.
According to People magazine, James T Pickens, who plays Dr Richard Webber, said: "[Justin] just needed a break. He said: 'Man I'm fine'."
He also said that the actor was planning on spending some time relaxing with his family. "[He] thanked everybody for their concern but everybody's good," Pickens said.
Chambers' co-star Chandra Wilson, who plays Dr Miranda Bailey in the show, also said: "Everybody goes through stuff. It's no different than anybody else in the world. We just happen to be in the public eye... Justin's doing just fine."
A representative for Chambers recently confirmed that he checked himself into a psychiatric ward because of a sleeping disorder.
Depp's Mob Movie Becomes Real Crime Scene
Actor Johnny Depp's new mobster movie became the scene of a real crime following the arrest of a juvenile who is accused of shooting a gun near the set. The 45-year-old star was filming the crime flick Public Enemies in Chicago, Illinois when he narrowly evaded the incident, which occurred just 30 minutes before the actor was scheduled to arrive. According to police, the shooting occurred at approximately 12:30 am on Friday near the set on the city's South Side. No One was injured in the incident.
See Also
See Also
Blige Helps Shopper's Dress Dream Come True
MARY J. BLIGE turned fairy godmother for one New York fan last week (ends13Jun08) when she offered to help pay for a high-end designer dress.
The R+B star was shopping at the Diane Von Furstenberg store in downtown New York when she overheard a fellow customer complaining about the price of a dream dress she had put on hold.
At $900 (GBP450) the dress was $400 (GBP200) more than the cash-strapped shopper had expected, and so Blige stepped in to pay the difference.
The stunned buyer initially refused to accept Blige's help, but when the Family Affair hitmaker said, "I know what it's like to want something and not be able to have it," and insisted on buying the garment, the happy shopper bagged her dress and then asked for Blige's details so she could repay her.
But the generous singer said, "Just enjoy it. I'm blessed, so let me do this," according to MTV News.
The R+B star was shopping at the Diane Von Furstenberg store in downtown New York when she overheard a fellow customer complaining about the price of a dream dress she had put on hold.
At $900 (GBP450) the dress was $400 (GBP200) more than the cash-strapped shopper had expected, and so Blige stepped in to pay the difference.
The stunned buyer initially refused to accept Blige's help, but when the Family Affair hitmaker said, "I know what it's like to want something and not be able to have it," and insisted on buying the garment, the happy shopper bagged her dress and then asked for Blige's details so she could repay her.
But the generous singer said, "Just enjoy it. I'm blessed, so let me do this," according to MTV News.
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