The Family of Lorin Maazel Holds a Celebration of His Life and Work Today

The Family of Lorin Maazel has announced a celebration of his life and work today, October 31, 2014 at 12:30PM at the New York Society for Ethical Culture (Two West 64th Street, New York City). The service will be open to the public.

Speakers will include Maestro Alan Gilbert, Music Director of the New York Philharmonic, Sir James Wolfensohn, and members of the Maazel family.

Artists include Sir James Galway performing an excerpt from Gluck's "Orfeo," violinist Eric Silberger performing "Meditation" from Thaïs by Jules Massenet, soprano Jennifer Black performing "Tu che di gel" from Turandot by Giacomo Puccini, tenor Dominic Armstrong and baritone Paul LaRosa performing a duet from Don Carlos by Giuseppe Verdi; Paul LaRosa will also perform with Jennifer Black the Love duet from "1984" by Lorin Maazel, Mr. Armstrong will also sing "Pourquoi me réveiller" from Werther by Jules Massenet. Baritone Javier Arrey will perform "Ombra mai fu" from Serse by Händel, mezzo-soprano Erika Rodden will perform a Lied by Brahms, Ilann S. Maazel will play a Valse by Chopin and a quintet from the New York Philharmonic will perform Hasenöhrl's "Till Eulenspiegel, einmal anders" which is a deconstruction of Richard Strauss' tone poem Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks, Op. 28. John Arida will be the piano accompanist throughout the program.

Also presented will be a short film highlighting the Maestro's legendary career will also be shown.

To attend the event, the public is urged to call 646.405.4936 or email <rsvpmaazel@gmail.com>

Lorin Maazel was one of the world's most esteemed conductors, devoting his life to music professionally for 73 years. Maestro Maazel completed his seventh and final season as Music Director of the New York Philharmonic in 2009-10 and continued through 2011-12 as Music Director of the Palau de les Artes "Reina Sofia," in Valencia, Spain. He became Music Director of the Munich Philharmonic in 2012 and pursued a broad range of guest conducting activities with the world's leading orchestras, enjoying particularly close associations with the Philharmonia Orchestra, London, and the Vienna Philharmonic. Maestro Maazel was also a highly regarded composer, with a wide-ranging catalog of works written primarily over the last 15 years. His first opera, 1984, based on George Orwell's literary masterpiece, had its world premiere at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and a sold-out revival at La Scala, Milan. A second-generation American born in Paris, Lorin Maazel began violin lessons at age five, and conducting lessons at age seven. In addition to his prodigious performing activities, Maestro Maazel devoted much time to work with and nurture young artists. Maazel strongly believed in the value of sharing his experiences with the next generation of musicians.

Photo Credit: Bill Bernstein

To post a comment, you must register and login.