Rideau Vineyards and KMP Experiences Present A PRELUDE TO HARVEST

Rideau Vineyards and KMP Experiences invite the public to enjoy a blending of the senses as channeled through the musical virtuosity of Maestro Philip Fortenberry paired with the award-winning wines of Rideau Vineyards. Maestro Fortenberry has what he describes as "synesthesia" - a neurological condition in which stimulation in one of the senses creates an involuntary reaction in another - for example hearing a painting or seeing the wind. Maestro Fortenberry hears the taste of wine and performs it in front of a live audience while tasting wine.

For the first time ever, at Rideau Vineyards on October 8, experience a series of recordings "From Vine to Wine: A Musical Journey Through the Life-Cycle of Grapes." This is a wine-tasting like none other. The performance begins at the dormancy of vines in winter, and moves through to the first bud-break in spring, the ripening of the clusters, and finally to the crush as the grape is reborn into wine. Fortenberry blends the senses in this ultimate wine-tasting experience and takes listeners/tasters on a journey to the deepest embodiment of experiential terroir.

Join us at Rideau Vineyards on October 8 at 11:00 AM.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Philip Fortenberry began his career in New York, becoming the musical director and on-stage pianist for the long-running off-Broadway satirical revue, Forbidden Broadway. He was also the musical supervisor for the West End version of the show in London. Philip has also played for many Broadway productions and national tours including such shows as Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Saturday Night Fever, Ragtime, Seussical--The Musical, Sideshow, and The Lion King.
Philip toured the U.S. and Canada in concert performances of The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, starring Michael Crawford, and he has been a frequent guest with Lincoln Center's "Meet the Artists" series. In the autumn of 2001, Philip was the pianist for Harry Connick, Jr. and Susan Stroman's Broadway production of Thou Shalt Not. In October of 2002, along with actress Brenda Currin and director David Kaplan, Philip created and performed a fantasia based on Beethoven's Emperor piano concerto for a new work entitled June Recital, based on the works of acclaimed author, Eudora Welty.

He was the pianist for the Roundabout Theater's Broadway revue of the music of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, The Look of Love. Philip was the associate music director for Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman's pre-Broadway workshop production, Harmony. Philip made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1986 as the pianist/conductor for Eartha Kitt, and he returned to Carnegie Hall in 2001 with The Three Irish Tenors for their Christmas concert. He has also performed as pianist for Charlotte Church at Avery Fisher Hall at New York City's Lincoln Center.

In 1990, Philip accompanied internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade at the Oregon Bach Festival. They were invited to perform at the White House for the summit conference between Mikhail Gorbachev and George Bush. Later that year, by invitation of President Bush, ‘Flicka' and Philip performed at the Economic Summit of Industrialized Nations.

Philip performed at the 40th Annivesary Celebration of the United Nations. In 1996, he was privileged to accompany singer Laurie Beechman at the 70th birthday gala for Lady Margaret Thatcher in Washington D.C.

Currently a resident of Las Vegas, Philip was the associate conductor for Hairspray at the Luxor Theater, as well as the North American premiere of the rock musical extravaganza, We Will Rock You at the Paris, Las Vegas. He has played and conducted Mamma Mia! at the Mandalay Bay, and he is currently the associate conductor for the Las Vegas production of the hit musical, Jersey Boys at the Palazzo.

ABOUT THE WINEMAKER
Iris Rideau, a native of New Orleans, founded Rideau Vineyards in 1997. Early on in the winery's inception, Iris Rideau decided to dedicate her estate vineyard entirely to Rhone varietals. She felt that Rhone wines were not only ideally suited to the Santa Ynez Valley AVA, but also instinctively felt that they were best suited to the Creole cuisine of her childhood. Iris chose to dedicate her estate vineyards to the production of Rhone varietals, as, at their best, they are classic and serious varietals. Iris also purchases fruit from other noteworthy growers, and is able to produce an impressive portfolio of wines, with an amazing breadth of complexity and finesse.

Iris has created a world-class winery producing award-winning wines, its doors open to everyone, its wines fashioned to pair well with foods; a magical place graced with the spirit of friendship, warmth and conviviality. Rideau Vineyards has the mark of Iris Rideau and Iris continues to leave her mark on the culinary, wine and hospitality world.

SCHEDULE AND PRICING
The Experience is on ...
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011 at 11:00 AM.
Ticket prices are $35 for the General Public and $25 for Rideau Vineyard Cellar Club Members.

A PRELUDE TO HARVEST will be experienced at Rideau Vineyard, 1562 Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang, CA 93463. For Reservations, please visit www.RideauVineyard.com or call Marlen at 805.688.0717 X1.

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