Tag: concert

Winter Songs & Carols: The Art of Collaboration

For our 2016 collaborating artist, Ellie Harold, winter is often a season of inner discovery. With the weather outside inhospitable for her paints and canvas, where else might an artist turn but inward?

Three Fiddle Tunes

This post was written in preparation for our September 2016 summer program. “The Secret Life of Barns (Cedar)” by Ellie Harold, 2016 Collaborating Artist For our Summer Fantasies concert, we invite you to join us in a colorful journey for the imagination as we… Continue Reading “Three Fiddle Tunes”

Summer Fantasies: Three Reveries

Within our Summer Fantasies concert program, there are three pieces I’ve dubbed “reveries”. I refer to them this way primarily as an intentional nod to their French origins, but also because each was inspired by or intended to evoke a dream-like fantasy.

Händel’s Fireworks

In our modern era, it’s almost inconceivable for us to envision music being written and performed expressly for a single occasion. However, it was exactly that sort of one-time occasion that prompted King George II to commission Händel in 1749 to write “Music for the Royal Fireworks”.

Summer Fantasies: The Art of Collaboration

Our collaborating artists typically provide artwork to help promote our concert, and we always offer an opportunity display a collection of their artwork at the concert. But, shortly before the concert, Ellie approached me with an even bolder idea.

New Voices: Jason McKinney

“I did not sit down, one day, and decide I would write “Three Narratives,” says Jason McKinney. “The piece just happened to come together during a very difficult time in my life. The structure of the piece, the melodies inside the structure—these were all comforts to me, a way of coping.”

New Voices: Deborah J. Anderson

“Five Songs for Kathleen” is a brilliant song cycle combining the often bittersweet imagery of the poets’ lines with Deborah’s signature warm and graceful melodic writing.

New Voices: The Art of Collaboration

One of the aspects we enjoy most about putting together one of our seasonal concerts is the opportunity to collaborate with a talented local artist in our area of Northern Michigan. But, what does it mean to “collaborate” with another artist—especially when you work in a completely different medium?

Our Virtual Potluck: Part VI

The table is set, the buffet dishes are in place, the napkins are neatly folded, the kitties are on their best behavior. It’s time for the Manitou Winds Virtual Potluck! With everyone here and all the dishes assembled and in place, it’s clear we’re… Continue Reading “Our Virtual Potluck: Part VI”

Thank You, Stormcloud!

The members Manitou Winds had their premier performance at Frankfort’s Stormcloud Brewing Company on Saturday, July 11th.  Performing on the beautiful patio at the brewery, the ensemble had a very receptive audience who were also enjoying the brewery’s tasty offerings. If you weren’t able… Continue Reading “Thank You, Stormcloud!”