Enjoying our “native” musical artists in April

Claudia Pozin
Director of Development – Southwest Florida
Classical South Florida – 88.7

When we think of spring – and for most of us April was the Springtime – we remember planting tulip bulbs; watching the rose bushes come to life and the trees budding. But these are all images from another climate – and here we don’t have to wait for flowers to come to life after a long winter’s nap – we enjoy them year long.

So let me throw a little musical tidbit into the images of tulip plants – I am sure that some of you remember Tiny Tim’s version of “Tiptoe through the Tulips” – well did you know that Daniel Gawthrop wrote a “Floral Prelude No. 2 – Zehspitzen durch die Tulpen” or translated – “Tiptoe Through the Tulips. “But be prepared if you chose to “Google” it – the Floral Prelude sounds nothing like Tiny Tim’s version of tiptoeing through the tulips.

Some instruments that conjure up sounds of spring will be featured in Bayshore CAPA ’s concert on April 4, 2014. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. in the Holland Salley Auditorium on the campus of Edison College in Naples. This concert will be an interesting mixture – featuring the Flute Cocktail – a group of 7 professional and amateur flutists that provide musical adventures from Baroque to more contemporary music. They will be coupled with Chrysalis Players – a group that aims to provide new programs to South Florida and educate young artists of all levels of expertise. Chrysalis has a varied group of artists and this concert will feature Mary Bowden, trumpet; Meghan Brache, flute; Alexandra Carlson, piano and Shannon Thomas, violin. Personally, I have heard both of these groups and I would not hesitate to recommend this concert, with this blending of two wonderful groups that are “native” to Naples. To learn more about this concert visit: www.bayshorecapa.org.

Another “native” group is the Naples Jazz Orchestra – during April you will be able to hear the music of Harry James on April 7. The Naples Jazz Orchestra is in its fifth season – the group was formed in the tradition of the legendary big bands to bring that music and the nostalgia that accompanies the memories of the big bands to Naples. The professional musicians of this group also organized and manage the Naples Youth Jazz Orchestra. This group of young musicians is comprised of musicians from the area high schools and performs with the professional musicians of the Naples Jazz Orchestra. Their concerts are also held in the beautiful band shell of Cambier Park at 7 p.m.

The final concert of the season for the Naples Jazz Orchestra will be held on April 14 – and for this concert you have a rare opportunity – you can help design the play list. If you have a favorite the NJO wants you to go to their website www.thenjo.com and register your request for this concert. Where else in Naples do you have the opportunity to help put together the program that you can then enjoy with your friends.

Our wonderful community not only provides you with local groups that are professionals but you have your personal concert hall  to accompany you on your way to the concert – so don’t forget to enjoy your favorite classical music station while you drive to the concert or event of your choice – 88.7 FM.

Closing out the month of April – you can hear some incredible artists that call Naples home – the Heath Recital Series will present Dickie Fleisher, harpist in concert at 3 p.m. on April 20. The Heath Recital Series is held in the Violin Shop of Naples – a very intimate setting where you get to enjoy the artists in an up close setting. At the end of the month – April 27 – head to Vanderbilt Presbyterian Church to hear two local artists that are truly extraordinary – Kristin Sonneborn, bassoon and Jodie DeSalvo, piano. This concert will be held at 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public – bring your friends and introduce them to the wonderful world of music that is ours in Naples, FL.

Until next month – enjoy all of the music in our community and on your classical station – 88.7FM.