September New Release - Hvorostovsky Heroes & Villains

Dmitri Hvorostovsky in new aria album,
“Heroes and Villains”

The great baritone sings arias from Russian, French, Italian and German operas, and dedicates album to the memory of Delos founder Amelia Haygood

DE 3365 • September release from Delos

“Heroes and Villains” is Dmitri Hvorostovsky’s most splendid aria album to date. Now at the peak of his powers, Hvorostovsky draws on his gorgeous baritone to interpret a range of arias from the rarely heard to audience favorites. His collaborator in this versatile program is American conductor Constantine Orbelian with the Philharmonia of Russia. Dmitri has dedicated the album to Delos founder and longtime leader Amelia Haygood, who died in March, 2007 after a 12-year battle with cancer.

Hvorostovsky himself feels that he has reached a milestone, both vocally and interpretively. This album gives his vast audience the chance to share such a moment in the career of a great artist. The Russian repertoire on this 73-minute CD includes Boris Godunov’s guilt-ridden monologue, as well as Boyar Shaklovity’s similarly tragic ruminations from Mussorgsky’s Kovanshchina. Lesser-known arias beloved of Russian baritones are two from Anton Rubinstein’s The Demon, a favorite in Russia, and a novelty from Rubinstein’s Nero. The great baritone showpiece from Borodin’s Prince Igor has seldom sounded so eloquent and persuasive.

Dmitri Hvorostovsky has been called “the greatest Verdi baritone of our time.” Carlos’ “Urna fatale del mio destino” from La Forza del destino is a wonderful showpiece for the great singer. Other Italian arias by Puccini (Scarpia’s “Te Deum” from Tosca), Giordano (Andrea Chenier), and Leoncavallo (Pagliacci) reinforce the strength of Hvorostovsky’s interpretive skills.

The French repertoire, handsomely represented here in arias from Gounod’s Faust, Massenet’s Hérodiade, Thomas’ Hamlet and Bizet’s Carmen, should delight any Francophile opera lover. Dmitri’s German offering, Hymn to the Evening Star from Wagner’s Tannhäuser, suggests an opening into other Wagnerian baritone roles.

“Heroes and Villains” is Dmitri’s eighth recording for Delos. The growing Delos catalog of Hvorostovsky artistry includes Verdi Arias, DE 3292; Neapolitan Songs (Passione di Napoli, DE 3290); traditional Russian songs (Moscow Nights, DE 3339 and Where Are You, My Brothers, DE 3315); Russian romances (I Met You, My Love, DE 3293); the Sviridov song cycle “Petersburg,” DE 3311; and Tchaikovsky: Queen of Spades, Great Scenes, DE 3289.

In October and November of 2007 Hvorostovsky, Orbelian and the Moscow Chamber Orchestra will be touring “To Russia with Love,” a concert program of Russian romances and traditional songs: PARIS: Oct. 6 (Salle Pleyel); LONDON: Oct. 9 (Barbican); MEXICO: Guadalajara, Oct 30; Monterrey, Nov 2; U.S.: Berkeley, Nov 4; Dallas, Nov 6; Los Angeles (Pasadena), Nov. 11; New York, (Lincoln Center), Nov 14; Miami, Nov. 16; Washington, DC, Nov 20; Chicago, Dec 2; Boston, Dec 4. CANADA: Montreal, Nov 24; Quebec, Nov 26; Toronto, Nov 29.

In October 2007, to coincide with the tour, Delos will release a live concert DVD of “To Russia with Love” filmed in St. Petersburg in September, 2006.

“Hvorostovsky continues to astonish, and his voice remains one of the most beautiful of the world.” — The Guardian

Contents of “Heroes and Villains”:

Borodin: Prince Igor • Igor’s aria “Ni sna, ni otdikha”
Mussorgsky: Boris Godunov • Boris’s aria “Dastik ya vyshei vlasti”
Mussorgsky: Khovanschina • Shaklovity’s aria “Spit streletskoe gnezdo”
Rubinstein: The Demon • Demon’s aria “Na Vozdushnom akiane”
with Florence Illi-Hvorostovsky, soprano
Rubinstein: The Demon • Demon’s aria “Ne plach ditya”
Rubinstein: Nero • Vindex’s aria “Epitalama”
Wagner: Tannhäuser • Wolfram’s aria “Oh du mein holder Abendstern”
Giordano: Andrea Chenier • Gérard’s aria “Nemico della patria”
Verdi: La Forza del Destino • Carlo’s aria “Urna Fatale”
with Dmitry Kuznetsov, baritone
Leoncavallo: Pagliacci • Tonio • Prologue “Si può?”
Puccini: Tosca • Scarpia’s aria “Te Deum”
Gounod: Faust • Valentin’s aria “Avant de quitter ces lieux”
Massenet: Hérodiade • Herod’s aria “Vision fugitive”
Bizet: Carmen • Escamillo • Toreador Song “Votre toast”
with Marnie Breckenridge, soprano • Viktoria Smirnova, soprano • Anastasia Chikaeva, mezzo-soprano
Thomas: Hamlet • The Drinking Song “Ô vin, dissipe la tristesse”
with Andrey Azovsky, tenor • Dmitry Kuznetsov, baritone

Dmitri Hvorostovsky, baritone • Constantine Orbelian, conductor • Philharmonia of Russia
Spiritual Revival Choir of Russia (Lev Kontorovich, Music Director)

Recorded in Svetlanov Hall of the Moscow International Performing Arts Center

In memoriam, Delos Founder Amelia S. Haygood (1919-2007)

“I’ve known Amelia for the past seven years. They have been the most exciting and thrilling years of my life. At what is probably the highest level of my career, I’ve been taking steps forward as I discovered where and how to go; taking risks, and challenging myself increasingly… The entire time, I have cherished Amelia’s unwavering pride and involvement in everything that I’ve been through, every step of the way.
  “I remember my first talks with Amelia, strolling in the little forest just outside of Moscow, where she listened to my life stories and talked and talked in return, with charm and wisdom… Ever since, whenever we’ve been together, something important was happening in my life. Red Square, Los Angeles, the Met, London, Paris, Milan… And through it all, Amelia’s wholehearted interest and enthusiasm, her great knowledge and experience, her ongoing advice, have protected me from many mistakes, and have encouraged me to be brave and honest with myself and with other people…
  “I loved Amelia and love her still. I am sad that I won’t see her coming towards me with her outgoing, warmhearted smile, holding her usual glass of vodka in her hand…
 
“I am honored to dedicate this album to Amelia.”  

Dmitri Hvorostovsky

September New Release - Vainberg Chamber Music

New recording of music by
Shostakovich protegé Moisei Vainberg

Moisei Vainberg (1919-1996): String Quartets
Nos.11 & 13; Piano Quintet Op. 18
Vilnius String Quartet • Golda Vainberg-Tatz, piano

DE 1042 —  September release from Delos

The music of Moisei Vainberg has been on the upswing in Europe lately; and now Delos presents a new recording of three outstanding chamber works by the Polish Jewish composer who survived two of the 20th century’s greatest horrors, Nazism and Stalinism. His music, until now rarely heard outside of Russia, is masterful, and seems to be gaining recognition in the United States and Europe.

The distinguished Vilnius Quartet, Lithuania’s most famous export, is joined by pianist Golda Vainberg-Tatz, also Lithuanian by birth and recognized throughout Europe and America. The Piano Quintet is an early opus, and the two Quartets are among Vainberg’s later works.

To escape the Nazis during World War II, Vainberg fled to Russia, where he earned the friendship and patronage of Dmitri Shostakovich, his mentor for life. Vainberg remained in Russia until his death in 1996, and composed numerous works in every musical genre: symphonies, operas, ballets and chamber music; and also music for the cinema, radio, TV, animated films and the circus.

Deeply influenced by Shostakovich, Vainberg’s music reflects the catastrophic events of his youth, 1939-45, with an intense focus on the 2nd World War and the Holocaust. The Quartets and the Piano Quintet on our recording are laden with emotions: sadness, pain, darkness, folkloric Russian imagery, at times stirringly lyrical and profoundly meditative.

All of this music is realized in depth by the Vilnius musicians and pianist Vainberg-Tatz. The adventurous CD classical buyer will be fascinated by this beautifully planned recording of a musical visionary’s plea for understanding and peace. The distinguished Vilnius Quartet is well known in the capitals of Europe, and has performed in such U.S. centers as New York, Boston, Cleveland and Houston.

Recorded at Vilnius Philharmonic Hall, Vilnius, Lithuania.

AMELIA S. HAYGOOD (1919–2007)

“Greek mythology tells us that Apollo set out from the island of Delos every morning with his lyre in hand, bringing light, music and healing to the world. We at Delos International share the awareness that our world needs the balm of music.” Amelia S. Haygood, President and founder

Amelia S. Haygood (1919-2007), who died this month at the age of 87, was one of the most respected names in the classical recording industry. Founder and president of the independent label Delos International, she was a leader in the industry for much of the label’s 34-year history. As the guiding force behind Delos, Haygood maintained standard-setting quality in artistic excellence, integration of new technology, innovative presentation, and careful attention to every aspect of production.

Haygood was a leader in digital recording beginning in 1979, working closely with inventor Thomas Stockham and his prototype Soundstream digital recording process. Her company was the first independent label to sell its CDs in the US. Delos’s Director of Recording, John Eargle, received the Grammy Award for Sound Engineering in 2001. Virtually every major audio publication worldwide has recognized Delos as the highest achievement in quality recording.

In her company’s 34-year history, Haygood produced recordings with some of the most honored names in the classical music field: Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra, Janos Starker, Jean Pierre Rampal, Arleen Auger, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Andrew Litton, Zdenek Macal, James DePreist, Constantine Orbelian, Gerard Schwarz, David Shifrin, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Dennis Keene, Eugenia Zukerman, Ewa Podles, Olga Guryakova, Marina Domashenko and numerous others. Delos is respected worldwide both for its excellent recording of established names and its discoveries of rising talents. Haygood’s company initiated significant trends in the classical music industry, among them the Great American Composers Series, Family Classics Series, and classical mood discs such as Carol Rosenberger’s Perchance to Dream – Lullabies for Children and Adults. Delos’s “BabyNeeds” series was welcomed worldwide as the first and finest series ever produced for the very young.

Amelia Da Costa Stone Haygood was born in Gainesville, Florida. Her mother’s side of the family descended from the original Spanish settlers of Florida. Her father, who came from a family of doctors, left a judgeship to join the law faculty of the University of Florida. Haygood grew up with an intense love for music, especially treasuring opera broadcasts and old recordings of the “golden age” singers.

Haygood’s interest in languages and international relations took her to Paris to study at the Sorbonne when she was 16. While in Europe, she wrote
articles for her home town newspaper encouraging Americans to look beyond their then-isolationist point of view just before the beginning of World War II.

Back in the U.S., after majoring in history and international law, she went to
Washington, D.C. to work for the U.S. State Department, where she became Editor and Director of Publications for the State Department Interdepartmental Committee for Cultural and Scientific Cooperation.

Leaving Washington to marry J. Douglas Haygood, a clinical psychologist then
practicing in Cleveland, Amelia Haygood initiated, for the International YWCA, a women’s program designed to develop interests outside of the home, especially in public affairs. Haygood’s interest and skill as a therapist began to emerge, and she went back to school to do graduate work in medicine and clinical psychology, eventually going into practice with her husband in Beverly Hills, California.

In the medical setting, Haygood worked in the Veteran’s Administration for four years, developing programs for pre-and post-operative patients and contributing to research and publication in the fields of spinal cord injury and neurosurgery.

After the death of her husband, Haygood left private practice to become psychological consultant to the Los Angeles County Probation Department, developing a successful pilot treatment program for juvenile offenders and their families, and conducting workshops for professionals in the field of family treatment.

In the early 1970s, after seeing a close friend through a long terminal
illness, Haygood felt she had reached a crossroads, and catalytic change was taking place. Her lifelong passion for music, her interest in musicians, recordings and advanced sound technology, as well as her graduate study of psychoacoustics and the physics of music, merged in a new life direction. Long a friend of a number of American concert artists, Haygood had become increasingly disappointed in the lack of recording opportunities for these fine artists. It occurred to her that providing an international platform for outstanding American artists and musical groups could be a worthy mission. In 1973, Delos was born. She named her company after the birthplace of the Sun god Apollo, who brought music and healing to the world, elements Haygood always felt to be closely connected with each other and with her own life.

It was a whole new life for this remarkable woman in the 34 years following Delos’s beginning. She consistently kept her company on the leading edge of developments in sound recording, working closely with pioneers in the field, and initiating trends in the industry. Until the last months of a 12-year battle with cancer, Haygood remained Executive Producer of all recording projects, maintaining artistic and quality control through the various stages of recording, post-production, manufacture and packaging. One of Haygood’s greatest joys was to share the enthusiasms and activities of her younger staff. Her intense interest in people, and her vast experience in communicating with people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds, gave Delos a unique perspective and direction.

Orbelian & Hvorostovsky On Tour

July 12, 2006
For immediate release

Russian Coal Miners Win Operatic Victory

A few months ago the coal mining communities of the vast Russian Kuzbass Region (southwestern Siberia) wrote thousands of letters to Aman Tuleev, the Governor of their Region. The political clout of this important industrial region cannot be overlooked; and the thousands of letters demonstrated a unity of purpose. Then and there, Governor Tuleev put a plan into action to satisfy his citizens.

So what were the thousands of coal miners calling for? They wanted Dmitri Hvorostovsky — Russian Idol, baritone heart-throb, celebrated around the world as one of the greatest opera singers of our day — to come and sing for them.

It all started in Kemerovo, the capital of the Kuzbass Region, with a concert by Dmitri, Siberia’s favorite native son, and his frequent collaborator, American conductor Constantine Orbelian. Constantine, born and raised in San Francisco, California, is the first foreigner in history to become Music Director of a Russian orchestra — the famed Moscow Chamber Orchestra and its offspring, the Philharmonia of Russia.

The Hvorostovsky-Orbelian Kemerovo concert on August 26, 2005, televised and highly publicized throughout Kuzbass, was a huge success. The concert was held in the public square in the center of town, for an audience of 50,000. The weather was warm but cloudy, and as Constantine and Dmitri walked onto the stage, it started to rain. But Governor Tuleev was prepared! Slickers, colorful umbrellas, and hot tea and coffee were made available to everyone in the undaunted, cheering audience.

There were Russian opera favorites such as the rousing Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla, stirring arias from Prince Igor and Khovanschina, and the toe-tapping dance from The Snow Maiden. Their Opera Idol was a dashing Escamillo in the Toreador’s scene from Carmen. There were favorite traditional Russian “Romances.” And there were the sentimental Songs of the War Years that Dmitri and Constantine have brought back to the concert stage. Songs that have deep meaning for every Russian family, whether that family is still in Russia or relocated elsewhere in the world.

After the last encore for a cheering, emotional audience that didn’t want the concert to end, Governor Tuleev came up onto the stage and presented medals to both artists: medals made of gold, platinum, diamonds and sapphires. After the concert the Governor also sent medals to the parents of both artists.

But it didn’t stop there. As news of the spectacular Kemerovo concert got around, the citizens of outlying Kuzbass communities wrote to their Governor, asking why they didn’t rate such an event. Were they less important than the residents of Kemerovo? As the letters continued to pour in, Governor Tuleev took action. He engaged Hvorostovsky and Orbelian for a five-city tour of major Kuzbass communities, to take place in August of 2006.

The upcoming concerts — with Hvorostovsky, Orbelian, the Russian traditional instrument ensemble Style of Five, orchestra and chorus — will be predominantly open-air events. They will be free to the public in each community. Letter-writing activism has won a stunning victory!

The hundreds of thousands who will attend the five upcoming concerts will be treated to an exciting and emotion-packed program, with many of the same favorites that brought last year’s Kemerovo audience to its feet. Just what the coal miners wanted.

KUZBASS TOUR 2006: ITINERARY AND PROGRAM

Itinerary for the 2006 Kuzbass Tour:

Novokuznetsk (Sports Palace) — July 30

Prokopievsk (open air) — August 1

Kiselevsk (open air) — August 3

Kemerovo (open air) — August 5

Leninsk-Kuznetsk (open air) — August 7

Program for the 2006 Kuzbass Tour:

Glinka: Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla

Mussorgsky: Schaklovityj aria from the opera
Khovanschina (Hvorostovsky)

Tchaikovsky: Dance of the Skomorokhs from
Snegurochka (The Snow Maiden)

Borodin: Prince Igor's aria from the opera Prince
Igor (Hvorostovsky)

Bizet: Prelude to the Opera Carmen

Bizet: Escamillo's aria from Carmen ( Hvorostovsky, choir and
orchestra)

Shalov: Valenki (Style of 5, Orchestra)

Gurilev: Odnozvuchno gremit kolokolchik (The lonely
bell rings) (Hvorostovsky)

Bulakhov:Troika mtchitsa (Hvorostovsky)

Alexandrov: Svyaschennaiya Voina (The Sacred War)
Choir and Orchestra

Molchanov: Zhdi menja (Wait for me) (Hvorostovsky)

Bogoslovsky: Temnaja noch (Dark is the night) (Hvorostovsky)

Katusha (Hvorostovsky, Choir and orchestra)

Khachaturian: Valse from Masquerade

Pakhmutova: Melodia (Hvorostovsky)

Pakhmutova: Kak molody my byli..*(How young we were) (Hvorostovsky)

Danzi: Funniculi Funnilula Choir and orchestra

Fusco Falco: Dicitencello (Hvorostovsky)

[Insider information: Hvorostovsky encores: O sole mio Otchye chornie (Dark Eyes)]

American Bach Soloists Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

American Bach Soloists Release Historic Version of Handel’s Messiah Handel’s Famous Work a Favorite All Year Round

San Francisco, Calif. (March 1, 2006) — With the arrival of Ash Wednesday and Easter approaching, contemporary audiences of any creed can enjoy the music of the season with American Bach Soloists’ (ABS) live recording of Handel’s Messiah. Named “Best American Specialists in Early Music” by The Washington Post, ABS’ historical version CD, released by Delos International, is now available.

“The American Bach Soloists performance of Handel’s Messiah has been a traditional holiday favorite for more than a decade,” said Jeffrey Thomas, American Bach Soloists’ conductor, music director and co-founder. “Now all can enjoy one of the most celebrated pieces of classical music in the Western World — all year round.”

The historical performance of Messiah was recorded live in December 2004 in the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts located on the campus of University of California, Davis. The American Bach Soloists Chorus and Orchestra, led by Thomas, performed the predominantly unheard autograph score version of 1741, which includes alternate versions of various arias and choruses and extended repeats, previously cut from other hybrid versions over the years. The American Bach Soloists also implemented a historic performance practice, which placed the chorus (traditionally behind the orchestra) in front of the world-class period instrument performers.

Complimenting the American Bach Soloists ensemble during the recorded performance were the four soloists featured: soprano Arianna Zukerman and tenor Steve Tharp — in their American Bach Soloists debuts — and the return of renowned countertenor Daniel Taylor and baritone William Sharp.

This special version is the perfect gift this holiday season for any lover of classical music, Messiah aficionado, friend or family member who appreciates fine musicianship in an intimate setting. The new CD can be purchased online at www.americanbach.org.

Founded in 1989, the American Bach Soloists (ABS) continue to introduce audiences to the masterworks of Bach and his contemporaries — as well as little-known gems from the Baroque and early-Classical eras — through historically informed performances using period instruments and leading vocal interpreters of Baroque music. Under the leadership of Co-founder and Music Director Jeffrey Thomas, named “a superstar among oratorio tenors” by The Wall Street Journal, the ensemble has become a veritable “Who’s Who” of early music specialists and has been called “superbly musical,” and “a breath of fresh air.” ABS has performed at the world’s leading early music festivals and has also made appearances in Singapore and Hong Kong. In an effort to foster a passion for classical music among today’s youth, ABS sponsors the annual International Young Artists Bach Competition and enables public school music students to attend concerts free of charge through its Tickets for the Schools program.

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Delos Press Release

May 2005 — For Immediate Release
Delos Artists Hvorostovsky, Orbelian and MCO perform in televised 60th Anniversary VE Day concert in Red Square and take War Songs on tour through "Hero Cities" of Russia May 25 - June 12
Monday, May 9th was the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, an event celebrated almost universally, but an especially big event in Russia where the conflict created havoc and destruction beyond description. To commemorate this occasion Russia staged a major parade and public gathering in Red Square and a gala concert at the Kremlin Palace of Congresses, featuring crème de la crème Russian artists Dmitri Hvorostovsky and the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, led by their American Music Director Constantine Orbelian, and a 300-voice choir of young people. 53 heads of state from around the world attended this special concert. The program, televised throughout Russia, was built around songs from the War Years — songs beloved by the Russian public in the World War II era, a time of tragedy for every Russian family. These are the same songs to be heard on the Delos album Where are You, my Brothers? — Songs of the War Years (DE 3315).

"It was an amazing concert; something very special: moving and unforgettable," reports Constantine Orbelian. "President Putin had expressly asked Dmitri Hvorostovsky and me to perform this concert, built around the War Songs, for visiting heads of state, and for veterans of World War II. Of course everyone in the country knows these Songs from the War Years. Can you imagine how touched we all were when some of the WWII veterans came up to the stage after each song, bringing flowers and gifts to Hvorostovsky and me…

"I had a choir of 300 young people from 153 cities in Russia come together to perform at this concert. The choir was made up of music students who are studying at local choral academies in their hometowns. I had the preparation of the choir done at the prestigious Academy of Choral Arts in Moscow, which is a learning institution devoted to the choral arts. All of the music for the concert was sent to the choir two months in advance. I also had 30 invalid children who came from the “Hero Cities" [see below] for the occasion, and learned this music to perform with us on the stage of the Kremlin. It was the first trip to Moscow for these children; and to perform at the Kremlin on this day was an unforgettable experience for them.

"In fact this entire event was memorable for us all. The concert took place at 4 pm on May 9th, and was telecast again throughout Russia the evening of May 10. All Russians were glued to their TV sets on May 9th. In fact, most of the world saw some coverage of the parade on Red Square in the morning. Immediately after the parade, there was a rebroadcast throughout Russia of our Kremlin Palace concert from April 8, 2003, in which we had also performed the Songs from the War Years with Hvorostovsky and the MCO. On that occasion the Yale Alumni Chorus was singing with us, joined by the American Ambassador to Russia.

"Then, at 4 pm on this special May 9th, came the live concert at the Kremlin Palace, after which there was another countrywide rebroadcast: this time it was part of our May 28, 2004 Red Square concert with Hvorostovsky and the MCO, in which we also did some of the War Songs. Finally, at 8 pm, came the direct broadcast from Red Square, where Hvorostovsky sang once again."

The "Hero Cities" are those Russian cities that figured prominently in the pivotal battles and heroic victories of World War II. On May 25 Hvorostovsky, Orbelian and the MCO begin an intensive 2 1/2 week tour of the "Hero Cities," performing Songs of the War Years. Orbelian outlines the tour as follows:

May 25 - Tula
May 30 - Smolensk
June 2 - Volgograd (Stalingrad) this concert will be open air; 200,000 expected to attend!
June 5 - Krasnoyarsk
June 7 - Novosibirsk
June 9 - Ekaterinburg
June 12 - St. Petersburg, Palace Square - also an open air concert; 150,000 expected to attend.

In January/February of 2006, Orbelian, Hvorostovsky and the MCO will bring the Songs from the War Years program to Los Angeles, Washington (Kennedy Center), San Francisco, New York City (Lincoln Center), Montreal, Miami and London (Barbican).

Ewa Honored

We have learned that Ewa Podles' "Russian Arias" (DE 3298) is one of three finalists for Gramophone Magazine's 2003 Best Recital Album Award. The others are recordings by Roberto Alagna and Ann Sofie von Otter. Congratulations all!

The Delos '30 for 30' Series

Amelia Haygood recently wrote the following about the Delos 30th Anniversary Celebration "30 for 30" Series:

This year we will be issuing a special "30 for 30" series, revisiting some of the pivotal recordings of our 30-year adventure. The series reflects a number of high points and turning points in our Delos history. (Follow the link below, or scroll down, for the complete text.)

A Letter from the President

Dr. Amelia S. Haygood, president and founder of Delos International, has a few words about this year's 30th anniversary for the label and upcoming releases. Follow the link below or scroll down for the entire text.

Delos News Category

Our intention with the Delos News category is to post items that give you the latest news about what we are doing at Delos: new-artist signings, recording sessions, plans for future releases, and so on.