When I read the following letter BELOW from Marc, it reminded me of the time in my life when I was Associate Prroducer of the Soap Opera,  on CBS TV, LOVE OF LIFE.  Christopher Reeves was an actor on our soap, a well respected professional and nice guy…we all loved him.  He represented strength,  humility and leadership when selected to be the next Superman we were proud and happy for him.  Last night, I attended a Jewelry Auction at the fantastic Sothebys in New York, thanks Gene:) it was a great experience and the photo for this post comes from Sothebys of the original Superman Costume that Chris wore.

I believe the words in the following letter sent to me by Marc represent Chris,  and Superman…both inspirational people who helped us all do better.  Thank you  .

From Beast  Mode Tuesday – Happy Tuesday !!
Some of us wouldn’t be here without that person.

The one who saw something in us before we saw it ourselves.

The one who didn’t just pat us on the back — they pushed us forward.

The one who looked us in the eye and said, “You’ve got this,” when we weren’t sure if we did.

It might have been a boss who took a chance on you when your résumé was thin and your confidence was thinner.

It might have been a spouse who said, “Go for it,” when you were staring down a career change that made no financial sense at the time.

It might have been a parent who sacrificed so you could have a better shot than they ever did.

It might have been a coach, a teacher, a mentor — someone who cared enough to light your fuse and walk away, trusting you’d figure out how to burn bright.
It also might be G-d who never gives up on us.

And here’s the truth…

Belief is the most valuable currency we’ll ever receive.

It doesn’t show up in your bank account, but it changes the way you walk into the world.

When someone believes in you, it forces you to measure up — not to their expectations, but to the potential they see in you.

It makes you push harder when you want to quit.

It makes you get back up faster when you’ve been knocked down.

It makes you carry yourself differently because you’re not just representing you anymore — you’re carrying the weight of their trust.

It’s about taking a breath and remembering who believed in you before the wins.

It’s about honoring that belief by showing up like a beast every single day, because you refuse to make them regret giving it to you.

So if you can, send that message.

Make the call.

Look them in the eye.

And say it without hesitation:

Thank you for believing in me.

Then, get back out there and prove they were right.

SAY THIS:

“I won’t waste the belief you’ve given me.”

CALL TO ACTION:

Tag the person who believed in you when it mattered most. Tell them what it meant. Then go out this week and make them proud.

But more importantly I believe in you my friend and the impact you will continue to make!

Blessings ;
Marc

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#diamondsouthbronx #genefischjr #genefisch #paulsladkus

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Career Bridges Gala Photo credit: Hechler Photography

The dazzling evening we experienced at The Metropolitan Club was Gala in every sense of the word. Luminaries of the Opera World gathered in force to celebrate the next generation of opera stars, recipients of awards from The Schuyler Foundation for Career Bridges. What does that title symbolize? A bridge from studio to stage.

L to R Row 1 Barbara Meister Bender, Matthew Soibelman, Keungeun Lee, Lisa Rogali, Thomas Ciliuffo, Mary Beth Nelson, Joanna Evans, Samson McCrady, Mala Weissberg, Kaileigh Riess, Key’mon Murrah, and David Schuyler Bender, Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

The Foundation has been performing a vital service for 18 years now. Career Bridges was founded by David Schuyler Bender and Barbara Meister Bender with the mission of providing vital assistance to young opera singers as they transition from training to stage. Awardees receive three years of mentoring, financial support, and performance opportunities. Every year, except during the pandemic, Career Bridges spearheads a competition where they give career grants to 10 young artists. Those winners have the opportunity to sing for and receive expert critique from a panel of professionals in the business; directors, voice teachers, performers etc. The singers are then granted a conference with David and Barbara where the critiques are discussed and further helpful suggestions are given. The grant winners have the opportunity to return for 3 more years to “check in” to see if the hard work they have done has been realized for the panel. What an incredible mentorship for these fortunate young artists.

Left to right: Richard Miller, Jr, Barbara Meister Bender, Jane Shaulis and David Schuyler Bender, Photo credit, Hechler Photography

The Benders are one of those beautiful, power couples whose welcoming remarks set the evening off with a wonderful start. Guests that had not attended events in the last three years, due to the pandemic, basked in the delightful entertainment which enveloped them throughout the evening. Many who have attended most of the Gala’s commented that this was the best array of talent they had found in all the foundation’s long history. That is saying something since they have found world class talent each year.

Left to right: First row: Jane Shaulis, Eve Queler, Barbara Meister Bender, David Schuyler Bender Second Row: Richard Miller, Jr, Mary Beth Nelson, Kaileigh Riess, Joanne Evans, Keungeun Lee, Lisa Rogali, Third Row: Left to Right: Key’mon Murrah, Samson McCrady, Thomas Ciliuffo, and Matthew Soibelman

David Schuyler Bender and Barbara Meister Bender, Photo credit: Hechler Photography

This year Career Bridges selected ten outstanding, young opera singers.

Thomas Ciliuffo Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

Joanne Evans opened the program with a technically and artistically perfect rendition of Handel’s famous trumpet and mezzo solo “Or La Tromba”. Followed by the world famous aria, In diesen eil’gen Hallen from Mozart’s famous opera Die Zauberflote sung masterfully by the wonderful voiced Bass, Matthew Soibelman. The highlight of this section was the presentation of The Rose performed by Soprano, Kayleigh Riess. Tenor, Thomas Ciliuffo brought to life the ? …… The virile voiced, Baritone, Samson McCrady excelled with the world famous, largo ao factotem by Rossini.

Mary Beth Nelson Photo credit, Hechler Photography

Lisa Rogali Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award was the incomparable, Eve Queler, who is one of the first women to establish herself in the traditionally male-dominated field of orchestral conducting. As a guest conductor of many European and South American orchestras, as well as through her work as music director of The Opera Orchestra of New York which she founded in 1971, she has conducted high-quality performances of seldom-heard masterpieces, featuring internationally acclaimed stars. Eve has conducted over 100 operas in concert at Carnegie Hall. In addition, she has conducted worldwide, including engagements at the Kirov Opera in St Petersburg, the legendary Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, the Hamburg and Frankfurt Operas in Germany, the Australian Opera in Sydney and the Liceu in Barcelona, Spain, to name a few.

Eve Queler, Lifetime Achievement
Award Winner, Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

After Eve Queler’s award, the piece de resistance of the evening was the outstanding performance by Key’mon Murrah, Countertenor whose rendition of the ah! quel giorno ognor rammento by Rossini brought down the house. Mezzo Soprano, Lisa Rogali’s rendition of Una voce poco fa by Rossini revealed a warm, beautiful voice peppered with technically perfect coloratura. Most impressive was the fantastically realized performance of Wagner’s Zwangvolle Plage! sung by Tenor, Thomas Ciliuffo. The performance of Sein wir wieder gut! was artistically and dramatically performed by Mezzo Soprano, Mary Beth Nelson.

Distinguished Award Winner. Jane Shaulis Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

Superstar mezzo-soprano, Jane Shaulis, spoke eloquently as she received the Distinguished Achievement Award. She has been a staple of the Metropolitan Opera’s roster for 25 years appearing in 561 performances and heard in 67 radio broadcasts. This past season she sang in the new HD production of Lulu. Prior to joining the Met she performed with the New York City Opera for 15 years, appearing in over 60 roles. She has also sung with the major opera companies, including San Francisco, Chicago, and San Diego and has performed with many major orchestras, including Chicago, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, as well as the festivals in Spoleto and Glyndebourne.

Key’Mon Murrah Photo credit, Hechler Photography

22 year old Mezzo Soprano, Mala Weissberg impressed us all with the beautifully realized rendition of Meyerbeer’s Nobles seigneurs, salut! Qui la voce sua soave…Vien diletto composed by Bellini was sung by Soprano Keungeun Lee highlighted by her clear cut coloratura. An audience favorite, the flower duet from Lakme was brought to life by the beautifully matched voices of Kaileigh Riess and Mala Weissberg, Mezzo Soprano.

Mala Weissberg Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

The tribute in memoriam was made to Laurence Broderick, 2006 Grant winner, whose life was cut short in a boating accident. The tribute began with a heartfelt rendition of Abendilch by Wagner sung by Bass-Baritone, John Dominick, III, 2006 Career Bridges’ winner. His mother and brother accepted the moving tribute in his memory.

Mary Beth Nelson Photo credit, Hechler Photography

Ted Taylor as Music Director contributed his amazing job of accompanying a great variety of material for these gifted young singers.

Samson McCrady Photo credit: Hechler Photography

The entire ensemble joined Baritone, Samson McCrady in the highly appropriate “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha. For many having a career in Opera might seem like an impossible dream but Career Bridges’ Co-Artistic Directors, Barbara and David Bender and team’s mission is to make the dream all the more possible.

Kaileigh Riess Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

Jane Thorngren and Walter McNeil

Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

David Schuyler Bender, Barbara Meister Bender, Elizabeth Broderick and son.

Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

For more information on Career Bridges go to www.careerbridges.org

#careerbridges #mission #buildingbridges #studiotostage #lorrainesilvetz #gala #careerbridgeshechler #metropolitanclub #operastars #recipientsofawards #schuylerfoundation #symbolize

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Russia should leave the Ukraine Alone Immediately

Good News Corporation, nonprofit needs your help for our events, as we have a NYC Parks Application Deadline of 4/15/22. We are reaching out to find the right presenting philanthropist/patron/sponsor for our major, 16 million dollar, Pause the World for Peace Worldwide Broadcast/Podcast Events: 9/11 Central Park Great Lawn Largest Human Peace Circle with video feeds of Peace Activities from 7 Continents, 193 UN Countries and areas not part of the UN, including our Animal and Plant Kingdome. 9/21 Times Square, the UN International Day of Peace unanimously agreed to, 12 Noon Moment of Silence, Global Truce, Acts of Peace Worldwide McKinsey Co. states 1.6 Billion are aware of Peace Day. 9/21 Celebrity Concert in the evening at the Centennial Memorial Temple AND MORE….

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Lastly, please join us to Pause the World for Peace. Call us at 212 647 1212. Go to www.peacedayparty.org to volunteer or donate. WE APPRECIATE YOU AS WE KNOW EVERYONE ON OUR NEWSLETTER IS ALL ABOUT PEACE & LOVE.

Please share this newsletter with your community, ask them to sign up for this FREE Newsletter and join our Peace Movement. For our newsletter go to:

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LET’S GROW TOGETHER. GOOD NEWS MOTTO: ALL WE ARE IS WHAT WE ARE WITH EACH OTHER. ZEAL

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Listen to “Ukrainian Church Choir, Service, Metropolitan Opera Singing Ukrainian Anthem, Andre Rois Performing Ukrainian Song with Ukrainian and Russia” on Spreaker.

Metropolitan Opera singing National Anthem if the Ukraine…
Listen to “Ukrainian Church Choir, Service, Metropolitan Opera Singing Ukrainian Anthem, Andre Rois Performing Ukrainian Song with Ukrainian and Russia” on Spreaker.

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The Viennese Opera Ball hosted their Swing Dinner Dance Gala, “The Golden Age” at a private club in Manhattan. Due to the events of the past year, the gala was scaled down from previous years with limited capacity but was a great return of the extravagant affair. The Viennese Opera Ball is a nonprofit association under Section 501(c)(3) and celebrated under the auspices of the US Austrian Chamber of Commerce. The Gala Chair for the evening was philanthropist Jean Shafiroff. Each year, it supports charitable projects that are connected to communities in New York or Vienna. The proceeds of the Swing Dinner Dance benefited the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.

The Gala took place with the support of City of Vienna and the Honorary Gala Chair, Governor & Mayor of Vienna The Honorable Michael Ludwig, Consul General of Austria in New York The Honorable Helene Steinhaeusl, and the Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum New York Michael Haider.

Notable attendees included: President of the Viennese Opera Ball Silvia Frieser, event chair and philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, Consul General of Austria in New York The Honorable Helene Steinhaeusl, Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum New York Michael Haider, Hubert Heiss, Yoko Nakamura-Haider, Martin Shafiroff, Malan Breton, Scott Stone, Ana Stone, Eve Brookville, Sabine Riglos, Victoria Whipple, Paula Mahoney, Nelli Hantman, Imke Gerdes, Barbara Wennerholm, David Hochberg, Pamela O’Connor, Michele Herbert, Emily Mohr, Cole Rumbough, Sessa Von Richthofen, Richard Johnson.

The black-tie event was a change up to their traditional Opera Ball with the swing dance party theme. The music for the evening was provided by the Misha Piatigorsky Trio, with Misha Piatigorsky on piano, Benny Benack III singing and playing trumpet, Sergei Avanesov on Saxophone, and Singer Kennedy.

There was a silent auction during gala with proceeds also benefiting Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. While some items closed for the night so winners can take home their prize, others are still available to bid on until Monday, November 1, 2021. Visit vob2021.givesmart.com to make a bid and for more information.

For hi-res images, visit: https://bit.ly/3Fr0yYS
Photo credit Patrick McMullan; and Rob Rich Society Allure. See individual photos for credit

Full albums:
www.patrickmcmullan.com/events/61723da5a2ea4b34b4000001/

www.societyallure.com/Charity-Benefit/Manhattan/Viennese-Opera-Ball-Dinner-Dance-Gala-NYC/

About Viennese Opera Ball
The Viennese Opera Ball, an annual white-tie charity gala celebrates the cultural and economic relationships between Austria and America, connecting two continents, two cities and two centuries in one glamorous night. It was founded by Austrians immigrating to the United States 66 years ago and is a tribute to both their former hometown Vienna and their host city, New York.

Considered the most prestigious and oldest Viennese ball outside of Vienna, the gala draws an international audience that includes diplomats and dignitaries, international corporations, and professionals. Performances by Metropolitan opera singers, the Viennese Opera Ball orchestra, ballet performances, the West Point color guard, midnight Quadrille and many more surprises contribute to a glamorous and delightful night.

Each year, the Viennese Opera Ball supports charitable projects connected to the communities in New York and Vienna.

For more information, please visit: vienneseoperaball.com.
Facebook: @vienneseoperaball
Instagram: @vienneseoperaball
#vienneseoperaball #vobny

PRESS CONTACT (Viennese Opera Ball, Jean Shafiroff):
Norah Lawlor | Lawlor Media Group | www.lawlormediagroup.com
Norah@lawlormediagroup.com | Tel: (212) 967-6900

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Now, you don’t have to travel that far. In fact, while you’re in New York City you can catch up with the best in Chinese culture, along with classic Western. It happens annually at an event known as the Chinese New Year Spectacular.

This is the Year of the Rat, and to ring in the New Year, the sixth annual Spectacular will be unveiled next Friday, Feb. 7, at…are you ready?….Carnegie Hall. Yes, the repository of the best of music. The New Year show will be starting at 7:30 P.M. with a combination of classic Chinese drama, good old-fashioned ballet, a Beethoven selection, opera, and lively American music.

It has come about under the aegis of Harvard Wealth Strategy & Management, LLC, along with Premier Event Management Inc., whose president, Charles Sullivan, has been on a mission to have the two cultures get to know each other better.

One of his favorite descriptions of things he likes is “grand and glorious,” and perhaps he also has this show in mind.

His co-producer is the internationally renowned Lili Li. Sullivan describes her importance in the project as similar to what “Bill Belichick has played in the success of the Patriots.” She has organized the talent in America and China, and has been instrumental in bringing together influential people from both countries.

I wondered what the “Konqu” performers were, and what the drama they were creating in front of me meant.

You feel you are looking at an ancient Chinese print. The two principals in this show spend more than two hours putting on makeup and elaborate costumes. The name “Konqu,” or “Konju” comes from the area of Kunshan, perhaps as early as the 17th Century. And there, in front of you, a world appears in which these two stylized figures recite poetry, sing, and dance. You are transported to another world.

And then there are the more familiar acts: An intriguing violinist named Deni Bonet, along with a guitarist and pianist, struts around the stage in lively renditions of her own and others’ songs. You might have seen her on Saturday Night Live, or perhaps with Cyndi Lauper or at many other major venues.

Deni Bonet sings and plays and moves.
Engaging, multi-talented violinist Deni Bonet CREDIT: ROSALIND ESKENAZI
Unlike most violinists, she is not nailed to the floor. And she doesn’t shy away from going head-to-head with the guitar player, having fun and breaking an erstwhile-stodgy image of the grand old instrument.

On a classical note, Quan Chen, an operatic soprano, takes over the stage with her presence and her voice. She holds a pair of master’s degrees—one earned not far from Carnegie Hall, at the Manhattan School of Music.

She loves bringing the Western canon to China, and says that, while the audiences there may not be familiar with the music, it tends to bring East and West together.

With Degrees From East and West
Quan Chen’s Classic Soprano ROSALIND ESKENAZI
That is an event echoed by the the spectacular classical pianist Cong Bi, who earned the Steinway Award in 2019. He speaks of his love for Beethoven, and it shows in his nimble performance.

There are other wonderful artists in the show, which is held at Carnegie’s Zankel Hall at quite affordable prices for all: prices start at $28, but there is a 25 percent discount for seniors over 60, children under 12, and active military. Get them at: carnegiehall.org, or at 212 247-7800. And enjoy the Year of the Rat!
#best #american #western #chinese #culture #carnegie #hall #annual #musical #gala #china #music #ancient #new #year #classic #spectacular #ballet #beethoven #opera #harvard #wealth #strategy #management #konqu #konju #kunshan #lauper #poetry #sing #dance #lili #li #deni #bonet #cyndi

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Sunday 3, 11.00 am
VILLA BORGHESE, LAGHETTO – ROME
UN PIANOFORTE ALL’OPERA
VILLA BORGHESE PIANO DAY

info
Monday 4, 7.00 pm
SPAIN EMBASSY TO THE HOLY SEE – ROME
Piazza di Spagna, 57
VIVALDI – LE QUATTRO STAGIONI
By invitation only

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Thursday 7, 7.00 pm
MUSIK AULA DER URSULINEN – GRAZ, AUSTRIA
Leonhardstrasse 62
OMAGGIO ALL’ITALIA
tickets: €25,00 – €15,00
kanzlei@ursulinen.at

info
Sunday 10, 9.00 pm
CHIESA DELLA SS. ANNUNZIATA – CARINOLA (CE)
OMAGGIO ALL’ITALIA
free admission

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Thursday 21, 6.00 pm
GALLERIA NAZIONALE – ROME
Viale delle Belle Arti
AFRICAN SKY – Festa della Musica
free admission

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Friday 22, 6.30 pm
GALLERIA NAZIONALE DELL’UMBRIA – PERUGIA
Palazzo dei Priori, Corso Vannucci 19
CONSERTUM – Stagioni Intessute
free admission – by invitation

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