Spring Awards for Ensembles and Soloists
Fifteen classical musicians from Rivers participated in the MICCA (Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association) statewide solo and ensemble festival on Saturday, April 28th at Concord Carlisle High School. Five entries came away with gold "superior" ratings, and one soloist received a silver rating. In addition, three of the gold rated entries were recommended for the prestigious Honors Concert, which showcases the top performances from the day. Each adjudicator was only allowed to select one or two gold medal recipients from the day that they felt represented the highest level of performance, so Rivers’ musicians were well represented at the very top.
The Upper School trio of Simonida Spasojevic ’19, flute; Isabel Salvin ’20, flute; and Emilia DeJesus ’19, piano received a gold rating as well as honors concert recommendation. The Conservatory Program Vocal Ensemble, comprised of Michaela Francesconi ’18, Sydney Greer ’20, Natalie Hall ’19, Izzy Hardy ’18, Joe Nedder ’18, and Becca Stachel ’19, also received a gold rating and honors concert recommendation.
The Middle School Conservatory Program trio of Jacqueline Lee ’23, marimba; Julien Burks ’23, cello; and Michael Wu ’23, piano received a gold rating. In addition, two soloists received a gold rating: Ashley Burgarella ’18 on violin and Isabel Salvin ’20 on flute. Isabel also earned honors concert recommendation. Finally Daniel Weitz ’20 received a silver rating for his cello solo performance.
The Middle School Conservatory Program trio of Jacqueline Lee ’23, marimba; Julien Burks ’23, cello; and Michael Wu ’23, piano received a gold rating. In addition, two soloists received a gold rating: Ashley Burgarella ’18 on violin and Isabel Salvin ’20 on flute. Isabel also earned honors concert recommendation. Finally Daniel Weitz ’20 received a silver rating for his cello solo performance.
The Honors Concert is Saturday, May 5, at Follen Community Church in Lexington from 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Earlier in the week, the Select 1 Combo received a Gold Medal at the 2018 MAJE State combo competition. Joe Nedder ’18, Michael Manasseh ’19 and Henry Lewis ’20 also received Outstanding Musicianship Awards, and Joe Nedder got the Herb Pomeroy MVP Award for the whole festival. The combo will be featured at the MAJE Gold Medalist showcase concert at the Berklee Performance Center on Sunday, May 13.
During the festival, it was announced that Michael Manasseh was selected for the Terri Lyne Carrington award, which provides a full scholarship to attend the summer Jazz Workshop at Berklee College of Music. The five-week program, led by Grammy Award–winning drummer Carrington and Rick Dimuzio, is designed for students interested in studying and performing jazz at the highest level.
“This has been a great year of successes for the jazz program!” commented Jazz Program Director Philippe Crettien. “And a most prestigious award for Michael.”
In addition, Michael received a National YoungArts Foundation award—one of 757 winners out of 7,600 applications—earlier in the year, making him eligible to attend various YoungArts Week programs in the region and nationally.
In March, the Big Bands competed in the MAJE Big Band competition. The Honors Big Band received a Gold Medal and The Big Band, in its inaugural year, received a Bronze Medal. The Honors Big Band will perform a concert in Bradley Hall on May 19 at 3:00 p.m. as part of Alumni Day (all are welcome), and both Big Bands will perform at the Amazing Things Art Center in Framingham, Sunday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m.
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