You probably were aware that Governor Herbert came to Jerusalem with the Trade Commission. Zions Bank sponsored the trip and the Center was asked to host an evening. The evening consisted of a high-class stand up dinner/reception. The kind where you wander from station to station and get little plates of delectable foods to "sample". Shishkebab, soup, salads, drinks. It was meant for the Governor to mingle with Israeli dignitaries and spread good will. The problem? He and his wife were 50 minutes late and spent the last 10 minutes hobnobbing not with the Israeli dignitaries but with President Uchtdorf. Strike 1.
Following the reception, we moved into the auditorium for a concert. Zions Bank was supposed to schedule bring with them from Utah, some great performers. They didn't. Strike 2. Our amazing Neomi Weinstein had 4 days to find some world-class performers who were available on that date. She came through unbelievably well! Neomi puts together our weekly Sunday concerts and the biannual art display here at the Center. She is very good at what she does.
To begin the concert we had short remarks by Jim Kearl - the Assistant to the University President over the Jerusalem Center; then Scott Anderson - from Zions Bank; last and definitely least [he referred to a city in the West Bank as "Israel". among other fopahs] - Governor Herbert. Strike 3.
However, let's move on to the real high-light of the evening. The concert:
She is one of the most successful, critically acclaimed Israeli sopranos. She has sung many leading roles with the Israeli Opera, and with many of the leading orchestras in Israel. She sang 5 short numbers - each one more incredible than the one before. Each one showing the range and ability of her voice. Awesome!
He has established himself over the years as a recitalist, chamber music player and accompanist in several countries. He has won numerous prizes and awards for outstanding pianist. This guy was phenomenal! I wish I could have seen his fingers better!! I thanked him afterwards and he looked surprised. His friend told me that no one ever comments on HIS abilities - only on the singer that he plays for. Made me sad.
She has performed with leading orchestras in more than 40 countries. She is 1st prize winner of numerous national and international competitions. She is 19. Again I wish I could have seen her fingers better. Actually I could see in her face, the emotion she was putting into her fingers. She did 3 numbers. Breathtaking!!
These two are twins and carry on a great family tradition. Their grandfather, Arkady Gurfinkel, was a well-known clarinet player, teacher, and arranger. Their father, Michael Gurfinkel, is among the leading clarinet players in Israel. The twins began their musical education at the age of 8 and when they were 12 they were invited to appear as soloists in the annual concert for young musicians with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. They are really entertaining because they play off of each other and to the audience. Not to mention they are fabulous clarinetists!!
Remarkable program, followed by remarkable dessert tables. My mouth is hanging open in amazement. :)
The evening was a huge success - thanks to our wonderful team of people here at the Center. They are all so glad it is over.
Following the reception, we moved into the auditorium for a concert. Zions Bank was supposed to schedule bring with them from Utah, some great performers. They didn't. Strike 2. Our amazing Neomi Weinstein had 4 days to find some world-class performers who were available on that date. She came through unbelievably well! Neomi puts together our weekly Sunday concerts and the biannual art display here at the Center. She is very good at what she does.
To begin the concert we had short remarks by Jim Kearl - the Assistant to the University President over the Jerusalem Center; then Scott Anderson - from Zions Bank; last and definitely least [he referred to a city in the West Bank as "Israel". among other fopahs] - Governor Herbert. Strike 3.
However, let's move on to the real high-light of the evening. The concert:
Hila Baggio - Soprano
She is one of the most successful, critically acclaimed Israeli sopranos. She has sung many leading roles with the Israeli Opera, and with many of the leading orchestras in Israel. She sang 5 short numbers - each one more incredible than the one before. Each one showing the range and ability of her voice. Awesome!
Dan Deutsch - accompanist
Dorel Golan
Alexander and Daniel Gurfinkel
These two are twins and carry on a great family tradition. Their grandfather, Arkady Gurfinkel, was a well-known clarinet player, teacher, and arranger. Their father, Michael Gurfinkel, is among the leading clarinet players in Israel. The twins began their musical education at the age of 8 and when they were 12 they were invited to appear as soloists in the annual concert for young musicians with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. They are really entertaining because they play off of each other and to the audience. Not to mention they are fabulous clarinetists!!
Remarkable program, followed by remarkable dessert tables. My mouth is hanging open in amazement. :)
The evening was a huge success - thanks to our wonderful team of people here at the Center. They are all so glad it is over.
how embarrassing, Gov. Herbert! zoink!
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