One World Symphony = News 2010

One World Symphony News

September 2010

One World Symphony, Photo by Hillary Honeck, 2010

One World Symphony's tenth anniversary season — Miracles — begins September 17th and 19th, 2010 with Imagine. The program explores the human ability to overcome extreme adversity through creativity and inspiring art. It includes works by John Lennon, Sergei Prokofiev, Olivier Messiaen, Dmitri Shostakovich, Richard Strauss and a world premiere by One World Symphony Artistic Director and Composer-Conductor Sung Jin Hong.

One World Symphony gave its first performance in October 2001 for New York City to benefit 9/11 victims and families. Over the past decade, One World Symphony has presented over 70 different dynamic programs, developed outreach and educational events with various schools communities, and raised over $10,000 for local and global charities.

Imagine will be presented on September 17th, 8:00 pm at St. Ann and the Holy Trinity in Brooklyn Heights and on September 19th, 7:00 pm at Church of the Holy Apostles in Chelsea. Net proceeds will benefit One World Symphony's Community Music Program — a program which enables students and parents who would otherwise not be in a position to afford classical concerts to obtain tickets to attend live performances during the One World Symphony season.

For more information on Imagine, One World Symphony's 2010–2011 Season Opener click here.

September 2010

One World Symphony has been invited to participate in The September Concert 2010, Saturday September 11th — a day that has become a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Members of One World Symphony will perform in front of the New York Public Library at 5th Avenue and 42nd Street beginning at 5:45 pm. The performance is free and open to the public. One World Symphony will perform Antonin Dvorak's Serenade for Winds and Strings and Sung Jin Hong's Sidewalk Sketches (world premiere, 2010). Sidewalk Sketches, a site-specific work commissioned by the September Concert Foundation, is a tribute to New York City composers and writers. It is scored for woodwinds, brass, percussion, vocal quartet, cello, double bass, accordion, and electric guitar.

The September Concert Foundation shares One World Symphony's passion for service to our community. Founded in 2002 as a small, local grassroots effort, it has steadily evolved to be an event of global proportion with a mission to promote global peace.

Harmoniously, One World Symphony, founded in 2001, has developed a strong history of serving our local and global communities. The ensemble's first season began as a benefit concert after September 11th, 2001 — from which 100% of its concert proceeds were donated to 9/11 charities. Over the past decade, One World Symphony has raised over $10,000 for charitable causes and organizations such as the Uniformed Firefighter's Association Widows' and Children's Fund, United Spinal Association, American Red Cross Tsunami Victims Fund, American Red Cross Hurricane Katrina Victims Relief Fund, The Coalition for the Homeless, St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Roof Restoration Fund (in 2008, 2009, and 2010), and even The Humane Society of New York In 2005, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz publicly commended Conductor Sung Jin Hong and all the talented musicians of the One World Symphony for "generously donating their musical skill to help those in such great need, and for sharing their beautiful music." and he "recognized and honored One World Symphony for supporting humanitarian efforts around the world."

August 2010

Sung Jin Hong fulfilling his composition commissions in Provence, France (Aug 2010)

One World Symphony’s artistic director and composer-conductor Sung Jin Hong makes his debut as a composer in The New York International Fringe Festival. His orchestral composition From The Alchemist will be part of the world premiere production of Passchendaele, a gripping play written by John Rafter Lee. Passchendaele, named for the notorious battle on the Western Front, is inspired by the lives of Sir Douglas Haig, the controversial commander of the allied forces; and John Singer Sargent, a leading portrait painter of the era, who visited the Western Front in 1918.

From The Alchemist, which was inspired by Paulo Coelho’s novel and written for his wedding to Adrienne Metzinger, was reviewed by The New York Times at its world premiere performance as transforming “a novel to a lush Mahlerian sound.” Hong’s upcoming composition commissions include a piano concerto for Lloyd Arriola, a chamber work for Project 60/40, world premiere orchestration of Messiaen’s Quatuor pour la fin du temps, and the symphonic poem Eye of the Storm (2010) for audience and One World Symphony.

For tickets and more information on Passchendaele, please click here.

July 2010

The NYTimes: Weekend Miser


Artistic Director Sung Jin Hong and members of One World Symphony entertain strolling New Yorkers during the Super Summer Rummage Sale on July 17th, 2010.. Photo credit: Hillary Honeck

By Sara Clemence for RecessionWire, posted July 13, 2010

Talk about bang for your buck. This Saturday, July 17, you can hear live professional music and hunt for bargains for free. The One World Symphony will hold its Super Summer Rummage Sale in Brooklyn Heights — complete with live jazz, cabaret and classical music, led by Artistic Director and Conductor Sung Jin Hong. The wares include two-piece suits, tuxes, dresses, gowns, scores and CDs. Did we mention entrance is free? Check out their site for more details

By Jonathan Berk for Brokelyn, posted July 13, 2010

Imagine the BK Flea meets A Night at the Opera: everyone dressed to the 8.5s, tons of used stuff for sale and classy live music wafting through the air. That’s what we imagine anyway, for Saturday’s Super Summer Rummage Sale being held by Brooklyn’s One World Symphony. The big sale, happening Saturday from 10 to 3 in Brooklyn Heights, promises tuxes, 2-piece suits, dress shirts, neck ties, dresses, gowns, jewelry, leather jackets, jeans, CDs, musical scores and “much much more!” Maybe you’re not quite sure what to wear for those last few night-time weddings coming up? This might be a good place to look.

And, since the rummage sale is being run by an orchestra and all, the day will be chock-full of some high quality live music — including cabaret and jazz standards, Joplin rags, Sousa marches, Bach concerti, a Gershwin rhapsody you know and love and a Dvorak serenade thrown in there for good measure.

The sale and concert are from 10 to 3 on Saturday, July 17, but if you’re super amped about the fancy wares (or really need that cheap tux), there’s a special preview sale the day before (July 16) from 6 to 8 p.m. It’s all happening at St. Ann & the Holy Trinity, 157 Montague St. between Clinton and Henry Streets.

June 2010

One World Symphony closed its ninth season with Passport to Paris to full houses at St. Ann and the Holy Trinity in Brooklyn Heights and its debut in Chelsea’s Church of the Holy Apostles. Both concerts were Time Out New York Critics’ Picks. One World Symphony delivered its dynamic programming by offering New York audiences songs by Edith Piaf performed by Tamra Paselk and Susanna Ketron and cabaret ensemble, Berlioz's Les Nuits d’Été sung by Sonya Headlam and Cheryl Warfield, and Ravel's Piano Concerto with Lloyd Arriola as the featured soloist. Artistic Director Sung Jin Hong interacted with audiences prior to conducting Ravel’s eclectic music, demonstrating the polished fusion of jazz, gamelan, and Asian influences.

A few thoughts from the One World Symphony audience:

Pianist Lloyd Arriola and One World Symphony appreciate audience’s standing ovation in their debut performance at Chelsea’s Church of the Holy Apostles.

Both concerts were terrific. The performers responded well to the conductor. There was a palpable collective chemistry that resulted into this nostalgic and majestic moment that transported all into the ambience that is old Paris. Congratulations.

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It was a beautiful program, and I enjoyed myself immensely. I had never heard the Ravel before, and it was a revelation. (After the second movement, a woman behind me said, "That was magical!" ) Of course, the Berlioz is glorious and I really enjoyed the Piaf songs as well. Congratulations on a really perfect concert.

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Dear Maestro, My friend Doris was very impressed with One World Symphony and with you. She had a rave review for Sunday evening's performance — she thought the starting with the Piaf songs was a grand idea, just perfect for the theme of the evening. She (and I) were blown away by the artistry of the second soloist, Ms Warfield. What a wonderful voice. The Ravel Concerto was marvelous, it's one of my favorites. I have heard it countless times, but I never weary of it, very exciting when played by a grand pianist such as Mr. Arriola. I remember his previous work with One World Symphony with warm affection and appreciation. Doris observed and commented on the rapport you had with both soloists. I replied that you seem to be have a wonderful ability of getting the finest performances out of all the musicians and singers, despite your limited prep time. The new air conditioned location was very comfortable, the hard surfaced interior walls, ceiling and floor may provide some interesting challenges for orchestra and audience placement. One World Symphony presented an excellent evening of music Sunday. It really made our day. We look forward to the great season on the way in the Fall. Doris indicates she is a new fan of OWS and will be in the audience whenever possible.

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I'm very happy to have been in every single show your wonderful orchestra had this season. It was a pleasure seeing the arc of music from beginning to end, and there were many things I enjoyed in every show.

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Soprano Sonya Headlam and One World Symphony give a stunning and moving performance of Berlioz's Les Nuits d'Été at St. Ann and the Holy Trinity.

The concert was quite unique and wonderful. Those Berlioz pieces are magical! I also enjoyed the educational 'informances' that preceded each work. My mother enjoyed meeting you and loved the concert as well! Being a pianist herself, she especially appreciated the Ravel! I'm looking forward to working with you in the upcoming season!

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I left so very moved and inspired. What a tremendous program; I was feeling the whole time, and intensely from beginning to end. Congratulations to you. It is going to be a great pleasure to sing with you and create something spectacular, I can't wait. Thank you for the invitation!

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Truly a great season. The French program was truly magical that I went twice and both times were unique and moving. No one consistently programs the way you do. Piaf with Berlioz and Ravel. Not only it was creative, but it felt quite natural, but no one else does it!

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I was surprised you didn't discuss and play the piano in Berlioz like you did on Friday night. Was there a reason? I appreciated that you gave us the opportunity to hear the original version with piano and then with orchestra.

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The Ravel was hypnotic both times, but Mr. Arriola and your orchestra played differently both nights. Every minute of both concerts were powerful. Never experienced anything like that before. Thank you for your inspiring music and looking forward to your tenth anniversary season.

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Click for performance photos of Passport to Paris!

May 2010

TimeOut New York
Live Review: A Bohemian rhapsody courtesy of One World Symphony

Posted in The Volume by Olivia Giovetti on May 10

As it closes in on its tenth-anniversary season (which will open on September 17), One World Symphony continues to remind us of why it's highly likely it will be around for decades to come. Not only does the bubbly ensemble present a unique blend of new music with old and oft-neglected gems, it does so with superb players and, in its operatic presentations, top-flight casts, all led by artistic director Sung Jin Hong. This weekend's production of Janácek's The Cunning Little Vixen was no exception.

Audience Interaction: “The five-minute dissection of the love duet could easily be turned into a 30-minute preconcert talk by Hong. While he is incredibly knowledgeable, he is also passionate, which makes the experience all the more illuminating.”

Ansche Chesed Synagogue on the Upper West Side presents several challenges for an opera staging: The cramped space doesn't allow for a lavish production and the acoustics are not singer-friendly. (We're curious to see how the company fares in its other regular haunt, St. Ann and the Holy Trinity in Brooklyn Heights.) Tempering some ingenuity with a sense of humor, stage director Adrienne Metzinger created a fanciful world evocative of the Bohemian woods. Dragonflies buzzed down one aisle while fox cubs scampered down another; a drunken schoolmaster (resonantly sung by Oliver Söhngen) found ample stumbling space, and a keen amount of tension was created when Vixen was shot.

As Vixen, soprano Verunka Vlkova had a shimmering top and a charming presence, though her lower register was often muddied by the synagogue acoustics. She makes cute with Fox (Kathryn Janssen) with a ravishing love duet that allowed their voices to soar. Tenor José Pietri-Coimbre was a valiant last-minute replacement as Forester, singing from a score in hand yet remaining on par with his colleagues. Everyone struggled with enunciation (an amplified concern in such a small space and in an English-language translation), but the polished orchestra's flawless reading of the score made up for any shortcomings.

Prior to the overture, Hong gave a quick lecture on Janácek's piece, reorchestrated here by composer Jonathan Dove in an arrangement that fit the orchestra like a tailor-made glove. The five-minute dissection of the love duet could easily be turned into a 30-minute preconcert talk by Hong. While he is incredibly knowledgeable, he is also passionate, which makes the experience all the more illuminating. See what we mean June 4 and 6 with One World's season finale, an all-Parisian program.


Sung Jin Hong and Verunka Vlkova appreciate the generous standing ovation.	Alissa Mori, Katrina Gonzales, Andrea Gonzales, Columbine Loza, Thatcher Pitkoff, Lindsay Berat, Chloe Pitkoff performed as Vixen's adorable cubs.

For more Vixen photos, click here!

April 2010

March 2010

One World Symphony performed its second Russian program in New York City featuring the music of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff, which was also TimeOut New York's Critics Pick. Similar to last year's Russian program, the event was a full house of audiences who generously rose to their feet after the final chord. Artistic Director and Conductor Sung Jin Hong briefly discussed, demonstrated and danced sections of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the appreciative audiences. He also encouraged the audience to actively interact with the symphony during the Cossack-inspired dance section of the concerto.

A few thoughts from the One World Symphony audience:

The hits keep on coming for One World Symphony!

Sunday's performance was the usual high quality and very enjoyable. The singers were all excellent.

Mr. Christopher Johnson reminded me a great deal of Van Cliburn, who, I believe, won the USSR prize for his performance of the Tchaikovsky First Piano Concert. Mr. J is very talented, he must have been exhausted afterward, he really "attacked" the work with a dedication and zeal not often seen.

Thank you and your wonderful artists for another enjoyable afternoon of music.

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Mr. Johnson on the piano was awesome! I regret missing his Rachmaninoff performance last season. I loved the way you talked about the concerto and got us out of our seats to get the entire audience involved. Please do more of this — have more courage and faith in the audience because we want to hear more not less!

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What a glorious concert! Starting the entire concert with the storm scene was a brilliant strike. The tenor and your players performed with passion and fire. The concerto was just amazing. I heard the concerto many times before, but I was really swept by Christopher's inspiring interpretation.

May I request that someone close the piano lid after the concerto, so we can see the musicians that you are acknowledging.

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That was a moving concert. I saw some audiences get emotional throughout the afternoon. That's a real compliment to you and all your musicians. I also saw something that I rarely see at a concert. There were more audiences in the second half packing the hall. It's always the other way around. Was it because many were texting and twittering about the concert during the intermission?

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Thank you for another wonderful afternoon. The orchestra always sounds great and the colors you consistently get out of them is extraordinary. All the singers were very good and even. This may be one of the more well-balanced cast I've heard from One World. What can I say about Christopher. He is truly an artist who always has something to say. The rousing ovation immediately after the final chord was well deserved. Some of us thought you had an encore for us relating to the dance that you demonstrated, which was quite charming.

On a side note, you may want to consider taking the lid off the piano entirely. I enjoy watching you communicate with your musicians. After the first movement, I moved to a little space towards the side of the synagogue, so I have a better view.

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Some of my favorite concerts in New York are One World Symphony's Russian and Halloween programs. Please keep them coming.

See more photos of From Russia With Love!

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