The Palisades Virtuosi was profiled in the April 2007 issue of Chamber Music, the magazine of the national service organization Chamber Music America. The article, complete with a photo of Margaret, Ron and Don, is titled "The Commissioners" and describes the formation of the ensemble as well as its ongoing commitment to commissioning new music. You can read the full article at the Palisades Virtuosi website. Scroll down the page to read the article.

The Palisades Virtuosi is proud to announce that it has received its second Special Projects grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, the grant funds of which are administered by the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.

We're also fortunate to have a new member of our Board of Directors, Chris Masi. Currently a private financial consultant, Chris has served as director of finance, controller and consultant to major law firms throughout his career.

Many thanks to all our funders and Board Members. You are deeply appreciated.

The Palisades Virtuosi will be presenting two May concerts at Lincoln Center Library in cooperation with the Library's Music Division. Both events are at 6pm:

Works by Les Six, including Francis Poulenc.

Works by Les Six, including Germaine Tailleferre. This program will also feature legendary soprano Marnie Nixon and commentary by Paul Somers.

More about this here.

The Virtuosi also has one more concert date in their Spring 2007 season subscription series. As always, they will include a new work for flute, clarinet and piano on each of their programs. To date, they have commissioned almost 20 new works for their ensemble, and at the June concert they'll add the renowned Dick Hyman to the ever-growing list.

This program will be performed at 8:00 pm at the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood - 113 Cottage Place in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Of course, like all programs it is subject to change, so for the latest information, please visit http://www.palisadesvirtuosi.org.

World Premiere of Parable by jazz legend Dick Hyman. Also presenting works by Gershwin, Lalo Schifrin and Robert Russell Bennett

Guest Artists: Lou Caimano, alto sax and Jan Somers, flute.

Speaking of Spring 2007 concerts, the March 31 "South (and North!) of the Border" program was a great success. Eric Ewazen's Palisades Suite was given its very successful World Premiere. The composer is pictured above with the Virtuosi. Michael Colina's Habanera (in a PV commissioned arrangement) was presented along with Ginastera's Danzas Criollas (which Ron played the heck out of), Villa-Lobos Choros No.2 for flute and clarinet and Donald Draganski's Trio from Rio (fun piece!). The after concert reception was presented amid a festive atmosphere of piñata decorations, Corona, chips, guacamole and salsa.

The Virtuosi will perform for the public schools in Bogota, New Jersey as part of their "Week of the Arts" program. For these programs, they will use one of their commissioned works, The Spice of the Program by silent film composer, Ben Model and combine the piece with a story-writing project for the children.

For more information about the Palisades Virtuosi, including group and individual bios of Margaret, Donald or Ron, performances and more, visit http://www.palisadesvirtuosi.org/. You can also contact Jeffrey James Arts Consulting at 516-586-3433 or jamesarts@worldnet.att.net.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President - Joan M. Wright Vice-President - Fred Messner Sec/Treas - Margaret Swinchoski Bob McGrath, John Palatucci, Chris Masi ADVISORY BOARD Seymour Barab, Dae Bennett, Margaret Cook Levy, Elaine Douvas, JoAnn Falletta, Matthew Halper, Trudy Kane, David Messer, Paul Mack Somers, Sen. Loretta Weinberg