P E R S P E C T I V E

Meira in the Concert Hall - Upcoming Performances

In Memoriam, September 11, 2001 will be presented at a number of locations across the United States, including the University of Texas at San Antonio as part of their Sept. 11 memorial concert.

Yishakeyni for soprano, flute and piano, commissioned by Columbia College, will receive its World Premiere performance by the Jerusalem Lyric Trio at Columbia College, Columbia, SC, on Thursday, September 18, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. The concert is co-sponsored by the Jewish Cultural Arts Series of the Columbia JCC, (803)787-4332.

The composer describes the work: Yishakeyni (Sweeter than Wine) invites the listener into a realm of human and Divine love which transcends boundaries through intimate merging. In this realm of "Song of Songs," the great love song of the Bible, all is beauty, with longing and ecstasy the poles of expression. It is my hope that by entering the world of Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs), a world known to mystics and lovers from all traditions, we will come closer to making its reality our own.”

Yishakeyni will also be performed by the Trio at Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina and in concert in Omaha, Nebraska.

Shevet Achim (Brothers Dwell) for two bass clarinets will be performed on October 10, 2003, 8:30 PM at the University of Louisville School of Music. The piece was commissioned by clarinetist Richard Nunemaker, who organized this concert of compositions for his next CD to be recorded in Louisville the following weekend.

Meira describes the work as “a response to the troubled relationship between the descendants of half-brothers Yitzchak and Yishmael (sons of Abraham), now Israelis and Palestinians. Written in fall, 2000, the piece roils with the conflict between the two peoples, expressing both intense animosity and common identification. The title recalls Psalm 133, vs. 1: "Hinei ma tov u’ma nayim, shevet achim gam yachad (How good and how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together as one)." May these brothers and sisters, our two peoples, soon dwell together in harmony and the unity of peace.”

Meira Warshauer will be in residence at Clemson University in November. The residency will include performances of two of her orchestral works as well as other activities on campus. Like Streams in the Desert, commissioned by the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Neal Gittleman, conductor, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Columbus, in honor of Israel's 50th anniversary, has been scheduled for November 24, 2003, at Clemson University, Dr. Andrew Levin, conductor. The orchestra will also present Meira’s Beyond the Horizon, which was commissioned by the South Carolina Philharmonic in 2000.

Paula Robison will perform the World Premiere of Bati l'Gani (I came into My Garden) for solo flute at the Columbia Museum of Art, Columbia, SC, March 25, 2004, as part of the Charles Wadsworth chamber music series. Other venues for this spring tour TBA.

Here is the composer’s description of the genesis of the work: Bati l'Gani (I Came into My Garden) is inspired by the "Song of Songs," chapter 5, vs. 1: "I have come into my garden, My sister bride. I have gathered my myrrh with my spices, I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey, I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, friends, Drink and be drunk, beloved ones." It offers glimpses of intimacy between lovers, between G-d and His creation, our delight at recognition: Divine goodness flowing into the world.”

The Southeastern Center for Intercultural Studies at Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC, has invited Meira to participate in this year's symposium, "Jews in the South." On Thursday, November 20, her Jewish music group, "Friends of Klezmer" will perform at an intercultural celebration for the college community. She will return in the spring for "An evening with Meira Warshauer" on Thursday, March 1, 7:30 p.m., which will include live performances, conversation, and recorded examples of her music.

Coming on CD

Bati l'Gani (I came into My Garden) written for flutist Paula Robison and recorded by Ms. Robison along with Brazilian percussion, will be released at Pucker Gallery, Boston, MA, September 20, 2003. The CD accompanies a publication of paintings by Jim Schantz.

Still available on CD - Meira's soundtrack music to Land of Promise: The Jews of South Carolina and Spirals of Light, chamber music and poetry (Ani Tuzman) on themes of enlightenment, on Kol Meira label and available online from http://www.horizonrecords.net.

In the Press

Selected press comments about the music of Meira Warshauer:

"(Revelation) is a brilliant work, and in and of itself, a compelling reason for acquiring this disc." - Fanfare review of Robert Black Conducts, MMC 2008

"(Spirals of Light is) a rare gem -a work of fine art both contemporary and sacred." - Wilmington (NC) Morning Star

"Shacharit, a masterpiece of form and content, effectively captured a sense of the spirituality of the Jewish people." - The State, Columbia, SC

On the Web

For more information about Meira Warshauer, including a complete catalog of her works, visit her website at www.meirawarshauer.com /.

On the Phone

For any other information about the music of Meira Warshauer, please contact Jeffrey James Arts Consulting at 516-797-9166 or jamesarts@worldnet.att.net.