| |
The mission of Pacific Serenades is to generate new chamber music by commissioning works and presenting them alongside standard repertoire in intimate concert settings, emphasizing the talents of Southern California musicians.
|
|
It's as if playing jazz guitar were in his genes—Justin Morell is a fourth generation professional jazz guitarist on his dad's side of the family. Immediately before him, his father John Morell has been a very successful recording session guitarist since the 60s and has also had an active career performing in Los Angeles area jazz clubs.
His mother's side of the family is full of musicians, too. Her father, Carl Fischer, was Frankie Laine's music director and pianist for years and was also the composer of many hit songs by Laine. Justin's mother, Carol Fischer Morell, was a member of the all-girl trio, The Murmaids, whose song Popsicles and Icicles was a major hit in 1964.
» read more
Making his second appearance with Pacific Serenades is bass-baritone Michael Dean. Currently the Chair of the UCLA Music Department, where he has taught voice since 2004, he is originally from San Diego. Dean has had a prestigious career as a vocal performer in concerts and operas around the world. It was surprising for me to learn that, with his extensive experience, including singing roles on stage and in recordings, Michael did not start off his musical education as a singer.
"I originally studied piano and composition as my major at UC Santa Barbara," Michael shared with me. "I auditioned for the chorale at UCSB, and the director encouraged me to become a voice major. At the time, I didn't know opera that well." » read more
Nestled in the hills of La Cañada, the Arts and Crafts-style home of Kimberly Rose and Michael Shannon gives the impression of being in the woods. The living area, with its openness, its warmth, and its striking view of the mountains, is an ideal setting for sharing the rich sonorities of voice and string quartet. And the house has the additional charm of once belonging to swimming movie star, Esther Williams. » read more
more news in the archive...
|
