Flute and Piano Reception Music at the 10th Restaurant in Vail

This past Saturday was truly a remarkable experience and I was privileged to be invited to play my flute for the memorial service and reception honoring Jim Vincent. The weather was perfect for the service, which took place in Vail Memorial Park in an idyllic mountain setting. We were surrounded by mountains, tall pines, and large boulders with a bubbling river winding through the woods nearby. When I arrived at the memorial site, I had the pleasure of once again seeing Pastor Tim Wilbanks, who later did a wonderful job presiding over the ceremony. I played classical music on solo flute for the prelude and after Pastor Wilbanks gave a welcome speech, I honored Jim Vincent by playing one of his favorite songs, "I Just Called to Say I Love You" (Stevie Wonder). At the end of the service, I played "My Way", a song that Jim Vincent personally requested be played at his memorial service. I really enjoyed the service as various family members and friends stood up and told both humorous and nostalgic stories about Jim Vincent. By the end of the service I really felt like I personally knew Jim.

Afterwards, we all left for the 10th Restaurant in Vail. I drove to Vail Village and took the gondola up to the restaurant. This was my first time up a gondola, and I really enjoyed the ride and the view of Vail Village and the surrounding mountains. When we arrived at the restaurant, Adam Revell was already entertaining the guests with some light jazz on his keyboard. I joined him on my flute and we played a number of popular and jazz selections for the elegant three-hour reception. I was given great freedom with the music selections and I aimed to create a nostalgic and sometimes upbeat mood. The guests really enjoyed the music and I even spied a few of them dancing as they walked by.

Selected Reception Music:
Cheek to Cheek (Sinatra), Georgia on My Mind (Ray Charles), Blackbird (Beatles), Unchained Melody (Alex North), Annie's Song (John Denver), Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (Jerome Kern), Let it Be (Beatles), Autumn Leaves, I Will Remember You (Sarah McLachlan), Longer Than (Dan Fogleberg), Everything I Do (I do it for You) from Robin Hood, Fly me to the Moon, Annie's Song (John Denver)

Views from the gondola ride:

Vail Village:

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at St. Thomas More Church and Castle Cliff Estates

This weekend I played flute for a gorgeous Catholic wedding ceremony and reception. Our flute and string quartet played Irish, classical, and sacred music for the prelude to this wedding ceremony, which was held at St. Thomas More church in Centennial. The church was modern, but very elegant with vibrant stained glass windows, and lovely wood and stone work. The ceremony was not a full mass, but there was a short sermon and a number of lovely Biblical readings.

After the ceremony, we drove to Castle Cliff Estates where we played classical and Irish music for the reception. Castle Cliff Estates had an elegant classic feel with large windows overlooking the vibrant gardens and water feature in the back. The bride's choice of flowers and decorations, our musical accompaniment, and a roaring fire in the fireplace perfectly complimented our opulent surroundings and cheered up the cold and rainy day.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Family Processional ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (J S Bach)
Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Bridal Processional ~ Bridal Chorus (Wagner)
Unity Candle: Winter from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi)
Recessional ~ Wedding March from Midsummer Night's Dream (Mendelssohn)

Selected Reception Music: An Irish Blessing (traditional), Last Rose of Summer (traditional), Psalm 19 (Marcello), selections from Water Music Suite (Handel), Palladio

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Vail Chapel and Sonnenalp Resort

I just enjoyed a wonderful music-filled weekend highlighted by playing wedding ceremony and cocktail hour music for a wedding in Vail. It was a gorgeous day for a wedding! Our performance began at Vail Interfaith Chapel where our quartet played a half hour as the guests arrived, and then for the wedding ceremony. After that we moved across the street to the elegant Sonnenalp Resort where we played popular and rock music for the cocktail hour. I played this wedding with the Ribbons and Strings Ensemble (notice the ribbons on our instruments!)

Wedding Ceremony Music:

Processional Music ~ Speed of Sound (Coldplay)

Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)

During the Ceremony ~ (Everything I do) I Do It For You from Robin Hood

Recessional Music ~ I'm Yours (Mraz)

Selected Cocktail Hour Music ~ Clocks (Coldplay), It's a Wonderful World, Blackbird (Beatles), Tango from Scent of a Woman, All You Need is Love (Beatles)

A Concert for Kati

I am honored to be playing both flute and cello once again in our second annual concert dedicated to a deserving child in need. Like last year, this is a collaboration concert with the Boulder Cello Project, Chase the Music, and Cello Expressions. Our child this year is Kati, and the concert will feature arrangements specially made for our group, featuring some of Kati's favorite songs including Viva la Vida, Chim Chim Cher-ee, Call Me Maybe, and an original composition by Nick Halsey. Unlike last year's concert, this one will be open to the public, so if you want to attend, mark you calendars for Saturday, July 12th and visit http://celloexpressions.com/bcp-chase/ for the latest news and further updates. Below are some videos from last year. I'm playing the flute:

Flute, Viola, and Cello Trio - Boulder Symphony Orchestra and Sotheby's Realty

Looking southward over Wonderland Lake

I had a wonderful time these past two weeks playing music for for Sotheby's Realty, a sponsor of the Boulder Symphony Orchestra. Other members of the symphony joined me to form a flute, viola, and cello trio. Our first performance was at Sotheby's Realty where they held an elegant Boulder Symphony fundraising event. The event was a great success and I want to thank everyone who gives our symphony support - you truly make a difference!

Looking east over Boulder, Colorado

The second performance was at one of Sotheby's open houses, where we played as potential buyers toured the home. Our music carried very well in this house because it was large and open, and our classical music complimented the classical overtones in the home. We also had spectacular views! This home was situated at the end of a road in the hills above Boulder and was surrounded by open space. From there, we could clearly see Boulder right below us, north to Long's Peak, and south all the way to Pikes' Peak. I loved playing in this beautiful location and was fascinated to finally see what it's like in the Boulder foothills. I love playing in situations where I can interact with our audience and this was certainly one of those times. Our music was well received and the Realtor showing the home was warm and friendly.

Boulder Symphony Orchestra Spring 2014 Concerts

As a cellist with the Boulder Symphony Orchestra, I would like to invite you to join us for our upcoming concerts. Go to http://bouldersymphony.org/ to learn more and purchase tickets.

The Boulder Symphony Orchestra

ORGAN-IC ORCHESTRA

Saturday, February 15th at 7:00pm

Devon Howard, organ Ann Marie Liss, Harp Phoenix Avalon, violin

Returning to the Symphony by popular request is wunderkind violinist Phoenix Avalon, in a concert featuring the great prodigy composers. Camille Saint-Saens was performing the piano for Franz Liszt as a child; Gioachino Rossini wrote more than 30 operas before turning 30, and Felix Mendelssohn composed his most beloved works as a teenager. Camile Saint-Saëns’s Third Symphony, a masterful and seamlessly organic French interpretation of the genre features organist Devon Howard, and is indebted to the composer’s teacher Liszt, who himself showed off his wunderkind piano technique to Beethoven half a century earlier.

Program: Symphony No. 3 "Organ" by Camille Saint-Saens Overture to the Opera "William Tell" by Gioachino Rossini Violin Concerto by Felix Mendelssohn Sacred and Profane Dances by Claude Debussy

The Boulder Symphony Orchestra

EVENT HORIZONS

Saturday, March 15th at 7:00pm

Brandon Matthews, guest conductor In collaboration with Metro State Orchestra

A lifelong school teacher turned composer and mystic, Gustav Holst was was profoundly intrigued by both the human condition and our place in the universe. He delved inwardly into the spiritual traditions of humanity by examining the Mahabharata and other Hindu scriptures, as well as outward and upward towards the heavens as an astrologer and horoscope reader. The Planets is the composer’s greatest portrayal of the eternal, one of the most penetrating artistic representations of the Solar System and the great beyond. Joined by members the Metro State Orchestras, Event Horizons will also feature the world premiere of A Warmer Wind, a multimedia feast by Jonathan Sokol and Boulder Symphony violist Julie Rooney.

Program: The Planets by Gustav Holst A Warmer Wind (World Premiere) by Jonathan Sokol & Julie Rooney

The Boulder Symphony Orchestra

SECRET AGENTS FOR CHANGE

Saturday, May 17th at 7:00pm

Deborah Marshall, clarinet

The fiery and rousing season finale features Mr. Beethoven and Mr. Shostakovich as political activists as much as they were composers. Under the thumb of the powers that be, both composers orchestrated subliminal political messages and innuendos into the their music to combat the status quo. Shostakovich’s epic Fifth Symphony is perhaps history’s greatest dramatic battle between dictator and creator.

Making her debut as soloist with the Boulder Symphony is Chamber Music Director and Clarinetist Deborah Marshall, capped off by an instrument that we guarantee you have never seen before nor heard of, the world premiere of the joint venture of Max Bernstein, Mark Hamilton McCoin, and DeVotchKa’s Tom Hagerman, their Concerto for Pianoharp and Orchestra.

Program: Symphony No. 5 by Dmitri Shostakovich Lenore Overture No. 3 from Fidelio by Ludwig van Beethoven Rhapsody for Clarinet and Orchestra by Claude Debussy Concerto for Pianoharp (World Premiere) by Max Bernstein, Tom Hagerman & Mark Hamilton McCoin

Flute, Viola, and Cello Trio - Wedding Music at the Greenbriar Inn in Boulder

Flute and String Wedding Ceremony Music at the Greenbriar Inn, Boulder

On Saturday, our flute, viola, and cello trio played for a wedding ceremony at the beautiful Greenbriar Inn located in North Boulder. The couple got married outside surrounded by warm autumn colors drenched in late afternoon sunshine. This couple chose to select all of their own music including their own prelude music. They chose favorites ranging from classical, to ragtime and popular. I made several special music arrangements for our trio to play including “New York, New York”, “I Feel Pretty”, and “When I’m 64”. We played the prelude as the guests enjoyed light refreshments, and just as the sun began to descend towards the mountains behind the "Chuppah" (traditional Jewish wedding canopy), the wedding ceremony began. The vows went by quickly as the couple chose to say their "I do's" in unison, and guests did various readings. Once the sun set, there was a sharp chill in the air, and everyone went inside to enjoy a warm fire and refreshments.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Prelude Music ~ Trumpet Tune (Purcell), Salut d’Amour (Elgar), Ave Maria (Schubert), Selections from Handel’s “Water Music”, London Trio #1 (Haydn), Paragon Rag (Joplin), I Feel Pretty (Bernstein), When I’m 64 (Beatles)

Attendant’s and Parent's Processional ~ Canon in D
Bride ~ Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
Recessional ~ New York, New York

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Greenbriar Inn
Wedding Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Trio

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the GM Ranch in Sedalia, CO

Flute and Cello Duo - Classical Wedding Ceremony Music in Colorado

This past week, I played my flute in the wedding ceremony of a very special young bride awaiting a lung transplant. My heart remains with this couple as they walk together in future trials and hopefully many victories as well. The day of the ceremony was unusually hot for September, with temperatures over 90 degrees. The ceremony site was wisely situated in the shade of the ranch house, facing lovely views of the countryside, mountains, and horses. The shade combined with falling evening temperatures and a nice breeze coming from the mountains felt wonderful, and everyone stayed cool.

The ceremony site was decorated in a simple and striking theme of red and white and the bridesmaids wore red. Because of the bride's health, chairs were provided for the bride and groom and wedding party to sit in during the ceremony. It was a short, moving Catholic ceremony and our flute and cello duo played a prelude before the wedding began and then accompanied the vows and sand pouring with soft music by Schubert and Bach.
 

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Rondo Alla Turca (Mozart), Fairest Lord Jesus, My Heart is Ever Faithful (Bach), St. Anthony's Chorale (Brahms) Processional Music ~ Arioso (Bach) Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel) Vows ~ Ave Maria (Schubert) Sand Pouring ~ Air on the G String (Bach) Recessional ~ Wedding March (Mendelssohn)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: GM Ranch, Sedalia
Photographer: Rebecca Marie Photography
Wedding Ceremony Musicians: ChristenStephens.com - Flute and Cello Duo

Flute and Cello Duo - Classical Wedding Ceremony Music in Colorado

Wedding Ceremony Music in Colorado

Musician photos courtesy of

Rebecca Marie Photography

Flute and Guitar Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Recently I had the pleasure of playing the flute for a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony and reception. I loved the music selections which included a combination of classical, traditional Hebrew, Latin, and Spanish songs. The wedding was held in the Pinnacle Club, the top rooms in the Denver Hyatt. Fromthere we had a sweeping view of downtown Denver.

We played prelude music as the guests arrived, and then as each couple walked down the aisle for the processional, everyone clapped for them. The wedding ceremony was more like a celebration and family and friends were encouraged to cheer on and support the bride and groom and affirm the words spoken by the rabbi during the service. The ceremony was complete with blessings and readings in Hebrew, and ended with the traditional smashing of the wine glass as the guests shouted "Mazle Tov!. Everyone sang "Siman Tov" along with our musical accompaniment for the recessional.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Cinema Paradiso, I Will (Beatles), Meditation from Thais (Massenet), Bittersweet Symphony (the Verve), Brighter than Sunshine (Aqualung) Processional Music ~ Erev Shel Shosanim Bridal Processional ~ Can't Help Falling in Love Recessional - Siman Tov then Mazel Tov

Reception Music included music from Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Vianne Sets Up Shop from Chocolat.

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Pinnacle Club at the Grand Hyatt
Denver Photographer: WD Yeager Photography shooting for Broxton Art
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Boulder Symphony Orchestra Winter 2013 Concerts

I am a cellist with the Boulder Symphony Orchestra, and I invite you to join us for our upcoming concerts. Go to the new website at http://bouldersymphony.org/ to learn more and purchase tickets.

DEAF MAN'S DYSFUNCTIONAL DANCE Saturday, September 21st at 7:00pm

Celebrate folk traditions spanning half a millennium with the Symphony as we share the greatest musical dance traditions from Transylvania, Hungary and Romania, to present day America. Wagner called Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony the apotheosis of the dance in Dionysian fashion with its gyrating rhythms and intoxicating spirit. Also explored on the program are good old American jigs in the form of the contra-dance in the world premiere of Loretta Notareschi’s Balance and Swing.

Program: SYMPHONY NO. 7 by Ludwig Van Beethoven ROMANIAN FOLK DANCES by Bela Bartok HUNGARIAN DANCES 1 & 5 by Johannes Brahms PRELUDE TO THE OPERA "THE MASTERSINGER OF NUREMBERG" by Richard Wagner BALANCE AND SWING [WORLD PREMIER] by Loretta Notareschi

MAYHEM ON CANYON BOULEVARD Saturday, October 26th at 2:00pm

In collaboration with Longmont Youth Symphony. Celebrate Halloween early, for the the whole family as the Symphony presents an epic orchestral Murder Mystery topped off with Trick-or-treating Boulder-style, a costume contest with the winner serving as Maestro, and an orchestra petting zoo so kids test drive some of the world’s greatest instruments! We are joined, at least initially, by the famed Italian Maestro Gianfranco Benedicto Cellini.

COSTUME CONTEST - Winner conducts the orchestra TRICK-OR-TREATING with local Boulder healthy sweets INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO For kids and all ages

BRIDGES TO HEAVEN Saturday, December 7th at 7:00pm

Teresa Castillo, soprano Thomas Kittle, baritone Gustav Mahler’s music brings us a wealth of experience from the earliest childhood memories to depictions of heaven, and everything in between. For his Fourth Symphony, widely known as his more populist from the genre, classical tradition clashes magnificently with contemporary culture. The Song and Symphony become one as we premiere composer-in-residence Austin Wintory’s modern version of the Song cycle for orchestra, as we welcome back soprano Teresa Castillo and baritone Thomas Kittle.

Program: SYMPHONY NO. 4 by Gustav Mahler SONGS OF A WAYFARER by Gustav Mahler SONG FOR ORCHESTRA [WORLD PREMIER] by Austin Wintory

Flute, Violin and Cello Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

Flute and String Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

A short while ago, I drove south of Denver to play music for a wedding ceremony and reception in the small town of Sedalia, the home of Gabriel's Northern Italian Restaurant. Gabriel's is a darling Victorian restaurant with a wraparound porch, gardens, and a large stone patio perfectly sized for events and wedding ceremonies. This wedding was to be held in the garden area accompanied by our flute, violin, and cello trio. This was a beautiful outdoor wedding and everyone enjoyed the sunny day that wasn't too hot. This wedding, as with all outdoor weddings, offered a few complications. As we played the prelude music, I had a run-in with a horsefly who kept giving me painful bites on my legs. I knew the music had to go on and I kept playing as smoothly as I could until he finally got bored with me right around the time the ceremony began. However, just as the minister asked the couple to repeat their vows, we heard a very loud, long whistle and a train went roaring by, right behind the guests, and for several moments, it was impossible to hear anything. The minister made a few false starts which were interrupted by more whistles but the couple took it all in stride, and after a good-natured laugh and a little bit of waiting, the ceremony went on and they were married. We then played a lively recessional and transitioned into more upbeat classical music during the outdoor reception.

Flute and String Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

Flute and String Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Prelude music ~ selections from Telemann, Vivaldi, and Mozart Wedding Party and Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel) Recessional ~ Allegro from Spring from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi)

Selected Reception Music:
Selections from Water Music (Handel), Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), Minuet (Beethoven), Selections from String Quartet in F major (Haydn)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Gabriel's Northern Italian Restaurant
Photographer: Bob Sullivan
Wedding Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Trio (flute, viola, cello)

Flute and String Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

Flute and Violin Duo, Wedding Ceremony Music in Breckenridge

It's hard to surpass a Colorado mountain wedding in July, and this gorgeous Breckenridge wedding ceremony was no exception. The ceremony was held outdoors at a private home with a sweeping view of the mountains and Breckenridge Golf Course. With only about 8 guests, this was the most intimate wedding I have played for, and among the sweetest. The festivities began as the guests enjoyed appetizers while our flute and violin duo set the mood with elegant classical music. Then the guests gathered around the alter for the wedding ceremony. During the ceremony, friends and family had an opportunity to speak to the bride and groom, and they laughed and cried as words of encouragement and advice mixed with many fond and humorous memories were passed around. Then the daughter of the groom sang "Someone Like You" by Van Morrison, a song that was meaningful to the couple, and I accompanied on the flute. Afterwards, everyone gathered inside to congratulate the bride and groom, visit, and enjoy a special dinner.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Gavotte (Gossec), Rondeau (Mouret), Presto from Sonatina in F major (Telemann), Romanza from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), selected Menuets (Devienne), St. Anthony Chorale (Brahms), La Rejouissance (Handel), March in D major (Bach)

Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Special Song (daughter of groom, voice with me on flute) ~ Someone Like You (Van Morrison)
Recessional ~ Danza Pastorale from Spring (Vivaldi)

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Virginia Stiles
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Violin Duo

Now Offering a String Quartet and a String Trio

string quartet and string trio wedding ceremony music

It's time to go traditional, and I am pleased to announce that you can now hire a string quartet or a string trio right here through my website. String music will add a touch of elegance and class to your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or your special event. The formal sound and appearance of stringed instruments make them a very popular choice for brides. If you would like to hire a quartet or a trio but want a more unique and varied sound, you can replace the first violin with the flute. The flute has a smooth sound that contrasts beautifully with that of stringed instruments.

Many Trails – A Performance for the Joshua School

This past Saturday for the very first time, members of the Boulder Cello Project collaborated with Chase the Music and Cello Expressions to create a special concert for a child and his classmates at the Joshua School. The Joshua School is a day treatment center for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Developmental Disabilities, and our aim was to enrich their lives by giving them the experience of a live musical performance done especially for them. The musicians included members of the Boulder Cello Project with the special additions of guitar, marimba, tubular chimes, drums, trumpet, and me on the flute. We performed Disney favorites, classical selections, and premiered an original composition by Nick Halsey dedicated to this deserving child. I think the adults enjoyed the concert just as much as the children did and we are hoping to have more concerts like this in the future.

Learn more about this collaboration and future concerts for these critically ill or specially nominated children at http://bcpandchase.weebly.com.

Solo Flute, Wedding Ceremony Music at Evans Memorial Chapel

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

I had such a great time playing solo flute music for Irshana and Doug's wedding ceremony this past weekend. Because Irshana is a local bride, we were able to have our music consultation in person, and I quickly saw that Irshana is a lovely person, both inside and out. Meeting in person not only made selecting music easier but it made my flute music on Irshana's wedding day more meaningful to both of us. Irshana made a special request that I play "Amazed" by Lonestar, and other than that, she gave me a lot of musical freedom, asking me to showcase my wide range of musical styles. I ended up playing a broad selection of music including popular, Irish, film, Baroque, Classical, and Romantic. I think I kept the guests on their toes! On the day of the wedding ceremony it was cool, cloudy, and raining intermittently, but we were snug inside the beautiful Evans Memorial Chapel on the University of Denver campus. I had never played at the chapel before, and I believe this small chapel was the most live, echoing venue I've ever played a wedding ceremony in before. Musicians will relate to the fact that this was a very enjoyable experience for me! Because there were only 15 guests, I felt like I was giving a casual private salon concert and I got to know some of the guests as we bantered back and forth before the ceremony.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, Amazed (Lonestar), The Prayer (Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli), Sheebeg and Sheemore (Irish), Minuet from Eight Minuets and Trios (Mozart), Berceuse from the Dolly Suite (Gabriel Faure), Andante from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), Traumerei (Robert Schumann), Chorale from Cantata No. 140 (JS Bach)

Bridal Processional ~ Salut d'Amour (Edward Elgar)
Signing of the Marriage Certificate ~ Laudate Dominum (Mozart)
Recessional ~ Danza Pastorale from Spring (Vivaldi)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Evans Memorial Chapel
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

The Boulder Opera Presents Rossini's "Cinderella" - a Children's Opera

La Cenerentola brings to life the timeless tale of Cinderella, but this isn't the story we grew up with. Rossini's version of the fairytale takes place in Italy, where the wicked stepsisters are tricked by a footman disguised as the prince, and Angelina (Cenerentola/Cinderella) falls in love with a prince disguised as a footman. Accessible, quick-moving, and comic, La Cenerentola will capture the attention of both girls and boys with its tricks and turns, the sisters' delightful wickedness, and Angelina's triumph. Lasting approximately an hour with a question and answer period after the show, La Cenerentola is the perfect introductory opera for children who love stories, singing, and acting. Professional singers and a live orchestra bring an authentic and exciting opera experience to children and parents alike. An emcee/narrator will guide the audience through the ins and outs of opera with lots of audience participation. The performance is probably most appropriate for children ages 3 and older.

Where: Nomad Theatre 1410 Quince Avenue

When: Thursday, April 25, 10:30am Saturday, April 27th, 11:00am and 2:00pm Sunday, April 28th, 12:00pm and 3:00pm

Tickets are available on the Boulder Opera Company website.

Flute and Violin Duo, Wedding Ceremony Music at Red Rocks Trading Post

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

This past Saturday I played my flute for a wedding ceremony at the beautiful Red Rocks Trading Post in Golden, CO. With cold and snowy weather the week before, and the same forecasted for this upcoming week, I was happy to wake up to a beautiful day in the upper 60's. As is usual for Colorado mountain wedding locations, our drive up the mountain to Red Rocks unfolded magnificent views. I also enjoyed my first sight of the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater which is built into the side of the mountain and nestled between two towering rocks with an amazing view of the valley and Denver in the distance.

The wedding took place at the nearby Red Rocks Trading Post, which also overlooked a sweeping vista. The bride chose a flute and violin duo for her wedding ceremony, and I played flute with Keynes Chen on violin. At the bride's request, we played light and upbeat classical music for the prelude, and the bride's special selections for the wedding ceremony. During the processional we played Handel's Hornpipe and just as the music changed in the second part to a faster lighthearted sound, the three flower girls emerged dancing around the guests and tossing out flower pedals, eliciting delighted laughter from everyone. Just as the couple was pronounced husband and wife and began their walk back down the aisle, the sun came out in full glory from behind the clouds as if to bless their union.

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Danza Pastorale from Spring (Vivaldi), Allegro from Flute Sonata (Handel), My Heart Ever Faithful from Cantata #68 (JS Bach), Air from Orpheus (Gluck), Gigue from Suite #3 (JS Bach), Gavotte (Gossec), Sicilienne from Variations on a Theme by Haydn (Brahms)

Seating of the Parents ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (JS Bach)
Attendant’s Processional ~ Hornpipe from Water Music (Handel)
Bridal Processional ~ Waltz from Sleeping Beauty (Tchaikovsky)
Recessional ~ All You Need is Love (Beatles)

Vendors:
Venue - Red Rocks Trading Post
Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Violin Duo
Wedding Planner - Entwined Wedding Planning
Photography - Denver Wedding Photographer R. J. Kern / Kern-Photo

Photos courtesy of Denver Wedding Photographer R. J. Kern / Kern-Photo.

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Traditional Wedding Ceremony Music - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Several years ago, I shocked the mother of a bride during our wedding music consultation by suggesting that our flute and harp duo play “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” at her daughter’s wedding ceremony. She had requested worshipful songs including hymns and traditional classical music, and being unfamiliar with this traditional wedding favorite, she thought the title seemed just a bit scandalous. Perhaps I should have instead asked if she wanted to hear the final movement from Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Herz und Mund und Tat”, or “Heart and Mouth and Deeds and Life”, written for church services in Lepzig:

Jesus remains my joy, my heart's comfort and essence, Jesus resists all suffering, He is my life's strength, my eye's desire and sun, my soul's love and joy; so will I not leave Jesus out of heart and face.

“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” was originally written for a choir, strings, trumpets, and bassoon, and the melody that we are so familiar with today was played by the violins. The English version that we most commonly associate with this melody, and from which today’s title is derived, is quite different from the literal translation:

Jesu, joy of man's desiring, Holy wisdom, love most bright; Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring Soar to uncreated light.

Word of God, our flesh that fashioned, With the fire of life impassioned, Striving still to truth unknown, Soaring, dying round Thy throne.

Through the way where hope is guiding, Hark, what peaceful music rings; Where the flock, in Thee confiding, Drink of joy from deathless springs.

Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure; Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure. Thou dost ever lead Thine own In the love of joys unknown.

"Think Pink" Progressive Bridal Showcase

I will be showcasing gorgeous wedding music on the flute at the "Think Pink" progressive bridal showcase on March 6th in Denver, CO. This bridal showcase will be a great place to find everything you need for your wedding, and help to raise money for brides with breast cancer. A ticket is only $5 and there will be raffle items including photo engagement sessions, honeymoon packages, wedding invitation giveaways and more. There will also be a silent auction of 4 bridal gowns from Little White Dress starting at $50. Want to learn more? Visit http://www.papermoonweddings.com/local-events/think-pink/ for details.

Wedding Processional Music Ideas for the Flute

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

The following is a list wedding processional music that I have handpicked and compiled for 2013. Some of these songs are new and some are old friends paying a return visit, but all of these songs will sound great with the flute.

Classical Wedding Processional Music Ideas: Classical music sounds great with flute and harp, flute and guitar, solo flute, flute and cello, flute and violin, and flute and strings trios and quartets. Visit my Ensembles page for music samples.

Alla Hornpipe (Handel) Bridal Chorus (Wagner) Canon in D (Pachelbel) Chorale from Cantata No. 147 (JS Bach) Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (JS Bach) Overture from Royal Fireworks Music (Handel) Rondeau (Mouret) Spring from The Four Seasons (Vivaldi) Te Deum (Marc-Antoine Charpentier) Trumpet Tune (Purcell) Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke) Water Music — Selections (Handel) Wedding March from a Midsummer Night’s Dream (Mendelssohn) Wedding March from The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart) Largo from Winter from The Four Seasons (Vivaldi)

Contemporary Wedding Processional Music Ideas:

These contemporary music selections will sound great with flute and harp, flute and guitar, and flute and string trios and quartets.

All You Need is Love – The Beatles At Last – Etta James Bless the Broken Road - Rascal Flatts Come Away with Me – Norah Jones Endless Love - Lionel Richie Edelweiss - Rodgers/Hammerstein Falling In Love At a Coffeeshop – Landon Pigg Fields of Gold – Sting From This Moment On – Cole Porter Have I Told You Lately – Rod Stewart In My Life - Lennon/McCartney I Will be Here – Steven Curtis Chapman Legend of Zelda Selections The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall Moon River –from Breakfast at Tiffany’s Reign of Love – Coldplay She - Elvis Costello Smile – Uncle Kracker Sunshine of my Life – Stevie Wonder This Year’s Love - David Gray The Wedding from Legends of the Fall Whatever it is – Zac Brown Band What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong When I Fall in Love – Nat King Cole When You Say Nothing At All - Alison Krauss Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton You are the Sunshine of my Life – Stevie Wonder