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03 08 05

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A Classic Celebration

Dance, classical music and opera receive their due at the 12th Annual Tribute to the Classical Arts Luncheon.

By David Lee Simmons

Michelle Gibson's Exhibit Dance Collective performs an excerpt from its nominated Dances of Evolution piece.

Photo by Donn Young

Whether it was during moving acceptance speeches or moving performances, emotion filled the room at the 12th Annual Tribute to the Classical Arts luncheon held Feb. 28 at the Hotel Monteleone. More than a few tears fell when dance educator Muriel Moreland accepted her Lifetime Achievement Award from former students and current educators Kathy Dejean of Lusher School and Dollie Rivas of Audubon Montessori. More than a few jaws dropped at Loyola University's Maria Kate Fleming performance of The Queen of the Night's aria from Mozart's The Magic Flute. And then there was Jenny Thompson's equally emotional acceptance speech for her Special Recognition Award for her work with the NORD/NOBA Center for Dance.

Flutist Patti Adams performs with fellow Best Chamber Music Performance winner Jan Grimes.

Photo by Donn Young

Wendy Rodrigue served as the mistress of ceremonies for the standing-room only luncheon, which honored achievement in dance, opera and classical music. The highlights included a performance by Michelle Gibson's Exhibit Dance Collective and a duet by eventual Best Chamber Music Performance winners Patti Adams (flute) and Jan Grimes (piano).

The Arts Patron Award went to the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation. Kathy Reidlinger, principal of Lusher School, accepted the Arts Education Award on behalf of the school.

Gambit Weekly Publisher Margo DuBos, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Executive Director Don Marshall and Big Easy Entertainment Awards Executive Director Gloria Powers

Photo by Donn Young

The Tribute to the Classical Arts is sponsored by Gambit Weekly, WWNO radio, the Hotel Monteleone, Bitsie Werlein Piano Company, Uptown Costume and Dance Company, Smith & Wollensky Restaurant and Adler's Jewelers.

Margo DuBos, publisher of Gambit Weekly, is the executive producer of the event, which is coordinated by Big Easy Entertainment Awards Executive Director Gloria Powers. The special awards are selected by the producers, the classical music, opera and dance awards are chosen by volunteer committees that contribute their time and expertise attending events all year long. The 2005 awards are given for achievement in calendar year 2004.

SPECIAL HONOREES

Co-sponsor Bitsie Werlein

Photo by Donn Young

Lifetime Achievement Award
Muriel Moreland

Arts Patron Award
Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation

Arts Education Award
Lusher School

Special Recognition Award
Jenny Thompson

CLASSICAL MUSIC WINNERS

Best Classical Music Performance
LPO Classics: Mahler Symphony No. 3
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
Klauspeter Seibel, conductor; Symphony Chorus of New Orleans, St. Louis Cathedral Boychoir
Orpheum Theater

Mistress of ceremonies Wendy Rodrigue

Photo by Donn Young

Best Chamber Music Performance
Loyola University College of Music's Montage Series
Patti Adams, flute; Jan Grimes, piano
Roussel Performance Hall

Best New Classical Music Performance
Symphony No. 5
Stephen Dankner, composer
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra; Klauspeter Seibel, conductor; soloists Ellen Frohnmayer, soprano, and Philip Frohnmayer, baritone; Symphony Chorus of New Orleans and Loyola University Chorale
Orpheum Theater

OPERA WINNERS

Best Opera Production
Tales of Hoffman
New Orleans Opera Association
David Morelock, director; Robert Lyall, conductor

Best Ethnic Dance Performance winner Theresa Torkanowsky with co-host Anne Burr and Best Choreography co-winner Gregory Schramel

Photo by Donn Young

Creative Achievement in Opera
Carol Rausch
Choral direction and editing of orchestra parts, Tales of Hoffman
New Orleans Opera Association

Best Choral Arts Performance
Christmas on the Northshore
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra
The St. Timothy Choir
Robert M. McBain, director
St. Timothy Lutheran Church, Mandeville

DANCE WINNERS

Best Classical Ballet Performance
Symphonic Rock, at An International Evening of Ballet
Jefferson Ballet Theatre; Myra Mier, director
NOCCA/Riverfront, Lupin Theatre

Co-host John Burr

Photo by Donn Young

Best Modern Dance Performance
Go!
Tsunami Dance Company; Kettye Volz. director
NOCCA/Riverfront, Lupin Theatre

Best Ethnic Dance Performance
Bach Toccata in C Major, DramaRama11
!Ole Flamenco Ole!; Teresa Romero Torkanowsky, company director
At DramaRama11, Contemporary Arts Center, Freeport-McMoRan Theatre

Best Choreography (new work)
Where Were You When They Dropped the Pill?, at Balanchine Centennial Celebration
Choreography by Gregory Schramel and Marjorie Hardwick
New Orleans Ballet Theatre NOCCA/Riverfront, Lupin Theatre