Hans-Graf of the Houston Symphony

Hans-Graf of the Houston Symphony

Music Director Hans Graf and the Houston Symphony conducted a free performance of Anton Bruckner’s magnificent Ninth Symphony at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in downtown Houston last week on Thursday.  Here is what you missed:

The music of Bruckner’s 9th Symphony was, in a word, sublime–not just with the connotation of being impeccable but also with a sense of euphoria. To me, the music was like life–with moments of darkness/doubt, moments of triumph, and all the other moments in-between, all dovetailing, eliding, and revolving around subtle nuances and shadings of life, itself; culminating in the finale in the third movement–a cacophony of gloriousness and oneness, expanding to new heights, levels of dissonance, and on to greatness! Bruckner’s music reminded me of the inevitable humanness that accompanies life, but also included the notion that people can accomplish great things, and can triumph over their failings, given moments of struggle. Passages of music, in augmentation of duration of the notes, enhanced the feel of struggle. At the very end of the Symphony, two horns ebbed and flowed, one with the other–a nice touch, with two notes rotating around each other, as the moon longs for the Earth or as two souls breathe in new life, showing unity, respect, and admiration–triumph, at last!

The final symphony written by Bruckner dedicated “To God the Beloved.”  Bruckner did not live to see the completion of his work which makes the dramatic third movement titled “A Farewell to Life” even more poignant.

The acoustics in the Co-Cathedral were spectacular. There was about a 2.5 second, reverb “wash” trailing after the releases of the full orchestra. The hall seemed very excellent for “amplification” of horns, and a couple of times, the sound from the horns overpowered that of the rest of the orchestra. I believe the acoustics of the Co-Cathedral were designed more for natural and unamplified voices and not really intended for a full, modern orchestra. The expanse of the Co-Cathedral, itself, absorbed the energy from the orchestra; the columns and side arcades did not have much bearing on how the sound traveled or behaved, even though those features are, generally, obstructions or could create situations where delays may be heard. However, in the Co-Cathedral, the sound was unified, with no stray delays–just the fabulous reverb wash at the end of orchestral rests in the music.

Houston's Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

Houston's Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

The tuning of the orchestra was perfect! Hans Graf, the conductor, was excellent. He brought out fabulous details of phrasing for the music–moments of elegance that you won’t hear at just any orchestral performance of Bruckner’s 9th Symphony, and he paced the music with an artist’s brush and touch. Hans Graf will be with the Houston Symphony for only one more year, so go see him conduct the Houston Symphony, sometime, in the upcoming year should you get the chance.

 

Review By Kevin Rue

 

 

Love is in the Air! ~~“My Most Memorable Valentine’s Day” Featuring local Houston celebrities Cindi & Dr. Franklin Rose and more in this months issue of Houston Lifestyles & Homes Magazine read the story here: http://houstonlifestyles.com/?p=6030

Dr. Franklin Rose Houston

By Cheryl Alexander

When it comes to Cupid’s arrow, sometimes his aim is hit or miss. Some of Houston’s most recognizable sweethearts share their most memorable Valentine’s Day stories that are sure to warm your heart.

Houston Silhouette artist CINDI ROSE, co-founder (with her husband celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Franklin Rose) of the Rose Ribbon Foundation. Their organization provides free reconstructive surgery to post-cancer patients who are not able to afford health insurance. This couple’s Valentine’s memory is as unique and special as their charitable work.

Dr. Franklin Rose and Cindi Rose

Dr. Franklin Rose and Cindi Rose

Cindi shares:

“My best Valentine’s memory was when my husband and I got engaged in Aspen 30 years ago, and it was also my worst. We were en route by plane to visit his mom and dad, and he asked me to marry him before he asked them. His father was thrilled, and so was his sister, who said, “I will gain a wonderful sister-in-law.” Then, my (future) mother-in-law said, “Weddings are funerals, so I will wear a black dress.” I ran into a guest room and cried. Seven years later, after we had married, we separated and then divorced. Then, again, on a Valentine’s Day, he asked me once again to marry him! We ran to Vegas, and had so much fun getting married there, just the two of us. We have been married now over 14 more years. I must say, I now love my mother-in-law and she loves me. She was afraid of losing her baby boy, and in her mind, our wedding was a death. I can also say that love is better the second time around, and lucky me, to the same wonderful person, who is father of our only two children, Erica Rose 28, and Ben Harwood Rose, 26.

My funniest Valentine was when I was divorced, and wanted my children, who were then 4 and 6, to be with me on Valentine’s Day. I was 36, but found someone 10 years younger, who was like a kid himself. We went to AstroWorld, and rode the rides with my children, and some of their friends. My children thought this is what you do on Valentine’s Day — go to an amusement park, eat junk and ride rides. One of their friends ate too much candy, threw up while on the roller coaster and it splattered all over into the air.”

Read the Story Here

Read the Story Here

Love is in the Air! ~~ To read the story in it’s entirety, please visit Houston Lifestyles & Homes Magazine here: http://houstonlifestyles.com/?p=6030

Cindi Harwood Rose Silhouette Art Fundraiser to benefit breast cancer research is featured in this month’s issue of AspenPeak MagazineRead the story here:

Silhouettes Artist Cindi Rose featured in AspenPeak Magazine

Silhouettes Artist Cindi Rose featured in AspenPeak Magazine

In the best Winter/Spring issue of Aspen Peak Magazine, celebrity Johnny Depp covers while artist Cindi Rose silhouettes guests at a chic invitation only luncheon with 30 of the town’s most elite.

The cause, is to celebrate the fantastic strides in cancer research made by The Rose Ribbon Foundation and Susan B. Komen. Cindi is joined by her Houston friends, Cynthia Sinatra, and her daughter, Victoria Brink.

Cindi Rose snips Silhouettes to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Research

Cindi Rose snips Silhouettes to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Research

“Aspen Peak, Komen Aspen, Mason Morse Real Estate, and Brian Hazen hosted a ladies luncheon to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research. Hosted at the home of Roberta Allen and Howard Miller, 30 exclusive guests were treated to healthy fare by chef Clark Church, signature St- Germain cocktails, and Cadeau gifts. Acclaimed silhouette artist and guest of honor Cindi Rose created portraits for each attendee.” ~~lunch for the cure

Cindi Rose snips silhouettes for guests

Cindi Rose snips silhouettes for guests

 Sandy Israel and Logan Hood

Sandy Israel and Logan Hood

Mona Look-Mazza

Mona Look-Mazza

Silhouette Keepsake Art

Silhouette Keepsake Art

Victoria Brink, Cindi Rose, and Cynthia Sinatra

Victoria Brink, Cindi Rose, and Cynthia Sinatra

Cindi, a third generation fine artist, has done silhouettes over 35 years, and is considered the world’s fastest premier silhouette artist. You can view her write-up in the Guild of American Papercutters, or in American Profile Magazine, where Cindi Harwood Rose was chosen as an American hero, for her silhouettes for cancer survivors, which can be ordered on-line from CindiSilhouettes@gmail.com. For more information and booking information please visit silhouettesbycindi.com or roseribbon.org.

This guest blog is by Lindsey of www.cinderellasglasscloset.com 

Cinderellas Glass ClosetI am so honored to be asked to guest blog today. In case we have not met- I run a blog called, Cinderella’s Glass Closet (www.cinderellasglasscloset.com) where I POSITIVELY write about all things reality TV and fashion. I also have the pleasure of conducting one on one interviews with some of the hottest reality TV celebrities, fashion industry gurus, fashionable business owners and more.

When contemplating what to write today, I thought of many ideas: The latest fashion trends. That topic is covered every where so I will pass. Next: “how to blog”: I am half kidding about this as I do not classify myself as an expert. Therefore, let’s discuss what I do know, and something I hope that you will find interesting: The truth about the celebrities I write about – The “dirt” so to speak. Granted it is mostly positive, glitter filled “dirt,” but I will state my opinions on these high profile people from a first hand perspective. I am also going to do what I know how to do best. That is interviewing. I will more or less interview my self (laughs) on celebrities, and behind the scenes knowledge.

First, I want note: I only blog from a POSITIVE perspective because I think “negative” is over done. Not only that, I belive “you catch more flies with honey…” Right? Next, positivity and (most importantly) trust runs in my blood. I will give someone the benefit of the doubt until I have a reason not to. I must say that 99.9% of these amazing people (who I have had the pleasure of speaking with) have NEVER given me a reason to be negative towards them.

In addition, I never want to come off as bragging about my career or my life. I am blessed to be able to do something glamorous and fabulous as a profession, but my real VIP job is that where I am a mom to a 4 year old and 7 year old. Trust me when I say, they will never let mommy’s head get too big. Nor is there a reason for that to happen. Now that I have said that, are you ready to get started?

Erica Rose, daughter of Dr. Franklin Rose, MD

Erica Rose, daughter of Dr. Franklin Rose, MD

First, Who on reality TV is not given enough credit based on what they are like in REAL life?
That is easy. Erica Rose who is the daughter of Houston Plastic Surgeon Dr. Franklin Rose, MD (on Dr. Phil and MTV’s I Want a Famous Face), and has been seen on ABC’s the Bachelor and Bachelor Pad. She appears to be a “princess on TV.” In fact she often wears a tiara. Okay who doesn’t (smiles)? However, in real life she is sweet, funny and highly educated. Erica went to law school, and would love to have her own court show one day. When I approached her for an interview she did not even hesitate. I loved speaking to her on the phone, and we still keep in touch.

Who is the next break out reality TV star or at the very least should be offered their own show?
The Marco sisters!!
We all know the fabulous Melissa Gorga from The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Right? She is a break out star this year, but do you know her sisters? Lysa Marco Simpson and Kim Pirrella are two of my favorites on and off the screen, and are ALWAYS by Melissa’s side (they were show on the show at events with Melissa etc). Please do not get confused- They are NOT by Melissa’s side to get on camera. Their family is actually that close, and very sweet. I am so thankful that I am getting to know these ladies. All 3 of the sisters are fun, outgoing, and have their stars on the rise.

Who almost snuck away but thankfully they didn’t?
Sonja Morgan for the Real Housewives of New York City.
She (like other stars) gets approached to do interviews, and projects quite often. However, I was able to get a hold of her and convince her to do an interview. Now I could not be happier. Not only because I was able to get a fabulous interview, but because I get to know Sonja. She even graciously agreed to host a charity event that I was throwing in NYC, but due to my own personal reasons I had to cancel. I still check in with Sonja by email, and social media. She always replies back. Sonja is classy, warm, fun, funny, and has an amazingly strong character. We all remember her very public bankruptcy? She held her head up high, and told me she really appreciated her fans support. I thought she got through it with class, and I truly felt for her. I adore her.

Who is the easiest to flirt with?
Of course, I want to keep it professional so I would never do that (smiles). However, it is hard not to gush over football and reality TV star, Glenn Pakulak from Most Eligible Dallas. I was so sick, and had lost my voice when I interviewed him (over the phone none the less). He was just a doll. He cheered me up, made me feel better, was so patient and more. I know that he is going to make some lady very lucky one day. Glenn if you read this, I hope that girl is…. No, not me (smiles), but Rebecca who came to visit him while taping the show (she also appeared on the show)- Talk about chemistry! You all should watch out for Glenn’s denim clothing line and future projects off the field. He is truly talented.

Who did you “look for” forever and finally got in contact with?
Teresa Giudice
from The Real Housewives of New Jersey. However, once we linked up (she is SO popular and busy especially with Celebrity Apprentice coming up) she was amazingly sweet. I hope to continue to speak with her and work with her. My readers often request that I do an interview with her, and I would be happy to.

What cast is the easiest to work with?
Jerseylicious
and Glam Fairy from The Style Network (they are sister shows, and Glam Fairy is the spinoff). I have had the pleasure of working with many of the stars, and they are all amazing. Gayle Giacomo (Jerseylicious cast member and owner of The Gatsby Salon) is truly wonderful. If you check my blog you can see great inside photos of the salon and cast. I love to check in with Gayle still to this day, and like Sonja she is great about replying. I also give this award to all of Alexa’s Fairies (including Alexa) who are glamorous, and easy to work with – Stay tuned for more of their interviews!

Who is my dream interview?
Kim Kardashian. Kim if you are reading this-Call me
(Smiles).

What interview have you sent out that you are most excited to get back?
I rarely show my hand, but I hope it is from a “MobWife” (hint hint).

Lindsey of Cinderellas Glass Closet

Lindsey of Cinderellas Glass Closet

I have enjoyed guest blogging today, and it has been so nice to be hosted. I hope that all the readers found the information interesting to read. And if you enjoyed it please read the full length interviews, and hot topics on my blog: wwww.cinderellasglasscloset.com I can’t believe I didn’t even touch on my fabulous fashion interviewees. I guess you will have to see the blog (smile). One last note / secret: Do you know what famous cast member got fired by the network, and will not be returning this season to one of our favorite shows? I will break the story soon!!

 

 

 

 Please see my POSITIVE celebrity and fashion website: www.cinderellasglasscloset.com

 

The world’s most noted silhouette artist, Cindi Harwood Rose, is known for her elegant work across the world. Most likely she is the most renown living silhouette artist, having been published in so many magazines and books.

Including, BBC TV’s Blue Peter, Vogue Mexico, Vanity Fair, People, American Profile Magazine, Country Living, The Beverly Hills Review,

Please continue reading on http://roseribbon.org/

American Silhouettes

The American Revolution was remembered by its heroes, who often could not afford an oil portrait.  Thus, the talented portrait artists of the day also hand-cut silhouettes.

This was demonstrated with an informative and captivating lecture by premier silhouette artist, Cindi Harwood Rose, as outlined in the Alexander Love Chapter of DAR’s newsletters highlighting this fascinating historical presentation by C. Rose, also an American Hero, for her silhouettes for survivors, awarded by American Profile Magazine.

 

Silhouettes Artists

Cindi Rose, World Famous Silhouette Artist

Alexander Love Notes
NEWSLETTER
January, 2012
Volume 6, Issue 1

“It was a pleasure to have Cindy Hardwood Rose of Silhouettes by Cindi to give a very entertaining, patriotic history lesson regarding the importance surrounding the value of hand-cut silhouette art as it relates to America’s history. Cindi was at our 12:30 meeting of the Alexander Love DAR Chapter, October 13th. The website is silhouettesbycindi.com.  The American Guild of Papercutters has ranked Cindi Rose’s silhouette artistry as premier. In October, American Profile magazine made Cindi a “hero” for her silhouettes for cancer survivors. It was an honor for us to have her demonstrate the art of profiling people with a pair of surgical scissors and black paper, without a light, projector, or camera, and to give a lecture on the importance of capturing the style, feature, and personality in silhouette.

It was amazing that she could concentrate on the cutting while explaining that Silhouette cutting was in its peak during the American Revolution and that silhouette art was one of the few ways that history could be recorded, since oil portraits were so expensive, and the camera had not yet been invented.”

Our thanks to Cindi for such an excellent program.
–Susan K. Devenney, Regent

Cindi, a third generation fine artist, has done silhouettes over 35 years, and is considered the world’s fastest premier silhouette artist. You can view her write-up in the Guild of American Papercutters, or in American Profile Magazine, where Cindi Harwood Rose was chosen as an American hero, for her silhouettes for cancer survivors, which can be ordered on-line from CindiSilhouettes@gmail.com. For more information and booking information please visit silhouettesbycindi.com or roseribbon.org.

erica-dasher-silhouette-1-2012New Celebrity, Erica Dasher, star of ABC Family’s hit show, Jane by Design, took time to have a fashionable silhouette hand-cut by Cindi Harwood Rose. The silhouette of “it-girl Erica” and precious sister Cameron was framed on the spot for holiday gifts.

Artist, C. Rose says that Erica Dasher, is fresh, beautiful, naturally talented, creative, down-to-earth and a real role model for young adults. Jane by Design airs on Tuesday nights, and is a sensation. Silhouette artist, Cindi Rose, wants to design silhouette fashions and pendants for Dasher. Dasher loves vintage, and C. Rose’s original art has an art deco, vintage feel.

Tune in at ABC Family 9/8c c on Tuesdays to see the style flair of Olivia Miles-Payne, costume designer, and see if in further episodes a Cindi Rose silhouette necklace or framed art of Dasher may appear.

 

I just wanted to make it clear Charming Web does not support the Stop Online Privacy Act (#SOPA). The Internet is one of the few things the US Government has been unable to destroy. The US Government needs to focus on real problems like unemployment and the criminal home loan mortgage crisis that ruined the US real estate market.

We believe in a free and unhindered Internet. The Internet should be unencumbered by government regulation. It is a human resource owned by the people and the people can police it themselves. The Internet is one of the greatest achievements in human history allowing the instantaneous exchange of information and communication.

Politicians get to work and quit goofing off. This legislation is a complete waste of our time. When millions of Americans have taken to the streets to protest your ineffectual behavior and criminal favoritism of the 1% you might consider trying to get people back to work.

 

Famed Silhouettes for non-profit at Grace Garden’s US school held today!Framed Silhouettes for non-profit at Grace Garden’s US school held today with artist
Cindi Harwood Rose.

Stop by 6313 Pathfinder in Austin to have a collectable heirloom created on the spot with only scissors, Talent, and black paper, in less than 2 minutes per person. Hours for this fund raising event are 12 to 4. Prices are $30 a person, and it is a tax donation to superb education.

Ronnie Lane

Ronnie Lane

In a conversation with my friend Big Al. who is a real life angel I was reminded of my friendship with the great musician Ronnie Lane who sadly left us in the Summer of ’97.

I have had many brushes with fame in my life but meeting Ronnie had a profound affect on me and has to this day.

How I came to know Ronnie is a life lesson; we never know who we might encounter as we live our lives but sometimes people enter our lives to teach or show us something, I think that is what Ronnie did for me.

It was right after I had moved to Houston in the mid 1980′s. I rented an apartment on San Felipe and I had landed a job at a pizza parlor across the street. One day a nicely dressed young guy knocked on my door and I answered he introduced himself as Ronnie Lanes  assistant and explained that Ronnie had seen me around the complex and wanted to know if I would like to have some tea with him.

I said sure and he took me to meet Ronnie Lane.

Ronnie Lane Live

Ronnie Lane Live

I would like to fill in some details here. Ronnie Lane was the founder of an English band called The Faces. You might know their singer Rod Stewart who would claim his own fame as a solo act. Guitarist Ronnie Wood was also a member of the Faces he would later join a group called the Rolling Stones.

I am slightly disabled well I feel it is slight others may not. I was born with a birth defect called Spina Bifida. I have had numerous operations on my back, legs, and feet. I wore corrective shoes & braces on both legs until I was 14. At the time I met Ronnie I was doing fairly well health wise and walking with a cane.

I met Ronnie in his apartment which was upstairs and catty corner from my apartment. His apartment was nicely arranged yet modest in furnishings. His guitar and bass collection were arranged in a ring around the living area, placed on stands, facing us as we sat upon two nice chairs. Beautiful photographs surrounded us many of them were band and performance pictures some from his numerous studio sessions.

This was the beginning of our relationship which would only last for that short period, that Summer when he had traveled here from England to get treatment for Multiple sclerosis at the Texas Medical Center the best in the world.

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