beware the ides of march!
MARCH 1st @ 8 PM, 2nd @ 8 PM & 3rd @ 4 PM, 2024
First Church Miami
"Beware the Ides of March" featured the world premiere of "Macabrifesto," by Kirk Whipple. Alternately wicked and humorous, serious and whimsical, haunting and dramatic, "Macabrifesto" is a wild ride! Scored for 2 pianos / 8 hands, chorus, double bass and 2 percussionists, the texts were taken from seven classic poems and one original by Whipple:
I. The Night is Darkening Round Me - Emily Brontë
II. Jabberwocky - Lewis Carroll
III. A Ballade of Suicide - G. K. Chesterton
IV. The Three Witches (from Macbeth) - William Shakespeare
V. A Poison Tree - William Blake
VI. Because I could not stop for Death - Emily Dickinson
VII. Intersection - Kirk Whipple
VIII. The Raven - Edgar Allan Poe
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From the world premiere, The Three Witches, featuring Irene Gonzalez (alto/mezzo), Megan Barrera (soprano), Laura Fernandez (soprano) and The UNPQ.
At the heart of this project is The United Nations Piano Quartet, four pianists performing on two concert grand pianos! Also on the program was The UNPQ's internationally acclaimed rendition of "Bolero" - in celebration of Maurice Ravel's birthday in March.
For "Macabrifesto," The UNPQ welcomed their newest member: Soraya Zlitni from France. She has replaced founding member Frédéric Chauvel, who has taken a sabbatical due to health issues.
For "Macabrifesto," The UNPQ welcomed their newest member: Soraya Zlitni from France. She has replaced founding member Frédéric Chauvel, who has taken a sabbatical due to health issues.
Featured vocal soloists:
Megan Barrera ~ Soprano Robert Brice ~ TenorIvan Conrad ~ BaritoneLaura Fernandez ~ Soprano Irene Gonzalez ~ Alto / Mezzo Soprano
Megan Barrera ~ Soprano Robert Brice ~ TenorIvan Conrad ~ BaritoneLaura Fernandez ~ Soprano Irene Gonzalez ~ Alto / Mezzo Soprano
The pianists and their nations of origin:
Kirk Whipple - USA Mark Sole-Lerís - ENGLAND Marilyn Morales - CUBA Soraya Zlitni - FRANCE
Featured in "Macabrifesto" - original art works
by California graphic artist Evan Johnsen.
Please visit his website:
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The UNPQ featured on South Florida PBS "Art Loft"
In conjunction with their masterpieces, Always Remember by Marilyn Morales and Macabrifesto by Kirk Whipple, the duo were featured on South Florida PBS in the show, Art Loft! Also in this episode were their partners in The United Nations Piano Quartet, Mark Solé-Leris and Soraya Zlitni. Producer Melissa Harmon and her brilliant team did a fantastic job of editing live performances and interview segments with archived excerpts and photos.