The Snow Queen

5000 Forbes Ave,Pittsburgh PA 15213

25 September, 2022

Description

This event is co-sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University and The Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Harp Society. This production is a setting of the famous Hans Christian Andersen classic, for storyteller and 15 harps. In this performance, the music will incorporate excerpts from participant solos, specially arranged ensemble sections, sound effects, and excerpts from the orchestral repertoire to illustrate the story. The individual solos and ensemble selections will be set as musical interludes. In addition, participants will play underscoring and sound effects, accompanying the text. Harpists of all ages, skill levels, and harp types will be participating. The tale itself is very diverse, allowing for a broad range of musical colors to highlight its wonderful dramatic atmospheres. Alyssa Reit, guest artist Alyssa Reit has worked as an independent performer, composer and arranger in the New York tri-state area since completing her Bachelors and Master’s degrees at the Juilliard School as a student of Marcel Grandjany in 1975. Composition teachers include Jacob Druckman, Andrew Thomas, and Richard Einhorn. She has performed with institutions ranging from the Orchestra of St. Lukes, the Pittsburgh Symphony, and the Metropolitan Opera, to contemporary music groups and traditional Irish bands, playing in such well known, diverse venues as Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, Tully Hall, BAM, the Public Theater, and the Kitchen. She has performed with renowned storyteller Laura Simms, toured with Patti Lupone and Kevin Klein under the auspices of Lincoln Center Children’s Programs, performed all over Europe with Martha Clarke, and completed a U.S. tour in 2002 with the world famous vocal group, Anonymous 4. With husband French hornist Peter Reit, Alyssa gives frequent recitals throughout the New York metropolitan area. She was founder, artistic director, and resident composer for Singing Harp, an arts troupe which presented fairy tales, myths, and classic stories in innovative dramatic and musical forms. For over 14 years the company performed in the New York metropolitan area at such esteemed venues as Caramoor and the NYU Storytelling Series, and received critical acclaim in 2005 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. They received grants from NYSCA, the Westchester Arts Council, and major grants from the Rudyard and Emanualla Reimss Fund in the Westchester Community Foundation. Alyssa’s work “American Songs” has been performed nationally and recorded by the Eastern Brass Quintet, the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra premiered her work for strings, “Legends of Isis,” and programmed her piece “Faith, Hope, and Love” on their chamber music series. Most recently trombone soloist Paul Pollard has made her work “Where?” a staple on his solo recital In accordance with Carnegie Mellon’s COVID-19 mitigation policies, all visitors to the university’s campus age 12 and older are required to be either fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or, if not fully vaccinated, must have received a negative COVID-19 test result within three days of arrival to campus. All campus visitors who wish to participate in this event must adhere to all COVID-19 mitigation requirements including, but not limited to the use of a facial covering at all times while on campus and compliance with vaccination and testing expectations. By registering for a ticket, you agree that you will abide by the university’s COVID-19 mitigation requirements for visitors. By registering for a ticket, you further attest that you have been either: fully vaccinated against COVID-19, orreceived a negative COVID-19 test result within three days of this event.