This extraordinary cookbook is a labor of love -- the love of good food, good music, good friends, and the good life.
Compiled by artists, friends and family of the Natchez Festival of Music Guild, this cookbook includes recipes from people not only famous for their remarkable talents as operatic singers and directors, but from chefs -- some well-known and some who are the best-kept secrets in the South, as well as everyday Natchezians who have perfected the gentle art of entertaining.
This cookbook contains the best recipes from longtime Natchez gourmets, as well as noted chefs like Natchezian Loveta Byrne, whose restaurant dishes have been lauded in publications like the New York Times; and the late John-Martin Terranova, who graduated top in his class from Johnson and Wales University with a degree in Culinary Arts, and chose Natchez as his home after gracing some of the finest kitchens in the South, including the The Wine Cellar Restaurant in Charleston and the Ritz Carlton in Atlanta.
Natchez, Mississippi is famous not only for its history and beautiful antebellum architecture, but for nearly two decades has also been known for its music festival. During the month of May, noted operatic artists converge on Natchez to perform arias, duets and instrumentals as well as full-length operas and popular Broadway musicals.
Proceeds from sale of Encore! will help Natchez continue to bring beautiful music to the City on the Bluff.
Encore! is available for order for $12 at Amazon, Bambooks Booksellers and Biblio. Bambooks Booksellers is owned by a member of the music guild; therefore, any cookbooks ordered through Bambooks Booksellers does not charge a commission on sales.
How's your swing? Nah, not the music -- your golf swing! Join us for a day of golf, food, prizes, and fun on Thursday, October 1 at 11 a.m. at the "Tee Up for Tunes" golf tournament benefiting The Natchez Festival of Music at Beau Pre Golf Club on Highway 61, just south of Natchez.
Lunch is at 11 a.m. followed by a Shotgun Start. Three- or four-person scramble is permitted. Members of the first-place winning golf team will receive $150 each; the second-place team will receive $75 each; and the third-place team $50 each.
Other prizes include closest-to-the-hole on Par 3s. Teams with fewer than three players get one extra shot using rotation. If you need to join a team, please let us know so that you can be placed in a group. Refreshments will be served on the course.
The player’s fee of $100 includes lunch, beverages on the course, and unlimited range balls. Players may purchase two Mulligans for $10.
Play will be from the white tees; seventy and over from the gold tees; and ladies from the red tees.
This tournament is a fundraiser for the Natchez Festival of Music, now in its 20th year of bringing world-class music to Natchez and the surrounding area. The Natchez Festival of Music generates approximately $2 million annually for the local economy while helping to establish Natchez as a cultural destination.
Come on out. You'll have a ball!
For more information and enrollment, please call Pam Wood at 318.452.79049 or 601.446.6356.
The Natchez Festival of Music celebrates its 20th Season Kickoff on Wednesday, September 9, 2009
In Appreciation of Your Interest and Support
You are Invited to a Free Concert
Some Enchanted Evening--Broadway Favorites!
Presented by:
Jessica Medoff Bunchman
Will Earl Spanheimer
Michael Bunchman
Artistic Director George Hogan
Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center
Come at 7:00 for Building Tour Guided by Tony Byrne
Free Hors d’Oeuvres, Cash Bar, Raffle, Sponsorships, Guild Membership Renewal, Discounted Season Tickets
Register for “Tee Up for Tunes” Golf Tournament
October 1, 2009 Beau Pre Golf Club
Live Auction of Exciting Vacation and Luxurious Items
Auction of Our Fabulous Guest Artists to Perform at Your Special Private or Group Event
Auctioneer: Rusty Jenkins
LIVE AUCTION ITEMS
T.G. McCARY PHOTOGRAPHER PORTRAIT SESSION
PLUS SIZE 11-BY-14 SOVEREIGN PORTRAIT
Donated by T. G. McCary—601-446-5670
SHIELD’S TOWNHOUSE BED-AND-BREAKFAST WEEKEND FOR TWO
Friday – Sunday
TO INCLUDE:
Complimentary Bottle of Wine upon Arrival
Coffee 24 Hours
Complimentary Choice of Breakfast Menu at Natchez Coffee Company, Franklin StreetSat. & Sun.
Lighted Garage Parking
Donated by Marie Perkins—601-442-7680
SPECIAL OCCASION EVENING PARTY PACKAGE:
(Such as a Special Birthday, Anniversary, etc. for 40 People)
ROASTED PIG for 40 Donated by Gerrit Steckler -601-442-6590
ENTERTAINMENT Donated by Sylvia Johns
TWO FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS Donated by Flower Station- 601-442-7224
DESSERT for 40 ITALIAN CREAM CHEESE CAKE
Donated by Edna Welch 601-443-9000
ONE OVERNIGHT STAY DURING THE WEEK AT MONMOUTH PLANTATION
INCLUDES: $100.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE For Dinner in the Restaurant
Donated by Monmouth Plantation
Lani and Ron Riches-- 601-442-5852
BASKET OF CHEER:
GLENLIVET SCOTCH
CROWN ROYAL WHISKEY
GREY GOOSE VODKA
TANGERAY GIN
WHITE AND RED WINE
Donated by: Davidson’s Package
Mr. Charles Davidson
601-442-3612
McDonough’s
Mr. Pat McDonough
318-336-5032
Franklin Street Package
Mrs. Pauline Lambert
601-445-5043
One-Stop Package
Mr. Charles Hinton
601-445-9535
The Liquor Store
Mr. Rick Walters
601-304-1115
WEEKEND STAY AT HISTORIC “HOPE FARM” —Friday through Sunday
TO INCLUDE:
Historic Furnishings in Bedrooms
Full Southern Breakfast Saturday and Sunday Mornings
Professionally Guided Tour of Historic Home
Donated by Ethel Banta
601 445-4848
OVERNIGHT FISHING TRIP FOR TWO AT “GILES ISLAND HUNTING CLUB” –
SPRING OR SUMMER
INCLUDES: One Overnight Accommodations with Fishing in Afternoon and Next Morning; All meals; Boat Provided; Can bring personal fishing gear or if Professional Guide is Requested for Hire, all Fishing Gear, etc. is provided.
Donated by Mr. Jimmy Riley
601-431-2002
FOUR FOOTBALL TICKETS LSU vs TULANE
OCTOBER 31, 2009 TIGER STADIUM
Donated by Concordia Bank and Trust Company
Mr. Pat Biglane
318-336-5258
TWO-NIGHT STAY AT NATCHEZ GRAND HOTEL FOR TWO
INCLUDES: Complimentary Wine Daily
Complimentary Breakfast each Morning
Donated by Natchez Grand Hotel
Leigh Anne Mason, Group Sales Mgr.
601-445-3504
THREE-DAY, TWO-NIGHT STAY AT VICTORIAN LAKE ST. JOHN LAKEHOUSE
(Will Accommodate Two to Three Families)
AMNITIES: DEN, DINING AREA (seats 16) & KITCHEN—
(All Glass Overlooking the Lake)
FOUR SPACIOUS BEDROOMS:
1 King, 2 Queens, 1 Bunk Room for Children that sleeps 6;
BATHS—2 1/2
Screened porch overlooking the lake
Screened gazebo on the pier with stereo, speakers, built-in cabinets and sink
Donated by: Buddy and Lynette Tanner
1-318-757-1885
Reservations in Advance
RAFFLE ITEMS
(Ticket Prices $5 each or 3 for $10)
$100.00 HAND-DESIGNED AFGHAN DONATED BY LILLIE DeSHIELDS
$150.00 GIFT BASKET DONATED BY “HIGH COTTON”
312 Main Street—601-304-9706
OWNER: Doug Hosford
$150.00 COFFEE-TABLE BOOKS DONATED BY JAMES WESLEY FORDE
$50.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE DONATED BY “GO MART” (Includes Gas and/or Merchandise)—61 South
OWNERS: Tom and Ward Granning
$100.00 GIFT ITEM DONATED BY “BELK’S”
Natchez Mall
MANAGER: Mary Flach
$100.00 SAVINGS BOND DONATED BY CONCORDIA BANK & TRUST CO.
Vidalia, LA
Mr. Pat Gallaway
$110.00 CUT, SHAMPOO & STYLE DONATED BY “HAIR BY DIANNA”
205 North Wall Street—601-445-4240
OWNER: Dianna Stafford
$80.00 GIFT ITEM DONATED BY STINE LUMBER COMPANY 61 SOUTH—601-442-7218
MANAGER: Sheri
$100.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE DONATED BY DIANNE’S FRAME SHOP
243 John R. Junkin Drive
OWNER: Dianne Isbelle
601-445-5444
$50.00 SUNDAY BRUNCH FOR TWO CARRIAGE HOUSE RESTAURANT
Grounds of Stanton Hall
CHEF—Bingo Star
601-445-5151
$65.00 DINNER FOR TWO PEARL STREET PASTA
South Pearl Street
OWNER--Cliffe Brumfield
601-442-9284
$150.00 DINNER FOR FOUR MIGHTY MARTINI BAR and BISTRO
Excludes Beverages and Tip
Good for 6 Months-Call 601-304-9600 for Reservations
210 North Pearl Street
OWNERS: Andre le LaBarre and Joseph Burciaga
$65.00 1-HR. SWEDISH MASSAGE PAMPER ME PLEASE SALON
151 Franklin Street
OWNER: Alice Shupe
601-445-0206
$120.00 36 HOLES GOLF BEAU PRE’COUNTRYCLUB
Mon—Sun & includes Golf Cart--61 South
GOLF PRO: Tom Bryant
601-442-5493
$185.00 BOTTLE OF DOM PERIGNON CHAMPAGNE
DONATED BY DAVIDSON’S WINE & SPIRITS
199 Seargent S. Prentiss Drive
Owner: Mr. Charles Davidson
601-332-3612
ARTISTS AUCTION
Jessica Medoff Bunchman, Will Earl Spanheimer, and Michael Bunchman are some of the most talented and beloved artists who have performed with the Natchez Festival of Music. Jessica and Michael have been part of the Festival for the past two years, Will Earl for the past three years.
All three have fabulous résumés and have performed in major locations throughout the nation. Will Earl has also been a part of the Puccini Festival in Italy for several years. Jessica and Will Earl each perform a wide variety of music, including Broadway and modern hits, opera, religious music, classical selections, and other favorites. Michael will accompany Jessica as a duo or will be available as a concert pianist.
Each of these artists is available to perform for a very special event for an individual or a group.
George Hogan, the Artistic Director for the Natchez Festival of Music and the Director of Opera/Musical Theatre at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor, was one of the top bass opera singers in the world during his singing career. He has offered to play a game of golf with the person who acquires him in the auction, as well as to perform for a special event.
This is a rare opportunity to have an artist of this quality who will help make your event a most memorable occasion.
In 1999, our beloved NatchezHigh School building, which had been basically closed up and neglected after the opening of the new NatchezHigh School in 1961-62, was leased to the Natchez Opera Festival, Inc. by the City of Natchez, which owns the property. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Properties, as was our Band Hall.
Sadly, in spite of years of begging from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and others for work to stabilize the Band Hall and Field House, this was not done; and that building was demolished a few years ago. Prior to being closed as a school, the school building had been renamed in honor of Miss Margaret Martin.
Upon our leasing of the building, it became known as Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center. Many of our former classmates helped in 1999-2000 in funding and working to restore the building to a usable condition. Each May since that time, the Natchez Opera Festival, Inc., doing business as the Natchez Festival of Music, has presented a month-long music festival at Martin, bringing world-class performers to enrich our community with their talents and their gorgeous music.
This year we are organizing our 20th Anniversary and are excited over the plans for our presentations. The Festival and its supporters have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to improve the building and to make it usable for this wonderful annual event.
The Festival annually generates approximately $2 million for the local economy, bringing people from all over the nation and around the world to Natchez to enjoy this fabulous cultural event. It has been recognized as one of the top events in the Southeastern United States, has received several Governor’s awards for the arts, and continues to receive grants from the Mississippi Arts Commission. The festival has been recognized in Opera News, and has received numerous other awards and recognitions.
While the auditorium has undergone major updating, including central air-conditioning and heat, painting, upholstering of the seats, and many other improvements, the building still has some tremendous needs. Although the buidling is stable and the City has repaired the roof, there are still many areas that need attention. There was still neglect in timely roof repairs, and some of the work done previously has not survived too well.
The Board of Directors of the Natchez Festival of Music is working to improve the status of the building, and we truly need your assistance. The bathrooms are deplorable; many of the fixtures in them are unworkable, to say the least. Paint is peeling or lacking in many rooms. Some rooms need the floor tiles replaced. Even the rusted-out water fountain in the front hall needs to be replaced. There is no heating or cooling in many rooms. The electrical system has not been updated throughout the building. Basically, there are vast needs.
In an effort to make the building more usable not only for the Natchez Festival of Music but also for other compatible community uses, we are trying to raise funds for repairs and renovations. We have thought that each class could request a $10 donation from class members; but, of course, any major or even larger donations of funds, supplies, or work are needed. In order to allow people to see what needs exist, we are opening the building to the public to come look and exchange ideas on Monday, July 20, at 5:30.
We are organizing a competition among classes with the following categories: 1. The highest percentage of donating classmates, based on living class members. 2. The highest amount raised by a class.
The winners will be announced at a major party/concert at Martin on Wednesday, September 9, at which time the Festival will kick off our Twentieth Anniversary Season with some of our most popular artists -- Will Earl Spanheimer, Jessica Bunchman, and Michael Bunchman -- performing very popular Broadway-type songs.
Please have someone in your class designated as a contact person to work with the class to see what you can accomplish to help with this. If anyone would like to make a donation to help with this project, please make a check to: Natchez Festival of Music. This is a 501C3 organization.
Your donations can be turned over to your designated class member or mailed to the Natchez Festival of Music, P.O. Box 2207, Natchez, Mississippi39121, and designated for MMPAC with your class year so that your class can be credited. Of course, people may make donations in honor of someone or as a memorial to someone. Remember friends, classmates, teachers, and family members who have been connected to NatchezHigh School.
Please join in this project to preserve our former Natchez High School building so that it can continue to be enjoyed for the present and for generations to come, and so that it will appropriately represent the great pride which we all take in the wonderful education and lifelong friendships we received there!
Trinity Episcopal Church was the setting Friday evening on May 22, for Natchez Festival of Music's Command Performance. Brother Vincent Bache, Music Director for Trinity Episcopal Church, welcomed the Natchez Festival of Music.
George Hogan, Artistic Director for the Natchez Festival of Music, introduced the program and turned it over to Assistant Musical Director David Rosenmeyer.
Malena Dayen, David Guzman, Jacqueline Noparstak, Leon Turner, Emily Newton, Emily Lorini, Matt Klepac, and Richard Holmes were the singers.
For a sampling of music performed that night, see below: 1. Emily Lorini singing “Una voce poco fa” from The Barber of Seville.
2. Leon Turner
3. 6. Emily Newton and Matt Klepac in La Boheme duet
There is a little joke that presents the predicament of a young opera singer in a nutshell. One day, Charlie, a gifted young man, sought out her theater teacher for some advice. Charlie could sing, dance, read music, speak foreign languages and play the piano!
Earnestly, he looked his teacher in the eye and declared, “Mrs. Smith, I’ve decided. When I grow up… I want to be an opera singer.”
Mrs. Smith replied, “Well, Charlie, which one is it? You want to be an opera singer, or grow up?”
I will make sure to explain why this story hits home for the Young Artists featured in this Saturday’s Broadway and Opera Highlights.
All of us at the Natchez Festival of Music welcome you to join us at the Broadway and Opera Highlights Night on Saturday, May 23. I welcome you on behalf of all us Young Artists.
My name is Candice, and I am a Floridian, but we have Artists here from as near as the Mississippi/Lousiana area and as far as Russia and Peru. We hail from the best music schools in the country. We are now out in the world, bringing our boundless energy, big voices and hearts to the stage.
Most readers may know Natchez as their dear and tranquil home, but to us, Natchez is thrilling and new, and this Saturday the most exhilarating moments are underway. We have thrived on your Natchez warmth and hospitality (and scrumptious home-cooking!), and we are charged up to serenade you with the most treasured melodies in the American songbook!
We will delight you with the dashing romance of South Pacific, the intoxicatingly lush duet from Lakme, the all-American version of Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story, and much more.
I have not forgotten that I opened with a joke; please let me elaborate. As Young Artists, we will take your breath away with song, and inspire your enthusiastic children to love music for a lifetime.
This evening of Broadway and Opera Highlights presents a perfect assortment of musical gems -- none too long to hold your children’s imaginations, so they are ideal for the whole family. Yet we are also learning how to “grow up.”
Mr. George Hogan is one of our great American opera singers, and he has engaged esteemed artists such as Mr. Estes, Mr. Larkin and Mr. Rosenmeyer to help him guide us at this critical point in our early careers. To find long-term success in this career, one actually needs a balance of great talent, a childlike heart and grown-up wisdom.
We Young Artists thank each and every one of you who has made it a privilege to grow in Natchez, as Mr. Hogan did years ago. We thank you for the meals, for opening your homes, and for the loving support. We need each of you to bring your friends and family this Saturday to the Broadway and Opera Highlights. We have really joined your Natchez community, and we simply can’t do it without you!
Selected arias from opera and Broadway songs selected by the main artists featured in this year’s major opera -- Carmen. The artists this year include Malena Dayen, David Guzman and Philip Skinner, among others.
Date:
Friday May 22, 2009
Time:
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Notes:
$15
Ticket Information By Phone: 601-446-6631 or 1-800-647-6742
In person: Natchez Visitor's Ctr. Natchez Pilgrimage Tours 640 S. Canal St. Natchez, MS 39120
Get ready for the American Idol of the opera scene. Death by Aria is the first part of a competition among the artists for the Blackburn-Killelea Award, which provides a $500 honorarium to the male and the female winner, as well as a mainstage contract for next year. The artists will select the arias which they feel will best present their talents. The order of singers will be determined by a draw at the event. This competition will continue with assigned roles in Opera and Broadway Highlights on May 23. The artists will be judged not only for their talent as singers, but also for their attitude, cooperation, and overall support of the Festival.
This is one program that is not to be missed.
Title: Death by Aria
Date: Friday May 15, 2009
Time: 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: New Covenant Presbyterian Church
Notes: $15
Ticket Information
By Phone: 601-446-6631 or 1-800-647-6742
In person:
Natchez Visitor Center
Natchez Pilgrimage Tours
640 S. Canal St.
Natchez, MS 39120
Online: www.natchezpilgrimage.com
Website: www.natchezfestivalofmusic.com
Season Tickets:
Buy all Four Main Event Tickets and Receive a 10% discount
Hattiesburg's Accento Trio delivered a flawless performace against a dramatic backdrop of stormy skies at Magnolia Hall on Mother's Day afternoon to the subdued accompaniment of thunder overhead.
Selections (in order) included:
Suíte Brasileira with pianist Elizabeth Moak and flautist Danilo Mezzadri, both music professors at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg;
Three Irish Folksong Settings with Danilo Mezzadri, flute; and Susan Ruggiero, soprano;
The Banana Song (Whistlin’ Tune) with Elizabeth Moak, piano
Summerland with Elizabeth Moak, piano
Judy's Rag with Elizabeth Moak, piano
"Ill Know" and "If I were a Bell" from Guys and Dolls with Susan Ruggiero, soprano and Elizabeth Moak, piano
Carmen Fantasy with Danilo Mezzadri, flute and Elizabeth Moak, piano
Ah, vous dirai-je, maman with Susan Ruggiero, soprano, Danilo Mezzadri, flute and Elizabeth Moak, piano
I wish I'd had enough battery to get a sampling of every portion of the program. The final number with soprano singer Susan Ruggiero and flautist Danilo Mazzadri was an incredible demonstration of two instruments -- one vocal and the other mechanical -- playing in harmony together. A beautiful way to spend the afternoon.
The first full weekend of the Natchez Festival of Music will shine with A Night of Stars and An Evening of Jazz, two exciting events with tremendous appeal. The lovely Plantation Performance will complete a great beginning for the 19th
Season of the Natchez Festival of Music.
For Night of Stars on Friday, May 8, at 8:00 p.m. at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, the stars of The Fantasticks will perform some of their favorite selections. Bill Lewis, who has been a most beloved performer many times for the Natchez Festival of Music, will direct this event.
Mr. Lewis has said, “This is a very exciting cast with young performers. We will be presenting all of the cast members of The Fantasticks in solo performances.
"You already know some from past seasons, such as Dan Pettit, David Schnell, Will Earl Spanheimer, and Corey Trahan; and some will become new favorites, such as Kyle Hancock, Jocelyne O’Toole, Bill Overton, and Ashlyn Rust.
"There will be selections from opera, musical theatre, concert songs, and vaudeville. Please come experience these exciting young talents, as we are very excited to present them.”
The outstanding talent showcased in this special event is a very special treat that everyone will enjoy.
An Evening of Jazz on Saturday, May 9, at 8:00 p.m. at The Columns of Natchez spotlights two exceedingly popular artists from New York -- Frank Ponzio on piano and vocalist Annie Kozuch.
Frank Ponzio, jazz pianist, composer, music director, educator, and vocal coach, has written for TV commercials, plays, and films, as well as for radio and TV commercials for Kmart, Exxon, Campbell Soups, and Dunkin’ Donuts, among others. He has performed with people such as Ben Vereen, Phil Donahue for his 25th anniversary TV show, Nancy LaMott at Madison Square Gardens, and Baby Jane Dexter in cabaret venues in New York City. His venues have included Trinity Church, the Museum of Modern Art, Carnegie Hall, Birdland, and New York Town Hall.
Annie Kozuch has appeared in numerous plays, on television, and in such venues as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and the Tokyo City Symphony Orchestra, among others. Her highly successful solo show, Diva’s Lament – an evening of jazz, standards, boleros, and bossa nova highlights her versatility. Raised in Mexico City, she performs in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
What a great evening is in store for Natchez with these two fantastic artists, who are backed by local performers Terry Trovato on percussion and Louis DeVries as bassist.
This year’s first Plantation Performance will take place on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 at Magnolia Hall, featuring Susan Ruggiero, with Danilo Mezzadri on flute and Elizabeth Moak on piano. Susan was a lovely vocalist in last year’s Festival and sang at the Musical Tribute for Dr. David Blackburn in October. This will be a beautiful ending for a great weekend of music!
This extraordinary cookbook is a labor of love -- the love of good food, good music, good friends, and the good life.
