|
THE GENERAL SOCIETY
OF MECHANICS & TRADESMEN
OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK
FOUNDED 1785
LABOR, LITERATURE AND LANDMARK LECTURE SERIES
Spring 2018
Behind the Scenes
with Musician, Composer, and Conductor
Gregory Singer
Friday, June 22, 2018 at The General Society Library
The Lecture starts at 6:30 p.m. Reception to Follow.

Renowned musician, composer and conductor, Gregory Singer will discuss different aspects of his distinguished musical career in a rare behind-the-scenes look at the realities of the life of a musician. His presentation will include live and multi-media musical examples; and will be followed by what promises to be a lively Q&A. Mr. Singer encourages all and any questions related to the profession of musician.
Gregory Singer is a uniquely gifted violinist and conductor who combines distinguished artistry with an enjoyment for dramatic interpretations of the great classics. As the son of the well-known conductor, Jacques Singer, he grew up surrounded by wonderful music and legendary artists, inspiring a passion to continue the rich tradition in which he was raised. Following studies as a violinist at the Juilliard School, he began to receive frequent conducting engagements, and in 2005 founded the Manhattan Symphonie.
Maestro Singer has been acclaimed as an eclectic composer of many musical styles, including Classical, Jazz, and Bluegrass. This year marked his Italian debut as a guest conductor at the Ancona Festival, near Rome. Last year he was a guest conductor in St. Petersburg, Russia, where he premiered his composition “Memorial Processional” dedicated to the fallen of Leningrad during the Second World War. Gregory Singer’s philosophy is summed up simply: “Great music is my passion…” His next concert will be July 1st 2018 in Manhattan.
He is also the owner of Gregory Singer Fine Violins, a violin store whose collection ranges from 18th Century Italian instruments to contemporary violins.
The program begins at 6:30 p.m. in The General Society Library
New York City.
Reception to follow. Advance registration is recommended.
Free Admission
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the
New York City Department of Cultural Affairs,
in partnership with the City Council.

233 Years of Education and Service to the People of New York City
The General Society of Mechanics & Tradesmen
|
|
|
|
The picture on the top is from the time I was a guest conductor in Italy and the first violist was translating into Italian what I was saying (in english) to the audience in Italian. You can see the female violinist and a few woodwind players smirking at my pompous egocentric words about how “this was my first concert conducting on the European continent” etc. They look like they are hiding their faces, because they couldn’t contain themselves.
Perhaps the violist was translating in a funny way. It looks so funny when I see the picture. They are all pressing their lips together not to show any teeth of a smile. All, trying to look dignified. I love it. They are such professionals. They were very nice to me. The concertmaster was a terrific violinist as well, the principle cellist was also terrific.
I will show some videos of a few concerts and play a little bit of violin and then answer questions.