InfoAnda - Playing the White House: music on a higher scale

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

China vows economic growth in restive Xinjiang | 24 April 2010
Joaquin Phoenix thanks Letterman for his beat down | | 23 September 2010
Authorities expand search for missing Colo. girl | 2 April 2010

Bombs kill 11 in Iraq, highlight security fears | 16 July 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Playing the White House: music on a higher scale

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America Playing the White House: music on a higher scale By The Associated Press - Tuesday, October 20 Send IM Story Print MELANCHOLY BALLAD The first East Room concert for an invited audience took place on Feb. 23, 1883, when Chester Arthur had more than 100 guests hear members of Her Majesty's Opera Company sing Mozart, Verdi and Wagner. The star of the evening was famed Canadian soprano Emma Albani, who sang "Robin Adair" as her final selection. The song had special meaning for Arthur, whose late wife Ellen had sung the Irish ballad many times at Arthur's request. THE LION SHINES Theodore Roosevelt's White House was the first to feature a Steinway piano, and great pianists soon followed. Ignacy Jan Paderewski's first appearance at the White House in April 1902 was recounted by portrait painter Cecilia Beaux, who wrote: "The yellow head of the Lion shone gloriously against the satin of the Blue Room. ... I think it may have been better than hearing Chopin himself." Paderewski described the president's reaction: "The president listened with charming interest and applauded vociferously and always shouted out 'Bravo! Bravo! Fine! Splendid! _ even during the performance." NO THANKS Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt brought in professional dancers to the White House for the first time. They featured black vocal artists, the first staged opera, women's organizations, ethnic groups and an array of American folk singers and players never before seen in the mansion. Offers to perform in the Roosevelt White House came in at the rate of 250 a season during the 1930s. Some who never made it: a young man who demonstrated the "Theremin Wave _ a scientific musical mystery," a woman who played the piano wearing mittens, and an 18-month-old baby who directed music in perfect time. SONG OF AN EXILE Famed Spanish cellist Pablo Casals played in Theodore Roosevelt's White House in 1904, but he stopped making American appearances in 1938 because the United States had recognized the Franco dictatorship. Casals lived in exile, vowing not to return to Spain until democracy was restored. When President John Kennedy sent him a letter inviting him to play for a November 1961 state dinner, Casals accepted because of his admiration for the president. The hour-long concert was serious, featuring works by Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann, and Francois Couperin, and closed with a powerful encore. "You might know this song," Casals said, almost weeping. "It's a Catalan folk song, 'The Song of the Birds' _ but to me, it's the song of the exile." KENNEDY'S CUES Kennedy was caught more than once clapping at the wrong time during classical numbers, and sometimes was uncertain when a concert was finally over. Social secretary Letitia Baldrige worked out a secret signal to cue him on when to clap. "As the last piece was almost finished, I was to open the central door of the East Room from the outside about two inches _ enough for him to glimpse the prominent Baldrige nose structure in the crack. It worked beautifully that night and for all future concerts," Baldrige said. NIXON'S BLUES Five months before Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace, he hosted governors in March 1974 at the White House, where blues great Pearl Bailey provided after-dinner entertainment. Bailey persuaded Nixon to play the piano, telling the president he could choose any number he wanted. But when Nixon began playing "Home on the Range," Bailey complained, "Mr. President, I want to sing a song, not ride a horse." Then the two of them had trouble finding the same key. "I don't know whether I'm finding him, or he's finding me," Bailey said. Vice President Gerald Ford said he'd never laughed so hard. Nixon said: "I just want to say to our distinguished guests that this piano will never be the same again and neither will I." SALT PEANUTS The Carters loved classical music, but also wanted to showcase ethnic and folk traditions as well. In June 1978, the White House hosted a jazz concert on the South Lawn in honor of the 25th anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival. The concert featured nine decades of jazz performers, including 95-year-old Eubie Blake, Herbie Hancock, Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz and others. Carter, sitting on the lawn in his shirt sleeves, asked Gillespie to play "Salt Peanuts" and joined in with repeated chants of "salt peanuts" in the breaks. CLOSE CALL Frank Sinatra didn't have much time to rehearse when the Reagan White House asked him to perform for a state dinner for Sri Lanka in 1984. Security at the White House was tightened in the aftermath of the bombing of the Beirut embassy bombing, and so bomb-sniffing dogs had to check out everything coming into the mansion, including musical instruments. On the day of the dinner, the dogs became too exhausted to work anymore, and Sinatra's instruments were stranded outside the East Gate until replacement dogs could be called in. VELVET UNDERGROUND When the Clinton White House welcomed Czech President Vaclav Havel for a state dinner in 1998, the former playwright made a special request for entertainment by rocker Lou Reed, a founding member of the former rock group Velvet Underground. The group had helped inspire Havel's leadership of the "Velvet Revolution" that brought democracy to the Czech Republic. In halting English, Havel told about getting his first earful of Reed's music during a visit to Greenwich Village in 1968, and said, "I've been listening to it for 30 years." Reed's band for the White House gig included Milan Hlavsa, a bass player from the Czech Republic whose music was inspired in part by Reed. ___ Sources: _"Musical Highlights from the White House," by Elise K. Kirk. _"Entertaining at the White House with Nancy Reagan," by Peter Schifando and J. Jonathan Joseph. _AP files Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles US: Russia not complying with Georgia war truce AP - Wednesday, October 21 Weakened Tropical Storm Rick nears Mexico resorts AP - Wednesday, October 21 Cleveland museum's Earhart 'hair' just thread AP - Wednesday, October 21 Kyrgyz govt resigns over reform drive AFP - Wednesday, October 21 EU OKs tougher penalties for illegal fishing AP - Wednesday, October 21 News Search Top Stories Swiss court rejects Polanski bail US scientist faces court over attempt to spy for Israel Australian burglar betrayed by leech German rail faces fine for email spying: spokesman EU has doubts, but unlikely to challenge Opel sale More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Balloon boy parents ready to surrender to police: lawyer US balloon drama 'was a hoax': police IBM executive in insider trading case placed on leave Euro chiefs express 'worries' over US, China export squeeze World 'catastrophe' if no climate deal: British PM More Most Viewed » Oldest hominid skeleton sheds light on human origins Boyzone singer Gately dies in Spain More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Iraq picks up pace on oil deals, elections loom
ETA 'political chief' believed held in French raid
Plastic Logic to unveil first e-reader in January
ETA's 'political chief' held in France: Spain
Abu Dhabi Media Co. invests in music video site VEVO
Parents, care groups venture into children's digital limbo
U.S. keeps Sudan sanctions but offers dialogue
US-TECH Summary
Balloon boy parents ready to surrender to police: lawyer
Stimulus 'saved 250,000 education jobs': W.House
Spotify to launch mobile offering with 3, HTC
Sudan says new U.S. policy has positive points | International |
Iran and western powers hold 'constructive' uranium talks
Iran accuses US, Britain, Pakistan over bombing
Karzai vote cut to 48%: US monitor
Abu Dhabi Media Co. invests in music video site VEVO
Afghan fraud probe seen depriving Karzai of outright win
Egypt's Moussa does not rule out presidency run: report | International |
Afghan fraud report orders vote invalidation
Honduras de facto leader lifts ban on media, protests | International |
Kurd militants surrender to back Turkish reforms | International |
Colombia probes vice president over militia ties | International |
Feds issue new medical marijuana policy
Lawyer for balloon boy's parents expects charges
LA's top prosecutor vows to target pot shops
Octuplets mom's doc expelled from organization
Calif toddler OK after 30-foot fall onto rocks
Japan first lady awarded for looking good in jeans
Hurricane Rick weakens as it approaches Mexico
Japan's first lady honoured as 'jeans ambassador'
Chinese ship seized as Somali piracy drifts East
Fed boss says US should cut budget deficit
Beyonce's Kuala Lumpur debut postponed
Health care issues: What president, Congress have
China builds quake monitoring station at Everest
Bosses Who Bully Likely Feel Incompetent
Unspoken rules govern cell phone etiquette | Technology |
A Fortnight Before Elections, Paper of Record Endorses Gov. Corzine
U.S. Plane Carrying Marine Commandos Ordered To Land For Straying Into India
Motorola rises ahead of next Android phone launch | Technology |
Bernanke warns against trade imbalances
Nissan's Ghosn is bullish on electric vehicles
JAL loss to be larger than expected: report
Madonna's New York neighbor sues over noise | Entertainment |
Andy Garcia takes on Saakashvili role | Entertainment |
Colombian town cancels concert over Uribe T-shirt | Entertainment |
Nobel winner slams Bible as 'handbook of bad morals'
Beyonce postpones Malaysia gig amid Islamist ire
Singer death column sparks Twitter rage
Slight drop in attendance at Frankfurt Book Fair
Phil Collins not pounding the skins
Def Leppard cancels N.American tour dates | Entertainment |
Elvis' hair leaves the building -- sold for $18,300
Beyonce delays Malaysia show amid Muslim criticism
D'oh! Bash marks 'The Simpsons' 20th anniversary
'Babel' director Inarritu heads Tokyo fest jury
Karzai under pressure after poll fraud probe
Karzai likely to agree run-off election | International |
U.S. video game sales up 1 percent in Sept; PS3 top: NPD
EU has doubts, but unlikely to challenge Opel sale
Pakistan forces seize key town in Waziristan push | International |
US videogame sales break losing streak: NPD
Iran accuses US, Britain, Pakistan over lethal bombing
IBM executive in insider trading case placed on leave
Iran vows reprisals after bombing kills dozens
Iran demands U.N. council condemn bomb attack | International |
US consumer electronics spending to rise this Christmas: CEA
Iran, Western powers hold 'constructive' uranium talks
Google wooing Microsoft business customers
Kurd militants surrender to back Turkish reforms
Euro chiefs express 'worries' over US, China export squeeze
Honduras de facto government scolds Zelaya, talks stall | International |
Unspoken rules govern cell phone etiquette
Egypt's Moussa does not rule out presidency run
Airbus, others sued in U.S. over Air France crash | International |
West Bank separation barrier draws protests
Somali pirates seize Chinese ship in Indian Ocean | International |
Sunni insurgent group in Iran
IT spending to rebound in 2010: Gartner
Spain says Cuba's Castro committed to reform | International |
Hurricane Rick kills man, nears Mexico coast | International |
Philippines starts evacuation ahead of new typhoon | International |
AP source: Karzai expected to accept he fell short
Judge postpones another Ohio inmate's execution
Taiwan seeks high-level US visit: official
Federal judge shutters Idaho grazing allotment
NJ mass murderer who killed 13 in 1949 dies at 88
New Zealand to hold referendum on voting system
Baby food recalled, may be tainted with botulism
Justice blocks names in gay rights ballot measure
USDA: Pork Safe To Eat Despite H1N1 Virus In Minnesota Pig Sample
U.S. Markets Gain As Dow Keeps Climbing Above 10,000
Philippines starts evacuation ahead of new typhoon
Aussie junior sailor asleep in collision: inquiry
New York Times To Cut Another 100 News Staff Jobs
US to ease prosecutions for 'medical marijuana' use
Japan's Samurai art on show in New York
U.S. video game sales up 1 percent in Sept; PS3 top: NPD | Technology |
Barnes & Noble e-reader has color, $259 price: report | Technology |
US says ready for NKorea talks
Any North Korea meeting must lead to six-way talks
Somali pirates seize Chinese ship in Indian Ocean
HRW urges fair hearing for jailed Kazakh activist
Philippine militants abduct school principal
Japan's Toyota sells new models in SKorea
Nissan in electric car batteries recycling venture
Detroit faces siege by Hollywood movie
Seoul shares rise 0.5 pct on LG Display, Lotte
S.Korea T-bonds edge down on foreign sale
Taiwan mulls easing controls on LCD tech in China -paper
Japan FM suggests 50 trillion yen bond issuance: Nikkei
Seoul shares up; LG Display rises on Corning news
Nissan aims to make batteries 'core business': Ghosn
China to invest in Zambia despite downturn: official
Michelle Obama to appear on Jay Leno Show | Entertainment |
U2 teams with YouTube for live concert broadcast | Entertainment |
Detroit faces siege by Hollywood movie | Entertainment |
NBC Universal's Graboff says TV windows collapsing | Entertainment |
Judge allows Chris Rock Good Hair film to open | Entertainment |
Where the Wild Things Are tops weekend box office | Entertainment |
NKorea's showcase Arirang festival ends
Adam Lambert single leaked online | Entertainment |
Birkhead: Prosecutor chastised my testimony
Arrested Development to air on IFC | Entertainment |
Campaign to stop mass animal sacrifice in Nepal
NBC Universal's Graboff says TV windows collapsing
"Biggest Loser" trainer hits the road in new series
U2 teams with YouTube for live concert broadcast
Judge allows Chris Rock "Good Hair" film to open
Kenyan training camps running into trouble
Michelle Obama to appear on "Jay Leno Show"
Adam Lambert single leaked online
Iranian-American academic gets 12 years for unrest
German rail faces fine for email spying: spokesman
Australian burglar betrayed by leech
Aghanistan to hold election run-off Nov 7
Abbas says to issue decree for Palestinian vote | International |
Group behind deadly Iran bombing based in Pakistan: FM
Karzai to accept final vote result: spokesman
Iran honors Guards killed in attack, blames U.S | International |
Iran court jails U.S.-Iranian scholar: report | International |
Pope makes it easier for Anglicans to convert | International |
North Koreans quit Danish embassy in Hanoi for South Korea | International |
Berlusconi sparks feminist backlash in Italy | International |
Iran says Vienna talks won't curb nuclear drive | International |
Psychiatrist describes Anna Nicole as addicted
Jury selected in Birmingham, Ala., mayor's trial
Lawyer: Nurse assistant denied care after attacks
Biden to reassure Poles during European trip
US scientist accused of trying to sell secrets
Ain't that America: balloon boy's cultural moment
US scientist in court over attempt to spy for Israel
Apple smashes forecasts, stock hits record | Technology |
Playing the White House: music on a higher scale
Police Detectives Save Bronx Cat Trapped In Car Engine
Another Top Conservative Chooses To Support Gov. Crist's Rival
Former NASA Scientist Charged With Espionage
Biden Visits Central Europe To Allay Concerns About Missile Defense
Authorities Focus On Transient's Role In Massive WildFire That Killed 2 Firefighters
Illnesses Often Not Discovered Among The Uninsured
Taiwan stocks edge higher, helped by tech shares
S.Korea spotted buying dlrs to curb won's rise -traders
Seoul shares rise 0.6 pct on LG Display; POSCO down
Bank of China exec resigns, tipped for IMF post
China auto output hits record 10 mln: state media
Temasek raising $1.5 billion from bond sale
Beijing Autos says watching ex-Ford engineer case
China auto output hits 10 mln units for 1st time
U2 to stream entire concert live on YouTube | Entertainment |
Hardness is the way to happiness: sex survey
Swiss court rejects Polanski bid for release | Entertainment |
Indonesia's Yudhoyono sworn in for second term
China's anniversary film breaks 400M yuan mark
Indonesians fed up with crippling graft, poverty
Lessons of balloon hoax to go unlearned: analysts
From Colombia to Lebanon: Father Dario Escobar
Epic African roadtrip aids poor ahead of 2010 WC
Ashkalis: suffering of Kosovo's forgotten minority
Bumper harvest turns sour for Bulgaria's grape growers
Tensions rise as Bhutan refugees leave Nepal
Ending death penalty could save US millions: study
Wine country renaissance near Bordeaux
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01