Come experience this unique Jazz Meets Opera Performance 7PM 12/7/2022 featuring the following list of stellar musicians: Vocalist Ema Mitrovic with Pianist David Budway and Drummer Tim Horner hosted by Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies. The Rutgers Institute oj Jazz Studies Clements Place has presented world-class artists in compelling jazz performances and this classical Jazz Meets Opera experience is for all lovers of live music.
Award winning and critically acclaimed operatic mezzo-soprano/vocalist, Ema Mitrović, is described: “Mezzo-soprano Ema Mitrovic laid down a plush carpet of notes, performing Ulrica’s Aria from “Un Ballo.” The tessitura’s low end dropped into the contralto range where she voiced both authority and menace.” (Benefit Concert for Ukraine OperaWire 3/21/22), “out of the ensemble, I found Ema Mitrović…to be the standout” (Opera Manhattan, Suor Angelica ’12) and “Her rich mezzo is pure pleasure..” (Hudson Opera Theatre, Lucia di Lammermoor ’18). Ms. Mitrović performs as an ambassador of music across different genres, having performed 19 operatic roles thus far, a number of solo recitals, and has enjoyed being a strong cross-over jazz singer, performing along New York City’s finest musicians, including Tim Horner, Joe Locke, Ted Rosenthal, and Jim Ridl, to name a few. She’s been on stage at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and New York City’s renowned jazz venues Birdland, The Kitano, and Smalls. Often, she performs programs that include both classical and standard jazz repertoire to connect to her audience.
As the world was trying to come back to normal Ema also enjoys performing locally and in diverse settings. Despite the strains of the ‘20/’21 pandemic on the artistic world … Ema has continued building a diverse program of crossover works, singing classical, jazz, and Broadway favorites with Mr. Budway. Her goal has been to present these diverse programs in recital regularly to introduce audiences to more music in an intimate and informal setting, and to break down the stigmas associated with them, such as the myth of opera being only for the elite.
Locally we were ecstatic that Ema Mitrovic joined us 2021 and Fred Smith, publisher of TAPINTO SOMA described a crossover performance by Ema as: “A unique combination of music was presented Sunday at a performance by acclaimed operatic mezzo-soprano/vocalist, Ema Mitrović along with renowned jazz/classical pianist David Budway. The show, which took place at the Gazebo on Sloan Street in Downtown South Orange, ranged from jazz to opera and classical theater. The afternoon concert was presented as part of the Summer Sunday Jazz Series. …. A very appreciative audience appeared to enjoy all the music …. “.
David Budway
Max Jazz Recording Artist, David Budway is one of the most versatile pianists on the New York music scene today. Deeply rooted in many styles, his masterful command for Modern Jazz vocabulary has propelled him into the midst of present day jazz pioneers. He has recorded and performed with Branford Marsalis, Michael Brecker, Stanley Turrentine, Hubert Laws and Jeff”Tain”Watts. Performing and Recording credits include Jimmy Heath, Jon Faddis, Louie Belson, Mark Murphy, Marlena Shaw, Ravi Coltrane, Joe Pass, Randy Brecker, Wynton Marsalis and George Benson. Performances at Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, Merkin Hall, The Village Vanguard, Blue Note, Cotton Club, The Jazz Standard, Zinc Bar and Smalls. David’s Forthcoming release on Max Jazz, “A New Kiss” features Branford Marsalis, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Eric Revis, Ron Affif, Marcus Strickland and Joe Barbato. Deeply rooted in Rock and Roll , David released a CD that showcases these strengths ” Bud Way”, where he sings and plays piano, drums, guitar and bass on nearly every track. For 12 years, he entertained in New York’s most revered Piano Bar “Brandy’s” located in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It is there that David caught the attention of Liza Minnelli, and was asked to accompany her and sing in her tribute to godmother Kay Thompson.
As a classical piano artist, David has given countless recitals including guest appearances with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (with Hubert Laws), the Steinway Society, and the Pittsburgh Concert Society. David studied with Ruth Slenczynska, Dr. Carole Riley, CDP, and performed Masterclasses with Artur Balsam and Eugene List. Competitions have included the Van Cliburn Competition, The Young Keyboard Artist Association, the Carnegie Awards, the Pittsburgh Concert Society and the Music Teachers National Association. David was a Professor at Duquesne University and Carnegie Mellon University from 1983- 1995, and presently gives Masterclasses at William Patterson University. Recently his essay was published in Downbeat Magazine : “Contemporary French Music’s Influence in Jazz Harmonies”. David also is an accomplished composer. He has collaborated with Kathy Budway (sister), Lou Tracey, Deb Silver and Bobby Belfry. Artists that have recorded and performed his songs include Christiane Noll, Marvin Hamlisch, Hubert Laws, Jeff “Tain” Watts and more. David scored original music to “Lift”, a short film that features Dominic Pinon. David also performs the piano solos in the movie “Giant Steps” which stars Billy Dee Williams.
Tim Horner
Tim Horner is a native son of Roanoke Va. After graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1979 Tim moved to Brooklyn New York in 1980 . Since moving to New York Tim has shared the stages of so many of New Yorks major venues such as The Village Vanguard, Birdland, The Blue Note, Lincoln Center, Dizzy’s Coca Cola. The artists he has worked these venues with span a large cross section of jazz history performing with people such as Hank Jones, Clifford Jordan, Pepper Adams, Joe Locke, Randy Brecker, Vic Juris, The Village Vanguard Orchestra, The Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra, Frank Kimbrough, Roseanna Vitro, Ann Hampton Calloway, Mark Murphy, Joe Williams, Dick Oatts, Red Rodney, Mark Sherman, Ted Rosenthal, Bill Cunliffe and Rufus Reid. In this span of 41 years he has also recorded over 250 recordings as a sideman and 3 of his own personal projects of original compositions.
Music has the power to transport us to another time and place. Tim Horner loves to harness that power with a broad audience of fellow music lovers and passionate musicians alike. Ever since a young age, Tim has found great joy and satisfaction in making music and sharing it with fans and people all over the world. Since 2000 he has been a 5 time Jazz Ambassador for the US State Dept. concertizing and teaching in over 20 countries throughout The World.
You Are Invited
Having performed for us previously at the South Orange Gazebo in South Orange NJ, this Jazz Meets Opera performance promises to be a very special event. Please join us. 7PM 12/7/2022. Event is free inside the Ruth Bader Ginsburg building located at 15 Washington Street, Newark, NJ. Free Tickets at Eventbrite link
Event produced by Gregory Burrus Productions
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