Festival Miami 2009 Brings the World’s Great Performers to Miami for 26th Season

The 26^th year of one of Miami’s most exciting traditions – Festival Miami – is back to kick off the fall season with great and inspiring music. From October 2-30, the Festival will present a diverse roster of recognized musical artists. Audiences will enjoy music and dance in four themed weeks including Great Performances, Creative American Music, Music of the Americas, and Jazz and Beyond.

Frost School of Music Dean Shelton Berg explains, “We highlight music from various historical periods and genres drawn from around the globe. In addition to providing extraordinarily diverse music to the public, this format exposes our students to multiple traditions.”

Classical music lovers have five Great Performances in Festival Miami. The Frost Wind Ensemble, on October 14, brings outstanding UM faculty and student artists to the stage, pianist Kevin Kenner on October 28, winner of the International Chopin Competition plays music of that beloved composer and the Miami Symphony Orchestra adds to this series’ exciting classical range.

The not-to-be-missed Creative American Music theme begins with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Tribute to Henry Mancini with Monica and Ginny Mancini on October 3. Mancini is best known for composing film scores such as The Pink Panther and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, among many others. Daughter Monica, a multi-Grammy nominated vocalist, will perform classics including Moon River and Days of Wine and Roses. Ginny Mancini, the wife of the late composer, will offer anecdotes, remembrances and insights. Children’s favorite Red Grammer, known for his glorious voice and award-winning songs, performs for the young at heart in a Halloween concert October 25.

The Music of the Americas series features jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval, presenting a Softer Side on October 17. Also on this series, the visually exciting IFÉ-ILÉ Afro-Cuban Dance Company will have the audience dancing in the aisles.

Concerts under the heading Jazz and Beyond include jazz vibraphonist Gary Burton bringing his performance mastery to Gusman Hall on Saturday October 10. In the forefront of jazz for more than 40 years, Burton will lead a master class and perform with student ensembles – the Stamps Jazz Quintet and the Frost Jazz Sextet.

The Festival Miami Advance Ticket Sales Office phone number is (305) 284-4940. Hours are Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For a complete listing of concerts and to order tickets online visit www.festivalmiami.com or email festivalmiami.music@miami.edu for additional information.

Mondrian in South Beach Opens During Art Basel

Morgans Hotel Group, the groundbreaking innovator that introduced the world to iconic brands such as Delano in Miami Beach, Royalton in New York City and Sanderson in London, unveiled Mondrian in South Beach December 1. Inspired by its LA namesake – known for cutting-edge design and glamorous nightlife personified by the original Skybar – South Beach is the latest in an exclusive collection of cities that welcomes the Mondrian brand. Mondrian also represents the first time the company offers private residences and condo-hotel ownership.

Conceived by Marcel Wanders, Fast Company’s 2008 “Masters of Design,” as Sleeping Beauty’s castle, residents and guests will truly live within a modern fantasy. Wanders inverts traditional design elements to create chic, dramatic living spaces, furnished with original pieces from his design studio, where he produces everything from lighting to flooring, including iconic pieces such as the Knotted Chair. Exteriors offer entry to a magical world, including an oasis of lush gardens with an intimate outdoor pool bar, private cabanas created with curtains of living foliage and even an adult sandbox. While Delano’s signature “Water Salon” became an international destination, Mondrian will raise the bar for poolside decadence with Wanders’ fantastical designs.

Also envisioned by Wanders, the hotel will feature Morgans’ world-renowned agua spa, opening early in 2009. With a mirrored Bisazza-mosaic reception desk that scatters light across the dimly lit room and a manicure area accessed through a hidden door, the spa will debut an exclusive skincare line and several new treatments.

Jeffrey Chodorow also presents the latest Asia de Cuba restaurant, bringing a vibrant, social atmosphere with innovative menus that incorporate the best of Asian and Latin cuisines. Under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Bryan Flyer, diners will indulge in Asia de Cuba’s imaginative dishes in portions intended for sharing. The royal communal table, made popular at the first Asia de Cuba at Morgans in New York City, is situated upon a custom carpet and steals the spotlight in this space. Golden bells above the table call out to diners to take their seats and crystal chandeliers set within the bells shower guests with faceted light. Deep cushioned booths line the walls of the room, and the restaurant opens out onto the terrace where patrons can enjoy a cool breeze or escape to one of the private dining gardens and “kissing corners.”

Rounding out the complete lifestyle offerings, Morgans unveils its newest hot spot, Sunset Lounge. Conceptualized by nightlife impresario Ben Pundole of Skybar and Bungalow 8 at St Martins Lane, Sunset Lounge offers a nightlife experience with live Latin and Spanish music, a handcrafted specialty cocktail list and sunset views over the downtown Miami skyline. Golden candelabras and onyx jewel-cut stools are playfully dotted between ottomans and new antiques, a striking contrast of the imaginative and the forgotten. Gold leaf wallpaper surrounds the stretch patterned sofa that is set upon a staged, dark herringbone floor.

“We believe Mondrian in South Beach is the most exciting new property the city has seen in decades. With Marcel Wanders’ first hotel design in the US and a move onto West Avenue, we’re redefining the destination and offering spectacular views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. Mondrian is so extraordinary and is targeting such a unique customer that it will lead for years as a one-of-a-kind, coveted experience for guests and locals alike,” said Fred Kleisner, President & CEO of Morgans Hotel Group.