The Alpert Studio of Voice and Violin

Happy New Year wishes to the entire Alpert Studio family. May you achieve all of your musical and personal goals, and always find a rainbow to brighten even the stormiest of days! See you in ‘08!

Sarah Jackson
A huge round of congratulations to Alpert Studio student Sarah Jackson upon being selected to participate in the semi-final round in the Los Angeles Music Center’s Spotlight Competition. Sarah was selected as one of fifteen from a field of almost 200 participants in the competition’s classical category. Spotlight is considered one of the most […]

Original Broadway production poster
I’m proud to announce that Melanie Alpert was recently cast in the role of Lady Thiang in an upcoming professional production of King and I at Performance Riverside. Performances run from Feb. 1 - 10. The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic will be directed by John Vaughn, and will also feature Barbara Hinrichesen […]

Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter in Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd
Unremittingly gruesome, Sweeney Todd doesn’t seem to be the obvious choice for release around the holidays. Yet the film, adapted from Stephen Sondheim’s 1979 musical theater piece, works on many levels. Certainly this movie could succeed on the star power of its actors. Likewise, the beauty […]

Christmas presence
by Ralph Marston
There is a light in the darkness. It is love; it is joy.
There is a pure and simple radiance with a positive, joyous
power. It warms the hearts of those who value peace and
love.
The spirit of Christmas transcends beliefs, traditions,
culture and customs. It speaks directly to the heart, of
love and grace, of giving […]

If the holidays bring out your traditional streak (i.e. are you listening to Perry Como, Andy Williams and the like?), here’s an album you’ll be sure to love: John Rutter’s Music for Christmas, on the Hyperion Label. It’s choir (Polyphony) plus orchestra (The London Sinfonia), conducted by Stephen Layton. You can buy it on Amazon
Maybe […]

Intrepid Expedition Everest Explorers wish you a Happy Holiday!
We’d like to extend the best of the season to our entire studio family. We’re back from our road trip and looking forward to seeing all of you soon, starting the week of January 7.
Happy Holidays to one and all, and a wonderful, happy, healthy and prosperous […]

Bourbon Street on a recent weeknight
There is, and could only ever be one New Orleans. Our homeward bound trek along Interstate 10 gave us a day to savor the city’s unique flavor. The Red Fish Grill provided a dinner I’ll remember for years to come. Check out their double chocolate bread pudding for dessert. OMG.
The […]

Finding Nemo Musical Stage Show at Walt Disney World
Image copyright wdwinfo.com
Today’s return trip to Animal Kingdom brought us an unexpected treat. Disney’s Finding Nemo the Musical, a stage version of the popular animated feature is by far the best such live show we’ve ever seen on a Disney Property.
Brilliantly performed, with dazzling puppetry effects (by […]

A beautiful day at Disney’s Epcot
“I always thought that big sphere was white, but it’s silver,” mused Brandon. There wasn’t much else that surprised him at Epcot, after spending a couple of days in the park. He led us through the attractions and exhibits with an air of familiarity. It was likely the product of […]