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In January the Wind Symphony at the
University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music recorded Proto's
Concerto for Piano and Wind Symphony. The piano soloist was Michael Chertock
with the orchestra conducted by Director of Wind Studies, Kevin Holzman.
2019
In April the Ohio Valley Symphony played the premiere performance of Proto's Suite Espagñol for Guitar, Double Bass and Orchestra after Falla. The soloists were guitarist Tim Berens and composer Proto, solo double bass. The orchestra was conducted by Peter Stafford Wilson.
In July, Pianist Marina Pacowski recorded the Concerto for Piano and String Orchestra with Ensemble Sans Frontiére, conducted by Michael Chertock.
In August, Proto's Capriccio di Niccolo — Variations On a Theme Of Paganini, was the Final Round required piece for the Leonard Falcone International Euphonium and Tuba Festival, held in Atlanta, Georgia. All finialists were required to perform the piece. The Gold medal winner was Rie Kaizuka.
Also during the same year the same version of Cappricio di Niccolo for Euphonium was performed by
first prize winner Ayalka Sato with pianist Fumika Tsukamoto at still another contest in Japan.
In March, Double Bass soloist Szymon Marciniak and pianist Evan Mitchell performed the premiere performance of Proto's Lost, a major work for Double Bass and Piano at the TCU International Double Bass Festival in Fort Worth, Texas.
In July, Pianist Marina Pacowski played the premiere performance of the Concerto for Piano and String Orchestra, featuring the Sybarite 5 String Ensemble, at the Meadowlark Festival.2017
In April the St. Petersburg Philharmonic performed the Russian premiere of The Carmen Fantasy for Double Bass and Orchestra with soloist Artem Chirkov.
In June The Bassinova Quartet with soprano Julianna Emanski performed the world premiere performance of The Missing - Quartet for Double Basses with Voice at the International Society of Bassists 2017 Convention at Ithica, New York. In September the Second Bradetich International Double Bass Solo Competition featured the Nine Variants on Paganini, performed by Szymon Marciniak and Marek Romanowski in the Final round of the event. 2016In February Red Mark released a CD/DVD package New Music for Double Bass and Piano featuring double bass virtuoso Szymon Marciniak and pianist Evan Mitchell playing the world premiere recording of Proto's Sonata No. 3 for Double Bass and Piano.
In May Baltimore Center Stage presented a week of open rehearsals and workshop performances of Shadowboxer, Proto's 2010 Opera based on the life of Joe Louis with libretto by John Chenault and directed by Leon Major.
In September world famous Euphonium virtuoso Steven Mead recorded the Capriccio di Niccolo with the Brass Band Buizingen conducted by Luc Vertommen. The CD Lyrical Virtuoso is available worldwide.
2015In June Szymon Marciniak and pianist Evan Mitchell played the world premiere of Proto's Sonata No. 3 for Double Bass and Piano at the 2015 Convention of the International Society of Bassists held at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.
2014In February Red Mark released a special CD/DVD package Catalin Rotaru plays Music for Double Bass and Piano by Frank Proto. Rotaru is joined by the brilliant pianist Marina Pacowski for performances of the Sonata 1963, the Carmen Fantasy and the world premiere recording of the Sonata No. 2.
February also saw the premiere of the Divertimento for Cello and Orchestra featuring 19 year-old cellist Benjamin Fryxell.
In October soprano Carmen Balthrop performed the premiere of Three Arias from Ghost in Machine at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of Maryland with the Cantare! ensemble.
2013In February the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra played the premiere performance of the Concerto No. 2 for Saxophone and Orchestra with soloist Rick Van Matre.
In June Catalin Rotaru, accompanied by pianist Marina Pacowski, played the premiere of the Sonata No. 2 for Double Bass and Piano at the International Society of Bassists 2013 Convention held at the Eastman School of Music. During the following 6 months he premiered the piece in Japan, The Netherlands and Russia. His Red Mark DVD/CD recording is scheduled for release during the first half of 2014
2011In November Red Mark released Two Sessions with Frank and Tim, a 2 1/2 hour DVD of duo performances with Classical/Jazz guitarist, Tim Berens.
2010In April the University of Maryland School of Music Opera Studio presented the world premiere of Shadowboxer - an Opera based on the life of Joe Louis. With Libretto by John Chenault and Directed by Leon Major, the new work played to 5 sold-out performances at the Clarice Smith Center for the Performing arts.
2009In May the Louisiana Philharmonic conducted by Klauspeter Seibel played the premiere performances of The Dalí Gallery.
In June Proto was the featured composer on a concert by The Syrian National Orchestra in Damascus. The orchestra played Overture to A Carnival and François Rabbath was the soloist in Nine Variants on Paganini and A Carmen Fantasy for Double Bass and Orchestra.
2008In July violinist Larrie Howard and pianist Michael Chertock played the premiere of the Sonata for Violin and Piano. The work was recorded for Red Mark and featured on the Chamber Works 6 - Duos A CD.
In November the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players played the premiere performance of the Duo for Viola and Double Bass.
2007In March Clarinet virtuoso Eddie Daniels, with Ensemble Sans Frontiére played the premiere performance of the Sextet for Clarinet and Strings.
In June Red Mark released Bridges - Eddie Daniels plays the Music of Frank Proto. This DVD/CD combination package features live concert and studio performances of works written especially for Daniels.
In October the Dallas Wind Symphony under the baton of Artistic Director Jerry Junkin played the premiere performance of a newly-orchestraed version of Proto's classic Casey at the Bat - an American Folk Tale for Narrator and Wind Symphony.
In October Contrabassoon soloist Susan Nigro performed the premiere performances of Little Suite for the Big Bassoon.
In December the DVD/CD Bridges was nominated for a Grammy Award by the National Association for Recording Arts and Sciences.
2006In March Proto and violinist Darel Stark played the premiere performance of Duo No. 2 for Violin and Double Bass at the 2006 Hawaiian Contrabass Festival.
In July Proto, conducted the world premiere performance of Sketches of Gershwin and the Preludes for Clarinet and String Orchestra featuring clarinet virtuoso Eddie Daniels and the Utah Symphony Orchestra,
In October Proto was awarded the Grand Prize for his Fiesta Bayou and Kismet in the First New Orleans International Composer Competition. The work was premiered by the Lousiana Philharmonic conducted by Klauspeter Seibel.
2005In April Red Mark released Chamber Works 5 - Early. Featuring all new recordings of the popular Sonata 1963, the new edition of Duo No. 1 for violin and double bass, the 1964 version of Quartet for Basses and the premiere recording of Suite for the Piano.
In June Proto & friends played the premeire of The Tuner, a Musical Prophecy in Seven Scenes for Vocalist, Actors and Musicians with text and lyrics by John Chenault at the International Society of Bassists 2005 Convention at Western Michigan University. The Red Mark DVD was released in September.
Proto was presented with the International Society of Bassists' 2005 Distinguished Achievement Award and the ISB 2005 Special Recognition Award in the Special Merit category.
Proto was chosen by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra in the first New Orleans International Composers Competition to receive a commission for a work for full orchestra.
In August violists Scott Slapin and Tanya Solomon released the CD Sketches from the New World which includes the premiere performance of Proto's Sonata for Two Violas (2004).
2004In January the young viola virtuoso Scott Slapin finished recording the Soundscapes for Solo Viola. The Red Mark CD was released in the Spring of 2004.
In February the Red Mark CD Chamber Works 4 was released. Featuring the premiere recordings of Three Episodes from Ghost in Machine for oboe/English Horn, double bass and piano, The Creatures in Room 642, starring Jessicia Walter, Four Rogues for double bass and piano and Lessons for Solo double bass.
In March violinist Larrie Howard and pianist Edward Roman premiered the Sketches for Violin and Piano.
2003In February clarinet virtuoso Eddie Daniels played the premiere of Paganini in Metropolis for Clarinet and Orchestra Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Wroe.
In April The Merling Trio with bassist Tom Knific joining them played the premiere of the Quartet for Piano and Strings. In June the ensemble played the European premiere receiving rave reviews by the British Musical Press.
In June Proto was joined at The International Society of Bassists 2003 Convention at the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia by soprano Carmen Balthrop and multi-instrumentalist Rick VanMatre for the premiere of his new theatre piece, The Profanation of Hubert J. Fort. In September a DVD of the musical allegory was released.
2002
In February clarinet virtuoso Eddie Daniels played the premiere of Paganini in Metropolis for Clarinet and Wind Symphony with the University of Texas Wind Ensemble conducted by Jerry Junkin.
In March François Rabbath performed the premiere of the Nine Variants on Paganini for Double Bass and Orchestra with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra.
In November Proto conducted the European premiere of the Nine Variants on Paganini for Double Bass and Orchestra with François Rabbath and the Lyric Orchestra of Paris. The concert also featured Proto's Carmen Fantasy for Double Bass and Orchestra and was video taped for DVD release in 2003.
2001In February, 2001 Stephen Burns and the Fulcrum Point Chamber Ensemble premiered the Quintet for Brass 77-01 at the Art Institue of Chicago
Between June and November violist Erich Bates recorded a group of Divertimenti written especially for him. The CD - Five Divertimenti for Solo Violin - was released on Red Mark.
In July François Rabbath performed the premiere of the Nine Variants on Paganini for Double Bass and Piano.
In August Proto appeared as a guest with the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra conducting his own A Portrait of George.
2000
In February, 2000 Cleo Laine and John Dankworth played the premiere of The Fools of Time at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
In August Red Mark released the CD-plus Four Scenes after Picasso - Concerto No. 3 for Double Bass and Orchestra with double bass virtuoso François Rabbath.
In September The Louisiana Philharmonic with Actor Paul Winfield played the premiere of My Name is Citizen Soldier.In October Violinist Eric Bates played the premiere of Divertimento No. 2 for Solo Violin.
1999
In February, 1999 Doc Severinsen played the Carmen Fantasy for Trumpet and Orchestra for the 200th time.
In April Proto conducted the premiere performance of Yesterday's News - A satire for Jazz Band with Actors and Vocalist with text and lyrics by John Chenault.
In July the Boston Pops, conducted by Keith Lockhart played the 500th performance of Casey At The Bat.
1998
In September 1998 the Dayton Symphony Orchestra played the first performances of The Creatures In Room 642, a special work commissioned for their in-school Young Audience program. The piece received over 80 performances during the 1998-99 Season.
In November violinist Erich Bates played the first performances of Divertimento No. 1 for Solo Violin.
In December violist Alexander Kerr performed the world premiere of Can This Be Man? - A Music Drama for Violin and Orchestra with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra under the direction of David Stahl.
1997
In January 1997 the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players premiered Afro-American Fragments - Trio for Bass Clarinet, Cello and Double Bass after Langston Hughes. The work had its West coast premiere in August (1997) at The Henry Mancini Institutes inaugural season. It has been recorded for Red Mark and is due for release during the 1997-98 season.
The International Society of Bassists 1997 convention at Houston saw the premiere of Four Scenes after Picasso - Concerto No. 3 for Double Bass and Orchestra. The soloist was François Rabbath and the orchestra was conducted by Larry Rachleff. The work has been recorded for Red Mark and is due for release during the 1997-98 season.
1996
In November 1996 Casey At The Bat - An American folk tale for Narrator and Orchestra celebrated its 400th performance.
1995
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra commissioned Proto to compose a work for the orchestra's 100th anniversary season 1995. Proto collaborated with writer John Chenault to produce Ghost In Machine - an American Music Drama for Vocalist, Narrator and Orchestra. The premiere, conducted by CSO Music Director Jesus Lopez-Cobos featured vocalist Cleo Laine and Actor Paul Winfield. The work received 14 nominations for the Pulitzer Prize.
The Boston Pops performed the premiere of Capriccio di Niccolo with trumpet soloist Doc Severinsen on May 10, 1995. The performance, broadcast on national television, was conducted by Keith Lockhart in his debut as Music Director.
1994
In January, Proto finished a new work - Viva Lucero! - Concertino for Castanets and Orchestra for the Spanish castanet virtuoso Lucero Tena.
1993
In July and August Proto wrote and performed the music for the new nature Video Birds, Birds, Birds produced by Maslowski Wildlife productions and slated for broadcast in 1994.
1992
In September the International Society of Bassists asked Proto to compose the required piece for it's solo competition held at Interlochen in July, 1993. Ode to a Giant turned out to be a tribute to the late jazz great Dizzy Gillespie. The work has recently been published with a text by poet John Chenault.
1991
In April the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Jesus Lopez-Cobos gave the premiere performances of The New Seasons - Sinfonia Concertante for Tuba, Percussion, Flutes and Strings.
In August the National Orchestral Association selected two of Proto's compositions: Concerto No. 2 for Double Bass and Orchestra and The New Seasons - Sinfonia Concertante for Tuba, Percussion, Flutes and Strings as finalists in it's "New Music Orchestral Project."
In July François Rabbath accompanied by Proto at the Piano, played the premiere performance of A Carmen Fantasy for Double Bass and Piano. The work was immediately recorded and recently released on the Red Mark CD François Rabbath, Carmen! The work was orchestrated and in November 1992 Rabbath played the premiere performance of A Carmen Fantasy for Double Bass and Orchestra with the Talouse Chamber Orchestra. Rabbath toured the U.S. with it in March and April of 1993 and recorded the work with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Stahl at the end of the tour.
1990
On June 23, 1990 Proto was presented the first Special Recognition Award for outstanding achievement in the area of Double Bass Composition by the International Society of Bassists.
In October and November the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra toured Japan. For the occasion music director Jesus Lopez-Cobos asked Proto to write a special work to be used as an encore to the orchestra's classical concerts. He requested an orchestral show-piece that utilized American Jazz techniques. The result was Hambe No Arashi. The piece was performed 8 times and recorded for Japanese television broadcast. UPI described the piece as one of the surprise hits of the tour....."the normally reserved Japanese audience was transformed and reacted with thunderous applause after every performance."
1989
In September Doc Severinsen recorded A Carmen Fantasy for Trumpet and Orchestra - after the Opera by George Bizet with Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for Telarc Records. The album (Trumpet Spectaculars) reached the top 5 on the Billboard charts less than 2 weeks after it was released. It remained in the top 10 for 28 weeks.
1988
In the Winter issue of the Journal of the International Society of Bassists the Concerto No. 2 for Double Bass and Orchestra was described as "The richest bass solo in technical and musical demands, in concert form of our time. Difficult but very rewarding for the bass soloist as well as the audience."
1987
Premieres included The Death of Desdemona for Double Bass and Tape. commissioned by double bassist Barry Green and Rhapsody for Clarinet and Orchestra commissioned and premiered by clarinet virtuoso Eddie Daniels with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
1986
In January 1985 he was commissioned by Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Music Director, Michael Gielen to write a major work for orchestra incorporating the Synclavier Digital Music System. New England Digital Corporation, the manufacturer of the powerful new computer, asked that Proto be selected to combine the new technology with the traditional symphony orchestra because of his long interest and involvement in the live performing possibilities of the medium. The resulting work, Dialogue for Synclavier and Orchestra received it's first performances by Gielen and the orchestra in March, 1986.
1985
In July he was commissioned by Doc Severinsen to write a work for trumpet and orchestra. A Carmen Fantasy for Trumpet and Orchestra was premiered with Proto conducting Severinsen and the Phoenix Symphony in October. It was recorded by Severinsen with Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for Telarc Records and has since been played over 200 times.
1984
In February the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra played his Portrait of George Gershwin to critical acclaim in Carnegie Hall. The orchestra has recorded the work for Vox Records.
In April the
Minneapolis Artists Ensemble gave the world premiere of the Quintet for
Piano and Strings. The ensemble recorded the work under the sponsorship of the Minnesota Composers
Forum. The work has recently (1995) been recorded by E S F - Ensemble Sans
Frontière
1983
In April the Three Movements for Brass Choir and Percussion was chosen by the American Public Radio Network for the first digital broadcast via satellite from the U.S. to Sweden. Since it's introduction the piece has been performed many times in Sweden, France and Germany.
In October the Fantasy for Double Bass and Orchestra was commissioned and premiered by the Houston Symphony Orchestra with French virtuoso François Rabbath as soloist. In 1990 and 1991 Rabbath toured Europe and Australia with the work. The piece has recently been recorded (Red Mark CD 9204) along with the Concerto No. 2 and A Carmen Fantasy for Double Bass and Orchestra.
1982
In May Proto's String Quartet No. 1 was chosen by National Public Radio to represent
the U.S. at the International Rostrum of Composers/UNESCO meeting in Paris. The work was commissioned
by and recorded by the Blair Quartet. The recording was featured as a "Recording is Special Merit" by
Stereo Review. The quartet, now in the repertoire of several
outstanding ensembles, has been performed worldwide by among others, the Blair and the Kronos Quartets
has recently been featured in a new recording by E S F - Ensemble Sans
Frontière
