Featuring THE OSMONDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION,
THE CLASH LIVE: REVOLUTION ROCK, PETER AND THE WOLF, JAMES TAYLOR,
MARTINA McBRIDE, SARAH BRIGHTMAN, ANDRE RIEU, JAMES LAST,
DANIEL O'DONNELL, HOLLYWOOD SINGING AND DANCING, THE HIGH KINGS,
MY MUSIC: MY GENERATION - THE 60S, SHANGRI-LA and More
Arlington, VA; February 13, 2008 - Viewers looking for new music programming will find exciting performances included in the PBS March 2008 line-up. From a happy, noisy family reunion concert with the Osmonds to a moving performance documentary from the Clash to an Oscar-nominated version of Peter and the Wolf, March programming has something for every music lover.
New music specials from Andre Rieu, James Last, Sarah Brightman, Daniel O'Donnell, James Taylor, Martina McBride, and the High Kings are all on tap. Shangri-La, a remarkable special from China, explores new dance horizons. And new compilations of classics include a Hollywood treasure chest of singing and dancing and a trip through the 60s.
The March line-up of music specials features THE OSMONDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION. From pop to country, from Branson to Broadway and "Dancing With the Stars," in 50 years of entertaining, the seven performing Osmond siblings have never lost their touch or their huge fan-base. "Osmand-mania" re-ignites in this concert special, recorded before a live audience in Las Vegas.
Filmed just before her high-vote-getting spin on "Dancing With the Stars," Marie performs a medley of her hit records, including "Paper Roses" and "No Stopping Your Heart." Donny performs his hit singles from "Go Away Little Girl" to "Puppy Love." Together, Donny and Marie perform duets of a number of their hits from "I'm Leaving It All Up to You" to "Little Bit Country and Little Bit Rock & Roll." Before Donny and Marie made names for themselves, the Osmond Brothers paved the way, and the reason is clear here, as they sing and dance their way through a number of their hits, including "Lazy River," "We're Having a Party" and "One Bad Apple." Jimmy Osmond performs his hit record "Long Haired Lover From Liverpool" and the Osmond family performs a medley of "Love Me For a Reason," "Let Me In," "Crazy Horses," "He Ain't Heavy" and "Through the Years." Cameo appearances by celebrity guests include the legendary Andy Williams whose television show in the 60s brought the Osmonds to the world. The still-rocking performances, bolstered with video clips and historical photos, are sure to have audiences tapping their feet.
THE CLASH LIVE: REVOLUTION ROCK could turn a whole new generation on to the band whose breakthrough music opened punk to the world. Drawing from never-before-seen live concerts and interview sessions, this performance documentary illuminates the short but highly influential and prolific reign of the band from the mid-70s through the early 80s.
Never-before-heard interviews conducted by Grammy-winning producer Don Letts (the Westway to the World Clash documentary and the film Punk Attitude) allow Mick Jones, Topper Headon, Paul Simonon and the late Joe Strummer to offer the band's story in conversation, while their intelligence and idealism shine through in the live performances, from around the world, that compose the majority of the film. Incorporating footage from all phases of the Clash's meteoric career, the story explodes in intense performances at London's Music Machine and Lyceum Theater and in the band's blow-out 1982 performance at Shea Stadium in New York. Songs featured include "London Calling," "Should I Stay or Should I Go," "I Fought the Law" and "This Is Radio Clash," among others.
Stop-frame model animation, puppets and digital photography give new life to Sergei Prokofiev's fanciful Peter and the Wolf. Originally composed in 1936, Prokofiev's iconic score uses personified orchestral instruments to tell the story of young Peter and his animal friends the Duck, the Bird and a mischievous Cat (an oboe, a flute, and a clarinet, respectively). Peter, represented by the string section, becomes an unsuspecting hero and frees his small Russian village from the Wolf (French horns). Animator Suzie Templeton's award-winning vision and Mark Stephenson and the Philharmonia Orchestra's lively playing combine to create GREAT PERFORMANCES "Peter & the Wolf."The London Observer has said this "darkly comic" film will delight new fans. It has been nominated for an Academy Award.
PBS March 2008 pledge music specials program highlights (check local listings)*:
THE OSMONDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION
March 2008 (check local listings)
CC Stereo - From pop to country, from Branson to Broadway and "Dancing With the Stars," in 50 years of entertaining, the seven performing Osmond siblings have never lost their touch or their huge fan-base. "Osmand-mania" re-ignites in this concert special, recorded before a live audience in Las Vegas at the Orleans Hotel Showroom. HD where available.
THE CLASH LIVE: REVOLUTION ROCK
March 2008 (check local listings)
CC Stereo - THE CLASH LIVE: REVOLUTION ROCK could turn a whole new generation on to the band whose breakthrough music opened punk to the world. Never-before-heard interviews let the Clash band members share the band's story in conversation, while their intelligence and idealism shine through in the live performances, from around the world, that compose the majority of the film.
ANDRE RIEU: IN WONDERLAND
March 2008 (check local listings)
CC Stereo - One of the world's most beautiful fairytale theme parks, Efteling in Holland, is the magical setting for this special concert. Rieu is joined by many guests, including Suzan Erens, the Platinum Tenors and soloists from the Vienna State Opera ballet, in enchanting selections, including pieces from Swan Lake, Hansel and Gretel and The Magic Flute.
JAMES LAST AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
March 2008 (check local listings)
CC Stereo - As the world's most popular band leader offers his trademark party mix of classic standards, sing-along favorites and fast tempo foot-tappers, the band is soon on their feet dancing while they play, and it's not long before the audience joins in!
SARAH BRIGHTMAN: SYMPHONY IN VIENNA
March 2008 (check local listings)
CC Stereo - This concert, taped January 16, 2008, in Vienna, Austria, features songs from Brightman's new album, Symphony, including duets with Italian tenor Alessandro Safina and Spanish countertenor Fernando Lima, along with many of her best loved hits. HD where available.
SHANGRI-LA
March 2008 (check local listings)
CC Stereo - Taped in high definition in South Central China in May 2007, this surprising new dance special features the dynamic Hunan Dance Company and China's foremost dancer and choreographer, Liping Yang. With music composed for the program by the country's premier classical and pop composer, San Bao, SHANGRI-LA celebrates China's diverse culture and history as it explores man's struggle to survive and triumph over the elements; nature's bounty; women's multiple roles; love; and the search for spiritual meaning.
DANIEL O'DONNELL AT HOME IN IRELAND
March 2008 (check local listings)
CC Stereo -With a combination of Irish tunes and American favorites highlighted by filmed trips to much-loved Irish cities and towns, DANIEL O'DONNELL AT HOME IN IRELAND is a perfect blend of music and the places that are dear to Daniel and the millions of people who call Ireland home. Taped on July 14, 2007, at new concert hall in Letterkenny, the program is a heartfelt reminder that no matter how far you travel, there's no place quite like home.
GREAT PERFORMANCES "James Taylor: One Man Band"
March 2008 (check local listings)
CC Stereo - In July 2007, James Taylor teamed up with veteran television producer Don Mischer and Oscar-winning director Sydney Pollack to produce "James Taylor: One Man Band," a concert performance of songs interspersed with personal anecdotes, touching and witty reflections and never-before-seen home movies and photographs. Viewers will experience new performances of classic favorites "Carolina in My Mind," "You've Got a Friend," "Shower the People" and "Fire and Rain," among other hits. HD where available.
GREAT PERFORMANCES "Martina McBride in Concert"
March 2008 (check local listings)
CC Stereo - GREAT PERFORMANCES captures the small-town girl with the big voice in peak form in this Moline, Illinois, concert. "Martin McBride in Concert" features selections from her nine albums, including the crossover hit "This One's for the Girls," and songs from her newest album, Waking Up Laughing. HD where available.
THE HIGH KINGS
March 2008 (check local listings)
CC Stereo - Renowned vocalists and musicians Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden have come together to create the most exciting Irish ballad group to emerge since the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem. Backed by a band of world-class musicians, the High Kings' outstanding four-part vocal harmonies re-energize the great Irish ballads and make exciting new songs from Ireland shine.
HOLLYWOOD SINGING AND DANCING: A MUSICAL TREASURE
March 2008 (check local listings)
CC Stereo - Hosted by stage, screen and television icon Shirley Jones, this film celebrates song and dance on the big screen. With new commentary from more than 20 silver screen luminaries including Liza Minnelli and Debbie Reynolds, HOLLYWOOD SINGING AND DANCING: A MUSICAL TREASURE is a historical look at the magic of musical Hollywood. Clips from 26 special films including The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis and Oklahoma highlight the history.
MY MUSIC: MY GENERATION - THE 60S
March 2008 (check local listings)
CC Stereo - The MY MUSIC series magic continues with this essential 60s folk rock, R&B and pop music compilation focusing on the years 1965 to 1969. From the soft harmony of to the psychedelic sound of Iron Butterfly, MY MUSIC: MY GENERATION - THE 60s has something for every viewer.
Highlights by date include:
GREAT PERFORMANCES "Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival Chicago" (R)
Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET
CC Stereo - Eric Clapton leads an all-star line-up of B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, Jeff Beck and Buddy Guy in a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration from America's blues capital, Chicago. Bill Murray hosts.
LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER "New York City Opera: Madama Butterfly"
Thursday, March 20, 2008, 8:00-11:00 p.m. ET
CC Stereo - New York City Opera presents Giacomo Puccini's Madama Butterfly, which tells the story of a marriage between an American Navy officer and his geisha bride. The poignant story of a disastrous clash of cultures stars James Valenti and Shu-Ying Li.
GREAT PERFORMANCES "Peter & the Wolf"
Wednesday, March 26, 2008, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET
CC Stereo - Stop-frame model animation, puppets and digital photography give new life to Sergei Prokofiev's fanciful Peter and the Wolf. Animator Suzie Templeton's award-winning vision and Mark Stephenson and the Philharmonia Orchestra's lively playing are a delightful combination in this Academy-Award-nominated film. In HD where available.
GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET "Hansel and Gretel"
Wednesday, March 26, 2008, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET
CC Stereo - Alice Coote and Christine Schafer play siblings Hansel and Gretel and tenor Philip Langridge the Witch in this English-language production of Engelbert Humperdinck's masterful treatment of the beloved story by the Brothers Grimm. In HD where available.
GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET "Romeo et Juliette"
April 2008 (check local listings); Sunday, April 6, 2008, 1:00-4:00 p.m. ET on PBS-HD
CC Stereo - Anna Netrebko as Juliette and Roberto Alagna as Romeo ignite this Gounod opera. Placido Domingo leads the orchestra and chorus. In HD where available.
GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET "Macbeth"
April 2008 (check local listings); Sunday, April 20, 2008, 1:00-4:00 p.m. ET on PBS-HD
CC Stereo - Maria Guleghina, Zeljko Lucic, Dimitri Pittas and John Relyea star in this new production of Verdi's Macbeth. In HD where available.
GREAT PERFORMANCES "Dance in America: Wolf Traps Face of America"
Monday, April 21, 2008, 10:00-11:30 p.m. ET
CC Stereo - This "Dance in America" special features highlights from Wolf Trap's "Face of America" initiative, which commissions new works by the country's top choreographers and musicians, with the ultimate goal of fostering a commitment to preserve national parks. In HD where available.
GREAT PERFORMANCES "Primo"
Thursday, April 24, 2008, 10:00-11:30 p.m. ET
CC Stereo - This one-man play recounts the Holocaust experiences of Primo Levi, an Italian chemist interned at Auschwitz in the final year of World War II. Written by and starring Sir Antony Sher.
And continuing new music programs are coming in March and April from signature PBS music series:
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS continues its longstanding tradition of showcasing the best of original American music and beyond. Musical styles range from contemporary and traditional pop to rock, country, blues, bluegrass, Latin, folk, roots, and more.
GREAT PERFORMANCES, television's longest-running performing arts anthology, continues to broadcast the best in music, dance, and theater.
GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET's second season of opera telecasts from the Metropolitan Opera features Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel, Gounod's Romeo et Juliette, Verdi's Macbeth, Puccini's Manon Lescaut, Britten's Peter Grimes, Wagner's Tristan und Isolde, Puccini's La Boheme and Donizetti's La Fille du Regiment.
LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER makes the world's greatest artists accessible to home viewers in virtually every corner of the United States. It remains the only series of regularly scheduled live broadcast performances on American television today.
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* NOTE: PBS PLEDGE PERIOD RUNS 3/1-3/16/08
PBS March Pledge runs 3/1-3/16/08. Please note that all PBS programs are CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS during the pledge period. PBS program schedules vary from market to market, and this is especially true during the "pledge" periods. Program lengths also are subject to change depending on the pledge break intervals determined on the local level at each station. Regularly scheduled programs and series are subject to preemption. If you have questions about a program's airdate and length, please contact your local station.
Press Contact:
Tim Fisher, Fisher Company, 845/526-0182, tf@fishercompany.net