Sandra Johnson, soprano and Valerie Hartzell, classical guitarist
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DUO ATHENA Sandra Johnson, soprano and Valerie Hartzell, classical guitarist |
The Story of Athena:
Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, war, the arts,
industry, justice and skill. She was the favorite child of Zeus. She
had sprung fully-grown
out of her father's head. Her mother was Metis, goddess of
wisdom and Zeus' first wife. In fear that Metis would bear a son
mightier than
himself. Zeus swallowed her and she began to make a robe and helmet for
her
daughter. The hammering of the helmet caused Zeus great pain in the
form of
headaches and he cried out in agony. Skilled Hephaestus ran to
his father and split his skull open and from it emerged Athena, fully
grown and
wearing her mother's robe and helmet. She is the virgin mother of
Erichthnonius.
Athena and her uncle Poseidon were both
very fond of a certain city in Greece. Both of them claimed the city
and it was
decided that the one that could give the finest gift should have it.
Leading a
procession of citizens, the two gods mounted the Acropolis. Poseidon
struck the
side of the cliff with his trident and a spring welled up. The people
marveled,
but the water was as salty as Poseidon's sea and it was not very
useful.
Athena's gift was an olive tree, which was better because it gave the
people
food, oil and wood. Athena named her city Athens. Athena's
companion was the goddess of victory, Nike, and her usual
attribute is the owl.
 Valerie Hartzell and Sandra Johnson |
Valerie Hartzell began her classical guitar studies on a half-size Ramirez at the age of three. At the age of six, she studied with maestro Alexandre Lagoya at the Académie Internationale d’Eté in Nice, France. She has participated in master classes with several internationally acclaimed artists, including Ako Ito, Castellani-Andriaccio Duo, David Russell, and Elena Papandreou. In 1991, Ms. Hartzell made her debut performing Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s “Concerto for guitar and orchestra” with the New Philharmonic Orchestra of Irving, Texas. She made her international debut in San Mamete, Italy at the Festival del Piccolo Mondo in August 1994. She has performed in Europe, Canada, the U.S. and has appeared on television in Nice, FR. From September 29-October 5, 2002 she toured the Carolinas including Saluda, NC, Wofford College, SC, Appalachian State University, NC and Elon University, NC. She also performed at East Carolina University in January of 2003. Her tour promoted her first cd, Fuoco! She has performed in many festivals, including the Montgomery College Guitar Festival, 'Close Encounters' Voice and Guitar Festival at University of Houston (where she performed and co-directed the festival along the side of Katherine Ciesinski), the Eastfield College Guitar Festival and Competition in Mesquite, and the first Classical Guitar Weekend Workshop at The Music Conservatory of Texas in Frisco. In August 2003, Ms. Hartzell was the first performer to win the “K-Artist of the Month Contest” sponsored by Houston’s former classical station, KRTS, 92.1FM. Additionally, she was a prizewinner at the Portland Guitar Competition, the East Carolina University Competition and Festival, and the Appalachian Guitar Festival and Competition. Was has won 1st prizes at the 10th International Guitar Competition “Simone Salmaso” in Viareggio, Italy and at the Concours de Guitare Classique Heitor Villa-Lobos in Nice, France. At the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, Ms. Hartzell was awarded the highest undergraduate scholarship for the classical guitar and studied with Manuel Barrueco earning her Bachelor’s Degree in 1997. She was awarded a Graduate Teaching Fellowship at Radford University with Robert Trent and was placed as Adjunct Faculty while studying for her Master’s Degree in Music. She received her performance degree in May of 1999 and currently, she is a Professional Teacher through the Preparatory Department at Moores School of Music, University of Houston and is Adjunct Faculty at the Houston Community College. She also accompanies many vocal students at both Moores School of Music, University of Houston and at the Shepherd School of Music, Rice University. She keeps an active solo career and works in a professional duo with soprano Sandra Johnson, as Duo Athena. Valerie Hartzell is the creator and Director of the 'Classical Minds' Guitar Festival at Moores School of Music, University of Houston. Valerie's resume, click here: RESUME Contact Information: valeriehartzell@yahoo.com (281) 395-9066 |
 Valerie Hartzell and Sandra Johnson |
A classically trained singer and
pianist, Sandra Johnson is a versatile singer;
her genres include opera, musical theater, oratorio, early music, contemporary
music, jazz, blues and folk. Ms. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Music and Master
of Music in Voice Performance from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and
the University of Texas at Austin and has continued her Doctoral studies in
Voice Performance at the University of Houston. She has coached and studied
with the legendary French baritone Gerard Souzay, Leontyne Price’s long-time
collaborator Dr. David Garvey, Mignon Dunn, Dr.
Isabelle Ganz, Katherine Ciesinski, Julliard’s W. Stephen Smith, and Dr. Mimi
Fulmer. She was awarded the Aron S. and Anaruth P. Gordon Scholarship, the
Effie Sibley Potts Endowed Scholarship, and as a teaching fellow taught voice
and directed opera scenes at the University of Texas and the University of
Houston. Roles she has performed
include Alice from Del Tredici’s
monumental contemporary work Alice in
Wonderland, Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), the Dew Fairy (Hansel and
Gretel), Lucia (Lucia di Lammermoor), Papageana, Queen of the Night, the First
Lady and Pamina (The Magic Flute), Olympia (Tales of Hoffman), Baby Doe (The
Ballad of Baby Doe), Vanessa (Vanessa), Anne (A Little Night Music), Lucy
(Streets of New York), Elsie (Yeoman of the Guard), Phyllis (Iolanthe), and
Gianetta (The Gondoliers). She has
performed with the Texas Musical Theater, Madison Opera, Gilbert & Sullivan
Society, Madison Savoyards, Opera in the Heights, AURA Contemporary Ensemble,
and the Early Music Ensemble. Most
recently, Ms. Johnson has been a cast member of Cabaret on Main in Stoughton, Wisconsin singing musical revues
including Gershwin, Porter, Songs of the Silver Screen and Oklahoma. Ms. Johnson teaches through the Musical Theater Department at Sam Houston University in Huntsville, TX. Her most recent project is with Duo Athena, collaborating with
celebrated classical guitarist Valerie Hartzell, founder of Classical Minds
Guitar Festival at the University of Houston. Ms. Johnson also performs in Hannah and
Friends, a variety show featuring vocal music from opera, Broadway and jazz
standards, and original compositions. Sandra's resume, click here: RESUME Contact Information Sandra Johnson mmtwga@hotmail.com (608) 556-0999 |
