Day: October 30, 2023

New book release: ‘Nadia Boulanger: War Years in America and Her Last Decades’ by James Whipple Miller

‘Nadia Boulanger: War Years in America and Her Last Decades’ is the new release from James Whipple Miller. Photo: Chestnut Hill Press

Nadia Boulanger was a French music teacher and conductor. She taught many of the leading composers and musicians of the 20th century and performed occasionally as a pianist and organist. If you are interested in learning more about this highly influential music teacher, check out this new biography from James Whipple Miller – “Nadia Boulanger: War Years in America and Her Last Decades” which includes 227 letters exchanged over four decades between Boulanger and her close friend and disciple Ruth Robbins. It is available through Chestnut Hill Press.

Author James Whipple Miller was a professor of Comparative Literature and Classical Chinese at UC Berkeley. He served as editor- in-chief of financial and technology publications in Silicon Valley, leading to relationships with investors and technical innovators, in turn leading to decades in start-up business finance and directorships on many boards. He now invests his time in editing and writing projects far removed from finance, business, and Silicon Valley. His new book “Nadia Boulanger: War Years in America and Her Last Decades” is the first biographical study of the great French master teacher’s last half of life. (Chestnut Hill Press, 2023)

“Nadia Boulanger: War Years in America and Her Last Decades” – From this unique record between an extraordinary teacher and her student, we gain deep and new insights into Boulanger’s beliefs and feelings, and how they changed as she faced the challenges of aging. Another intimate perspective on Boulanger comes from her favorite post-war student Idil Biret who vividly describes her resistance to Boulanger’s rigidity.

It was released on October 19 and has received rave advanced reviews:

“Cause for celebration!”-Thomas Wolf, Liner Notes Magazine

“This wonderful collection of letters and well-researched commentary will fascinate musicians, music lovers, or any reader interested in the life and legacy of a 20th-century musical titan!” -Clare Longendyke, Classical Concert Pianist

“A labor of love that ably explores the relationship among three women and their shared love of music.”-Kirkus Review

“Invaluable insight into a less-known period of Nadia Boulanger’s life, helping fill out a comprehensive picture of her later years.”-Nicholas Phan, Opera Lyric Tenor

“As a performer of her works, I have long admired Nadia Boulanger. This four-decade exchange of letters reveal her beautiful qualities as a teacher and person.”-Miriam K. Smith, Classical Cellist

Chestnut Hill Press is an independent publisher dedicated to promoting global understanding through distinctive new books in literature, art, and music.

Three ideas for a memorable day out with friends

Ferris wheel during the daytime. Photo: Laura Cros/Unsplash

Everyone wants a day out every once in a while. Most of the time, they’ll do this with their friends, and they wouldn’t want to do the same things over and over again. Why would you want to keep going to the movies when you could try an escape activity for groups and bring all your friends? There’s something to be said about organizing fun days out, but you want it to be a fun one for everyone so make a point of talking to the group and getting opinions from everyone! With some great ideas for a day out, you shouldn’t have much to worry about.

You’ll end up having an amazing time, and your friends should enjoy themselves, too. It could even let all of you bond, which is always worth the effort. If you’re planning a night out soon, it’s worth diving into a few great options.

Ideas For A Day Out: 3 Great Options

1. Wine Tasting

Wine tasting is one of the more unique ideas for a day out, and it can be much more fun than you would’ve thought. A wine tasting tour only takes a few hours, and you could end up having a nice time. It’ll even be a great way to spend some time out of the house.

Some of these tours even take place outdoors, so you can take in a bit of nature while you’re at it. No matter what, you could end up having an amazing time, and it might even be something you’ll want to do again and again.

2. Go To The Theater

You would’ve thought about going to the cinema with your friends, and it can always be a decent option. Sometimes, it’s worth going with something a little different, though. The actual theater can be a much better option. You might end up having a much better time when you visit it.

There’ll be plenty of plays and other events to consider going for, all of which could be interesting. Some of them could even be relatively interactive, and you could have a back-and-forth with the performers. These pantomimes can often be quite enjoyable, and they’ll be more fun than you’d think.

3. Go To An Amusement Park

Not all ideas for a day out have to be adult oriented. Instead, it can sometimes be worth focusing on your inner-child. You could end up having much more fun because of it. Going to an amusement park is one of the best ways you can do this. You’ll end up having an amazing time.

With the various rides and activities you can try, there’s no reason why you and your friends shouldn’t have fun. If there’s an amusement park near you, then it’s well worth spending a few hours there with your friends.

Ideas For A Day Out: Wrapping Up

With the right ideas for a day out, you shouldn’t have a problem having a great time with your friends. You wouldn’t have to worry about boredom, and you’ll end up getting closer to them. It could even be worth trying a few ideas.

You’ll end up making it a regular event while making sure you don’t get bored when you’re out and about. You’ve no reason not to consider a few great options. With a little bit of effort, you’ll end up having an amazing time.

Collaborative Post