BEVERLY HILLS | Beginning August, Office Depot, one of the nation’s largest sellers of office products and equipment, will offer Michael Feinstein’s latest recording with Concord Records, Michael Feinstein With the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, for sale in over 800 stores throughout the United States. A portion of all sales will benefit Seeds of Peace, a non-profit, non-political organization dedicated to helping teenagers from regions in conflict, including Arab and Israeli youngsters from the Middle East, end the cycle of violence.
The sale of this CD at Office Depot stores holds particular poignancy as it follows Monday’s announcement that the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra’s 8-city tour of the U.S with Michael Feinstein was cancelled. One of the reasons cited for the cancellation is security concerns.
Seeds of Peace (www.seedsofpeace.org) has graduated more than 2,000 teenagers representing 22 nations from its internationally recognized conflict-resolution program since it was created in 1993. Living together throughout the summer, these teenagers, who were identified by their governments as among the best and brightest, work to develop the building blocks necessary for peaceful coexistence. The organization also provides a safe and supportive environment in which the youngsters can air their views and learn communication, listening, negotiation and other conflict-resolution techniques that allow them to develop empathy for one another.
Michael Feinstein With The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, recorded in Tel Aviv, was released May 7. It marks the first time that the singer-pianist, one of the top interpreters of popular American song, has recorded with a symphony orchestra. The CD contains lush and inventive treatments of a dozen veteran American standards, all written by American immigrant composers, such as “Stormy Weather,” “By Myself,” “Somewhere,” and “I Won’t Send Roses.” The 88-piece Israel Philharmonic Orchestra is led by the Alan Broadbent Trio.
“Seeds of Peace is an extraordinary organization that has developed incredibly successful social programs to help both Israeli and Arab teens work and live together in peaceful co-existence,” says Michael Feinstein. “The teenagers I met in Israel through the organization had demonstrated tremendous courage and I dedicate this recording to all of those children.” Michael continues: “Music has always been a great healer, and, along with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, I want to help it keep playing.”
Office Depot will sell Michael Feinstein With The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra through the end of September, 2002.
In 2001, Michael Feinstein received his third Grammy Award nomination for his acclaimed double CD Romance On Film, Romance On Broadway. Michael enjoys an active performance calendar, including major concert halls, symphony orchestras, and intimate jazz clubs. More than a mere performer, he is nationally recognized for his commitment to the American popular song, both celebrating its art and preserving its legacy for the next generation. Michael also co-owns the most successful nightclub in New York City, Feinstein’s at the Regency.