Recap Jazz On Sloan with Mezzo Soprano Vocalist Ema Mitrovic

in 2021 we invited you to enjoy this very special, spectacular performance by award winning and critically acclaimed operatic mezzo-soprano/vocalist, Ema Mitrović performing Opera, Jazz and Classical Theatre along with renowned jazz/classical pianist David Rudway. Here's a little about te event.

"It's kismet that David and I are able to perform at Jazz on Sloan! Gregory Burrus had asked me to come a number of times and we finally found a date/time that works! I'm really excited, as a resident of East Orange, just 1.7 miles away to be exact, to have this opportunity to perform for my neighbors, my community, in my backyard."

Operatic Mezzo-Soprano/Vocalist, Ema Mitrović

Award winning and critically acclaimed operatic mezzo-soprano/vocalist, Ema Mitrović, is described: “out of the ensemble, I found Ema Mitrovic...to be the standout” (Opera Manhattan, Suor Angelica ’12) and "Her rich mezzo is pure pleasure..” (Hudson Opera Theatre, Lucia di Lammermoor ’18).

Ms. Mitrović performs as an ambassador of music across different genres, having performed 19 operatic roles thus far, a number of solo recitals, and has enjoyed being a strong cross-over jazz singer, performing along New York City’s finest musicians, including Tim Horner, Joe Locke, Ted Rosenthal, and Jim Ridl, to name a few.

She's been on stage at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and New York City's renowned jazz venues Birdland, The Kitano, and Smalls. Often, she performs programs that include both classical and standard jazz repertoire to connect to her audience.

This season, despite strains from the Covid-19 pandemic, Ema was grateful to perform in recital at Brooklyn’s Soapbox Gallery and Nyack’s Maureen’s Jazz Cellar, as Annina (La Traviata) with The Lighthouse Opera Company, and recording with the New Jersey Youth Symphony Chamber Ensemble in a newly commissioned piece, “La Frontera” by Raul Abbad. Later this season, Ema
will return to New York’s The Lighthouse Opera Company in Mozart's Die Zauberflöte (Dritte Dame) as well as make a role/company debut with Bronx Opera Company in its production of The Bartered Bride (Háta).

"As a performer, your audience is your lifeline, and I'm excited for people to hear what we are all about, to share Opera, Classical, Jazz, and the works with them! Not many people do what David and I do and my hope as a musician is to make as many people as possible hear this music in a fun, informal, and beautiful way."

As passionate a performer, Ema is equally as passionate in teaching, having done so for 7+years. During the Covid 19 quarantine, Ema has been proud to keep a full studio remotely (on Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc) of roughly 30+ voice and piano students, at both the non-profit The Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts and privately owned Elefante Music, among her own.

Ms. Mitrović is a proud first generation Croatian-American, born and raised in New Jersey. She happily resides in East Orange with her partner, drummer Tim Horner.

Max Jazz Recording Artist David Budway

Max Jazz Recording Artist David Budway is one of the most versatile pianists on the New York music scene today. While deeply rooted in many styles, his masterful command for Modern Jazz has propelled him into the midst of present day jazz pioneers.

As a Classical pianist David has performed countless recitals. He studied extensively with Ruth Slenczynska, Dr. Carole Riley, CDP, Gerald Jennings, and performed in Master Classes with Artur Balsam, Warren Jones, Eugene List and Sheila Paige. In Italy David studied at the prestigious Rome Festival where he performed Opera and Chamber Music under the baton of Maestro Fritz Maraffi. Born in Pittsburgh, PA , David grew up listening to the improvisations of his father Leo Budway, and became interested and well versed in the style of Arabic music. Later he earned his Masters Degree in Piano Performance and Percussion at Duquesne University where he also studied Jazz Composition and Arranging with Dr. John Wilson. David went on to be adjunct professor at Duquesne and Carnegie Mellon University for 15 years before moving to New York. In 1992, Mr. Budway made his solo debut with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and has performed with them on many occasions including special performances with the late Marvin Hamlisch.

Since moving to New York, David has performed at Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, The Kennedy Center, The Village Vanguard, Birdland, The Blue Note, The Jazz Standard and The Hollywood Bowl with both Liza Minnelli and Hubert Laws. David studied chamber music extensively with master musician Bernard Goldberg, and has continued his love for the flute repertoire throughout his 30 year tenure with Master Flutist Hubert Laws. Some of his recording credits include the entire Bach Sonatas for Flute and Piano. David's Trio is currently in residence at the famed Carlyle Hotel in New York City. Mr. Budway's recording credits as both a leader and a sideman include artists Branford Marsalis, Michael Brecker, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Hubert Laws, Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy Heath, Christiane Noll, Ravi Coltrane and Eric Leeds. David has toured worldwide with Stanley Turrentine, Hubert Laws, Jeff "Tain" Watts, Regina Carter and Liza Minnelli.

As a composer, David has several albums to his credit. His release “ A New Kiss” on the MaxJazz label was awarded 4 stars in Downbeat Magazine. His song “Love You Tonight” reached number one on WBGO's playlist in 2012. Most recently the disc was charted at number four in Canada. Other releases include “Brief Encounter to Last a Lifetime”, “The Music I Hear”, “Bud Way”, “Jazz... the Budway”, and his latest release “3 Budways” with siblings Kathy and Maureen Budway. “Sweet Candor”, Maureen Budway's release in 2015 on the MSG Jazz label received 4 1⁄2 stars in Downbeat Magazine. Honoring his late sister, David and his wife Brianne Higgins have recently opened MAUREEN'S JAZZ CELLAR in Nyack NY. The intimate venue features Jazz, Classical, Cabaret, Acoustic Music , Comedy and Rock and Roll. Mr. Budway's newest cd, “The Jazz Piano

Man” features original songs co-written with lyricist Lou Tracey. David was a proud recipient of two prizes in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition. He has scored the music to the motion pictures “Lift”, and “Giant Steps” starring Billy Dee Williams, and has been published in Downbeat Magazine’s Masterclass section : Contemporary French Music’s Influence in Jazz Harmonies

Downtown South Orange Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo

Yes we are thrilled to present operatic mezzo-soprano/vocalist Ema Mitrović and jazz and classical pianist David Budway for your listening pleasure. Come early and secure your best spot. Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo is extremely excited to present this fantastic, one of a kind performance for your listening pleasure. When you hear Ema, you will know why I am so excited. Please grab your chair, your friend and please join us outdoors for this perfectly wonderful one of a kind Sunday Afternoon performance.

Yes I am thrilled to present operatic mezzo-soprano/vocalist Ema Mitrović and jazz and classical pianist David Budway for your listening pleasure. Come early get your best spot. Jazz On Sloan at the South Orange Gazebo is extremely excited to present this fantastic, one of a kind performance for your listening pleasure. When you hear Ema, you will know why I am so excited so please grab your chair, your friend and please join us outdoors for this perfectly wonderful Sunday Afternoon performance.

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