Columbia Star

1963        Celebrating 60 Years      2023

“We Could Have Danced All Night”

Ensemble Eclectica showcases local talent in unique production



Charlene Rackley and Johnny Cockerell perform in Ensemble Eclectica’s “We Could Have Danced All Night.”

Charlene Rackley and Johnny Cockerell perform in Ensemble Eclectica’s “We Could Have Danced All Night.”

The 2018 performance by Ensemble Eclectica was held August 30 at The Hall at 320 Senate Street. The sold-out performance entitled “ We Could Have Danced All Night” took its audience through a unique experience of a simultaneously performed mixed-media production. The orchestra played while dancers danced and visual artists painted.

Some of Columbia’s finest ballroom dancers including Richard Durlach and Breedlove Zenaida and Ken Broom, and Melissa Bartlet and Robert Moran performed to the music played by the Ensemble Eclectica orchestra arranged by Columbia’s Dick Goodwin, Bert Ligon, Manny Alvarez, and Richard Maltz.

“ We Could Have Danced All Night” also took its audience on an international musical tour. Music representing France, Venezuela, Mexico, the United States, and Spain was performed by the Ensemble Eclectica orchestra. Local vocalists featured were Walter Hemingway and Janet Hopkins.

Dr. Bert Ligon of the USC School of Music introduced his original composition “Roadtrip to Rio,” and composer Richard Maltz introduced his original piece “Conga” accompanied by a special video shown on the wall behind the orchestra created by media artist Jeremy Culler. The video was inspired by the movement of a yellow jacket recorded by Culler synchronized digitally to the rhythm of the conga dance played by the orchestra.

Suzanna Pavlovsky and with Ensemble Eclectica Orchestra

Suzanna Pavlovsky and with Ensemble Eclectica Orchestra

Visual artists Nikolai Oskolkov and David Smith were tasked with painting and drawing an original piece on canvas during the performance. The artwork was sold at the end of the evening with proceeds benefiting the Ensemble Eclectica project.

Ensemble Eclectica was founded in 2015 by local conductor Suzanna Pavlovsky. Pavlosky earned her second PhD in conducting from the University of South Carolina and is the conductor of the Palmetto Chamber Orchestra. Ensemble Eclectica is inspired by her vision to bring local musicians, dancers, and media artists together for a unique performance featuring the best of Columbia’s arts community. Pavlovsky designs this annual showcase event especially for local audiences.

Janet Hopkins, Suzanna Pavlovsky, and Blue Sky

Janet Hopkins, Suzanna Pavlovsky, and Blue Sky

Pavlovsky says, “We have so much talent here in Columbia, and yet, we are separate. We need to unite… Let’s integrate, unite, collaborate.”

Dick Goodwin introduced “We Could Have Danced All Night” by recognizing Pavlovsky’s hard work and dedication to this project. “Tis a monumental task to book the venue, advertise the event, sell tickets, just to name a few behind-the-scenes details. She (also) had to persuade all these talented and very busy players, singers, dancers, technicians, and composers to participate. And with all that, she still had to find time to study the scores and be prepared to set the musical direction for each piece.”

Ensemble Eclectica features Pavlovsky conducting the orchestra of local artists brought together especially for the event.

Ensemble Eclectica is always seeking to find new sponsors and supporters.

To learn more, contact Suzanna Pavlovsky at spavlovsky@sc.rr.com.


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