Christian Hebel

Violinist Christian Hebel official website: Whether touring the world with rock and pop music legends, recording some of Hollywood’s biggest film scores, soloing with the worlds’s best orchestras, or lending his unique talent to the hottest Broadway shows, national television programs, and Grammy Award winning albums –Christian Hebel is doing just about as much as one man can with a violin.

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Hollywood's Night Under the Stars: MPTF 95th Anniversary / Kirk Douglas 100th Birthday

It was so awesome to have played at Hollywood’s Night Under the Stars, a celebration of the 95th anniversary of the Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF).  MPTF is a charitable organization that offers  assistance and care to those in the motion picture and television industries with limited or no resources. 

It was an evening of performances hosted by George Clooney, last Saturday night October 1, at the MPTF's Wasserman Campus in Woodland Hills, California.

Actor George Clooney, Christian Hebel in the background. Photo by Getty Images 

Musical performances included a Les Miserables medley from Jean Valjean himself, Hugh Jackman, while Derek Hough donned his tap shoes for a rendition of “Singing in the Rain.” Loretta Devine belted out “Listen” from the film version of Dreamgirls and surprise guest Kevin Spacey – an active participant in the organization – took the stage for Sinatra’s “Can I Steal a Little Love?” Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Bojangles.” Campus resident Helen Reddy’s evoked nostalgia with “You and Me Against the World” as did Johnny Mathis with his signature song, “Misty.”

But the special part of the evening was a tribute by Michael Douglas to his father, Kirk Douglas, who turns 100 on Dec. 9.  It was an early birthday celebration and I was so honored to play "Happy Birthday" for this legendary actor. 

Photo from MPTF

Actor Matt Bomer at the 95th MPTF Anniversary. Christian Hebel in the background. Photo by Getty Images 

Barbra Streisand Encore: Movie Partners sing Broadway

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of working with Barbra Streisand on her new album ENCORE: Movie Partners Sing Broadwayfeaturing 10 new Streisand duets of Broadway classics with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. The inspired new musical pairings on this CD album include Alec Baldwin, Antonio Banderas, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Seth MacFarlane, Melissa McCarthy, Chris Pine, Daisy Ridley, Patrick Wilson, and a spectacular virtual duet with Anthony Newley. I am so excited  for everyone to hear this wonderful CD.

The 10 track CD album is now available on iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at the Barbra Streisand Music Store. In addition, a deluxe edition of the CD is available exclusively at Target, featuring four bonus tracks by Streisand.

Track List
1. At The Ballet w/Anne Hathaway & Daisy Ridley
2. Loving You w/Patrick Wilson
3. Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me) w/Anthony Newley
4. The Best Thing That Ever Has Happened w/Alec Baldwin
5. Any Moment Now w/Hugh Jackman
6. Anything You Can Do w/ Melissa McCarthy
7. Pure Imagination w/Seth MacFarlane
8. Take Me To The world w/Antonio Banderas
9. I’ll Be Seeing You / I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face w/Chris Pine
10. Climb Ev’ry Mountain w/Jamie Foxx

 

Tour with Barbra Streisand August 2016

I am so honored and excited to announce I will be joining Barbra Streisand on her North American tour as her Solo Violinist.  The tour,  Barbra, The Music… The Mem’ries… The Magic! begins on August 2 until August 23. Click here  or go to the "current shows" page for the tour schedule and for ticket information.  I hope to see you in one of these cities!

Photo from barbrastreisand.com

Photo from barbrastreisand.com

Recording at Barbra Streisand Scoring Stage

Had a thrilling week in the studio with Barbra Streisand. We recorded at Sony Studios on the Barbra Streisand Scoring Stage. I do a lot of work on this stage but it's not often you get to record with the person the scoring stage is named for.

Photo by Christian Hebel

Photo by Christian Hebel

This is my fifth album I've had the pleasure of working on with Barbra and she sounds as beautiful as ever. We got to play the exquisite arrangements of Bill Ross under his baton with the brilliant Walter Afanasieff producing. The entire group of LA musicians sound gorgeous on these arrangements.  It was a true thrill.

Walter Afanasieff, Barbra Streisand and Bill Ross. Photo by Christian Hebel

Photo by Christian Hebel

Christian Hebel with Bill Ross and Walter Afanasieff. Photo by Christian Hebel

Bill Ross and Christian Hebel. Photo by Christian Hebel

Photo by Cecilia Tsan

Brooklyn's National Sawdust: Laura Nyro Night April 22, 2016

Brooklyn's National Sawdust will present an evening paying tribute to late singer-songwriter Laura Nyro April 22.

Curated by Tony winning director Michael Mayer (Hedwig and the Angry Inch ), Laura Nyro Night will begin at 8 PM. Mayer will also host the evening, which will feature performances by composers Alan Menken, Stephen Schwartz and Jeanine Tesori, who will draw connections between their music and Nyro's. Also scheduled to perform are Tony nominees Melissa Errico and Judy Kuhn and violinist Christian Hebel. Michael Cunningham will share a special reading.

National Sawdust is located at 80 North 6th Street in Brooklyn. For ticket and event  information, click here

Wall to Wall Stephen Schwartz: April 16, 2016

 Symphony Space's annual extravaganza celebrates the music and lyrics of Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz. For five decades, his groundbreaking works have garnered him three Academy Awards, four Grammys, and a place in the Theater Hall of Fame and The Songwriters Hall of Fame. The composer and lyricist of such theatrical milestones as Godspell, Pippin, and Wicked, he has also made significant contributions to the worlds of animated film, opera, and concert music. Join us for this star-studded tribute to one of Broadway's great masters.

 I am so thrilled to be a part of this wonderful day honoring my friend and musical luminary Stephen Schwartz.  I will be performing from 5:30-8:00pm on Saturday April 16 at  Peter Jay Sharpe Theater at Symphony Space in NYC. 

For ticket information, click here

For more information about this event - click here

 

 

Artistic Director: Young Arts New York April 16, 2016

This is one of my favorite jobs each year: Artistic Director for the tremendous Young Arts Foundation.  This year I am directing the April 16 Saturday, 8pm show at Baryshnikov Arts Center.  These are the most accomplished young artists age 15-18 in the visual, design, literary and performing arts in our country.  I hope you can join us. 

For ticket information - Click here 

For information about Young Arts New York - click here

 

Grease LIVE on FOX: January 31, 2016

I'm looking forward to playing for Grease: LIVE, a live one-night musical production of the massively popular crossover musical “Grease.” In this live television adaptation of the musical classic, GREASE: LIVE will reintroduce and reimagine some of the show’s most memorable moments, great music and timeless love story to an entirely new generation.

The show will air on Sunday January 31, 2016 on FOX. Check your local listing for time in your area. It's one of my favorite musical/movie. Don't miss it!


White House Performance: Spring Awakening November 18, 2015

I am so excited that the cast and musicians of the Broadway production of Spring Awakening, will travel to Washington, DC, Nov. 18 to perform at the White House as part of a convening on Americans with disabilities and the arts, described as a "celebration of diversity and inclusion."

Spring Awakening’s full cast/musicians will perform several songs from the show in the White House South Court Auditorium and lead a workshop. This event will be from 4pm -7pm ET live streamed at whitehouse.gov/live

I am looking forward to playing at the White House. Don't miss out, tune in for the live stream tomorrow.



Halloween at the Hollywood Bowl

Some pics from the last two night's shows at the Bowl. Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas live to picture with full orchestra, choir and the entire original cast who sang on the soundtrack! The legendary composer Danny Elfman as Jack Skellington at the helm with Katherine O'Hara and Paul Reubens singing along with him. I have had the honor of recording on several of Danny's movie soundtracks and it is always a treat to perform live on stage with him.

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Halloween performance at the Hollywood Bowl with Danny Elfman October 31 and Nov. 1

I am excited to be playing again with composer Danny Elfman, who will celebrate Halloween this year by bringing the music he composed for Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas" to the Hollywood Bowl in a live orchestral performance conducted by John Mauceri.

The concert, which will feature Elfman performing alongside an orchestra and chorus to the stop-motion animated movie, will take place at the Bowl on Oct. 31, and Nov. 1 with a starting time set for 8:15 p.m. 

For more information and ticket sales, visit hollywoodbowl.com

 

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Host Chat Live with Kelly and Michael

Kelly Ripa talked about watching Spring Awakening Broadway and raved about how good the show is. She also mentioned me as the music coordinator during their host chat on Monday September 28, 2015. Check it out - click on the link or image below to view the video.

Host Chat Monday, September 28, 2015



Spring Awakening On Broadway Reviews

Spring Awakening on Broadway is well on it's way and has received so many great reviews. Here are a few...

“Spring Awakening’ by Deaf West Theater Brings a New Sensation to Broadway! A first rate production of a transporting musical! ”

— The New York Times September 27, 2015

Read more - The New York Times Review


“Spring Awakening A-”

— Entertainment Weekly

Read more - Entertainment Weekly


Electrifying and exhilarating: a sheer triumph”

— Associated Press

Read more - Associated Press


“Revelatory and moving. An original all its own”

— Newsday

Read more - Newsday


“An uplifting feast for the eyes and ears”

— USA TODAY

Read more - USA TODAY


“Brilliant and beautiful! ”

— New York Magazine

Read more - New York Magazine


“Sign Language and Song Intertwine in Deaf West’s ‘Spring Awakening’ *****”

— NBC New York

Read more - NBC New York


“Deaf West Theatre’s production of Frank Wedekind’s play isn’t the radical reimagining it’s billed as but has something to say about modern communication. ****”

— The Guardian

Read more - The Guardian



Video: NY Theater Music Festival

In July I performed in a one-night-only concert celebrating the Pultizer and Tony-winning Next to Normal.  I originated the violin role for this magnificent musical and this concert combined Tom Kitt, the composer, on piano with cast and band members from all the past productions of the show. Here's a video from that performance.

The New York Musical Theatre Festival presented Tom Kitt and Friends, a one-night-only concert celebrating the Pultizer and Tony-winning Next to Normal which originated at NYMF as Feeling Electric. On hand were Alice Ripley, Jennifer Damiano and Louis Hobson from the Broadway cast, Amy Spanger, Joe Cassidy, (both from the 2005 Feeling Electric cast), Ben Schrader (the 2002 workshop cast) and more who sang iconic tunes like "Superboy and the Invisible Girl" and "I Miss the Mountains" as well as cut songs like "Blue Skies and Sunshine" and "Growing Up Unstable." The band featured Christian Hebel (violin), Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf (cello), Brian Hamm (bass), Trey Files (drums), Eric B. Davis (guitar) and Kitt himself on piano. 

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