Musical Arts Series

“For a Quality Experience in Music…”

All concerts are at 7:30 in Fine Arts Recital Hall (“Little Theatre”) unless noted otherwise. Masterclass times are subject to change and will be announced in pre concert publicity. There is no admission charge for concerts or masterclasses.

A Far Cry

Sept. 29

Founded in 2007 by 17 young musicians bent on making music according to their own rules, the groundbreaking, self-conducted string orchestra A Far Cry has enjoyed a heady ascent toward the highest ranks of today’s new generation of classical ensembles. Hailed by the Boston Globe as “thrilling,” “intrepid” and “brilliant,” A Far Cry explores the traditional boundaries of classical music, experimenting with the ways it is prepared, performed, and experienced. A Far Cry has been recently appointed Chamber Orchestra in Residence at Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and maintains an educational partnership with the New England Conservatory. These performers also maintain ties to a growing community with a storefront rehearsal space and neighborhood concert series in Boston—infusing each venture with, in the Globe’s words, “high musical standards and unbridled idealism.”

Quarteto Vivace Brasil

Oct. 13

Quarteto Vivace Brasil, founded in 2008, is one of the most exciting new groups on the Brazilian musical scene. Four master players on two guitars, percussion and flute bring sizzling energy to Brazilian sambas and chôros, Argentinian tangos, American ragtime, and arrangements of favorite classics from Bach to Bizet’s Carmen to Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Säens.“There is a real element of fun and authenticity that the percussion gives to the samba and choro arrangements! They were first rate performers in every sense of the term." Dan Acsadi, Boston Guitar Society

Nuovo Quartetto Pianistico Italiano

Oct. 27

A Steger International Artist concert

The Nuovo Quartetto Pianistico Italiano presents a wide range of music from 'musique de salon' to spectacular transcriptions of symphonic works. These performances include literature rediscovered in important European libraries and antique book shops, transcriptions of opera, and contemporary music, including music written specifically for the quartet of eight hands at two pianos. The considerable dynamic and rhythmical potential which distinguishes this group has inspired contemporary composers in the creation of their themes. The romantic repertoire of the Nuovo Quartetto Pianistico Italiano also includes compositions of particular musicological interest, reminiscent of the nineteenth-century traditions of Schubert, Rossini and great piano schools.

Meadows World Music Ensemble

Dec. 1

The Meadows World Music Ensemble, under the direction of Jamal Mohamed, explores music from cultures and continents around the globe. The group combines traditional instruments from Africa, Asia and Latin America with standard western orchestral instruments to create unique interpretations of traditional folk melodies as well as original compositions. Hot drumming and imaginative improvisation are hallmarks of the group’s concerts, which have featured such guest artists as Glen Velez, Poovalur Sriji and K. Sridhar, among others. A native of Lebanon, noted hand drummer and percussionist Jamal Mohamed grew up in the Chicago area, where he was exposed to rich blues and jazz traditions as well as the Middle Eastern music he heard at home. Known for his virtuosity on the doumbek, Jamal has incorporated many innovative jazz and Latin styles with this ancient instrument. Currently, Jamal performs with the percussion group D’Drum. The group was named the 2010 winner of Drum! Magazine’s award for best percussion group, and was also featured in an Emmy Award-winning PBS short film documenting the group’s travels and observations related to world percussion. Jamal also performs with the world music group Brahma and the jazz ensemble Jampact.

Texas Boys Choir

Feb. 23

"Angels probably sound like the Texas Boys Choir…"- The Washington Post The Texas Boys Choir, led by S. Bryan Priddy, was founded in 1946 by George Bragg to provide any boy, regardless of socio-economic or ethnic background a structured environment for the development of a world-class performing choir of boys. Based in Fort Worth, the Texas Boys Choir performs locally, nationally and internationally. The Texas Boys Choir continues in the tradition of European church choirs, with boys beginning their vocal training at a young age. The choir further develops its vocal training through the use of the changing voices. The choir draws heavily on the sacred tradition of performing many works from the early Renaissance and Baroque periods. Also included in most performances are American favorites and music of other cultures and countries.

Spanish Brass

Feb. 21

In 1989 five Spanish musicians from Valencia, Spain created an eclectic and innovative project that they have been developing over the years in different fields: music performance, education and creation. Today as Spanish Brass they tour all over the world, performing chamber music and recording. In 1996 Spanish Brass won the First Prize in the "Ville de Narbonne" (France) 6th International Competition for Brass Quintets. They participated in the prize-giving Gala of the Príncipe de Asturias awards in 1995 at the Gran Teatro Campoamor in Oviedo, Spain, broadcast on television to over 700 million watchers. With a history of 20 years, Spanish Brass Luur Metalls is one of the most dynamic chamber ensembles and established the Spanish musical scene.

Rose Ensemble

April. 23

Founded in 1996 by Artistic Director Jordan Sramek, The Rose Ensemble reawakens the ancient with vocal music that stirs the emotions, challenges the mind and lifts the spirit. The Saint Paul, Minnesota group tours internationally with repertoire spanning 1,000 years and 25 languages, including new research in Middle Eastern, European and American vocal traditions. The Rose Ensemble was a recipient of the Chorus America Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence in 2005 and first-prize winner at the 2007 Tolosa International Choral Competition in Spain (part of the European Choral Grand Prix). Founder Jordan Sramek received the 2010 Louis Botto Award from Chorus America "for entrepreneurial zeal." The Rose Ensemble's 16th anniversary season highlights include appearances on the Cornell University Concert Series (Ithaca, NY), the University of Vermont Lane Series, The National Gallery (Washington, D.C.), Wake Forest’s University’s Secrest Artist Series (Winston-Salem, NC), the J. Paul Getty Museum (Los Angeles, CA), and a collaboration with Piffaro, The Renaissance Band (Philadelphia, PA and MN). The Ensemble has released 9 recordings.

Their website is www.roseensemble.org