Clockwise from top: Linda Toote, flute; Catherine Hudgins, clarinet; Daniel Getz, viola; Sheila Fiekowsky, violin; Oliver Aldort, cello; Edwin Barker, double bass. Center: John Holland, violin

The room was filled to capacity on Friday, May 26, as Robert Salerno, president of the West Stockbridge Historical Society, welcomed the audience to the sixteenth benefit concert that the Chamber Players have performed for the Old Town Hall Restoration.  After offering his thanks to the Chamber Players and to Dr. Richard Ziter who underwrote the concert, Salerno read aloud an e-mail from the Massachusetts Cultural Council announcing a $90,000 matching grant in support of the next phase of restoration.  The concert began on that high note and continued with a richly diverse program performed by Boston Symphony Orchestra members Sheila Fiekowsky, violin; John Holland, violin; Daniel Getz, viola; Oliver Aldort, cello; and Edwin Barker, double bass; along with Linda Toote, flute; and Catherine Hudgins, clarinet.

 

Programmed by the Chamber Players' musical director Catherine Hudgins, the evening was dedicated to music by American composers or inspired by our heritage, beginning with Jennifer Higdon's haunting Soliloquy for Clarinet and String Quartet.  Violinist Sheila Fiekowsky then introduced Samuel Barber's String Quartet, Op. 11, pointing out that while almost everyone recognizes the slow second movement, the piece as a whole is beautiful -- and then proceeded to prove her point with a soaring rendition of the three-part composition.

The second half of the concert began with Antonín Dvořák's Terzetto in C major, Op. 74, a piece so difficult to perform that, according to violist Daniel Getz, Dvořák had to rewrite a less demanding version for its original performers. Catherine Hudgins then introduced Jerod Impichch aachaaha' Tate's Toklo (Two) for American Indian Flute and Clarinet, mentioning that Dvořák, who taught in America and championed an American style of composing, would have been delighted with the piece that is written by a Native American and interwoven with native themes. The concert concluded with Osvaldo Golijov's Lullaby and Doina that bassist Edwin Barker mentioned he first performed under the composer's direction.  "Be more free!" Golijov kept telling Barker, advice that led to a passionate, thrilling finale and a standing ovation.
 

The audience joined the musicians downstairs after the concert for light refreshments, with many lingering to talk and catch up after a long winter as a soft rain continued to fall outside.

IS183, one of our cultural partners, is offering classes on the first floor of the 1854 Town Hall this summer with our downtown as subject matter. Classes are open to everyone.

*    Travel, With Camera  - June 8-29
*    Foundation Drawing  - July 11-August 15
*    Pastels on the Green - August 14-28

Historical Society members can enroll at the IS183 Member rate.

You can go to the IS183 website for more information on the classes and how to register:
http://www.is183.org/classes/     or call 413-298 5252 x100.
   

	Trillium (Photo: Bob Salerno)

Rene opened our eyes to what is happening around the Berkshires as spring arrives. Who knew that skunk cabbage generates enough warmth to melt the late snow cover and poke its green shoots through the crust? Or that trillium, that early beautiful white or deep maroon flower, actually smells like decaying meat to attract insects for pollination.

Rene not only showed us the plants, flowers, and animals arriving this season, but the why and how they all work together to create a viable and active environment. It was a fun night, and we are hoping to have Rene back later this year to cover all the activity that happens in the fall.