Garth Newel Music Center’s first 2014 Pub Series concert promises to be just the antidote for the winter doldrums. Featuring compositions by Gernot Wolfgang, Olivier Messiaen, György Ligeti and Bohuslav Martinu the Saturday, Jan. 25 concert evening presents contemporary music from around the globe in a casual atmosphere, ushering in the Music Center’s New Year. Doors to the Music Center’s Herter Hall open at 7 p.m. and the performance begins at 7:30.
“We’re calling the program ‘Martinu, Meatballs and Microbrews,” says Chris Williams, the Music Center’s executive director. “Too often contemporary classical music is viewed as esoteric or inaccessible. We want to dispel those notions and make the evening artistically adventurous and entertaining. The audience chairs are set in a big circle and our piano will be pulled off the stage and set right in the middle of it. Add in free snacks (meatball sandwiches) and a cash bar, and we set the scene for a casual and colorful evening.”
“The program begins with an emphasis on wildlife” says Garth Newel Piano Quartet Violinist and Co-Artistic Director, Teresa Ling: “The Wolfgang has movements called “Mountain Goat” and “Cats.” The Messiaen is about a robin. Then we move to folk music – Hungarian in the Ligeti and Czech in the Martinu.”
The pub concert is pay-what-you-wish and no tickets are required. However, reservations are strongly encouraged because seating is limited. A cash bar will be available and light pub snacks will be provided. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the performance begins at 7:30. To make reservations online go to www.garthnewel.org. To make reservations by phone, or for additional information about the performance please contact Garth Newel at 540-839-5018 or toll free at 877-558-1689.
