MARCH 30 (4pm): THE SPHINX VIRTUOSI’s AMERICAN FORM/S

Music Worcester and The Prior Performing Arts Center are co-presenting the acclaimed self-conducted string orchestra The Sphinx Virtuosi in American Form/s at The Prior Performing Arts Center at the College of the Holy Cross, 1 College Street in Worcester. Described by the Washington Post as musicians who demonstrate “immeasurable power, unwavering command and soulful beauty,” A dynamic and inspiring chamber orchestra, it serves as the flagship performing entity of the Sphinx Organization, a Detroit-based leading social justice non-profit dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. The Sphinx Organization has reached more than 100 million people worldwide. Focused on increasing representation in classical music and celebrating excellence, Sphinx programs serve beginner students, seasoned classical music professionals, cultural entrepreneurs, and artistic administrators by addressing the systemic lack of access within Black and Latino communities. Comprised of 18 accomplished Black and Latinx artists, a critical aim of the Sphinx Virtuosi is to evolve and transform the face of classical music through artistic excellence, pioneering programming, and impassioned community engagement. As a bilingual ensemble, these artist-citizens break down existing barriers to foster connections with the broader community. “We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Music Worcester in bringing the extraordinary artists of Sphinx Virtuosi to the state-of-the-art concert hall at The Prior Performing Arts Center,” said Kyle Frisina, Interim Director of The Prior. “It has underscored our shared commitment to making the arts accessible to all.” “Engaging Sphinx Virtuosi for their first visit to Central MA addresses  so many aspirations of  Music Worcester,” added Adrien Finlay, Executive Director of Music Worcester. “We are very happy to be working with Holy Cross to activate this amazing new cultural facility and to inspire future generations of musicians through a robust educational residency by the orchestra across the city.” American Form/s is a musical tapestry depicting the many sounds of American classical music, including classically framed infusions of soul, bluegrass, jazz, blues, and elements of rag. The program opens with a riveting final movement of Serenade for Strings by 19th-century pianist, composer, singer, and conductor Teresa Carreño. Additional concepts of American music are explored in Derrick Skye’s multifaceted and optimistic American Mirror, Part One; renowned violinist-composer Curtis Stewart’s Drill Set for Prepared Drumset and Strings which features guest percussionist Josh Jones.  Jones earned his bachelor’s in music from DePaul School of Music and was the orchestra fellow of both the Detroit and Pittsburgh symphonies. In 2022, Josh joined the Grant Park Festival Orchestra as Principal Percussionist.  Of the American Form/s program, Sphinx President and Artistic Director Afa Dworkin says, “This program aspires to evolve the American concert music canon through a celebration of kaleidoscopic voices of the past and present. The beauty of today’s landscape is expressed by the abundance of both the harmonic and rhythmic exploration that we hope resonates with audiences far and wide.” Of the American Form/s program, Sphinx President and Artistic Director Afa Dworkin says, “This program aspires to evolve the American concert music canon through a celebration of kaleidoscopic voices of the past and present. The beauty of today’s landscape is expressed by the abundance of both the harmonic and rhythmic exploration that we hope resonates with audiences far and wide.” Tickets and information for all Music Worcester events can be found at www.musicworcester.org

APRIL 6 (3pm):POSTCARDS…CLASSICAL WITH A TWIST SERIES

Cherry Street Music’s chamber music series Classical with a Twist continues with “Postcards”, at the Allen Center, 35 Webster Street in Newton. This concert celebrates the vibrant music traditions of India, China, and Japan. Led by Cherry Street Music’s Artistic Director and renowned cellist, Allison Eldredge, this extraordinary collaboration blends Chinese and Japanese folk tunes with drama and historical sounds for a rich cross-cultural fusion. Eldredge and pianist Sayuri Miyamoto will present Japanese Folk Tunes that have been arranged by Enrico Mainardi. Performing classical Indian Carnatic music will be Kavitha Venkatesan (voice), Sharada Krishnan (Indian Violin) and L. Subramaniam, mridangam (Indian percussion) bringing together rhythms and harmonies from the rich musical culture of India. In addition, Lexington teen cellist and composer Ruhan Iyer was been commissioned by Cherry Street Music to write a composition for this April 6th concert, for voice, mridangam, Indian violin and cello. This world premiere is titled Where the World Has Not Been Broken into Fragments, inspired by the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Prize-winning Indian poet.
The afternoon will include works by Asian composers performed by violinist Julia Glenn with pianist Sayuri Miyamoto, including pieces from her new album Ink Traces.  They will also perform Chen Yi’s “Romance and Dance”, and Gao Weijie’s “The Road”.  Eldredge will join them in Tan Dun’s “Triple Resurrection” piano trio. Tickets and information are available at www.newtonculture.org

APRIL 8 – 13: RIVERDANCE

The Boch Center Wang Theatre at 270 Tremont St. in Boston, brings to their stage the return to the city of Riverdance, now observing their 30^th Anniversary bringing its wonderful fusion of Irish and international dance and music. Since coming onto the world stage, the production has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of the show boasts mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances that leaves audience in in awe and are what originally established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation. This all new anniversary tour is a spectacular production that rejuvenates the much-loved original show as well as contains new innovative choreography, costumes, state of the art lighting, along with depth additions of stunning projections and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when the show originated 30 years ago John McColgan, Director of Riverdance said “ It is both a privilege and a delight to celebrate 30 years of Riverdance and the unique journey it has taken us on. In those 30 years the show has…” continuously evolved…”yet remaining true to its Irish roots. On this upcoming tour we look forward to welcoming ‘The New Generation’ of artists while paying tribute to the talented performers, creators, dedicated crew, and the millions of fans who have made Riverdance a worldwide celebration of music and dance.” Audiences, new as well as solid long term fans, will enjoy a unique and memorable performance as it blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class of dancers, musicians and singers in the Riverdance ensemble. Composed by Bill Whelan, Produced by Moya Doherty and Directed by John McColgan, Riverdance should not be missed. Tickets may be obtained at www.bochcenter.org

ONGOING: WEEKEND BRUNCH AT THE CITY WINERY BOSTON

 City Winery Boston, located at 80 Beverly St, between Haymarket and North Station in Boston has expanded their programming with a series of noontime weekend shows offering music, comedy, and a great way to start your weekend. This is an all new specially curated brunch buffet menu that features an array of tasty dishes available during weekend noontime shows. From grilled peach arugula salad and bread pudding French Toast, to corn waffles, and smoked salmon flatbread, there are options that cover a range of dietary restrictions and preferences. “We’ve got an impressive and eclectic calendar of shows that are great fun for a wide array of audiences,” said Scott Feldman, City Winery Boston’s marketing director.  “Some events are a great outing for friends to get together before the ‘Sunday scaries’ set in, while other events invite folks to revel in the music of their teen years.” The brunch buffet is $35/person (beverages are separate)  and not included with a ticket purchase. For more information for all shows and to obtain tickets, visit  www.citywinery.com/boston

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BOCH CENTER STAGE: www.bochcenter.org