Garry in front of the Shalin Liu Performance Center
NEXUS has always been a groundbreaking ensemble and Saturday night, June 4th was no exception. We had the honor of being the first percussion group to play at the 35-year-old Rockport Chamber Music Festival in the spectacular Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport, Massachusetts.
One feels like a 3-D component of a Norman Rockwell painting in Rockport, which is right on the ocean a short drive from Boston, not to be confused with Rockport, Maine.
Garry and Diane Kvistad in picturesque Rockport
This intimate, well-run hall has incredibly wonderful acoustics and is one of the few halls we’ve ever played in with a magnificent view behind the stage. The back of the stage, which is visible to the audience, is a gigantic glass wall overlooking the bay.
NEXUS with guest Maria Finkelmeier on the Shalin Liu Performance Center stage
The group stayed at a quaint bed-and-breakfast within walking distance of the hall. The proprietors have been housing performers for years and have a collection of photos of some pretty impressive artists who have stayed there. I hope they include us!
Garry and Russell Hartenberger playing Garry’s arrangement of Piano Phase by Steve Reich
As you can read by the reviews in the links below, our program was divided into two parts. The first half included three works by Steve Reich, two of which featured rhythmic percussion instruments.
The second half featured arrangements of works by Moondog and George Hamilton Green, played primarily on melodic percussion instruments. It was a real pleasure to be invited to be part of this prestigious concert series in such a beautiful venue.
“Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway.” – Willie Nelson
http://bostonclassicalreview.com/2016/06/nexus-hits-the-classics-with-a-romantic-spirit-in-rockport/
http://www.classical-scene.com/2016/06/05/nexus-rockport/
