“M.U.S.i.C. Recital of French and Spanish Composers”

Originally from CoolCleveland.com 9/16/09

Once upon a time, private homes were the presumed setting for intimate chamber concerts. Fortunately, there is a growing trend to once again offer this type of performance before (depending on the size of the home) 50 to perhaps 100 generally very appreciative persons. It provides a new meaning to the phrase ‘up close and personal’ regarding interplay between performers and audience.

M.U.S.i.C. (Musical Upcoming Stars in the Classics) is one of the leaders in this venture, having presented such recitals throughout the greater Cleveland areas for several years. Anyone may purchase a ticket for the event, which may or may not be more expensive than such a concert in a larger venue, but it’s certainly worth it for the benefits received. Generally, there is a reception following with scrumptious goodies, and an assortment of beverages. On some occasions, there may be a brunch before the recital.

Last weekend, M.U.S.i.C. presented two such performances devoted to music by French and Spanish composers, ranging from impressionistic art songs to a variant of wild and woolly ‘gypsy jazz’. There was not an unhappy-looking face anywhere to be seen, at the conclusion of the encore which featured a Macedonian (country, not nearby community) violinist, an American cellist, a Cuban pianist and a French-born accordionist, (performing for this selection on the bandoneón, or tango accordion.) Entirely suitable that, as the music was by the Argentinian master Astor Piazzolla, in a ‘fresh-off-the-printer’ arrangement by the bandoneónist. It’s the sort of music that immediately brings everyone present to their feet, cheering and clapping.

French composers whose music was performed were Debussy, Fauré, Poulenc, Satie and Nadia Boulanger; while Spain was represented by Casals, DeFalla, De Sarasate, and the afore-mentioned Piazzolla.

Performers for the evening were violinist Filip Lazovski, soprano Jung Eun Oh, Julien Labro, the wizard of both accordion and bandoneón, and cellist Regina Mushabac. Pianist Javier Gonzalez had a real workout, accompanying each of the individual artists in the various styles and types of music, plus being part of the final ensemble. The entire event was perfectly planned and performed!

Information about upcoming events may be obtained by sending an e-mail to: stars@intheclassics.org. The website is: https://starsintheclassics.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz