Ensemble Galilei Workshop and Demonstration

Friday, February 09 - 2018

The Ensemble Galilei will present a free workshop and demonstration at the Front Porch Roots Music School on Friday February 9th at noon. The Front Porch is located at 221 Water St. E, Charlottesville, VA.

The UVA McIntire Department of Music and the Front Porch Roots Music School present a residency by Ensemble Galilei.  Founded in 1990, Ensemble Galilei is an ensemble of players from both classical and Celtic backgrounds, playing Irish and Scottish airs and dance tunes, early and medieval music, and original compositions. The Ensemble takes their name and inspiration from the life of composer Vincenzo Galilei, whose influence, some four hundred years ago, helped restore a vital element of passion to the music of the day.  To achieve their unique Celtic sound, Ensemble Galilei has melded the elegance of chamber music with the energy and excitement of traditional music. An intricate blend of instruments grants listeners passage to another world, evoking musical images of the ancient Celts and bringing these images to life for today’s audiences. They have performed and toured globally for almost twenty-five years, and have been featured on multiple recordings and radio performances.  The Washington Post writes: "Virtuoso technique, an instinctive feeling for the idiom, the courage to improvise…they play with energy, splendid ensemble, good humor and imagination."

The Ensemble's residency comprises an open rehearsal at the UVa Music Department, a noontime workshop at the Front Porch Roots Music School, and a culminating concert in Old Cabell Hall.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

Rarely is it possible to have some of the finest players of Scottish, Irish, and Early Music in the room at the same time.  Please join Ensemble Galilei for a hands-on workshop demonstrating how they synthesize their diverse backgrounds into an utterly original, genre-bending, irresistible new sound.  Jackie Moran and Isaac Alderson have both won more awards, recorded more CDs, been in more movies, and toured the world more times than most musicians on the planet. They represent the Irish side of Ensemble Galilei. On the Scottish side we have the brilliant fiddler, Ryan McKassson and the legendary Celtic harper, Sue Richards. Ryan, a musical chameleon, is at home when he's playing 18th century Scottish tunes, or flat-out screaming Irish Reels. Sue needs no introduction. She has done it all. She made her mark as a Scottish harper, but now lives and breathes the music of Sweden and Ireland, too. And if that wasn't enough, Kathryn Montoya, one of the most sought-after early music wind players in the states will be hanging out too, with her early music viola da gamba counterpart, Carolyn Surrick. Wherever you want to focus, Ensemble Galilei is there (except for 19th and 20th century classical music - that is not their scene.)  Sponsored by the University of Virginia Music Department and the Front Porch Roots Music School.
 

Ensemble Galilei Residency Schedule:

EventDateTimePlaceCost

Rehearsal with UVA Baroque Orchestra

Thursday, 2/8/187:30pm113 Old Cabell Hall,
Lawn at the University of Virginia		Free
Workshop and DemonstrationFriday, 2/9/18noonFront Porch Roots Music School,
221 Water Street		Free
ConcertFriday, 2/9/188:00pm

Old Cabell Hall,
Lawn at the University of Virginia

Free
 
 
Presented by the UVA McIntire Department of Music and the Front Porch Roots Music School, with generous support from the UVA Arts Council and the Gertrude Weber Endowment for Music
 

Address

UVA Department of Music
112 Old Cabell Hall
P.O. Box 400176 Charlottesville, VA 22904-4176

Email: music@virginia.edu