LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Saint Mary's Chamber Musicians concert a perfect respite for the holiday season | St. Mary's College | SMC Moraga


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The Saint Mary's College chapel will serve as a beautiful backdrop for the first of two free concerts offered by the Saint Mary's Chamber Musicians. The Nov. 20 evening performance will feature beautiful instrumental and vocal music by Bach, Telemann, Massenet and more, beginning at 8 p.m.

"The program will include a vivacious sonata by Bach, played by Megan Pineda (flute), Sarah Roscoe (violin), Patrice Young (cello) and Lino Rivera (keyboard). Massenet's sumptuous Elegie for soprano, cello and piano, performed by Madeline Vine, Joyce Lee and Jas Chok," said Saint Mary's Performing Arts professor Martin Rokeach. "The same musicians will then perform Bach's iconic 'Ave Maria.' Delightful and intimate duos by Telemann and Berger for two violas, performed by Jillian Hubbard and Joyce Lee. The world premiere of music major Evelyn Rumsby's 'Ashes,' for soprano, saxophone and piano. A poignant, beautiful composition, it will be performed by the composer, Evan Bernardy, and Renee Witon. And Carl Reinecke's seldom-heard 'Trio' for horn, clarinet and piano, played by Joseph Goolkasian, Erica Wilson and Lino Rivera. Admission to this wonderful concert is free - your presence is priceless."

The second concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26 will be a lovely way to spend a post-Thanksgiving Sunday afternoon. - J. Wake