September 27, the Miller Library Terrace was the scene of the annual Bach's Lunch concert at noon. Attracting a small crowd of twenty people, mostly professors and other adults, the concert provided a warm atmosphere despite the blustery weather.
"These concerts have been held for close to 20 years, usually on the last Wednesday of September," said music professor Amzie Parcell.
"Originally, students could get a box lunch from the dining hall and bring it to the library terrace - thus the name 'Bach's Lunch.' "Parcell said the concert has principally featured solo performances by music majors and other students who are studying privately.
Professor Garry Clarke added, "There is also normally a performance by the Early Consort group or the Jazz Band; however, scheduling conflicts prevented an ensemble performance today. These concerts are always fun, but the good weather helped."
Tenor Don Holdren was the first to perform, singing "Where E'er You Walk," by George Handel, from his opera Semele. Clarke accompanied Holdren on the piano.
Said Holdren, "Everyone performed well, and the audience was receptive."
Gregory Adams followed, performing Antonio Vivaldi's "Sonata in G Minor, Op. 13, No. 6 Fuga da Capella," with Professor Elizabeth Parcell on the piano.
Soprano Catharine Clarke performed next, singing "Mein glaubiges Herze" from Also hat Gott die Welt geliebt, by Johann Bach.
"I'm glad that people stopped and listened to us perform, if only for a little while," said the soprano.
The program closed with Mayumi Ushiro on the piano, playing Johann Bach's "Prelude in G Major. (The Well-Tempered Clavier)."
"I enjoyed my performance, and I think the audience did, too," said Ushiro.
Said junior Katie Kolacki, "I laughed, I cried. It was better than Cats!"
This is only the first event offered by the music department this semester.
The first concert by the Jazz Band will take place November 19, and the Concert Band will perform December 3. Both concerts will take place in Tawes Theatre at 4 p.m. Regarding the ensembles, Parcell said, "They are performing well together during rehearsals, and we'll be ready to present a wonderful show."In addition, Holdren and Catharine Clarke hope to perform a short opera in February entitled Telephone by Gian-Carlo Menotti. The two will perform several duets and arias from Mozart's operas, along with the main opera.
The plot centers on a young man that wishes to propose to his girlfriend.
However, he is interrupted by several phone calls that she insists on answering. The plot is resolved when, in desperation, he goes to a phone booth to call her.300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782