** FREE ** can't get better than that !

FREE concerts at...

 Boston's New England Conservatory!

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Lately, I've become obsessed with both 'free' and/or 'classical' music. Put the two of them together and I'm a happy guy ! :)

So......... most recently I've become aware of what goes on at the
 New England Conservatory. As I understand it the students need to perform in front of an audience, that's where I come in.  It's great to witness the beginnings of future symphony masters !  The NEC has a 'season' where senior students must perform their recital for 'credit'. How stressful is that.  Actually it all seems flawless to me (I can't carry a note to save my life). The tension in the air mounts as the lights dim and the evening of quality music begins. 

Check out the totally thrilling (FREE) concerts I've attended over the past several weeks.  If you didn't attend at least one of these (FREE) concerts, you missed out.

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As the New England Conservatory 'teachers' say...

"Great artists give free concerts at New England Conservatory 

 simply because the teach here."

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John Gibbons

NEC faculty member gives a recital on a harpsichord after Pierre Donzelague (1713). The program surveys the literature and contrasts the different national styles from England, France, Italy and Germany. from the 16th to the 17th centuries.

At NEC, Gibbons leads the NEC Bach Ensemble, composed of students who are interested in performing Baroque works on modern instruments. Gibbons typically directs these concerts from the keyboard.

A distinguished keyboard artist and foundAt NEC, Gibbons leads the NEC Bach Ensemble, composed of students who are interested in performing Baroque works on modern instruments. Gibbons typically directs these concerts from the keyboard.ing member of the Boston Museum Trio, John Gibbons has performed as harpsichord and fortepiano soloist with major ensembles in the U.S. and Europe, among them the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, New York Chamber Symphony, Orchestra of the 18th Century, Philharmonia Baroque, and the Da Camera Society of Houston. He performs regularly at such festivals as those in Torino and Spoleto, Italy, Chamber Music Northwest, and the Aston Magna Festival in the Berkshires

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Natasha Brofsky

NEC faculty member give a recital with assistance from guest artists Violaine Melancon, DMA pianist and NEC prep faculty Qing Jiang, and student cellists from her studio.

Natasha Brofsky has enjoyed a career in both the United States and Europe.  She joined the New England Conservatory cello faculty in 2004, and served as assistant chair of strings.

Her students enjoy careers as performers and teachers all over the world. Recent student honors include a Grammy nomination, a prize at the Cassado cello competition in Japan, and appearances on radio and television.

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Tonight's program was diverse:

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Three Songs from Jewish Life

Prayer

Supplication

Jewish Song

Senate for Violin and Cello

Allegro

Tre's vif

Vif, avec entrain

Habil-sajaby (In Habil's Style)

for cello and prepared piano

Aubade for 12 cellos (1974)

Andantion

Allegro ritmico

Allegretto amabile

Vivascissimo

Andante

Presto

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Cello ... a.k.a. a very big violin, too big and heavy to put under your chin !