Final concert of this summer's series

Free viola recital

Medieval Bande concert to benefit Higher Ground

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At 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 3^rd, the Woodbinde Medieval Bande will present a program titled "Circa 1215: English Music from the Period of the Magna Carta" 

The performance takes its cue from the upcoming visit of the Magna Carta to Williamstown. That document, which the much-despised King John was forced by his barons to seal at Runnymede in 1215, limited the monarchy and granted certain basic freedoms; it is considered to have laid the groundwork for constitutional monarchy in England, and later to have become the basis for the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights in the United States. One of only four extant copies of the Magna Carta will be on display at the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown from September 6^th through November 2^nd, before returning to Lincoln Cathedral in England in time for a celebration of the 800^th anniversary of the document.

Music in England in the 13^th century was varied and exciting. At the “Circa 1215” performance, Woodbinde members Eric Buddington, Sue Matsui, Doug Paisley, Marc Simpson, and Karen Swann will present (on voice and period instruments) monophonic love songs, early polyphony, dance tunes, political songs, and songs that expound on the certainty of death, exhorting listeners to live chaste and virtuous lives. There will be one sing-along song for everyone who would like to join. Come and experience an hour in the sound-scape of 13^th-century England, and help celebrate the Magna Carta’s visit to the Berkshires! The performance is free and open to the public. 

Admission is free; dontations may be made at the door to benefit Higher Ground.

Jazz standards performed by Bill Wooters (piano), Jimmy Bergin (viola) and Ted Gilley (bass), with Evita Cobo (vocals)  Munch on snacks, chat with your friends and enjoy the music.  

New York-based musicians Nicole Schoeder (flute) and violinist Emily Kalish (violin) return to the Summer Concert series accompanied by North Adams native Scott Bailey (piano).  The concert will begin at noon and last for 45 minutes. Audience members are invited to bring a bag lunch; St. John's will provide drinks and cookies.

Nicole Schroeder is a freelance flutist in New York City and Pennsylvania who performs a wide range of musical styles on flute, piccolo, alto flute, and bamboo flute. She is principal flutist of the Northern Tier Symphony Orchestra and also performs with Aerie Winds, the Branchfield/Schroeder Duo, The SymphoNYChorus, and the symphonic rock band Symfinity. An avid musical theatre fan, Nicole has played in numerous pit orchestras at theatres in New York and Pennsylvania. 

Violinist Emily Kalish is committed to bringing audiences thoughtful, imaginative and emotionally honest interpretations of the classical repertoire as well as new works written by twenty-first century composers. She makes her home in New York City and has performed and taught throughout the tri-state area. She is a member of the Binghamton Symphony and is on the faculty of Concordia Conservatory of Music and Art.

Pianist Scott Bailey is staff accompanist/coach at Westfield State University. He has served as staff accompanist at UMass Amherst and MCLA, and as Director of Choral Activities at Bay Path College. He served as music director at the First Congregational Church of North Adams, UCC, where he coordinated the North County Music Series and directed the North County Ecumenical Choir.