2023 Summer Festival Program
Table of Contents
Festival Schedule
From the Artistic Director
From the Board Chair
From the Executive Director
The History of Monadnock Music
What is Monadnock Music?
Monadnock Music in the Schools
2023 Concerts
Performer Bios
Supper Club
Monadnock Music Staff and Trustees
Members, Grants, and Bequests
Corporate Sponsors
Town Chairs
2023 Festival Schedule
June
Thursday, June 15, 12-1pm ~ Depot Park, Peterborough, NH
Sunday, June 18, 4pm ~ Jaffrey Meetinghouse, Jaffrey, NH
Wednesday, June 21, 5:30pm ~ Supper Club, prior to Salon Concert - Open to Supper Club members
Wednesday, June 21, 6:30pm ~ Salon Concert
~ In the home of Board Member Tommy Barth & Jacques Luckey, Keene, NH
- $35 general / $30 members
Sunday, June 25, 4pm ~ Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, NH
Thursday, June 29, 7pm ~ Emmanuel Church, Dublin, NH
July
Thursday, July 6 ~ Family Concerts
12pm - Keene Public Library, Keene, NH
2pm - Peterborough Town Library, Peterborough, NH
4pm - Olivia Rodham Memorial Library, Nelson, NH
Sunday, July 9, 4pm ~ Ahavas Achim Synagogue, Keene, NH
Sunday, July 16, 4pm ~ Lawn Concert ~ On the property of Christine Keller, Wilton, NH
- $30 general / $25 members / under 18 free
Thursday, July 20, 7pm ~ Milford Town Hall, Milford, NH
Saturday, July 22 ~ Progressive Garden Party ~ Throughout the Monadnock Region
- $80 general / $75 members
Wednesday, July 26, 6pm ~ Supper Club ~ The Gardens of Louisa Thoron, Jaffrey, NH - Open to Supper Club members
Thursday, July 27, 7pm ~ Park Hill Meeting House, Westmoreland, NH
Sunday, July 30, 4pm ~ Harrisville Community Church, Harrisville, NH
August
Wednesday, August 2, 6pm ~ Supper Club ~ In the home of Tommy Barth, Keene, NH - Open to Supper Club members
Wednesday, August 9, 7pm ~ Nelson Congregational Church, Nelson, NH
Sunday, August 13, 4pm ~ Francestown Meeting House, Francestown, NH
Friday, August 25, 6-9pm ~ Gala Under the Stars ~ At the home of Mary Jane Beauregard, Wilton, NH
- $150 general / $125 members
September
Friday, September 8 ~ Viennese Waltz ~ Knollwood, 4 Windmill Hill Road, Dublin, NH
- $100 general / $200 benefactor
Concerts and events listed in bold are ticketed or Supper Clubs. Programs and artist roster are subject to change.
Latecomers will be seated at the first convenient pause in the program. To avoid disturbing other patrons, please turn off or silence your mobile and electronic devices before the performance.
2023 Concerts
June
Summer
Listen & Lunch
Thursday, June 15, 12-1pm
Depot Park ~ Peterborough, NH
Selections for Violin, Guitar, and Cello
Charles Dimmick, violin
Rachel Braude, flute
Rafael Popper-Keizer, cello
Program:
Featuring music by
Heitor Villa-Lobos,
Josef Haydn,
and Johann Sebastian Bach
Free & Open to the Public
Jaffrey Village Concert
Sunday, June 18, 4pm
Jaffrey Meetinghouse ~ Jaffrey, NH
Violin, Flute, Guitar, Cello
Charles Dimmick, violin
Rachel Braude, flute
David William Ross, guitar
Rafael Popper-Keizer, cello
Program:
Georg Philipp Telemann: Sonata for flute and violin in e minor, TWV40:102
Hilary Tann: Llef
Frank Wallace: Triangulo, for flute, violin, and guitar
Lana Janjanin: Nobody's Folklore (Folk Song #2)
Akshaya Avril Tucker: Breathing Sunlight
Niccolo Paganini: Terzetto in D major op. 66
Free & Open to the Public
Salon Concert
Wednesday, June 21, 7pm
6:30pm doors
In the home of Board Member Tommy Barth & Jacques Luckey ~ Keene, NH
Piano and Violin recital
Omar Chen Guey, violin
Yelena Beriyeva, piano
Program:
Featuring music by Johannes Brahms and Maurice Ravel
Supper Club
Wednesday, June 21, 5:30pm
A gathering for cocktails on the lawn prior to the Salon concert.
Open to Supper Club members.
Rindge Village Concert
Sunday, June 25, 4pm
Franklin Pierce University, New Hampshire Hall ~ Rindge, NH
Music for Piano, Clarinet, Voice, and Cello
Carrie Cheron, mezzo-soprano
Amy Advocat, clarinet
Rafael Popper-Keizer, cello
Yoko Hagino, piano
Program:
Johannes Brahms: Two Songs for Alto, Cello, and Piano op. 91
George Walker: Sostenuto, from Sonata for Cello and Piano
Lior Navok: Three Songs on Poems by Leah Goldberg
Simon Sargon: Patterns in Blue
Johannes Brahms: Clarinet Trio in a minor, op. 114
Free & Open to the Public
Dublin Village Concert
Thursday, June 29, 7pm
Emmanuel Church ~ 924 Dublin Road, Dublin, NH
Flute and Harp
Mary Kay Robinson, flute
Amanda Romano, harp
Program:
Featuring music by
Vincent Persichetti,
Charles Rochester Young,
and Astor Piazzolla
Free & Open to the Public
Monadnock Music Supper Club
Join the Monadnock Music Supper Club!
MM offers special events, meet & greets, private concerts for its Supper Club members to foster conversation and camaraderie among music lovers. All Members at the "Sponsoring" level and above ($500+) are automatically part of the club. If you are a Supper Club member, consider hosting an event in your home where you can invite your friends to join for a special evening centered around our common love of music!
Wednesday, June 21, 5:30pm
Cocktails on the lawn prior to the Salon Concert
Wednesday, July 26, 6pm
Dinner in the Garden with String Quartet Performance
Wednesday, August 2, 6pm
Cocktail Hour Vocal & Piano Concert
Contact laina@monadnockmusic.org to host an event!
July
Family Concerts
Thursday, July 6
12pm - Keene Public Library, Keene, NH
2pm - Peterborough Town Library, Peterborough, NH
4pm - Olivia Rodham Memorial Library, Nelson, NH
Rohan Gregory, violin
Rafael Popper-Keizer, cello
Michael Dell'Orto, narrator
Two dynamic folk tales from Germany and India, brought to life for strings and narrator.
Program:
Kile Smith: The Bremen Town Musicians
Thomas Whitman: The Princess and the Man with a Pure Heart
Free & Open to the Public
Keene Village Concert
Sunday, July 9, 4pm
Ahavas Achim Synagogue ~ 84 Hastings Avenue, Keene, NH
Copresented by Keene Pride
Vocal Recital
Charles Blandy, tenor
Will Prapestis, bass
Esther Ning Yau, piano
Program:
Roger Quilter: Three Shakespeare Songs, op. 6
Francis Poulenc: Metamorphoses
Ethel Smyth: Three Moods of the Sea
Aaron Copland: At the River
Jennifer Higdon: Civil Words
Benjamin Britten: Seven Sonnets of Michelangelo, op. 22
Free & Open to the Public
Lawn Concert
Tanglewood style
Sunday, July 16, 4pm
4pm picnic, 5pm concert
On the property of Christine and Rob Keller ~ 605 Isaac Frye Highway, Wilton, NH
Sophie et Adam
Sophie Michaux, mezzo-soprano
Adam Simon, guitar
Bring your own picnic and enjoy the music Tanglewood style.
Rain or Shine (in the event of rain, the concert will be held in the barn on the property).
Tickets: $30 adults, $25 members,
under 18 free
Milford Village Concert
Thursday, July 20, 7pm
Milford Town Hall ~ Milford, NH
Melodrama for narrator and piano
Frank Kelley, narrator
Eliko Akahori, piano
Program:
Franz Liszt: Der Traurige Monch, S.348
Robert Schumann: Schoen Hedwig, op. 106
Liza Lehmann: The Happy Prince: A Story by Oscar Wilde
Robert Schumann: Two Ballads, op. 122
Franz Liszt: Des toten Dichters Liebe, S. 349
Franz Schubert: Abschied von der Erde, D. 829
Free & Open to the Public
Progressive Garden Party
Saturday, July 22
Rain date July 29
Peterborough and Hancock, NH
See photos of previous Garden Parties our Concert Gallery.
A botanical tour of our region. Set to classical music, performed live in each garden, and featuring unique food and drink at each location.
Garden 1
12pm-1:15pm
Garden of Michael Gordon ~ 14 High Street, Peterborough, NH
Menu:
Carrot Habanero Gazpacho
Blueberry Brie Phyllo with Lemon Zest
Stone Fruit Rosé Sangria
Garden 2
1:30pm-3pm
Garden of Amy and Tim Riley ~ 37 Arundel Road, Peterborough, NH
Menu:
Mushroom Mascarpone & Thyme Cups
Watermelon Feta Mint Skewers
Blackberry Sage G&T featuring Monadnock Berries
Garden 3
3:30pm-5pm
Garden of Marci Smoger ~ 72 South Elmwood Road, Hancock, NH
Menu:
Cupcakes by Eat More Cake
Gelato by Frisky Cow Gelato
Cardamom Almond Espresso Martini featuring Terra Nova
Bring the Garden with you! Attendees are invited to wear floral inspired headwear! Pin some flowers on a sun hat or bring out your best fascinator. Be a flower in the garden party!
Supper Club
Wednesday, July 26, 6pm
The Gardens of Louisa Thoron ~ 139 Harkness Road, Jaffrey, NH
Dinner in the Garden
with String Quartet Performance
Schedule:
6pm - Cocktails and Charcuterie - Aperol Spritz, Wine, and Prosecco
6:30pm - String Quartet Performance
7pm - Dinner:
First Course: Heirloom Tomato Fennel Citrus Salad
Second Course: Fresh Tagliatelle with Pistachio Citrus Pesto and Seared Scallops
Third course: Limoncello Tiramisù
Required RSVP to laina@monadnockmusic.org by July 15
Open to Supper Club members
Westmoreland Village Concert
Thursday, July 27, 7pm
Park Hill Meeting House ~ Park Hill Common, Westmoreland, NH
String Quartet
Gabriela Diaz, violin
Charles Dimmick, violin
Grace Takeda, viola
Rafael Popper-Keizer, cello
Program:
Samuel Coleridge Taylor: Fantasy Pieces, op. 5
Kaija Saariaho: Aure for violin and cello (2011)
Kaija Saariaho: Nocturne for solo violin (1994)
Arvo Pärt: Psalom
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: String Quartet in D major, K. 575
Free & Open to the Public
The Monadnock Music Endowment Fund
The Monadnock Music Endowment Fund is managed by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, whose encouragement and counsel made the Fund’s establishment possible.
Individuals can make a direct and lasting contribution to Monadnock Music’s future by making a current gift or planned gift to the Monadnock Music Endowment Fund. It is through the Endowment that we are able to safeguard Monadnock Music’s financial well-being for the next generation.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of leaving a legacy, please contact Laina Barakat at 603-852-4345 or laina@monadnockmusic.org
Harrisville Village Concert
Sunday, July 30, 4pm
Harrisville Community Church ~ 13 Canal Street, Harrisville, NH
String Quartet
Gabriela Diaz, violin
Charles Dimmick, violin
Grace Takeda, viola
Rafael Popper-Keizer, cello
Program:
Franz Schubert: Quartettsatz in c minor, D. 703
Samuel Coleridge Taylor: Fantasy Pieces, op. 5
Cesar Franck: String Quartet in D major
In Memory of Founder Jocelyn Bolle
Free & Open to the Public
Become A Monadnock Music Member
As a crucial part of the Monadnock region’s cultural landscape, Monadnock Music has delighted its audiences for more than 50 years with spectacular concerts. These musical experiences are made possible from a variety of supporters including corporate sponsors and grants. But the most important support comes from you, our members.
Whether you’ve been supporting Monadnock Music for many years, or this is the first time you consider doing so, individual support is at the heart of this organization. We are here because of you—providing you with the best classical music in unmatchable settings.
Receive exclusive benefits as part of the Monadnock Music family. Benefits may include Member Appreciation Parties, Meet & Greets, Ticket Discounts, and more! Becoming a Monadnock Music member ensures you a summer full of world-class music at your front door!
August
Supper Club
Wednesday, August 2, 6pm
In the home of Tommy Barth ~ 61 Queens Road, Keene, NH
An Evening with the Monadnock Music Board of Directors
Cocktail Hour
Vocal & Piano Concert
Vocal and Piano performances by Tommy Barth & Michael Dell'Orto
Appetizers and Cocktails prepared by our Board Members
RSVP to laina@monadnockmusic.org
Open to Supper Club members
Nelson Village Concert
Wednesday, August 9, 7pm
Nelson Congregational Church ~ Nelson, NH
String Trio
Matthew Vera, violin
Samuel Kelder, viola
Rafael Popper-Keizer, cello
Program:
Louis Spohr: Allegro from Grand Duo for violin and viola, op. 13
Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson: Movement for String Trio
Gustave Samazeuilh: Selections from Suite en trio
Ludwig van Beethoven: String Trio op. 9 #1 in G major
Free & Open to the Public
The Jim Bolle Society
Monadnock Music’s planned giving society, honoring the legacy of our founder, James Bolle.
By including Monadnock Music in your estate plan or establishing a gift arrangement, you can obtain considerable income and estate tax advantages. As we look to a sustainable future and a way to propel the legacy of Jim decades into the future, your arrangements can support these efforts during your lifetime and beyond.
If you would like information about your planned giving available through Monadnock Music, please contact Laina Barakat at 603-852-4345 or laina@monadnockmusic.org
Francestown Village Concert
Sunday, August 13, 4pm
Francestown Meeting House ~ Francestown, NH
String Trio
Matthew Vera, violin
Samuel Kelder, viola
Rafael Popper-Keizer, cello
Program:
Franz Schubert: Trio in B-flat major, D. 471
Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson: Movement for String Trio
Emmy Frensel Wegener: Suite for String Trio
Ludwig van Beethoven: String Trio op. 9 #1 in G major
Free & Open to the Public
Gala Under the Stars
Presented by Fenton Family Dealerships
Friday, August 25, 6-9pm
At the home of Mary Jane Beauregard ~ 36 Wilson Road, Wilton NH
The Fourth Annual Fundraising Gala
A Night of Italian Opera
featuring Aerial Hoop Performance
by Duo Shadow
The Annual Fundraising Gala will amaze with Aerial performances by four Cirque du Soleil acrobats, pop-up musical performances, french catering, a seated concert, and silent auction, capping the evening off with a show by Atlas Fireworks!
Join us for "A Night of Italian Opera", featuring graceful and passionate works by Puccini, Bazzini, and Donizetti performed throughout the evening by members of the Monadnock String Quartet. Highlighted by the evening's featured performance of Respighi's dramatic cantata Il Tramonto (The Sunset), with brilliant young operatic soprano Carley DeFranco.
Schedule:
6:30pm - Arrival: Drinks, Charcuterie, Auction,
and String Quartet on the Porch
7:15pm - First Pop Up Performance
7:20pm - Passed Hors Devours
7:30pm - Circus Performance
8:00pm - Final Auction Bids
8:15pm - Barn Concert: String Quartet
8:45pm - Dessert & Auction Winners Announced
8:50pm - Fireworks Show
9:00pm - Departure
Menu:
Mini Croque Monsieur and Madam with Quail Egg
Mushroom & Truffle Custard Tart with Thyme
Pate with Caramelized Onion on Baguette
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Boursin Canapes
Roasted Beet & Citrus Salad on Endive
Macarons
Carley DeFranco
Operatic soprano Carley DeFranco has been described as "sweet-toned and radiant" and "achieving a timeless beauty" by the Boston Musical Intelligencer. DeFranco is a frequent performer with Boston Baroque, Emmanuel Music, and the Boston Opera Collaborative.
Duo Shadow
This duo hoop act (originally performed and choreographed by Caroline and Xochitl Sosa) won an Isadora Duncan award in 2017 in San Francisco, CA. Caroline Wright has performed with companies across the US and internationally including Cirque du Soleil and Circosphere. Rachel Barringer recently completed a contract with the Shanghai Circus and she regularly performs with the Boston Circus Guild. As Duo Shadow they completed a contract with Santa's Circus in Phoenix, AZ.
Caroline Wright
Caroline took to the air before she could walk on the ground, climbing curtains, furniture and anything else she could crawl to. She began her circus journey with Flying Gravity Circus, and continued her training at NECCA where she graduated from their Professional Track Program. She furthered her training with Elena Panova in SF, and with Sara Poole and other coaches at L'ecole Leotard in Montreal, CA.
Specializing in dance trapeze and aerial hoop, her performance with Duo Unravel won an Isadora Duncan Award. She has performed with many companies across the country and internationally, including AcroArts Productions, Circosphere and Cirque du Soleil. She and Rachel Barringer have now formed the partnership Duo Shadow, specializing in duo aerial hoop.
Rachel Barringer
Rachel is an aerialist and contortionist based in New England. She performs on aerial hoop, silks, rope, multi-cordes, aerial straps and duo hoop with Caroline Wright. Recently Rachel completed a contract performing aerial hoop and contortion with Shanghai Circus in Branson, Missouri. She has also gone on tour in the Midwest with the Boston Circus Guild in collaboration with the band Cordis. Rachel coaches aerial and contortion/flexibility at Esh Circus Arts in Somerville, MA, Commonwealth Circus Center in Jamaica Plain, MA, and L’Eglise du Cirque in Natick, MA.
September
Viennese Waltz
Friday, September 8, 6:30pm
Knollwood ~ 4 Windmill Hill Road, Dublin, NH
An elegant evening of music and dance, featuring cocktails, appetizers, and dessert.
Attire: Black Tie & Gown. Elegant Costume Encouraged
Schedule:
6:30pm - Arrival & Cocktails on the veranda
7:00pm - Concert in the Ballroom
7:45pm - Passed Appetizers
8:15pm - Waltz Demonstration by Yank Brames
8:30pm - Waltzing in the Ballroom
9:00pm - Desserts & Coffee
9:30pm - Farewells
RSVP by September 1st. Catering by Timberdoodle.
In order to help Monadnock Music support its free programming, consider purchasing the Benefactor ticket which comes with a Friend Level Membership.
