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David Darling and Friends in Concert
Veteran cellist, composer and international recording artist David Darling has been nominated for a Grammy award for his recent "Hearts of Space" recording Cello Blue in the category of Best New Age Album. A celebration of his music and dedication to his beloved organization, Music for People, will be held on Saturday, February 23 at 8 p.m. at Litchfield Intermediate School on Plumb Hill Road in Litchfield. Diverse instruments such as the cello, mountain dulcimer, piano and world percussion will help music weave its magic as David is joined by fellow Music for People graduates Thomasina, Peter Hawes, Randy Brody and Monica Robelotto.
"Maverick Cellist" is the phrase most often assigned to David Darling, but it hardly captures the richness, diversity, breadth and sense of humor of a man who has literally redefined the way the cello is played. Regardless of whether David is playing his cello for whales in the ocean, music lovers in Taiwan or children at a school assembly, all audiences are captivated by his extraordinary musicianship and playful performing style.
In the early 1980s, David Darling and his friend, Bonnie Insull, founded a grassroots organization called Music for People, which would help others to connect with music in a profound and personal way. What began as a small, local Connecticut network is now an internationally recognized nonprofit organization that brings people together in workshops throughout North America, Asia and Europe.
Recording artist Thomasina of Litchfield is an internationally recognized mountain dulcimer player, singer, and songwriter whose performances weave together the best of traditional and contemporary folk music, appealing to a wide array of audiences. Her original dulcimer style has helped to bring the dulcimer out of the mountains and into the mainstream of modern music.
Connecticut resident Peter Hawes is a performing and teaching percussionist specializing in West African and Middle Eastern hand drumming, as well as improvisational music, vocals and body percussion. He performs world-influenced music as a solo artist, with Framework Percussion Ensemble and with other collaborators; teaches in schools throughout New England; and leads drum circles and music-improvisation workshops in communities across the United States.
Randy Brody of Weston, CT has been playing Latin, African and Middle Eastern drums and percussion instruments for more than 35 years. As the director of Drum-N-Dance in Weston, he facilitates community drum circles, music improvisation and drumming workshops. Randy's drum and rhythm circles have become regular additions to wellness programs at senior centers throughout Fairfield County. In addition, he has been using drumming as a vehicle to help children with developmental and learning disorders to better connect with other people and the world around them.
Monica Robelotto is a an extraordinary pianist whose style is solidly rooted in the classical genre. Ms. Robelotto and David Darling have recently released a new CD on Darling’s Blue Adagio record label, titled Tranzdanze, which presents beautiful original compositions, arrangements and improvisations with the piano and cello. Monica performs and teaches throughout New England from her home base in Northampton, MA.
Tickets for the concert are $12 adults, $6 children (under age 12); proceeds will benefit Music for People, a not-for-profit organization which promotes self-expression through music and improvisation. For reservations and more info call 860-567-1605.
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