Posted on Friday, November 21 2003 - 03:06 PM - On Campus
The Hopkins Center was proud to bring the Adaskin String Trio to Dartmouth for an entire week of residency activities involving the campus and the community. During that week, the Adaskin String Trio visited a Music Theory class, rehearsed and served as models for two Studio Art classes, led educational and entertaining assemblies in two local elementary schools, held lecture/demonstrations for Afternoon Tea in Sanborn Library and Dartmouth medical students in Remsen Hall, performed mini-concerts at DHMC and with Sally Pinkas at East Wheelock House, entertained family audiences with an interactive HopStop performance, and collaborated with Bart Thurber, Curator of European Art, for a lecture/demonstration regarding the connections between Music and Art of 18th- and 19th-Century Europe held in the Kim Gallery at the Hood Museum of Art.
The Trio enthusiastically approached each event, regardless of how many activities were scheduled that day or if they would have time for private rehearsals. The Adaskin's residency culminated in an impressive, intense and masterful concert in Rollins Chapel on November 8 at 8pm.
Mark Fraser, cello, Emlyn Ngai, violin and Steve Larsen, viola, are amazingly versatile artists. They adapted to each event with ease, and chose music appropriate for the audience. Their repertoire included pieces written by composers who used music as a healing force through personal illness, adaptations of the “Mission Impossible” theme song, “The Flintstones” theme song and Jimi Hendrix's “Purple Haze”, as well as works by Haydn, Beethoven and Dohnanyi. Their performances were peppered with discussions and interactive segments ranging from the uniqueness of the string trio format to a lesson in conducting where the audience members were the instruments. The musicians were light-hearted and very professional. They took time to explain each piece and provided personal tidbits about each composer, tailored to the audience. Their events were an harmonious blend of education and entertainment. During their stay, they influenced the lives of countless college students, teachers, community members, and elementary school children, as evidenced by audience feedback:
“I found it very (1) educational, and (2) entertaining... their performance was very moving; even though only parts of the pieces were performed, I felt like the music carried me... in terms of physical motion, breathing, mental images... very nicely done!” – Christopher Nitkin '06
“It was a pleasure to draw a dynamic scene, and it's also interesting to watch musicians practice, instead of just watching them perform. It gives depth to listening to music.” – Beau Saccoccia '04
“It was a great performance and an uplifting experience. I could have listened to them all night, but I know that was their 4th performance of the day. I think that music is perhaps the most therapeutic art (for those consuming the art, not those who create it) and hope that there are more events like Tuesday's.” – Andrea M. Osborne
“It was an incredible display of musicianship and truly inspiring. The intimate setting and nature of the piece was perfect. All of the trio members as well as Sally Pinkas were also eager to talk about their interests in music, etc, and I really enjoyed talking with them.” – Lindsey Larson '07
“I just listened to these guys playing in the hospital for 20 minutes - best moment of my week!” – Dr. Bryan Marsh
“There was a wonderful blend of the ”technical information“ interspersed with humorous antics that made the performance fun. And of course, the music was wonderful!” – First Grade Teacher at Maple Avenue School in Claremont
The Adaskin String Trio was truly a joy to work with. We look forward to working with them again, and to continue bringing residencies like this to the Dartmouth Community.
