by Shera Cohen
There is no escaping music in the Berkshire Hills, even when
you are least expecting. In the last six days, I have had five music
experiences all within a short drive from each other.
“The Music Man” – Berkshire Theatre Group, Colonial Theatre,
Pittsfield, MA
It is obvious that a play with this title will provide
music. I must say that, perhaps except for “Annie” renditions of “It’s a Hard
Knock Life,” I would safely say that “The Music Man” claims the distinction of
having the most brain worms ever to be found in a musical. “The Wells Fargo
Wagon,” “Ya Got Trouble,” and “Gary, Indiana” are still in my head.
Sevenars Music Festival – Worthington, MA
Once a week, the Schrade family hosts a small concert in
their lovely, rustic theatre. While the Schrades are usually onstage, the
musicians were the talented Emmanuel Feldman (cello) and Joy Cline Phinney
(piano). The selected music was penned by Beethoven, Brahms, Gershwin, and
George Walker. The latter’s composition, atypical from the others, was upbeat
contemporary jazz. Intermission treats included the best mini-éclairs I’ve ever
tasted. www.sevenars.org
Last week’s concert was the last performance by this group
to take place in the Berkshires. While 30 or so of the 300 voices were heard on
the veranda of the Norman Rockwell Museum, the sampling of BCF talents was
heard loud and clear. To me, combining two or more art forms in one venue at
the same time, is a class act. Rockwell and Warhol, “accompanied” by folk and show
tune songwriters was a perfect mix.
www.berkshirechoral.org
www.berkshirechoral.org
Shostakovich and The Black Monk, Chekov and Stalin, the
Emerson String Quartet and Osawa Hall made for three unique duos. The impetus
for my Tanglewood visit was the quartet, not realizing that I would also hear a
narrated/acted theatre piece set, in part, to music. Tanglewood is certainly
the place to experience ambitious work in music. Admittedly, the sections
highlighting the quartet stood out splendidly. The following evening’s concert
featured only the quartet. www.bso.org/tanglewood
Lots of bands, 3rd Thursday in Pittsfield, downtown
Pittsfield, MA
A walk on Main Street, Pittsfield on each month’s third
Thursday makes for a fun community experience for adults and kids. There’s all
kinds of food (junk or healthy, entrees or just on a stick), farmers market,
hula-hoop contests, basketball games, antique cars, and guys on stilts. And
music! Mostly rock, mostly contemporary, and good ol’ oldies tossed into the
assortment. www.discoverpittsfield.com
