Sept. 23, 2013

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island presents the first concert of its Chamber Music Series season with “Go For Baroque!” by Island Consort, an Early Music ensemble.

“Go For Baroque” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5 at the congregation’s hall in Freeland.

Island Consort presents music composed by the most famous composers of the Baroque period (Handel and Bach), by earlier and lesser-known composers (Telemann, A. Scarlatti and Purcell), and by other seldom-heard -but-thoroughly enjoyable Early Music composers (Ferrabosco, White, Ravenscoft and Viviani).

Be thoroughly entertained by music for small vocal ensembles, small instrumental ensembles and large instrumental ensembles. Instruments for Island Consort performances include: harpsichord, violin, viola, doublebass, flute, oboe, bassoon and trumpet.

Island Consort exists for the purpose of furthering  enjoyment of Early Music, specifically for the delight in the inner dance, in the beautiful melodies, the rhythmic drive, the chromatic twists and turns of the harmony, the intricate weaving of multiple interwoven melodies, the sacred and secular texts, the frivolous, the transcendent, the poignant and the sublime.

Founder and artistic director, Sheila Weidendorf, speaks passionately about the importance of music.

“It matters not in what epoch music winds its way from the spheres to our hearts and ears,” Weidendorf said.

“We are truly blessed to partake of this gift; to make music, to share it, to hear it. We hope our joy in this music is pleasing to your ears and sparks something of note in your hearts.”

Members of Island Consort are an amazing cadre of instrumentalists and vocalists, each bringing their unique musical gifts, graces and commitment to the greater ensemble. The Consort is fortunate to have Dianne Vars as its vocal conductor, while the instrumental ensemble enjoys the collaboration and leadership of Chris Harshman.

“Go For Baroque!” is the first of four presented by UUCWI for the 2013-2014 series.

Future performances will include:

• Gloria Ferry-Brennan and Friends — Nov. 15 and 16, featuring Whidbey’s sensational young violinist and a host of local guests
• Fred & Ginger, No Dancing! — Feb. 14 and 15, featuring music of stage and screen from the 1930s and 1940s
• Springtime Rhapsody and Romance —  April 12, featuring the music of Beethoven, Brahms, Kreisler and Strauss performed by Nola Allen (piano), Teo Benson (violin), Frances Kenney (oboe) and Susan Strick (soprano)

All concerts include commentary by Eileen Soskin, a well-known musical scholar, pianist and beloved Whidbey Island resident.

All tickets are $15 at the door or get them in advance at Moonraker Books in Langley; the Habitat for Humanity store in Freeland; or by email at uucwiconcerts@ yahoo.com.

Concerts start promptly at 7:30 p.m. at the congregation’s hall at 20103 Highway 525 in Freeland.

(Pictured at top, an oil painting by Netherlands painter Gerard-van-Kuijl titled “Musicerend Gezelschap.”)