'A String Fort Smith' set to perform virtual spring concert
A String Fort Smith will hold its second virtual concert on Saturday, April 10 at 3 p.m. on St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church's YouTube channel. Among the many highlights of the program will be appearances by guest artists Jay Shepherd on guitar and Darci Wright on castanets, in a performance of the famous fandango movement from "Boccherini Guitar Quintet in D Major, G. 448."
In addition, the viewing public will be treated to two compositions by Southside High School senior and cellist, Tyler Lewis, titled “Our Time” and “Buena Onda.” Lewis, who plans to pursue a degree in music composition with a goal of composing music for film, TV and video games, will speak further about his inspiration for these compositions prior to the concert on April 10.
“While I had a very different inaugural 2020-2021 season in mind for A String Fort Smith, given the COVID-19-related challenges impacting the entire performing arts industry, our second performance of the season will consist of an exceptional virtual performance instead. [W]e shall present a concert of delightful instrumental chamber works by Schubert, Grieg and Boccherini, including two world premieres by Fort Smith resident and composer Tyler Lewis. Our performance is free and open to all, and I look forward to welcoming everyone on this occasion,” stated Lori Fay, founder and director of A String Fort Smith.
In a recent interview, Lewis noted, “I wrote 'Our Time' near the beginning of this school year. I wanted to write something to represent this feeling of almost nostalgia that I was having from not getting the chance to play and make music with others like before due to COVID-19. I actually remember being in such a groove when I was composing it that I ended up finishing it the same day, save for some cleaning up.”
Of his second composition on the program, Lewis stated, “‘Buena Onda’ began with me being rather pumped up after a rehearsal with our chamber ensemble, that I wanted to challenge myself and compose something that was out of my comfort zone. I actually had our chamber ensemble in mind while writing it, so I didn’t hold back when it came to the difficulty level. After messing around and tinkering with the piece off and on for a little less than a year, I ended up with this short, fun, odd-metered tango.”
A String Fort Smith, founded in the summer of 2020 by Fay, is aimed at fostering excellence and unprecedented performing opportunities for junior- and high-school age students interested in pursuing careers in the performing arts. Assisted by four devoted colleagues: assistant director Barbara Godette (violoncello), Brian G. Kim (violin), Anthony Verge (violin and viola) and Josue Saucedo (double bass), A String Fort Smith participants are selected based on an audition.
The ensemble consists of the most advanced and dedicated students – approximately eight to 12 participants per semester – who make a commitment to rehearse for one hour once per week at St. Bartholomew’s Church. Members of A String Fort Smith’s 2021 spring semester, all of whom won a spot in the ensemble based on an outstanding audition, are from a combination of Southside and Northside high schools. Participants include Southside High School students Kate Wootten, Tina Nguyen and Iana Perry on violin; Tyler Lewis and Callie Shannon on violoncello; and Jedidiah Lightner on viola; as well as Northside High School students Emaline Pendleton and Gregory Allen on violin; and Angel Duron on viola. The ensemble is delighted to welcome Southside High School graduate Blair Ranells on violin to its roster of fine players this semester.
Fay is a widely-respected violinist and brings years of symphony orchestra, chamber music, solo performing and recording experience to the Fort Smith area. She received a Master of Music in Violin Performance from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University in Houston as well as a Master of Music in Teaching from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, Ohio. Since settling in Fort Smith over 15 years ago and establishing a career as associate concertmaster of the Fort Smith Symphony, co-founder and co-director of DuoBrava, private violin, viola and piano instructor, and more, her passion remains working with young string players interested in improving their skills and deepening their love of music.
For more information about the work of A String Fort Smith, or for string players interested in auditioning for A String Fort Smith, please contact office@astringfortsmith.com.