On Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Auerbach Auditorium of St. Mary’s Hall, the Clazzical Project blends classical music with jazz renditions, along with humorous “anecdotes” about each piece designed to educate and entertain. The event will also feature performances by St. Mary’s College students. The program is free and open to the public.
The Clazzical Project is a cross between tradition and, as aptly coined by the group, “outside the Bachs,” making it accessible to music lovers of all kinds. After hearing the classical rendition, listeners will enjoy “ingenious and beautiful juxtaposition of jazz treatments against iconic classical melodies,” according to Jeffrey Silberschlag, music director of Chesapeake Orchestra and Italy’s Alba Music Festival. The performance will take one on a journey of mind bending “What ifs;” combining famous classical works with improvisational jazz. Through stories both fictional and funny, commentaries on each piece include an almost believable fantasy. They allow one to imagine the possibility of unusual musical classical composer and jazz artist meet-ups surprising the listener again and again.
The Classical Project trio features Don Stapleson (flute), director of the St. Mary’s College Jazz Bands who also performs with his group, “The Don Stapleson Quartet.” Pete Fields’ (guitar) repertoire ranges from classical guitar, jazz, and Latin music. His release, “Stillness of the Heart,” is a collection of compositions for classical guitar and has received airplay throughout the country. Fred Lieder (cello) has been a fixture on the Washington area music scene playing classical, jazz, blues, rock and Celtic. He released his solo instrumental tunes on “Cello Blues” and his first book, “My Cello Has the Blues.”
The event also features guest pianist Brian Ganz, known for his mastery of classical music, and considered a leading pianist of his generation. He has performed world-wide with major symphonies. Beverly Babcock is a beloved St. Mary’s College faculty member and accomplished pianist.
For more information on the Clazzical Project visit http://www.theclazzicalproject.com/.