VentiCordi Debuts in Kennebunk

Kennebunk, Maine – June 29, 2009. New chamber music is coming to the Kennebunks this summer, as VentiCordi makes its debut, with concerts on July 23 and August 11, at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Kennebunk.

VentiCordi (Winds and Strings) is a musical collaboration between oboist Kathleen McNerney and violinist Dean Stein, combining their love of chamber music with innovative programming that blends wind and string instruments. Both Ms. McNerney and Mr. Stein performed as members of professional chamber ensembles. Ms. McNerney played oboe with two woodwind quintets in Los Angeles; Imbroglio and Calico Winds, and Mr. Stein was a violinist with the DaPonte String Quartet. Their respective musical journeys prepared them to explore creative frontiers beyond the usual constraints of either format.

VentiCordi’s debut concert of July 23 puts the spotlight on the two directors, oboist Kathleen McNerney and violinist Dean Stein. The opening work is the witty quartet by Jean Françaix, featuring Ms. McNerney performing on the oboe’s lower voiced cousin, English Horn. Mr. Stein will present Bach’s Chaconne for solo violin, a masterful work for which he has great passion. Guest artists Kimberly Lehmann, violist, and Christina Chute, cellist, join Mr. Stein in Beethoven’s dramatic Trio in C minor. Ms. McNerney is again featured, as Mozart’s brilliant genius shines in his Quartet for oboe and strings.

The August 11th concert will feature music from the Baroque to the Contemporary. The concert opens with the Sonata for violin and oboe by Baroque composer Zelenka, with guest artists bassoonist Wren Saunders, cellist Paul Ross and harpsichordist Peter Sykes. Two duos add contrast to the program. First, the colorful sounds of Brazil come to life in the Duo for oboe and bassoon of Heitor Villa-Lobos, followed by the Russian composer Gliere’s charming set of Duos for violin and cello. Los Angeles based composer John Steinmetz will be in attendance to introduce his work, ‘Mixed Blessings’ for oboe, bassoon, violin, cello, and harpsichord. This performance will be the Maine premiere of ‘Mixed Blessings’.

Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church located at 114 Main Street in Kennebunk. General Admission is $20 at the door. Seniors, $15, 18 years and younger, $5. For more information you can email VentiCordi at VentiCordi@gmail.com, visit VentiCordi online at www.VentiCordi.com or phone (207) 725-0219.