Friday, January 2nd at 6pm - Montour Falls, NY
A NEW YEAR'S GIFT (First Friday Music Series)
Old Havana Courthouse Theatre
Sponsored by the Montour Falls Memorial Library
408 West Main Street in Montour Falls, New York
Meet the artists at a reception following the concert at the Library next door
Inspired by the ancient custom of gift-giving to mark the new year, Duo Mignarda will present a special program of music of the British Isles from circa 1580 - 1680. With the music of John Dowland as the centerpiece, the program will feature forward-looking English songs and lute music from historical sources, probing the perfect marriage of poetry and music - with texts both light and dark - from the Golden Age of English lute songs. Duo Mignarda will perform music by John Dowland, John Danyel, Thomas Campion, Thomas Morley, Robert Jones and others, with early Scottish music and a smattering of traditional ballads and dance tunes.
More information at www.mignarda.com
Quotes from Audiences, Colleagues & Critics
"Congratulations on a really exquisite rendering of your selection from 'Pilgrimes Solace'! Donna, I love your expressive, plaintive quality - and such intelligence shines behind every word and sentiment."
- Anthony Rooley, Director, Consort of Musicke; Professor, Schola Cantorum Basiliensis (Basel, Switzerland)
Thanks for your way to make music: it's full of good taste, that is something rare in this strange world of the "early music".
And thanks to the singer, for her beautiful voice and elegance.
-
Marco Beasley, Accordone (Bologna, Italy)
"I believe that you and Donna form the pre-eminent lute song duo of our time."
- William Samson (Scotland)
"I was transfixed by the clarity and musicality of the lute...and of course Donna's voice was absolutely beautiful. I can see why your CDs are being met with critical acclaim. I was enraptured."
- Gregory Heislman, Director of Music at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine (Cleveland, Ohio)
"My other band crush this year is Mignarda. What can I say? Ron Andrico and Donna Stewart have captured my heart. The depth and emotion in their playing is nearly overwhelming. I have learned a lot from them and we've made some stunning recordings together. You need to hear this. It will change you..."
Will Russell, Owner, Recording Engineer, Electric Wilburland Studio (Newfield, New York)
"Your concert was revelatory in several ways, especially as it challenged our ears and hearts to enter a realm difficult to access these days, where subtlety and elegance trump flash and flamboyance, and content, rather than effect, is primary."
- Reverend Cullie Mowers, St. Thomas Episcopal Church (Slaterville Springs, New York)
"Your music was very moving as were the two of you interacting musically & otherwise. Entirely appropriate to the gentle nature of the music itself, but also a tribute to the wonderful sensitivity which you bring to it."
- Alan Hoyle (UK)
About Mignarda
Donna Stewart & Ron Andrico, better known as Mignarda, are one of the few professional lute song duos in the US. Dedicated to music of the 16th century, Mignarda's engaging approach has set a new standard for interpretation, authenticity and musicianship. Based in rural upstate New York, Mignarda performs throughout the US with an international audience for their ten critically-acclaimed recordings and a growing series of editions of historical music for voice and lute. Mignarda's CD, Divine Amarillis, received the 2009 JPF Best Classical Vocal Album Award, and the duo maintain an active schedule in touring, recording and teaching. In addition to live performances, their music has gained international exposure through radio and television broadcasts across the US.
Mignarda specialize in performing music that resides in the grey zone between folk and art music, with interpretations that follow the renaissance ideal of 'moving the passions' of the listener. They recently celebrated their 10-year anniversary with release of their 9th CD, music from John Dowland's A Pilgrimes Solace.
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