ANNAPOLIS — Six flutists, including performers from California, Boston and the District of Columbia area present “Flutes Fatale,” a program of music by women composers, performed by all women, as part of the Arts in the Woods concert series, Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 8 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis located at 333 Dubois Road in Annapolis.
Washington-area flutist Karen Johnson organized the ensemble of outstanding flutists specifically to perform compositions that reflect women’s contributions to music.
“One of the unique things about this program is that none of the pieces is a transcription; meaning they were all written for the precise combination and types of flutes found in the program, said Johnson. “For example, there is a piece for piccolo, two C flutes, and bass flute called Umoja, by Valerie Coleman. Umoja is Swahili for unity. It’s based on an African song that is traditionally sung the first day of Kwanza.
“Another piece, Gaelic Offering by Catherine McMichael, for four C flutes, charms us with various Gaelic-inspired dances and ballads. Garnet Valley Groove, written by jazz flutist Ali Ryerson, for four flutes and alto flute takes us to a jazzy groove.
“We have a quintet called Flock, based on Minimalist Music. It is written by a young flute duo (two young women) named Flutronix! And we are also performing a haunting duo, Au Dela du Temps, for two flutes and piano by the Japanese composer Yuko Uebayashi.
“There are other, equally compelling, pieces that complete this uplifting program.”
Johnson also noted that almost all members of the flute family are represented in the program: Piccolo, C Flute, Alto Flute, and Bass Flute.
Performers for the March 2 concert include Johnson, who is principal flutist of the Chesapeake Orchestra, is on the music faculties of St Mary’s College of Maryland, the Levine School of Music, and the Northern California Flute Camp in Carmel, and performs widely as a soloist and with her group Dancing Heart; Stacy Ascione, who is principal flutist with the U.S. Air Force Concert Band in Washington, D.C.; Rebecca Carey and Kathleen Jacobi, both teachers of traditional and Suzuki flute at the Levine School of Music; Lauren Panfili, who has performed extensively in the U.S. and in Brazil and is currently on the faculty of Indian Hill Music in Littleton, Massachusetts; and Karen Van Dyke, director of the Stanford University Flute Ensemble and director of the Northern California Flute Camp. Also performing on pieces that include piano will be Mariko Hiller, D.C.-area chamber and jazz musician.
The March 2, 2019, program “Flutes Fatale” is part of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis Arts in the Woods concert series, now in its sixth year. Classical performances are held every other month. Regular attendees should note that the March 2 performance is Saturday evening, starting at 8:00 p.m. and is a departure from the usual Sunday matinee schedule. For
information, visit www.uuannapolis.org or call 410-266-8044.
Tickets are $15 at the door; free for youth 16 and under. For more information, visit www.uuannapolis.org or call 410-266-8044.