The Six Brandenburg Concertos

Annie Rabbat, first violin; Beth Guterman, first viola; Jing Li, first cello; Misha Grandel, soprano trumpet; and the entire Gardner Chamber Orchestra, performed wonderfully last Sunday. Paula Robison, the director of the Orchestra, and Orlando Cela played harmoniously together on their flutes. All of the musicians played passionately and eloquently. As a musician in the audience commented, "It was a real tour de force."

Tickets are now on sale by phone and on-line for the Winter/Spring 2008 concert series. Many sell out so it is advantageous to purchase them in advance. While at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum relax around the courtyard , enjoy the art, and try the cafe . The food is very good.

Poetry at the Loring Greenough House

Mary Collins read from her book You and the Sun at a historic house museum in Jamaica Plain. Her poetry is very visual and her delivery was excellent. She was joined by two other excellent poets who presented in riveting style. The Loring Greenough House was built before the Revolutionary War and has wonderful French wallpaper and period antiques. The first floor serves many community functions including the monthly poetry readings as well as folk and chamber music concerts. I should go back soon to take a tour and see the collections on the second floor.