Concert Review: Low Key Chamber Concert #9

Concert Review:
Low Key Chamber Concert #9
Adriana Valdés, Ljiljana Winkler - sopranos, Gene Pritsker- guitar,
Peter Oswald - trumpet, Robert C. Ford - poet
@ The Sky Vault
presented by Composers Concordance Dec 12, 2021

     This delightful Holiday event, the 9th in a series called Low Key Chamber Concerts, adds to burgeoning body of work by various NYC artists, poets and musicians. The series, started in the middle of the pandemic, has continued to attract new performers and increasing views on Facebook Live, all still available for viewing.    

Starting off, Robert Ford and Gene Pritsker unveiled the new theme song and poem for SkyVault, accompanied by A cappella singers, lending even more authenticity to this lovely boutique venue. A poem from Robert’s newly released album, “Bitcoin without a Blockchain” started the official concert and once again looked at a topical issue in a most thought provoking way. Peter Oswald making his entrance, accompanied the recitation with poignant trumpet notes. Much more on Peter later.

Adriana Valdés chose a Baroque song, a moving piece about madness and happiness and their interplay. Accompanied by Gene, their rendition was most reflective and thoughtful. Poet Erik T Johnson’s 4 poems were set to music by Gene in the next mini set including 'Dear Science' and 'Sing'. His poetry is beautifully open to interpretation and reflection.

Ljiljana Winkler followed the previous night’s premiere of a song, 'Path' written by Gene, with a different version, showing the versatility of singing styles she commands. Quite moving. Next Adriana sang a Spanish song by one of Spain’s leading composers of the 20th century, deFalla. The vagaries of love and at times futility being the subject matter.

Composer Milica Paranosic presented a technically challenging guitar loop piece for Gene, “Duet for One”. Most interesting. Making more than a cameo appearance, Charles Coleman, presented 3 poems written in honor of his late father Val, “Seasons”. Accompanied by Ljiljana, they worked well together to contrast and accentuate the inherent differences of the seasons.

Roger Trèfousse, composer, based 2 poems on fragments from the Greek lyrical poet Sappho. Gene then performed this music with Adriana who delivered it with grace and empathy. Next up, Peter Oswald joined Gene and Ljiljana to interpret a poem by Jacob Miller. Especially with Peter’s trumpet playing, one could mistake their version as part of a film score. 'Renascence', a poem by Edna St Vincent Millay set to music by Gene, was sung harmoniously by Adriana and Ljiljana to bittersweet effect.   

Lastly Barcarolle by Offenbach sung sweetly by the two sopranos, joined by Gene ended the memorable holiday concert.

- Thomas