Well-Strung at The Palm Cabaret
With the exception of a few solo concerts by first violinist Edmund Bagnall, it has been six long years since Well-Strung has performed in Vallarta. Judging from the reaction of the packed house at the 5 pm matinee yesterday at The Palm Cabaret, they have been sorely missed.
And not just their heart-stirring music – if there is anything lovelier than a string quartet, bring it – but their humor, love, and respect for one another, combined with their wealth of knowledge and level of musicianship, create fantastic magic.
From their beginnings 13 years ago in PTown, Massachusetts, Well-Strung has played to Popes and Presidents and classical-music-deprived Vallarta. Their brilliance in combining old and new compositions, classical and contemporary, are seamlessly performed and without giving away and fun stuff – two notes on the cello that sent a shiver through the entire audience – be prepared to be whisked off to some enchanted place where nothing interferes with musical notes blended and crafted with perfect skill and love.
I had the best afternoon, and so did everyone else in the audience, who responded with two prolonged standing ovations. A highlight was the homage to John Williams’ movie music with appropriate film clips. You will recognize every single one! Even the waiters commented on how heartfelt the concert/cabaret performance was.
Four excellent voices, two violins, one viola, and a cello, combined with the incredible imaginations to mashup Lady Gaga and Radiohead with Mozart and Vivaldi, are both brilliant and beautiful. I have always considered Well-Strung a perfect way to get young kids into classical music.
They will perform at The Palm over the next two weeks, escaping New York City winter. Check VallartaCalendar.com for dates and times; don’t delay, or you will miss a chance to witness some of the finest music ever written over the last 300 years.
It’s the weekend! See you at Art Vallarta Museo on Saturday, NIA dance class at noon on Sunday at the International Friendship Club – IFC, and Teatro Vallarta at 8 pm for What A Drag.
See you back here Monday morning; take care of one another.