Duo Transatlantique brings the sprightly sounds of duo classical guitar to the Mainstay in Rock Hall, Maryland on Sunday December 2 at 4:00 pm. Admission is $15. For information and reservations call 410-639-9133. Information is also available at the Mainstay’s website https://www.mainstayrockhall.org.
Duo Transatlantique combines the prize-winning talents of classical guitarists Benjamin Beirs from Baltimore and Maud Laforest from Reims, France. Formed in 2002 at Peabody under the guidance of Julian Gray an acclaimed chamber musician and founder of the Gray-Pearl guitar duo, they almost immediately realized that theirs was a celebration of the power of music to cross bridges, cultures, and time zones and that their collaboration had the potential to last far longer than the years they were planning to spend at Peabody.
In 2005, Beirs embarked on his first journey to France, where the duo won first prize in the Union Francaise des Artistes Musiciens Guitar Duo Competition and played a concert in the American Cathedral in Paris. They now give concerts frequently throughout the year in both countries and have been praised for their “rhythmic verve,” “passionate lyricism” and the “uncanny delicate balance between them.”
They have appeared at the Festival des Chapelles in Brittany, the Festival de la Rochepot in Bourgogne, the Kennedy Center, the Austin Classical Guitar Society and the Baltimore Classical Guitar Society.
Their newly-released second album is entitled “From Moment to Moment.” It features arrangements of the French film score “Amelie” by Yann Tiersen and includes music by Penicaud, Joplin, Bellinati, Scarlatti, L’Hoyer, and Franck. The French magazine Guitare Classique wrote, “The sonority is rich and one of the most flattering we’ve ever heard…don’t hesitate to buy this CD!” Classical Music Sentinel said, “The versatility in their playing is reflected in the variety and different styles of pieces…by versatility, I mean the flexible, expressive approach and playing techniques they bring to every different piece, from the Baroque clarity of the Scarlatti, to the simple fun of the Joplin, and the melancholy of the Tiersen…performed here in a superb arrangement.”
Their debut album, entitled “Le Gris et le Vert” (The Grey and the Green) includes music of Debussy, Scarlatti, Petit, Albeniz, and Villoldo.
The Mainstay (Home of Musical Magic) is the friendly informal storefront performing arts center on Rock Hall’s old time Main Street. It is a 501(c)(3), non profit dedicated to the arts, serving Rock Hall, MD and the surrounding region. It is committed to presenting local, regional and national level talent, at a reasonable price, in an almost perfect acoustic setting. Wine, beer, sodas and snacks are available at the bar.
The Mainstay is supported by ticket sales, fundraising including donations from friends and audience members and an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
For information and reservations call the Mainstay at 410-639-9133. More information is also available at the Mainstay’s website https://www.mainstayrockhall.org.
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