Presenting the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival
In the NM Fine Arts Museum, there’s a small chapel that hold about 150 people, and for the last 35 years, world famous musicans gather to practise and play: chamber music. I just check the schedule and from July 15-July 31st, almost every day there will be a concert.
Actually there are 2 schedules. One for the musicians while they practise, which usually is free, and then the formal concerts. These folks are anything but dull and the line-up is varied and outstanding. The acoustics of the St Francis Chapel magnify the delicate sensitive vibration and exceptional precision.
At the rehearsals, you get a rare opportunity to see how the conductor tweaks the performance, and how many times they review and repat various passages. it’s art in preparation and when their playing comes togethr it’s the Italian Chef’s exclamation, “Magnifanso!” I of course like to bring along a sketchbook for that rare moment when I might catch the rhythm and concentration that could melt everyone’s heart.
Oh yes, when you wander out of the rehearsal, you still have time to visit the other exhibits. I probably would walk over to the St Francis Hotel and go into the restaurant for tea and dessert. If I went to the evening performance, I’d see who is playing at Ortega’s on the Plaza, for some of that good old local New Mexican musicians! Of course how could one then resist from ordering something scrmptious to eat!
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