What a Song and Dance!

The Laurus Freestyle Duo of Madrid, Spain, will be traveling to Greenwich to give two concerts at Christ Church Greenwich on March 22nd. As a donor is covering the expenses, all the proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit Outreach programs supported by the church such as Neighbor to Neighbor, Abilis, Kids in Crisis, Inspirica, Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, YWCA Domestic Abuse and Greenwich World Hunger.

The Laurus Freestyle Duo brings together two musicians with long, varied and in some ways contrasting musical careers; Jennifer Clift (violin) and Cy Williams (guitar) have each played in countless ensembles and formations, from solo performance to small chamber groups to full orchestras, in styles ranging from improvised music and jazz to works of the great composers, classical and contemporary, as well as the interpretation of their own music. Jenny is currently Concertmaster of the Madrid Metropolitan Orchestra, and Cy is a member of the Cova Villegas Quintet in Madrid.

Jenny’s sister, Lucy Rinaldi, is a member of Christ Church Greenwich, where she serves on their Outreach Committee. Interested in helping the church’s Outreach programs and also having the duo perform in Greenwich, she decided to organize the concerts. “It’s a way for me to support two areas I’m passionate about,” she said.

On Saturday, March 22nd, at 2pm in the Chapel, the duo will perform “What a Song and Dance!” – a concert of several classical folk song and dance pieces suitable for children (accompanied). Rinaldi notes that, while the recommended age range is grades K – 5, younger (or older) interested children are very welcome.

That evening, at 7pm in the Church, the duo will take everybody on an eclectic musical journey: The evening concert covers some of the intimate musical gems of Dvorak, Grieg and Elgar, followed by three of Kreisler’s irresistible waltzes and the gorgeous, passionate compositions of Piazzolla and Villalobos, finishing with their take on the lovely, whimsical folk music of the British Isles and the United States. A reception to meet the artists afterwards in the Tomes-Higgins House follows the concert.

“We are always looking for ways to help the programs the church supports,” said Deb Wilson, co-chair of Christ Church Greenwich’s Outreach Grants Committee, “and we are so fortunate to be able to do it by bringing this talented pair to perform.” The Reverend Dr. Jim Lemler, Rector of Christ Church Greenwich, said “It will be a delightful evening of beautiful music by renowned musicians and for such an important purpose.  Beauty and service will be joined together in an exceptional way.”

The duo’s presentation video on Youtube can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2GNA_YwzhA . Further information, including how to obtain tickets, can be found on www.christchurchgreenwich.org.