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Arts & Life
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UPPER LAKE – A new woodwind quintet composed of uniquely talented classical musicians made their performing debut on Sunday.
The performance of “Quintessential,” as the group is called, was greatly appreciated by the brunch patrons at the Blue Wing Saloon & Café in Upper Lake, which has become a showcase for top quality local musicians.
“It was an honor to host a debut performance by such a wonderful group,” said Blue Wing owner Bernie Butcher. “With their seamless renditions of classical chamber pieces from the Renaissance to modern composers, our guests certainly got more than they bargained for today.”
Quintessential is composed of Lake County residents Beth Aiken on oboe and Ann Hubbard on bassoon, together with Becky Ayres (flute), Paul Hadley (horn) and Eric Van Dyke (clarinet) from Mendocino and Sonoma counties.
These talented individuals have a long history of playing together in the larger Lake and Ukiah Symphony Orchestras as well as the Symphony of the Redwoods.
Catherine Hall, an orchestral colleague of these players, was thoroughly impressed with the debut performance.
“This is a classic woodwind ensemble composed of truly exceptional musicians,” she said. “They interrelate exceptionally well, blending nicely into the whole while allowing the individual brilliance of each musician to shine through.”
“We all enjoy the larger setting of a big orchestra,” says Beth Aiken, “but this format allows us to perform a wider repertoire of music that truly inspires all five of us.”
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The free gathering will take place from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
All talents are welcome. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
For questions and sign ups call 707-987-3647.
The shop is located at 21187 Calistoga St., Middletown.
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- Written by: Geri Williams
“Or Give Me Death” by Ann Rinaldi.
(NY: Gulliver Books, 2004. 226 pp. $6.95, ISBN 0-15-205076-0)
Historical fiction written primarily for young adults.
What is liberty? Is it a right or always a longing never completely fulfilled?
Patrick Henry, one of America’s favorite forefathers, longed for liberty and his longing became the mother’s milk of early America. His famous “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech, first delivered on March 23, 1775, is often credited with turning the passions of colonial Virginians towards American Revolution and the pursuit of Independence.
In the crowd the day he gave that famous speech were none less than Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. In the face of such illustrious personages it is hard to imagine these giants of history as people like you and I, who struggled with what liberty meant for them, their families and their country.
In “Or Give Me Death” Ann Rinaldi masterfully weaves a fascinating blend of fact and fiction to tell us the story of Patrick Henry the statesman, the defender against religious persecution, the fearful husband and the stern father.
She tells the story of mental illness, explores the lack of treatment options and the havoc it can reek in a family. It is a story of children trying to raise themselves when the adults are too busy or incapable. “Or Give Me Death” is a story of learning the difference between truth and lies, and the ultimate duty of loyalty while one is longing for liberty.
Against the longing for liberty is the reality of slavery, but the reader is made aware that there are many different ways to be enslaved. Personal stories of African slaves are brought to life, as are the fears of those who said slavery was evil but contrarily owned slaves.
One woman will die in pursuit of liberty and another will plead “Patrick, Patrick, please, I beg of you, give me my freedom, or let me go to my death.”
Did these struggles with slavery and liberty in his home life inspire Patrick Henry’s famous speech, which inspired the Virginians to arms, which led to a Revolution which gave us the freedom to pursue our own vision of liberty?
Read “Or Give Me Death” and decide for yourself. It is, after all, a free country.
Geri Williams is a local book fancier.
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