An Evening of Music and Dinner; "Current American Lyricism"

I had the pleasure of attending a house concert this evening hosted by a longtime friend whom I haven't seen in person for about 20 years!  Life is so silly.  Once upon a time when I first moved to DC, Paul was part of a group of LGBT folk including myself who were trying to transform the Episcopal Church from within here in the Diocese of Washington.  Through Integrity we probably saw one another and chatted twice a month for the better part of 5 years.  Then He moved to Baltimore, I lost interest in the church...  Through Facebook, we resumed our friendship.  He has since retired and hosts monthly house concerts.  His passion is for Contemporary American Art Song.

On a couple of occasions in the past, I have wanted to attend, but something would stop me in the end.  So tonight's concert was the evening, and I have to say, I don't think I could have chosen a better one.

The musicians were Soprano Maggie Finnegan and pianist Michael Sheppard.  There was a buzz around Michael who was praised for both his talent and his good looks.   I don't think that this evening's program permitted him to really display his virtuosity.  As with so much of contemporary Art Song, the accompaniment is often sparing yet intense in a sort of minimalist fashion.  The skill is really in the interpretation and not getting in the way of the singer.  He and Maggie had a wonderful rapport.  Now, to Maggie.  The program consisted of works by 4 contemporary composer: Alan Louis Smith, Scott Gendel, Scott Wheeler, and Tom Cipullo.  The opening piece was by Alan Louis Smith, a work entitled "For the Color of My Mother".  It opened on a note that was both surprisingly low for a Soprano, and yet offered up with such depth of feeling and warmth that I was utterly taken.  From that moment on, she commanded the music as naturally as breathing, but with an intelligence and skill that filled the art with diamonds.

I make it a point to not look at the program during the presentation.  I noted that several others did not share my discipline in this.  I do not know what compelled them to following along with the words printed therein.  I know that for myself, whenever I go to staring at the program it's usually to gage how much longer I have to endure something!  This evening, every song ended too soon.

In attendance was my friend Dee, and we were able to catch up with one another prior to the start of the concert.  I really didn't get a chance to close the gap of time with Paul.  Since he actually lives a stone's throw from the Maryland Zoo, perhaps there will be a time when I can treat him to a tour as my guest and we can catch up then.  Or certainly at another evening concert in his lovely home in the future.

Part of the evening is a meal provided by Paul.  Many wonderful offerings, and many vegan, so I made it a choice to steer my plate in that direction and enjoyed an amazing coleslaw with a dressing of purried onion and vegetable oil whipped into a mayonnaise-like emulsion.  And a white bean, chickpea and barley salad that was surprisingly robust.  I should have gone back for seconds, if any were left unclaimed!  Over the repast I had a delightful if brief conversation with a man from DC named Scott.  It only occurred to me after the fact that he might actually have been one of the composers.  There is certainly something quite comfortable in being unaware in moments like this.  At one point after the concert I overheard some very pretentious comments in a conversation among other guests and I thought, I am just too ignorant of these things to even have the ability to hold such opinions let alone the need.

My friend introducing the evening

Michael Sheppard at the Piano and Maggie Finnegan behind the music stand.