Musical Masterworks Brings Mosaic of U.S. Traditions to Old Lyme, Dec. 5-6

OLD LYME, CT – Appalachian fiddle tunes, jazz, folk music and contemporary compositions will come together when Musical Masterworks presents two December concerts celebrating the diversity of music in the United States.

The performances, part of the organization’s 36th season celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary, will take place Saturday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme, 4 Lyme St.

Artistic Director Tessa Lark will be joined by acclaimed flutist Emi Ferguson, pianist Peter Dugan and special guest Bob Frederick, an accomplished banjo player making his Musical Masterworks debut. Frederick, who is Lark’s father, will join her for a special performance reflecting the musical traditions passed down through generations.

The program spans a wide range of American musical styles, pairing Aaron Copland’s works for flute and piano with contemporary compositions by Meredith Monk and John Cage. Audiences also will hear selections by Bobby Leecan and Robert Cooksey, Dave Brubeck’s Unsquare Dance, Nina Simone’s Sinnerman and Clark Kessinger’s Lord McDonald’s Reel.

Ferguson, a returning Musical Masterworks favorite, will perform on baroque flute and collaborate with Dugan in an exploration of the connections among classical music, improvisation, folk traditions and contemporary expression.

“This season celebrates the wonderfully varied musical traditions that make America unique,” Lark said. “From folk music and jazz to contemporary composition, these works remind us that American music has always been shaped by curiosity, collaboration and the blending of cultures and traditions.”

The series will continue in February with a concert curated by trumpeter Caleb Hudson. The event will mark Musical Masterworks’ first performance featuring the church’s historic organ.

For tickets and additional information, visit musicalmasterworks.org or email admin@musicalmasterworks.org.