Musical Instruments, Makers & Performers
Show Dates: January 6, 2009 – January 31, 2009
Opening Reception: Thursday, January 15, 2009, 5-9pm
To begin our 8th year in 2009, Gallery Z will host a unique exhibition in the month of January -- highlighting the skill of Lutherie. This term refers to individuals who practice the art of building stringed instruments, a tradition that has survived for thousands of years.
Guitar maker Richard Young (owner of Eastford, Connecticut based Still River Guitars) will curate the exhibit, entitled Musical Instruments, Makers & Performers. Artistic Director for the weekly events is Steve Pellegrino, a veteran of the Providence / Boston music scene.
Musical instruments, when created by the hand of a master luthier, transform into an object of physical beauty as well as sonic beauty. The premise of this exhibit is to merge the maker and performer with the audience - to unveil the musical instrument as a true art form. We have scheduled weekly musical performances to inject some energy and vigor into Providence this winter in support of our behind the scenes look at the art of instrument making.
The finest examples of stringed instruments created by skilled artisans will be on display, including classical guitar, jazz guitar and electric guitar, violin, mandolin, oud, and kamancha. The finished instruments will be accompanied by examples at different stages of completion, giving a glimpse into the craftsmanship and intensive labor needed to create a work of art that must also be functional.
Gallery Z has recruited some of the most talented and innovative instrument makers and musical performers living both locally and regionally for this exhibition. Instrument makers will include Richard Young, Carla Kelly, Roman Barnas, Ben Pearce, and Otto D’Ambrosio.
Performers scheduled for January will rotate weekly, showcasing some exciting musicians, brought together for the first time. Musical talents include Mike Tanaka, Maurice Cahen, John Boboian, David Ayirian, Haig Manoukian, Souren Baronian, Vin Fraioli, 16-year-old guitar prodigy Desiree Bassett, and Ben Pearce.
Artist Bios in Current Show
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Schedule of Events
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Jan 8, 2009 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Introduction by Bergé Zobian and overview by Richard Young and Steve Pellegrino.
Meet the instrument makers: Richard Young, Carla Kelly, Roman Barnas, Ben Pearce, and Otto D’Ambrosio
Performances:
David Ayirian - Kamancha
Desiree Bassett - Blues Rock Folk
Vinny Fraioli – Classical guitar
Jan 15, 2009 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Guitar Maker Workshop
Lectures and demonstrations by Otto D’Ambrosio, Richard Young, and Carla Kelly
Otto D'Ambrosio – to hand off Arch Top guitar to Mike Tanaka to play
Richard Young – to hand off classical guitar to Maurice Cahen to play
Carla Kelly – Organic Guitar - John Baboian to play guitar
Jan 22, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Violin family workshop
Lecture and demonstration by Roman Barnas
Roman Barnas – (Boston, MA) violin maker and teacher of violin building
and repair at North Bennett Street School Boston Ma.
Ben Pearce – Mandolin maker and performer
Haig Manoukian – Oud Performer and repairer
Souren Baronian – Clarinet performer
Jan 29, 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM
7:30 - 8:00 - Musical performance by Desiree Bassett
Musicians Collaboration (8:00 - 10:00 PM)
