In August of this year, I kicked off a series of five concert for Now Musique: two concerts in August followed by one each month through November. Begun in 2019, Now Musique focuses on programming new and neglected music in settings in and out of the concert hall.
Thanks to a grant from the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture in June 2022, I was able to program these five concerts and multiple children’s events in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester.
Four of the five programs showcased new music from the New Lullaby Project, works for electronics and guitar, solos from Spain, my Bach arrangements, and solos from honey cadence. One concert featured chamber music for harpsichord and guitar with the wonderful Frederick Jodry.
The “formal” concerts were held at 5:30pm on Thursdays at the Upham’s Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library, were free for the public to attend, and included a Milk & Cookie reception.
I will be posting video and audio in the near future.
Let me know your thoughts and leave a comment below.
Aaron
PHOTO GALLERY:
Composers:
Lynn Job, Stanley Hoffman, John McDonald, Frank Warren, Charles Turner,, Ronald Pearl, Tom Nazziola, John Johnstone, Brian Schober, Scott Wheeler, Dean Rosenthal, Lainie Fefferman, Tom Flaherty, Ian Wiese, Gregory Biss, Stefanie Lubkowski, Dennis Bathory-Kitsz, Laurie Spiegel, Anthony R. Green, Jim Dalton, Michael Veloso, Curtis Hughes, Francine Trester, Vineet Shende, Larget-Caplan, J.S. Bach, Luigi Boccherini, Domenico Scarlatti, Esteban Sanlucar, and Pascual Marquina
Positives:
- Neighborhood Cultural Events – Rare to have classical music events in the neighborhood.
- 25 living composers featured with many in attendance!
- Families in attendance – the earlier time and relaxed vibe invited families to attend.
- Milk & Cookies – quite the success!
- Press – Feature in the Dorchester Reporter
Become a supporter of Now Musique by giving a tax deductible donation via Fractured Atlas
Responses From Attendees:
What a pleasure it was to attend the “Now Musique” concerts at the Upham’s Corner BPL! Aaron’s varied selection of contemporary guitar pieces is an inspired concept for a library, introducing music that entrances and intrigues, while also respecting the equilibrium of the space. – Doria Hughes
This year, I had enormous pleasure attending 3 sequels of Aaron Larget-Caplan’s “Now Musique” concert series presented in the Upham’s Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library. I found these short concerts entertaining, full of musical energy, perfectly covering large spectrum of guitar music. Aaron’s introduction to presented pieces included well balanced description of music as well as snippets of music creation stories coming directly from contemporary and frequently local composers. It was a treasure chest of fun and social interaction.
– Marek Kloczewiak
It was wonderful to have live music in the branch every month from August through November. Aaron was lovely and easy to work with. The music was fresh and interesting and the composer component was something completely unexpected, a real draw for the audience. – Georgia Titonis, Branch Librarian, Uphams Corner Branch library
Going to a concert is a “luxury” that a new (single) mom can hardly afford. And I don’t just mean in the financial sense. It’s a time commitment and it involves lots of planning, including figuring out if your kid is ready to seat through a concert without disturbing the others. Mine still can’t seat still for more than 15 minutes. But… I keep trying to get him acquainted with arts and, in small doses at the time, it’s starting to work.
Thanks to Aaron Larget-Caplan, Dacian and I were able to enjoy a beautiful evening of music, right up the street from home. I lured my little one with the promise to stop at the playground on our way back, if he behaves during the concert. Fortunately, the short program was in a cozy space, with limited audience and Aaron was great at keeping us (even my short attention span 5 year old) entertained alternating sleepy lullabies with lively Spanish flamenco. I loved the innovative concept of actually inviting some of the composers to be in the room and introduce their pieces.
Always going above and beyond, Aaron! Even when offering your talent in a free to the public, library serenade. I’m truly impressed and grateful you choose to remain so involved in our community. – Denisa Dobrin
I had the privilege of attending Aaron’s recent concert at the Uphams Corner Library during which he performed my “Winter Lullaby”. It was a wonderful experience to hear Aaron’s exceptional and sensitive performance of this piece as well as the others on the program, speak with audience members and meet the other composers. The ambiance and reception of those in attendance were memorable. – Brian Schober, composer
Another wonderful concert by Aaron Larget-Caplan. Uphams Corner Branch of the Boston Public Library. He enchanted us with lullabies written by local composers and Bach, including in an Indian version (quite an interesting take on “Ave Maria”). – Denisa Dobrin
Negatives:
- Traffic – Though aimed for people in the neighborhood, those coming into Boston during rush hour were presented quite the challenge. Greatly appreciated!
- Public Transportation – close to a commuter rail and ample bus lines, but Boston is not consistent so people were hesitant to depend on it.
- Publicity – How to reach potential audiences when attention is spread over multiple digital platforms, major newspaper are cutting back, and postering has a limited scope?
- Concert reviews – none 😢
For Next Time:
- Spread out the concerts over 8-10 months
- Include more performers
- Invite local schools to be involved
- Bring in local businesses
- Add venues in various parts of Boston and beyond
Concert Posters:
Become a supporter of Now Musique by giving a tax deductible donation via Fractured Atlas
Now Musique Composers TL: John McDonald, Stanley Hoffman, Charles Turner, Aaron Larget-Caplan TR: Larget-Caplan, Ronald Pearl, Brian Schober, Scott Wheeler BL: Tom Flaherty, Larget-Caplan, Stefanie Lubkowski, Ian Wiese, Dennis Bathory-Kitsz BR: Anthony Green, Francine Trester, Jim Dalton, Michael Veloso, Larget-Caplan, Curtis Hughes
