Brr…Brrravissimo! Received Warm Welcome

By CATHERINE ELLERTON

Moapa Valley Progress

The encore number of “Moon River” had the audience swaying and singing following a brilliant Cliffrose Chamber Music Concert on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Virgin Valley Theatre in Mesquite.

The Cliffrose String Quartet proved how versatile they are in this concert. From the classical repertoire to the classics, these artists and their guests provided a varied and entertaining afternoon. Several of these artists are from Moapa Valley and have played and sung with the Zephyr Singers and Orchestra Concerts which are directed by Gaye Nelson. In addition they are members of the So. Nev. Symphony Orchestra. Enhancing each selection was an appropriate picture on the screen behind the Quartet.
Favorites of Elvis – “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Love Me Tender,” and “All Shook Up” started the journey down memory lane.
Bach’s “Partita in A Minor” featured guest artist, flutist Jane Solomon.

Following this lovely presentation were a few of Disney’s Favorites: “When You Wish Upon A Star,” “Sleeping Beauty Waltz,” “Some Day My Prince Will Come” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
Gaye Nelson on the harpsichord and Lila Williams on the cello joined the group for Corelli’s “Concerto Grosso in G Minor.” The harpsichord added an authenticity to the selection as it was widely used in the Baroque Period when this piece was written.

Villa-Lobos’ “Aria: Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5” began the second half of the program which was then followed by three Gershwin numbers “Summertime,” “Rhapsody in Blue” and “An American In Paris.”

This nostalgic concert ended with Vaughan-Williams’ “Six Studies in English Folksong.” Guest artists Gaye Nelson (harpsichord), Jane Solomon (flute) and Lila Williams (cello) once again joined the group.

The final concert this season of The Cliffrose Chamber Music Series will be on April 29 – “Begin the Beguine.”