Music For Montauk Presenting “Bach To Brazil” And A Spring Awakening Over Mother’s Day Weekend

On Saturday, May 12, internationally acclaimed soprano Rachelle Durkin will be accompanied by a magnificent ensemble of musicians during Bach to Brazil, Music for Montauk’s (M4M) annual Spring Concert.

Rachelle Durkin. (Courtesy Photo)

M4M, who offers “a fresh and dynamic approach to classical music,” will bring together a talented cast who will seamlessly fuse the “paradigm of European classical music with the pulse, sounds and rhythms of South America.”

“Bach is the core of western musical culture; everything connects to Bach,” M4M’s Miloš Repicky reflected. “To take these connections to South America, with its own sounds and rhythms, is to merge worlds and unify cultures in a gorgeous way. There is no better example of this than the Bachianas Brasileiras.”

Durkin, an established artist at the Metropolitan Opera, rose to success when she stepped in at the last minute for an ailing Anna Netrebko. The internationally acclaimed soprano has been lauded for her “supple and mellifluous voice and commanding stage presence.” The commanding performer has led several productions on some of the world’s most notable stages.

For Bach to Brazil, she will share the stage with cellists Ani Kalayjian, Andrew Yee, Laura Metcalf of Sybarite 5, and Caleb van der Swaagh, and New York-based Australian classical guitarist Rupert Boyd – who The Washington Post said is “truly evocative” and Classical Guitar Magazine called “a player who truly deserves to be heard.” Boyd has toured throughout four continents, showcasing his talents at iconic venues and major festivals like New York’s Carnegie Hall, the Barcelona Guitar Festival in Spain, String-139 Festival in China, Festival de Musique Classique in France, and Gharana Music Festival in Nepal.

The spring showcase will include Johann Sebastian Bach’s solo cello suites – with works for cello by composers like Caroline Shaw and the grand finale will highlight Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5 by Hector Villa-Lobos.

Following the concert, M4M will host a post concert Spring Awakening Party at Gosman’s Restaurant (500 West Lake Drive, Montauk) from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The soiree will feature a buffet, drinks, the chance to meet the artists, and attendees will hear all about M4M’s exciting upcoming programming.

Bach to Brazil will take place at the Montauk School Auditorium (50 South Dorset Drive, Montauk) at 4 p.m.

Admission to Bach to Brazil is free and tickets to the Spring Awakening Party are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Tickets for the soiree are available at White’s Liquors (771 Montauk Highway, Montauk) and Naturally Good (779 Montauk Highway, Montauk) and online.

For more information, visit www.musicformontauk.org.