BELLOWS FALLS — The Festival of Mandolin Chamber Music III is a workshop and concert dedicated to the classical mandolin and chamber music composed for the mandolin ensemble format.
A public concert on Sunday, Aug. 10, at 3 p.m., presents works for mandolin and guitar. Mandolinists are invited to register for the weekend of rehearsal, instruction, and performance.
Led by August Watters, a Boston-area teacher and composer, this festival is designed for the classical mandolin community and for concertgoers interested in classical chamber music. Participants will rehearse in preparation for the public concert on Sunday.
The purpose of the festival is to create learning and performance opportunities for those interested in chamber music composed for mandolin and its related instruments (as well as classical guitar).
A great wealth of music exists for mandolin-guitar ensembles. As most of it has been forgotten or left out of the public eye for generations, it's an exciting time to be a mandolinist. FMCM provides an opportunity to explore mandolin ensemble music, from baroque to romantic and contemporary works.
The Festival weekend workshop is open to all who play mandolin, mandola, or guitar, and read standard notation. Music is available for advance preparation. Guitar parts are written in standard classical guitar format, although pick-style guitar may substitute for mandola.
Participants will divide their time roughly evenly between ensemble rehearsals and workshops. Chamber ensembles will be assigned according to preference, ability, and interest. A choice of workshops will be available, addressing technique, repertoire, and theory.
The weekend culminates in a public concert featuring the New England Mandolin Ensemble with August Watters, mandolin, and Ted Mann, classical guitar. Together, they will put together a wide-ranging concert, illustrating the many sounds of the concert mandolin.