'Listen @ The Library' Concert Series Off to a Successful Start

—Submitted by the Novi Public Library

The Feb. 5 Shanghai Quartet concert at the was deemed a big success by an enthusiastic audience of over 200 adult and youth concertgoers. The first in the Listen @ The Library free concert series sponsored by PNC Bank, the Chamber Music Society of Detroit (CMSD), and Novi Public Library, the Shanghai Quartet concert was an informal and engaging introduction to chamber music which included the opportunity to interact with the artists.

student Daniel Vela best expressed the concert experience by stating, "I left … feeling so happy from the music, I just wanted to smile. And then one of the violinist said 'Bye' to me, and I felt so special."

The second Listen @ The Library free concert on March 4, featuring Chamber Music Society of Detroit president, innovative educator, and celebrated pianist Steve Wogaman was also highly acclaimed by a full and excited audience.

The next Listen @ the Library concert will be on April 1 at 3 p.m. This free concert will showcase Juilliard’s acclaimed flutist Carol Wincenc, teaming with principle New York Philharmonic harpist Nancy Allen.

The Listen @ The Library series culminates with an inter-generational family concert at featuring Windscape, one of the nation’s foremost wind quintets, on May 20 at 3 p.m. The concert, titled "A Floating World: Japan and the Impressionists," showcases the atmospheric music of Dibussy, Takemitsu and others, accompanied by slides of Japanese and French visual art. Tickets for this family concert are $10 for adults, $5 for children and $25 for families. Tickets may be purchased by contacting the Chamber Music Society of Detroit at 248-855-6070 or www.comehearcmsd.org/family.

Prior to the family concert, a free Instrument Petting Zoo will be offered at the Novi Public Library from 1:30-2:30 p.m. The Petting Zoo provides the opportunity for everyone to touch, learn and try out a variety of musical instruments within easy walking distance to the Novi High School before the show.