In the two months since the Currier reopened, the new auditorium has taken center stage as host to a number of renowned musicians. The cherry wood-paneled room comfortably seats 180 and boasts acoustics that have earned praise from musicians and audience members. Two upcoming events will showcase this venue and offer a diverse cultural experience for visitors.
On Sunday, June 22 acclaimed piano soloist, composer, and poet Cody Michaels performs a tribute to the White Mountains. Michaels is a former Appalachian Mountain Club Backcountry Caretaker whose unique, passionate musical expressions have been compared to the likes of Beethoven, Keith Jarrett, and George Winston. A pre-concert tour featuring art of the White Mountains will begin at 1 pm followed by the concert at 2 pm.
On Sunday, July 13 the Chamber Players of the New Hampshire Philharmonic present works for a wind quintet. This adventurous recital explores works from a wide range of periods and styles, from Beethoven to Barber, Milhaud to Ligeti. Musical works will be paired with visual works currently on display from the Currier's collection. A tour of these works will be given at 1 pm followed by the concert at 2 pm.
Admission to the musical programs is $10 for members and $20 for non-members For the July 13 show, admission for members of the New Hampshire Philharmonic is also $10. Prices include the tour, performance and admission to the museum. To purchase tickets, visit www.currier.org or call 603-669-6144, ext 108.
The museum has already hosted the Manchester Choral Society, the Peterborough Children's Choir, the Borromeo String Quartet and pianist Virginia Eskin.
"The auditorium at the Currier Museum of Art was such a wonderful discovery," said Nicholas Kitchen of Borromeo String Quartet. "The museum is beautiful and then once inside the auditorium it is inviting but simple enough to make you feel focused on the music and sized so that everyone in the audience feels connected with the performers. And the sound is rich and clear. It is really a beautiful environment for chamber music."
Music is one of the many ways the Currier provides a cultural context for the works of art in the collection and the auditorium is the perfect home for the "Music at the Currier" series. Many musicians playing at the museum base their performances on works in the galleries.
"As a pianist, I enjoy bringing art into a music program" said recent performer Virginia Eskin. "The Currier is positioned to do this expertly - the collections, along with the stage, fine piano and technical equipment all support events that are multi-media. Audiences want this and I look forward to doing more events in the Currier's beautiful new auditorium."
The auditorium is also available for private and corporate rentals and is equipped with a drop-down screen, black-out shades and DVD, laptop, and VHS inputs. For information about room rentals, please contact Jennifer Minicucci at jminicucci@currier.org or 603.669.6144 x183.