Matthew Richardson, violin; Jennifer Wade, violin; Elizabeth O’Hara Stahr, viola; and Andrew Rammon, cello. Photo by Eden Brown.
A “Happy Hour Series” on Oct. 20 and Nov. 3 is brightening the longer days of autumn at the Bennett Park Art Atrium, 1601 Clarendon Boulevard, in Arlington. The Quartet Uncorked event offered a wine pairing with Bistro 360, which did a tasting of two whites and two reds; the upcoming City Serenade concert will be paired with the Deschutes Brewery for beer tastings.
The musicians who played on Oct. 20 treated an audience of music lovers — some brought sheet music to follow along — to Joaquin Turina’s La Oracion del Torero, Op. 34, GIacomo Puccini’s Crisantemi, and Maurice Ravel’s String Quartet in F Major. Violinist Matthew Richardson’s choice of music made it possible for less savvy residents and serious musicians alike to enjoy the hour.
The acoustics in the atrium were good, and if the traffic going by sometimes created a distraction, the suspended sculpture by Kendall Buster was the antidote. Organizers may not have thought they would have as many attendees as they did. If you arrive late, bringing a flat pillow for the overflow seats along the planters is a good idea.
The mission of the Arlington Philharmonic is to make classical music accessible to every Arlington citizen, to promote the value of classical music in civic life, and to build strong, creative partnerships with schools, local government, businesses, and other organizations. To learn more about upcoming programs and donate, see www.ArlingtonPhilharmonic.org