A little night music

By CK Wolfson - July 26, 2007

It is an irresistible combination: the craft and precision of chamber music played in a sea-wrapped setting of pastures and of picket fences, or in a marvelous 19th-century Greek revival church. The Martha's Vineyard Chamber Music Society, initially known as the Chilmark Chamber Concerts, has begun its 37th summer season of presenting world-class classical music in Edgartown's Old Whaling Church and the rustic Chilmark Community Center. And the Vineyard seems a part of the experience.

However impressive the musicians' credentials, however ambitious their programs, hearing chamber music on the Island brings with it a unique atmosphere of intimacy and informality. It seems only fitting, since chamber music refers to music composed for small ensembles of instrumentalists, and in its original intention was music meant to be performed in the home, rather than in large venues. Because of that, chamber music assigns one player to one part.

At both the Monday night Whaling Church concerts and the Community Center concerts on Tuesdays (where each program is duplicated), the musicians, relaxed and affable, mingle and engage with concert-goers at after-performance receptions. In the past, they have been receptive to answering questions about the musical selections, as well as asking questions about the Vineyard.

Much of the credit the Chamber Music Society's well-earned reputation is attributed to its executive director, Delores Stevens, who is also a performer and a recording artist. In the course of her world travels as a pianist, Ms. Stevens has brought together a network of leading musicians. And it is she who introduces them to the wonders of performing on the Vineyard.

Visiting musicians have included the Bill Mays Trio together with flutist Sheridon Stokes, violinist Joanna Kurkowicz, cellist William DeRosa, trumpeter Wayne du Maine, French horn player Paul Stevenson, Swiss clarinetist Dimitri Ashkenazy, violist Scott Woolweaver. Selections have included everything from Bach to Charlie Parker, Chopin to Cole Porter, Mozart, Gershwin and the New Orleans Rhythm Kings

It began in the summer of 1971. Ms. Stevens, a California-based concert pianist, a friend of former Islander Carolyn Worthington (cellist) and her then husband John Gates (clarinet), lived and worked together in Los Angeles. Together they formed the Montagnana Trio, and came to perform in Chilmark. From then on, the Vineyard would be their musical summer home.

Ms. Stevens, a native of the small town of Kingman, Kansas, began her musical training as a child, playing the piano, dancing, and singing. She played clarinet in the school marching band, and performed in the high school orchestra. After graduating from the University of Kansas, she moved to Hawaii where she taught music and performed with the Honolulu Symphony.

Her experiences as an educator as well as a musician have fashioned the mission of the Martha's Vineyard Chamber Music Society - to produce chamber music concerts, promote and support classical music learning opportunities, and to create awareness on the Island of the value and significance of classical music.

In 1987 the Martha's Vineyard Chamber Music Society created the Island's After School String Instrument Program. The program started with less than 50 students, and currently serves more than 200 students. It has become part of the school curriculum. The chamber society's scholarship program also continues to increase in scope, providing instruments and making it possible for students to receive music lessons.

As the reciprocal impact of the music has taken effect, what started as an artistic expression and professional exercise has evolved into an integral part of the Vineyard experience.