Dar guitar e mail | Newton MA News and Politics BlogI did my best not to geek out too much yesterday as I drove acclaimed singer-songwriter Dar Williams to her WBUR radio interview yesterday – it was difficult though! Dar is performing with Newton’s New Philharmonia Orchestra this Saturday, June 15 at 8pm at the First Baptist Church in Newton Centre. I have been a fan of her music for many years and it has been awesome to meet someone who is as lovely, articulate, passionate, and genuine as you hoped they’d be. Plus, she’s an incredible talent and her lush sound combined with the colors of the orchestra is an unforgettable musical experience. You should join us! (Tickets will sell out and are moving fast!)

This special collaboration is Dar’s premiere performance with symphony orchestra – and it is right here in Newton! Dar began her successful career in the Somerville/Cambridge area and, luckily for us, just happened to marry a man from Newton along the way. This project began between Dar and her brother-in-law, Joe Scheer, who performs with IBIS Chamber Music and the Boston Pops. Initially, Dar performed her original songs with arrangements for IBIS in 2010. The performance was a great success and a gateway to performing with full orchestra!

This is where New Phil’s music director, Ron Knudsen, enters. Ron, a recently retired Boston Symphony Orchestra violinist, knows Joe through their performances at Symphony Hall. The New Phil’s mission and motto is Music for All and a performance like this one certainly fits that bill! It is an understatement to say that New Phil is honored to premiere Dar’s songs with orchestra.

Fast forward a couple of years and here we are, rehearsing for what is most likely our coolest mainstream performance opportunity. Any fan of DarDar at Rehearsal | Newton MA News and Politics Blog knows her vocals and lovely spirit bring an unmatched ambience to her songs. Adding a full orchestra only expands the depth and warmth of the experience.

(Plus our venue, the First Baptist Church in Newton Centre, is spectacular. The architecture, the stonework, the woodwork, the stained glass – all stunning!)

Newton is a great place to live for its many resources. It is an awesome place to live though because opportunities like this one that land in your backyard. So, come take advantage of it! See an orchestra, full of violins and French horns and oboes and a conductor, as part of Dar Williams’ band, while accompanied by harp, drums, and electric bass. Really, awesome doesn’t even begin to cover it!

An Evening with Dar Williams
featuring New Philharmonia Orchestra

Saturday, June 15 at 8pm
First Baptist Church, Newton Centre

Tickets: $35, $50
Available online at www.newphil.org or by calling 617.527.9717

 

[ZiGJw-2WhfI]