Lakeville concerts offer classical music, caffeination
Erin Aldridge, concertmaster of the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, opens this year’s Coffee Concert series at the Lakeville Area Arts Center. (Photo submitted)
The Lakeville Area Arts Center has hit upon a winning combination with its popular Highview Hills Coffee Concert series.
For many, the concerts offer an irresistible pairing: classical music and caffeination.
Started in 2007, the series returns this year beginning Sunday, Jan. 27, with a performance by violinist Erin Aldridge, concertmaster of the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra.
“Erin is the real deal,” said Carrie Vecchione, who produces the concert series with husband and musical partner Rolf Erdahl. “There’s power, passion, beautiful phrasing. It’s simply world-class playing.”
Aldridge, who plans to perform pieces by Bach, John Williams and other composers, will be joined at the concert by pianist Beth Gilbert, chair of the music department at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
Oboist Carrie Vecchione and bassist Rolf Erdahl founded the Coffee Concerts in 2007. They’ll be joined by Julie Johnson and the No-Accounts when they perform in this year’s series Feb. 24. (Photo submitted)
As with all the concerts, there will be complimentary coffee and refreshments in the series’ informal cabaret setting, with the musicians providing some background and insights on the pieces they’ve chosen to perform.
The concerts continue Feb. 24 with oboe and bass from the Vecchione/Erdahl Duo. The pair will be joined by Julie Johnson and the No-Accounts as they serve up a fusion of Minnesota roots, back-country and baroque.
April 28 will see a performance by Crash, featuring the percussion-centered music of Mary Ellen Childs, and this year’s series concludes May 19 with the Bell’ Alma Duo of Kathy Kienzle, principal harp of the Minnesota Orchestra, and Michele Frisch, principal flute of the Minnesota Opera.
All the performances are on Sundays at 2 p.m. at the arts center at 20965 Holyoke Ave. in downtown Lakeville. Tickets are $14.50 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and are available online at www.LakevilleAreaArtsCenter.com.
