Step into a realm where music transcends the ordinary. Beyond the Notes is a concert that promises to ignite your curiosity and shatter expectations happening on May 17th at 7:30pm at First Parish Church in Concord. Renowned violinist and Concord native, Sarah Whitney, joins multifaceted singer Joelle Lurie for an evening defying convention presenting a tapestry of solos and duos for violin and voice that push musical boundaries. Experience their groundbreaking programming, including a fusion of violin, loop pedal, and voice igniting your senses.
But Beyond the Notes is not just about the music—it’s about connection. Prepare to embark on a journey of discovery as the artists invite you to peek behind the curtain, sharing intimate stories and insights that go beyond what can be found in their bios. During the show, you’ll have the chance to engage directly with the artists, submitting your questions that will be answered live on-stage. Artistic Director and Founder Sarah Whitney says, “Too often there is a boundary between the performers and the audience. Beyond the Notes is an experience that breaks down that wall.” This interactive element is just one of the elements that makes Beyond the Notes like no other concert out there. 10% of proceeds will be donated to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to support their climate change disaster relief. Prelude music will feature students from the Concord Conservatory of Music as well as showcasing artwork from Powers Gallery.
Since this series began in 2015, Beyond the Notes has brought in guest artists from around the world, including Grammy-winning cellist Mike Block and tabla player, Sandeep Das, the unique and boundary-pushing PUBLIQuartet from NYC, guitarist David Leisner, pianist Natalia Lavrova and more. Additionally, Beyond the Notes has partnered with The Umbrella Arts Center and Powers Gallery, and featured special guest appearances from Sarah Kenner, creator of The Hungry Musician blog, composer Jonathan B. McNair, and composer Jessica Meyer. When the pandemic decimated live concerts, Whitney created a COVID-safe live mini-concert series highlighting Black composers’ works and supporting social justice, donating 10% of all proceeds to a selected organization for each show. Beyond the Notes has raised funds for The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), The Center for Constitutional Rights,Direct Relief, Common Cause, The Voter Participation Center, Southern Poverty Law Center , and Campaign Zero among others . Beyond the Notes is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization and supported in part by grants from the Concord Local Cultural Council and Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council - local agencies that are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Having continually presented COVID-friendly concerts throughout the pandemic, Whitney has been creating lots of buzz in the Concord community with her innovative, fresh take on presenting concerts. “I wanted to bring a unique experience to the Concord community,” says Whitney. “Beyond the Notes deepens the connection between the audience and the performers, which changes the audience’s experience.”
Praised by the Washington Post for her “marvelous violin acrobatics,” violinist Sarah Whitney is known for her musical versatility. She has been heard worldwide across stages in Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, and the United States. She is recognized as a performer, speaker, entrepreneur and advocate for bringing fresh new ideas to classical music. As a former founding member and violinist of the NYC-based string quintet SYBARITE5, Sarah performed over 1,000 concerts around the world, had three albums reach the top ten on the Billboard Charts, premiered the first-ever Concerto for String Quintet and Orchestra, was the first string quintet to win the Concert Artists Guild Competition, and performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Alice Tully Hall, the Library of Congress, the Aspen, Caramoor, Chautauqua, Grand Teton and Ravinia Festivals.
Beyond the Notes’ guest artist, Joelle Lurie, is a vocalist, songwriter, voiceover artist and bandleader. Her vocal range and unique ability to switch between musical genres with ease prompted Michael Feinstein to call her “a chameleon” in the one-hour NPR feature he hosted about her on his show, “Song Travels”. She performs an extensive catalog of The Great American Songbook as well as contemporary and original jazz/pop songs as a solo artist and with the bands she co-founded, Joelle Lurie Band and JoJo & The Pinecones, a popular band for family audiences. She maintains a busy performance schedule of concerts and special events in the U.S. and abroad. Highlights include her regular longtime residency at the iconic Tavern on The Green in NYC, as well as performances at Lincoln Center, The Rainbow Room, Rockefeller Center, Birdland Jazz Club, Lollapalooza, and more. Based in Boston and New York City, she grew up in Weston Massachusetts.
So, are you ready to go beyond the ordinary? Join us on May 17th at 7:30pm for an unforgettable evening of music, innovation, and connection at Beyond the Notes. This is more than a concert—it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Tickets cost $30/person and $15/student for advanced purchase. Tickets will be available at the door for $35/person and $15/student cash or check only.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit
www.gobeyondthenotes.com
