Celtic to Classical

The Celtic to Classical ensemble returns to Southern Delaware in mid-August for a fourth season of nine concerts featuring three different programs designed to appeal to audiences of all ages and musical tastes.

Led by composer, violinist and pianist Sheridan Seyfried, this year’s first program is “Folk Waves,” in which American folk music of the 1960s and works by Edvard Grieg, Bela Bartok, Stephen Foster and others are performed on guitar, violin, flute, piano, bass, and vocals. “American Originals” is anchored by immigrant Antonin Dvorak’s American String Quartet and features music entirely written by Americans, including some American-born Celtic music. The third program, “Brahms and the Blues,” offers a selection of soulful, heartfelt music ranging from Brahms’ great Piano Quintet to blues by B.B. King and others.

The “Folk Waves” program will be performed on Tuesday, August 13 at St. John’s United Methodist Church, Seaford; on Wednesday, August 14 at Epworth United Methodist Church, Rehoboth Beach; and on Thursday, August 15, at St. Martha’s Episcopal Church, Bethany Beach. All three performances begin at 7:30 PM.

Musicians performing the “Folks Waves” programs include Sheridan Seyfried; Ya-Jhu Yang, composer, pianist and flutist; Nira Dayanim, vocalist; Yehuda Dicker, guitarist; NoaSapir Franklin, guitarist; and Gabriel Dayanim, bassist.

The “American Originals” program is featured on Saturday, August 17, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Rehoboth Beach, beginning at 7 PM, and on Sunday, August 18, at Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware in Lewes, beginning at 4 PM.

The “Brahms and the Blues” program will be performed on Tuesday, August 20, at the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Milton; on Wednesday, August 21, at Epworth United Methodist Church, Rehoboth Beach; on Thursday, August 22, at St. Martha’s Episcopal Church, Bethany Beach; and on Friday, August 23 at Avenue United Methodist Church, Milford. All four performances begin at 7:30 PM.

Musicians performing the “American Originals” and “Brahms and the Blues” programs include Sheridan Seyfried; Ya-Jhu Yang, composer, pianist and flutist; Jonah Kim, cello soloist; Moni Simeonov, violinist; Alexis Meschter, violinist; and Jessica Chang, violist. Vocalist Anne Marie Stanley will perform in the “American Originals” program only.

In lieu of ticketed admission, Celtic to Classical accepts a free-will offering at all performances, with a suggested contribution of $15.

Seyfried, whose parents Elise and Steve Seyfried founded the venerable Rehoboth Summer Children’s Theatre in 1982, spent many summers at the beach while growing up. The Celtic to Classical summer performances are inspired by the musical eclecticism of Andrea Clearfield’s Philadelphia “Salon” concerts and motivated by a desire to find joy in different modes of musical expression.

For more information:
Peter Harrigan, peteraharrigan@aol.com, 302-226-1749