The next concert in the Big Bend Chamber Music First Friday concert series, at 6 p.m. on April 1, will benefit the Alpine Public Library. A dozen or more of the area’s most versatile musicians will gather at St. James Episcopal Church to celebrate PDQ Bach, the oddest of J.S. Bach’s 20-odd children. PDQ Bach’s music was discovered 50 years ago this month by Professor Peter Schickele, who has been trying to gain traction with it for the past five decades.
PDQ Bach’s best known works, including Sonata for Viola Four Hands and Harpsichord and the Erotica Variations for Banned Instruments and Piano, will be performed by Sul Ross Faculty Karrin Ford, organ; Mary-Elizabeth Thompson, flute; Jeffrey Meyer, tuba and Donald Freed, tenor. As well, area musicians Beverly Escuder, soprano; Don Slocomb, clarinet; Sue Zukowski, trumpet; Carol Wallace, piano and Mary Beth Garrett, bassoon will add their musical voices to those of Deb Swart, John Kuehne and Don Witte, members of the Big Bend String Quartet. Other musicians may stop by.
“This is the fourth time I’ve created an April Fool’s music program,” said organizer Carol Wallace, “and each time it’s a blast for musicians as well as audiences.”
The evening of fun with music will benefit the Alpine Public Library, which is largely dependent on the financial support of individuals rather than grants or government. The library offers classes from English as a Second Language to computer skills, children’s programs for all ages, books to shut-ins and prisoners, a quiet place to study, books for pleasure and education and outreach programs such as a travel series by community members as well as a used book store and a meeting room for community use.
“We are so pleased to dedicate this evening to benefitting the library,” said concert host Dallas Baxter, “the library is one of the reasons why living in Alpine and the Big Bend is so great.”
The free concert is followed by a reception with the artists. St. James is located at Ave. A and N. 6th St. in Alpine.
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