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Musical Montage Series

In Partnership with the Chelsea District Library

Musical Montage is a collection of music-related lectures, punctuated with demonstrations or brief performances. Chelsea Center for the Arts music instructors team with the Chelsea District Library to present these informative and entertaining one-hour presentations. With programs for the general public, as well as special programs for area seniors, the Musical Montage series brings a new way to appreciate music. Visit the Chelsea District Library's Calendar to register for these free events!

Musical Montage: Music Through People, Places, and Time

Where did music come from? How did it evolve? This wide-ranging discussion—full of listening examples—will talk about the development of Western music (European-American) as well as other music from around the world and throughout time.

Presenter: Lester Castellana, CCA Piano Instructor

September 15, Chelsea District Library, 6:30-7:30pm

Musical Montage: Franz Liszt’s Years of Pilgrimage

A towering figure of the 19^th century, Franz Liszt was at times a pianist, composer, conductor, author, biographer, teacher, philosopher, father, and priest - among many other things. His music could range from the most accessible piano showpieces, to religious cantatas and difficult forays into atonality. In honor of his 200^th birthday, we will explore Liszt’s long life, his influences and impact, and a selection of his musical creations.

Presenter: Lester Castellana, CCA Piano Instructor

September 21, Chelsea Senior Center, 1:00-2:00pm

Musical Montage: Exploring Careers in Music

What are the various options when considering pursuing music as a career? We’ll talk about how to prepare for a wide array of music-related careers—from education to performance, management, and music technology, and what to look for in a University, College, or Conservatory. We’ll discuss how to develop a career notebook to outline the possibilities in a practical manner. This discussion will focus on both traditional and unconventional career paths in music, and is ideal for older teens or adults who are considering pursuing music professionally.

Presenter: Lisa Hinz-Johnson, CCA Director of Music and Voice Instructor

October 20, Chelsea District Library, 6:30-7:30pm

Musical Montage: Six Centuries of Keyboards and Keyboard Music

An exploration of the wide variety of keyboard instruments and the music that has been written for them. From medieval organs and renaissance virginals to modern pianos and electronic instruments. Recordings and performance will accompany the discussion including short pieces from 1360 to the early 21st century.

Presenter: Lester Castellana, CCA Piano Instructor

October 22, Silver Maples of Chelsea, 2:00-3:00pm

Musical Montage: The Life and Music of Franz Schubert

For the entirety of his brief, 31-year life, Franz Schubert worked in the shadow of Beethoven, writing vast quantities of beautiful music that remained largely unknown until his death. Although they lived in the same city, their paths rarely crossed. Nonetheless, Beethoven knew of the young Schubert and reportedly declared “this one has the divine spark.” Experience this master of melody firsthand in this performance with discussion.

Presenter: Lester Castellana, CCA Piano Instructor

November 17, Chelsea District Library, 6:30-7:30pm

Musical Montage: Humor in Classical Piano Music

While often stereotyped as too serious and sometimes even dull, the nature of classical music is highly influenced by humor. This Musical Montage presentation uses both performance and discussion to illustrate the humor in classical music. From Bach to Debussy, Beethoven to Stravinsky, come hear how composers let their mischievous sides take control!

Presenter: Lester Castellana, CCA Piano Instructor

November 23, Chelsea Retirement Community, 2:00-3:00pm