Martha Masters: One on One

With so much praise and acclaim, it's no wonder that we're excited to have world-recognized classical guitarist, Martha Masters, conclude our 39th Annual Long Beach Bach Festival. In a guitar-world that's pre-dominantly considered a "man's world," it's obvious that Martha comes out on top. 

We had the grand opportunity to steal Martha away from her crazy-busy schedule to snag a quick (and we mean quick) little interview and get to know her better. Find out how she balances teaching and performing with her home life, her favorite type of music to play, and more!

Interview:

What made you decide on classical guitar, as opposed to other types, like acoustic or electric?

It was an accident, really- that's just what style the teacher was experienced in!  But in the end, I have explored many styles, and I think it was a happy accident, because though I enjoy listening to all styles of guitar, I really only enjoy playing classical.  

How do you balance teaching, performing, traveling, and raising a family? Do you find that it gets harder or easier?

Well, I'm not sure I balance things very well!  I certainly make plenty of mistakes along the way, but I try my best.  I'm not sure there is a harder or easier trend- just more ebb and flow.  There are times that are more challenging, and times that seem to work more easily.  Thank goodness for the latter when I'm lucky enough for those times to come.

Are your kids guitar players?

My oldest two (ages 7 and 10) both play the guitar, and I teach them- saves money on private lessons!

How did you get into teaching at the college level? 

College teaching jobs in guitar are hard to come by.  I got my first job out of persistence, really- I just called every school in the area and managed to find one who just happened to be looking to replace an outbound teacher.  It was persistance, combined with luck, and hopefully I earned it as well! 

Would you rather teach or perform? Why?

Can't choose!  They both provide me with great rewards, and are dual passions of mine.

What is your favorite type of music to play? Your favorite piece?

I love Baroque music - and I'm not just saying that because of your Bach theme!  If I had to choose a favorite composer, it is without a doubt Bach; and favorite piece is pretty hard to say, but I might say his Prelude, Fugue and Allegro. 

What is your guitar collection like – all classical guitars?

Yes, all classical. I have two main concert instruments- one that I prefer to tour with, and one I prefer for recordings. 

Martha will be playing a variety of arrangements by J.S. Bach and other composers at Sababa Restaurant and Lounge on Sunday, April 14th at 6:30p.m.

Bach on the Horizon

So you want to see a Grammy award winning singer perform in real life? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Mezzo-soprano Kelley O’Connor is joining The Horizon Chamber Choir & Players to perform a program of cantatas and motets by J.S. Bach fit for a King. And we promise you’ll love it.

The Horizon Chamber Choir was founded in 2010, and it has quickly established itself as one of Los Angeles’ premier vocal ensembles. Members of the group perform regularly with amazing choirs such as LA Master Chorale and Pacific Chorale. Pretty impressive.

So now that you’re all excited about the performers, you’re probably wondering what’s on the program. The group will perform several pieces by Bach, including Komm, Jesu, Komm, Der Herr denket an uns, and more.

We hope to see you April 6 for a fabulous concert! It will be so good, we’re pretty sure you’ll be Bach to see the last concert of the festival.

The performance will be held at Belmont Heights United Methodist Church in Long Beach. For tickets, visit www.longbeachcameratasingers.org. 

Camerata's Counterpart

This weekend, Camerata will be joined by the many angelic voices of the South Bay Children’s Choir for the Evensong concert. Not only will the children’s choir add another gorgeous dimension to the concert, they will also add a whole lot of cute.

SBCC is comprised of about 120 singers, and they are known for their beautiful tone and expressive singing. Founded in 1996, the choir has been wooing audiences under the artistic direction of Diane Simons for over a decade. The group has performed all over the world, including in Carnegie Hall and The Canterbury Cathedral. Quite an impressive resume for so many little ones!

Children involved in SBCC not only get experience singing, they also learn how to read music, sing in different languages, and practice a little music theory. They are given the tools to be great musicians right off that bat.

Camerata is ecstatic to be sharing the stage with SBCC for not one, but two performances this weekend. This is a collaboration you won’t want to miss!

10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Bach

Just to get you excited about The Bach Festival, we thought you might want to know a little more about the man behind the music.

• ·      Bach fathered 20 children, only 9 of which survived him
• ·      He spent about a month in jail after disrespecting the Duke of Weimar by accepting employment elsewhere
• ·      Bach traveled frequently, but he never actually left Germany
• ·      Bach once pulled a sword on a bassoonist who had accused him of slander
• ·      He was often invited to inspect the mechanics of church organs
• ·      Bach married his second cousin
• ·      Several of Bach’s children became professional musicians and composers
• ·      Bach was orphaned when he was 10
• ·      Despite living near each other, Bach and Handel never actually met
• ·      During Bach’s life, he was famous for being an organist, not for being a composer

The Bach Experience

What do Bach, Dolly Parton, and Arcade Fire have in common? Camerata. On March 2 and 3, the Long Beach Camerata Singers will perform an incredibly eclectic and fun program to kick off the Long Beach Bach Festival.

You may still be wondering how a concert that features both rock and Baroque music can seamlessly fit together. Camerata’s innovative choral director, Rob Istad, has put a lot of thought into every piece chosen. The concert is intended to be experiential, creative, and spiritual, capturing what the Long Beach Arts are all about.

“When I imagined the way the Long Beach community connects to the arts, I envisioned the active ways in which we interact with each other and with art in our city. We attend operas in parking garages and at the Belmont Pool. We dance to a '80s Mix-Tape Party' while encountering the most recent exhibition at the Museum of Latin American Art. We listen to concerts in the park, jam with street corner musicians on Second Street, and sing the blues in Rainbow Lagoon. The people of Long Beach continue to find non-traditional paths to experience the arts in ever increasing creativity. Our performance will represent such an eclectic path,” explains Istad. 

The only real way to understand this program, though, is to experience it yourself. It will definitely be a one-of-a-kind performance, and the top notch soloists and instrumentalists won’t disappoint.

Hope to see you there! We promise Evensong will leave you wanting to come Bach for more.