Chamber music series ends in meditative harmony

Anyone who thinks chamber music is just hoity-toity classical stuff should meet St. Albert piano teacher Nancy Watt.

“For me, chamber music is a small group of musicians in an intimate space sharing the music they like,” says Watt, also the founder and driving force of the St. Albert Chamber Music Recital Series.

She has scheduled the recital series season-ending finale for this coming Saturday at Don’s Piano Warehouse with the Edmonton-based Rosette Guitar Duo, a team that invokes the spirit of meditation and relaxation.

“A lot of their music is so organic. Just the fact that they compose and perform their own repertoire is exciting. They speak from the heart. It’s personal, creative and they’re breaking new ground.”

Kevin Marsh and former Visionary College instructor Mike Lyngstad are the foundation of this duo that this year celebrates 11 years of performing, composing and recording together. Despite their longevity performing in coffee shops and concert halls, restaurants and bars, the Saturday concert marks their St. Albert debut.

The duo met through the University of Alberta’s classical guitar program. They have survived two albums (Portage to Tunnel Mountain/Wooden Dragons), two single releases (Prescriptions/Meditations) and four tours. Like two halves of a whole, they’ve only grown stronger with each passing year.

“Our style combines all the techniques and devices we’ve learned and used. When we play, we get into a deep meditative trance, and the audience takes part in this meditative bliss,” Marsh explains.

Over the years, their compositional focus and performance style has evolved.

“We used to write and refine very individual, complex guitar parts. That created a very dense sound. Now we realize some notes don’t need to be there, so we take them out. There’s more clarity in our communication.”

At the concert, they will perform Prescriptions, a hot Latin-infused number inspired by their visit to the Medicine Hat Jazz Festival. And their first composition, Evergreen, remains an audience favourite.

“It’s a dancy number and it has these exotic rhythms throughout. It’s fun to play and fun to listen to.”

However, it’s the 22-minute Meditations that will be the epic showstopper. “It’s an inspirational piece about getting a new perspective on life.”

Opening for the duo is 12-year-old guitarist Travis Luckert, a student of St. Albert music teacher Dayle Besler.

“He’s the youngest artist we’ve showcased,” Watt says.

An ardent outdoorsman, Luckert runs, hikes, fly-fishes, goes rafting and plays club soccer. “I love the fact he’s so diverse. Being a musician, you need to explore life and you bring those explorations to your music.”

As an enticement, Watt will announce next year’s performers at the showcase.