Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra
Nicholas McGegan, Music Director
(link to Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra page)
reconstruction
"...the cutting egde of Baroque music"In August 2003, Bimbetta re-emerged with a new name: reconstruction, a new group featuring Nell Snaidas, Catherine Webster, Joanna Blendulf and Holly Chatham, with a new program Bedlam, Back and Beyond. Time Out Magazine's Classical "Pick of the Week," reconstruction made its New York city Debut January 11 at The Cutting Room. A new look, new format and new programs. Check out reconstruction at www.reconstructionmusic.com.
"Music in the Vineyards offered a refreshing departure from tradition by presenting the debut concert of Reconstruction. The sold-out performance opened with a fiery canzonetta and continued to dazzle their audience with musical intelligence and wit. The ensemble was as tight as a skilled jazz group &emdash; each voice and instrument being equally important, dripping with personality and moving together as one. The result was pure synchronicity. Through acting, gestures and creative use of stage space, they presented songs of love and longing with affable humor and classy sensuality. Bringing to a close this program presented a hilarious rendition of Purcell's 'Bess of Bedlam,' which segued into 'Crazy,' a signature tune of Patsy Cline. Chatham's Andrews-Sisters-style arrangement left us with a point well taken; musical inspiration and passions of the heart have not changed a bit since 1600. The audience left saying 'I can't believe it's over already!' It was revitalizing."
San Francisco Classical Voice (SFCV.org) - August 19, 2003
