Mizutani’s next concert plays on patriotic theme
Classical and jazz guitarist Steve Eckels will perform with master violinist Wai Mizutani and renowned cellist Jessica Chen for Opus 6 of The Lord of The Strings Concert Series June 25.
World renowned cellist Jessica Chen will perform with master violinist Wai Mizutani and classical and jazz guitarist Steve Eckels for Opus 6 of The Lord of The Strings Concert Series June 25.
Master violinist Wai Mizutani and Impact continue The Lord of the String concert series with Opus 6 “Echoes of Americana” Saturday, June 25.
From Disney to symphonic to marches to film scores, the concert is a celebration of some of the nation’s best and brightest composers in the vast field that is Americana. A few of the pieces selected for this concert are “Simple Gifts” (Appalachian Spring” “Goin Home (The New World Symphony and “Summertime” (Porgy and Bess).
The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Flathead High School Auditorium. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for seniors and students. Children under 10, veterans and active duty members of the military are admitted free.
Tickets may be purchased at the door, or call ahead to 406-212-9515, or purchase online at impactwsce.com or Eventbrite.com
Special guests include classical guitarist Steve Eckels and world renowned cellist Jessica Chen.
About Steve Eckels
Classical and jazz guitarist Steve Eckels received his Master’s degree of Music degree from New England Conservatory and his bachelor’s degree in guitar from Berklee College of Music.
He and his wife moved to Montana in 2000, and he taught guitar at Flathead High School for 22 years, as well as previously teaching at the college level in New Mexico and Wisconsin. Eckels received National Board Teaching Certification.
Eckels has recorded 15 CDs, published a textbook titled, “Teaching Classroom Guitar” and published 17 guitar books for Mel Bay Publications.
He has been featured on Montana Public Broadcasting’s “11th and Grant” show.
In 2003 he recorded his first CD of all classical music titled "Sparks from the 7 Worlds — Classical Guitar Masterpieces." The recording is a collection of many of guitar history's most significant pieces.
Eckels frequently performs for special events in the Flathead Valley and is a longtime member of The Fabulous Bel Aires (formerly Zino and the Bel Aires), a popular local ‘50s and ‘60s cover band. He also plays in the praise band at First Presbyterian Church.
About Jessica Chen
Renowned cellist Jessica Chen of Taichung, Taiwan, performed with Mizutani this spring in Bigfork.
She graduated with a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, then was given a full scholarship to continue studying for another year in Orchestral Performance. She has placed first in many cello competitions, locally and worldwide.
Together with her husband, Fang-Liu (Leo) Chen, she formed the classical trio Ars Trio Taipei and has managed the group for over 26 years, hosting a series of several performances in Taiwan each year, as well as across the U.S. and Israel. They were also invited to perform at the Banff Music Festival and FAME Music Festival. Chen has also been a part of the Shih-Chien University and Shanghai Music Conservatory Professor Communicate Concert and the Taipei City Library Lecture Concerts. Apart from her performances, she is also a teacher and adjudicator judge of the cello, Chen has garnered numerous awards in her career.
