Music is a uniquely human phenomenon and has been part of our culture since the beginning of civilization. While many species of animals produce beautiful sounds to attract potential mates, or to mark and defend one’s territory, none are known to create melody for the sheer joy and beauty it brings. Not only does the capacity for musical expression separate us from the animals, but it transcends time and culture.
Chamber music is a form of classical music that is composed for a small group of instruments—traditionally a group that could fit in a large room – or in French a “chambre.” Its history goes back to the troubadours of mediaeval France; travelling musicians who would visit and perform ballads recounting the virtues of courtly love, and chivalrous courage and heroism. By the 17th and 18th century, chamber music evolved to embrace on a distinctly social function; it provided an opportunity for friends to gather and enjoy one another’s company and the arts, not in a cathedral or a palace but in the intimate surroundings of their own homes.
Today we have MP3 players and YouTube, and we listen to and enjoy fine music at any time. While technology has vastly improved our standard of living, it has not necessarily improved the social connection humans need. At Shiloh-Manor Farm, we are inaugurating the Wheatland Concert Series, bringing the best classical chamber music to Loudoun. Our goals are to provide an intimate and culturally enriching experience of chamber music and to promote a greater understanding of how music connects us and celebrates timeless beauty and order and symmetry that reflect the best of human accomplishments.
Our initial recital is schedule for July 24 at 8:00 pm and features internationally known string quartet and summer themed classics from Mozart, Handel, Purcell, Pachelbel and Boyce. Catered refreshments by The Polished Foxx. Ticket are $50/each. Seating is limited.
Please come join us and celebrate not only the return of summer, but the return of normalcy post COVID and the timeless beauty of some of the world’s best composers in an intimate setting.
Nick Donnangelo
Shiloh Manor Farm