[NEohioPAL]Solon Center for the Arts presents Lute Duets!

[Barb Lesner]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 16, 2004

Contact:	Karen L. Prasser			Photos Available =
by Request:
		Executive Director				blesner =
@solonohio.org
		Solon Center for the Arts
		440.337.1403
		kprasser at solonohio.org=20


LUTE DUETS ARE THE SPRING MUSICAL EVENT AT SOLON ARTS CENTER


	Solon Center for the Arts is pleased to announce an exciting =
musical event.  Lute Duets! will be performed on Friday, April 30 at 7:30 =
pm starring the renowned lutenists  Ronn McFarlane and Kenneth Be.  A lute =
concert is rare enough - lute duets will be a truly unique experience you =
won=92t want to miss.

	Mr. McFarlane and Mr. Be will be playing duets and solos from =
England, Italy, France and Germany which span the 16th, 17th and 18th =
centuries.  The Washington Post is quoted as saying, =93=85some of the =
most ravishing lute playing to be heard anywhere.=94  Mr. McFarlane also =
has an extensive solo performing and recording career with Dorian =
Recordings.  Again, the Post writes, =93McFarlane=92s talent is comparable =
to James Galway=92s for flute or Yo-Yo Ma=92s for the cello.=94

	A special treat will be a performance of John Dowland=92s =
=93Invention for Two to play upon One Lute=94 - the only piece written for =
four hands on one lute.  You must see (and hear) it to believe it!=20

	The lute is often seen as a spiritual instrument - one that can =
take its listeners into a finer, more delicate and beautiful world.  =
Sixteenth century listeners seem to have had the same thought.  The =
greatest Renaissance masters of the lute were credited with having =
semi-divine powers to move the souls of their listeners.  The legendary =
Francesco da Milano is described in an old account as lifting his =
listeners into an ecstatic =93divine frenzy,=94 then gently returning =
their earthly senses once again.

	The lute=92s music also has a strong popular element.  It seems =
that popular music of any century tends to have a lot in common:  strong =
rhythms, uncomplicated melodies, a refreshing directness of expression and =
the opportunity for on-the-spot improvisation.    Some of the lute=92s =
most rhythmically compelling music originated as dance music.=20

	Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and students and can =
be purchased by credit card and reserved early by calling the box office =
at 440.337.1400. =20

	Solon Center for the Arts is located at 6315 SOM Center Road in =
the Old City Hall building.  Parking is between the Arts Center and Solon =
City Hall. =20
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