Last Friday night, Prospect Park patrons went on an extraordinary musical journey presented by The Chelsea Symphony, featuring the talents of acclaimed violinist Jessica McJunkins and experimental musician Lucrecia Dalt.
The outdoor concert at the Prospect Park Bandshell is the latest in a summer-long series hosted by BRIC Arts Media for its BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! festival, which is known for its expansive lineup. The annual music festival, now in its 45th year, offers free outdoor concerts at Prospect Park this summer until Aug. 24.
Friday's concert was a mesmerizing blend of classical and experimental music. The genre-defying performance reinforced the Symphony's reputation for its commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional symphonic concerts.
The orchestra performed Grace Williams’ “Calm Sea in Summer" from "Sea Sketches" and Max Richter’s "The New Four Seasons - Vivaldi Recomposed" to a silent but reverent audience. The two pieces were composed for the group by Mark Seto.
The Symphony played with featured guest McJunkins, a violinist who goes by Lady Jess and is known for her expressive, soul-stirring performances. The warmth and intensity of her sound held the audience spellbound throughout the evening, from the delicate nuances of a Baroque concerto to the fiery passion of a Romantic masterpiece.
Dalt, who performed the opening act, created an otherworldly atmosphere of sonic exploration that pushed the boundaries of conventional music and wove together a tapestry of textures with an array of electronic instruments and cutting-edge technologies.
Friday's lineup was a seamless fusion of two distinct musical worlds that transcended the limitations of genres. The Chelsea Symphony was a perfect conduit for both McJunkins and Dalt to reflect on the unconventional sonic elements of Prospect Park itself. The result was a harmonious symphony of diverse sounds and influences.
As the final notes resonated through Prospect Park, the audience rose to their feet, offering an ovation that echoed through the night.
For more information on BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, please click here.
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