Mizutani and Fellow Musicians Perform Preview of Future Ensemble
More than two years in the planning, a dream is beginning to come true for violin virtuoso Wai Mizutani. With his next concert in his Lord of the Strings series, Mizutani will present a preview of original music showcasing the sound and experience of the future Impact World Strings Chamber Ensemble.
"The Sound of Impact," Opus 8 in the Lord of the Strings concert series, will introduce the music of the 16-piece ensemble being created by Wizutani that will be composed of elite professionals who have devoted their lives to their craft and will come together to showcase their talent through concerts and projects around the globe.
The concert on Aug. 27 will feature Mizutani, together with four local artists performing selections representative of the music of the upcoming Impact World Strings Chamber Ensemble. While the guest musicians performing are not members of the future chamber ensemble, they will be providing a musical preview featuring all new arrangements that will be used by the ensemble.
Mizutani's concert manager Alaura Scherrer explained the master violinist's vision for the Impact World Strings Chamber Ensemble.
“International musicians have offered to play if we can get the funding and the group officially started,” Scherrer explained, adding that they’ve been working on forming Impact for more than two years. “We have a lot of people interested in working with us because they know Wai. So we have a lot of opportunities from concert venues all over the world. We have a lot of potential. We’re looking for sponsors.”
Scherrer, 26, became Mizutani’s manager last December. They met at Flathead Valley Community College, where he is an adjunct instructor, about two and a half years ago when she was a vocal student there. The two have since collaborated for benefit concerts around the valley. After graduating with an associate’s degree in music, Scherrer earned a bachelor’s degree in music comprehensive at Valley City State University in North Dakota.
As its website states, Impact exists to bring high level professionalism and passion to the world through music of all genres.
“Wai’s mission is to take the 16 members of Impact and travel around the world bringing music to people who need it most,” Scherrer said. “His goal in life is to impact the world with the performances we’ll bring to them. With what is going on in the world right now, people need music right now more than ever.”
CONCERT DETAILS
“The Sound of Impact” concert will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Flathead High School auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Performing musicians include:
• Sarah Burdick, principal double bassist with the Glacier Symphony
• Griffin Browne, principal cellist with and music librarian for the Glacier Symphony
• Eric Holdhusen, Flathead High School's new orchestra director and violinist with the Glacier Symphony
• Eileen Beckett, Glacier Symphony violist and orchestra director for Kalispell Middle School
Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for seniors and youth 10 and older; and free for veterans, active duty military, and children under 10. Purchase at the door, or call ahead to 406-212-9515, or purchase online at impactwsce.com or eventbrite.com
To learn more about the Impact World Strings Chamber Ensemble, visit impactwsce.com