The First Annual Puddingstone Music Festival Newport held in three historic locations this past week. A triumphant command performances, par excellence!
The talented Co-Chairs, Clemens Teufel and Angela Kim formerly met as students at a music conservatory in Boston. The Puddingstone Music Festival, their “labour of love.” Accompanied by exceptional artists Christopher Elchico (Clarinet), Clara Kim (Violin), Caitlyn Mary Lynch (Viola), Rafael Popper Kelzer (Violoncello), Andrea Segar (Violin), Andre Sonner (Percussion) and Xiaopei Xu (Pianist), Olha Abakumova (Soprano), Katie Moorhead (Dancer), Colin Stilwell (Dancer), the Festival expanded music from four centuries.
Puddingstone Music Festival: Colony House
The Old Colony House or Colony House is the “crown jewel” of the Newport Historical Society. Additionally, the venue played host to the final concert of the Puddingstone Music Festival Newport. Completed in 1741, Colony House served as the meeting space for colonial legislators.
From the creaky stairs to its brick construction by architect Richard Munday, it stood the test of time. This magnificent edifice is located in Washington Square in downtown Newport.
The Redwood Library opened the concert series with “Contrasts.” The Social Diary has attended many worthy exhibitions and events at this historic venue including the Rhode Island Coaching exhibition featuring Thomas Eakins. Doris Duke’s home, Rough Point was a sold out event for the second evening, for “Quest” that also introduced a new piano and violin Sonata composition by Dan VanHassel.
The final concert, aptly titled “Resonance” included the works of Joseph Koykkar, Robert Honstein, John Psathas, Claude Debussy and Robert Schumann. Puddingstone Music Festival Co-Chair, Clemens Teufel (Piano) remarked that Schumann was one of his favourite composers. So much so that he opened with Schumann at the Redwood Library.
Moreover, recognition given to an exuberant pairing of husband and wife duo. Additionally, Co-Chair Angela Kim (Piano) and Andre Sonner (Percussion) celebrated their wedding anniversary.
Whilst there are many opportunities to enjoy concerts and festivals, The Social Diary is always on the look out for smaller intimate gatherings. Similar to the parlour concerts of our childhood. We revel in artistic performances. Find out more about Puddingstone, a unique collaborative “family” of artists making beautiful memories together.