Nexus Chamber Orchestra performs today

TENNESSEAN ARTICLE

27 Jun, 2010

Nexus Chamber Orchestra performs today Studio players will accept flood relief donations at free concert By Bonnie Burch • THE TENNESSEAN • June 27, 2010   BRENTWOOD — Some of Nashville's top studio players are showing their classical sides. The Nexus Chamber Orchestra, made up of string musicians whose "day jobs" include playing along with the likes of Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood and Kid Rock, launches with its first concert at 4 p.m. today in Brentwood United Methodist Church's chapel. "Not to say that playing in studios isn't great. But from time to time, we just like to get together to play music written for our instruments. We really need to have another outlet to keep our chops up," said Brentwood violinist Catherine Umstead who founded the new orchestra along with her husband, Alan, also a violinist. Many of these same studio musicians also are classically trained with diplomas from some of the county's top music schools including Juilliard, Eastman, Oberlin and Indiana. The couple often was invited to play special shows at BUMC such as for Christmas or spring celebration concerts when the church's musical director, David Keith, suggested that they get some friends together to present a concert series. That's where the idea of Nexus was born. Keith will be conducting the first concert, which will feature works of Corelli, Mozart and "Reveries" by local composer David Sartor. Future concerts also will include music by a composer with local ties, Umstead said. Although admission is free, this first concert is also a benefit for the Nashville Musicians Association Flood Relief Fund. Not only did many locals lose their homes in the early May floods but many also had musical instruments, the equipment necessary for their livelihoods, damaged beyond repair. Those who wish to donate to the cause can do so at the orchestra's debut or contribute directly at the Nashville Musicians Association's website at www.nashvillemusicians.org. The concert series is held the third Sunday of each month. For a full schedule of upcoming Nexus Chamber Orchestra concerts, visit www.nexuschamber orchestra.org. Contact Bonnie Burch at 615-771-5421 or bburch@tennessean.com.