suitespot

Peter Burwasser on Classical

It happens every time City Paper puts out a guide to the new arts season. Any number of worthwhile organizations miss the cut, often because they are late in announcing their programs. Two of my favorite musical ensembles were not on my list two weeks ago for this very reason. Relâche, a pioneering ensemble dedicated to presenting engaging music by working composers, and Philomel, Philadelphiaís leading period instrument group, perform music that is separated by centuries, but both organizations share an almost fanatical devotion to specialized art forms and both have generated a favorable buzz far beyond their home turf.

Relâche has endured a roller-coaster existence over the last 24 years, and just a few seasons ago seemed about out of momentum. Their programming today, under the re-energizing directorship of Thaddeus Squire, is as diverse and imaginative as ever. A hallmark of Squire's tenure has been multidisciplinary events, including programs reflecting museum exhibits at the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, dance and theater collaborations and silent movie screenings accompanied by live music. Truth be told, I rarely attend a Relâche concert at which I am excited by everything that is played, and occasionally even become annoyed by what I hear. But I also almost never leave a Relâche concert without experiencing something that is uniquely stimulating, thought-provoking and, ultimately, beautiful. I don't know of any other live musical experience that can elicit such an explosive range of reaction.

Period instrument performance is fairly commonplace these days, but when Philomel started out over a quarter-century ago, they were perceived by many as a bunch of fringe musical hippies. They probably would not have denied it themselves. When Philomel plays Bach and Vivaldi on the instruments that those composers knew, in the intimate acoustics of the Philadelphia area's 18th-century churches, it is easy to imagine that you are getting closer to the heart of the composer's own vision of the sound.

These two groups share another critical characteristic: The members are world-class musicians. Live music is like this: Start with players with chops, add genuine enthusiasm for the mission, throw in the dynamic of a loyal and discerning audience and more often than not, you get a transcendental artistic experience. It is a regular occurrence with Relâche and Philomel. Go out and hear them.

For more information on Relâche, call 215-574-8248 or visit www.relache.org. On Philomel, call 215-487-2344 or visit www.philomel.org.

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