Eclettico at the U.P. Childrens Museum

Eclettico warms souls on a cold and stormy night with the inspiring sounds of their strings

It was an intimate treat for those who braved the stormy night to hear this contemporary ensemble during the standing room only show by Eclettico at the U.P. Childrens Museum in Marquette, Michigan, Friday, January 3, 2014.

From left to right, Bud Clowers, Lauren Perala, Eric Marta, and Alexander Shahbazi all members of Eclettico, a local string ensemble, perform and intimate concert at the U.P. Children’s Museum in Marquette, Michigan on Friday, January 3, 2014.

Danielle Simandi and Matt Mitchell play violin during the Eclettico concert at the U.P. Children’s Museum in Marquette Michigan.

If you haven’t made it out to see this group of innovative young string performers yet you’re missing some of the most outstanding local talent the Upper Peninsula of Michigan has to offer.  This is a group of classically trained string musicians dedicated to sharing their love of music while demonstrating the versatility of their instruments with energy and passion.  These guys do not put on a show to fall asleep to!

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Eclettico perform twice now and something notable from both performances was the diversity of the crowd which covered all age groups;  a mirror of the diverse musical arrangements they present.  A mix of old world classical music, fiddle, jazz, pop, and rock this dynamic group covers it all which must be why they have such appeal with listeners from all walks of life.  They describe their music superbly in just 4 words, “Traditional Strings, Limitless Sounds.”

Cello players Alexis Mahler and Andrew LaCombe play together with other members of Eclettico at the U.P. Children’s Museum.

Besides sharing stages with top notch artists from across the nation many Eclettico members play with the Marquette Symphony Orchestra.  Additionally, they strive to inspire kids locally to pick up an instrument and discover their own love of music.  One of their shows would be a great opportunity to take your children for an introduction to classical music where they may be surprised to hear the songs of modern artists they love rocked out on traditional instruments.  In fact what better venue for a show dedicated to inspiring kids than another great organization dedicated to inspiring our creative juices, the U.P. Children’s Museum in Marquette?  Friday night’s show was hosted at the Children’s Museum for free with any donations accepted to provide scholarship support for a children’s music camp happening this summer.

Eclettico features non-traditional music on traditional string instruments.

Since their formal founding in 2011 they have devoted themselves in their mission to: “Close the gap between societal perceptions of ‘classical music’ and ‘rock music'” by “bringing traditional style string instruments into non-traditional settings and bringing non-traditional music to traditional style string instruments.”   In doing so they have grown into two separate facets with individual areas of focus: Eclettico, a large non-profit ensemble which spotlights education, outreach, and  fundraising and The Eclettico String Quartet a smaller group with the purpose of performing for private events such as weddings, cocktail hours, restaurants, etc.

If you’d like to know more information about them and how to connect and keep posted on their upcoming Eclettico events, look them up on face book or their new website: ecletticoquartet.wix.com/eclettico

by marquette_magazine