Nomad String Quartet : The best of Danish folksongs
Confidence is growing and the audiences are starting to grow again for live music events around Sydney. One series of concerts that has become extremely popular is the Candlelight Experience. Originally started in Europe, the organisation has spread its events around the world performing regularly in more than 90 cities. They produce short length cultural concerts of music, song and dance in extraordinary venues with the goal of making culture accessible to the younger generations. The carefully selected venues might be theatres, churches, halls, either historical or modern icons which make a stunning backdrop to the young performers of classical, jazz, ballet and World music.
The signature of the series you will find in each concert hits you as soon as you walk into the venue. Hundreds of flickering candles all around the performance area which adds visual warmth and ambiance. Not so much physical warmth – you have to look closely to see they do not contain any live flame – and the effect is completely striking.
This time they hosted the concert in St Stephen’s Uniting Church, Macquarie St in the Sydney CBD. With cool jazz playing in the background, comfortable cushions on the church pews and the heaters on, the audience picked up on the welcoming atmosphere which immediately put them in a relaxed, excited mood. This is an amazing church with towering organ pipes either side of the fairly square space. The ground and mezzanine floors would hold 800 PAX at a pinch.
Show time and the cellist James Larsen arrived on stage who was greeted warmly. The remaining three artists of the newly titled Nomad Quartet (Ben Adler, Yuhki Mayne and Beth Condon) began to play whilst walking up the aisles from the rear of the church. This was a brilliant way to include the audience in the performance. The music began slowly with an etheric feel then grew on the stage to a raucous, toe tapping dance. A wonderful way to set the consistent mood for the rest of the performance.
The Nomad Quartet, founded by violinist Ben Adler, chose a unique program of Danish songs based on the albums of ECM Recording Artists The Danish Quartet. The albums were a curated and arranged collection of traditional Scandinavian songs/dances which became a runaway success leading the group to be invited to play all around the world.
Nomad Quartet made their own excellent arrangements of the material which was delightful from front to end feeling like a mix between, Stéphane Grappelli and The Lord of the Dance. VERY accessible and loved by the whooping, cheering audience. There were lots of fun time signatures and opportunity to groove along in your seat with the musicians who didn’t hold back.
Adler gave excellent banter between the Five Courses (sections of the program) though at times the words were a little too quick which got lost in the echoing acoustics of the vast space. He gave a taste of history, some knowledge of how the Danish view marriage and weddings, stolen or “influenced” pieces from Scotland, England and Germany and music sometimes flowing and thoughtful, other times really funky.
The start to the concert felt slightly out with timing occasionally but soon clicked into place producing a tight and well aligned rhythm.
Adler’s previous experience working with World music and Folk music groups was self-evident. He is an excellent performer showing great flexibility in style and technique. Second violin Yuhki Mayne had plenty of opportunity to shine and to lead the group which was great to see. A highly accomplished player with a punk hairstyle, he fitted perfectly into the Candlelight series and its agenda. Viola player Beth Condon was agile and a wonderful support, clearly having fun and free of any restraint in giving the material all her energy. Cellist James Larsen had his share of solo work mirroring the Danish Quartet cellist Henrik Brendstrup and was compelled to join the others in grooving along to the jigs.
The music and stories were so enjoyable, it was the fastest one hour concert ever noted. One can only hope for an album from these players in the near future. The audience gave a standing ovation.
If you check the Candlelight Experience website below you’ll see the Nomad Quartet have some upcoming bookings. It’s no surprise considering how popular they have become. Book early for their events as seating will be limited.
Check out the Candlelight series website for the next concert in your city: https://candlelightexperience.com/
Nomad Quartet website: https://www.nomadstringquartet.com/
Performers:
Ben Adler – Violin I
Yuhki Mayne – Violin II
Beth Condon – Viola
James Larsen – Cello
