|
|
 |
Feature
|
| Click Here to go back. |
Winona Daily News, Feature >>
Winonans wishing to prolong the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day will get their chance Wednesday when French Canadian Celtic band Vishtèn takes the Page Theatre stage at Saint Mary’s University.
“It’s Celtic music, but it does have a unique, French-ified accent,” said Patrick Grace, manager at SMU’s performing center, who has seen Vishtèn perform three times.
The trio, composed of Pascal Miousse and twin sisters Pastelle and Emmanuelle LeBlanc, has been playing together for 12 years and plans to release its third album, “Mosaïk,” this summer. Vishtèn members play instruments like the fiddle, penny whistle, accordion, piano, and jaw harp, and incorporate traditional Scottish dance into performances.
“People who enjoy folk music, Irish music or even bluegrass music will find something in the show that’s similar to that, and just learn another culture,” Pastelle said.
While in Winona, the group will also host a master class for the Winona Fiddlers, a group of student musicians who rehearse at Winona Senior High School.
Grace said the cultural exchange between Vishtèn and Winona won’t stop with music and education. After learning the twins were avid knitters, Grace organized a “hand-knit worn by you” contest, asking concert attendees to sport their favorite hand-knit garments. Prizes from Yarnology, the Book Shelf and SMU will be awarded. Grace said it’s just another way to foster a connection between two cultures.
“If you love Irish music, you’ll love them,” he said.
03/17/12 >> go there
|
| Click Here to go back. |
|
 |
|
|
|
