Boisterous evening at Neurosciences
By Charlene Baldridge | La Jolla Village News
January 9, 2009 Performance at The Neurosciences Institute, La Jolla, CA

Longstanding good intentions Finally became reality Jan. 9, when the locally based Hutchins Consort presented an already boisterous evening in the acoustically live Neurosciences Institute. The experience led to another intention: to return when the eight-member ensemble plays a broader range of repertoire so that one may better evaluate them.

They play on eight scaled violins built by Carleen Hutchins (b. 1911). According to program materials and the Web site, "These instruments are the First successful attempt to make a complete set of instruments in the range of human hearing with the sound color of the violin." Getting the ear and mind attuned to the range of these instruments, created to complement one another, takes some doing. Though not unpleasant, the sound is jarring because this is not your grandpa's string orchestra. Closest to satisfyingly traditional expectations is the "baritone" violin, which resembles the cello in size and timbre. These caveats aside, Hutchins Consort comes highly recommended and seems to have an avid and apparently more youthful than normal following.

The evening commenced with a brief new work, "Run Fast Blue Cookie," written especially for Hutchins Consort by West Coast-based composer Michael Vlatkovitch. The piece, rife with Cuban- and Afro-jazz and pop references, puts one pleasantly in mind of Astor Piazzolla.

Next up was Peter Illyich Tchaikovsky's "Souvenir de Florence" as arranged by artistic director/contrabass violin Joe McNally. What seems lacking in this work is dynamic contrast, the true and luscious beauty of timbre one expects of strings, and the usual nuance, sweetness and singing quality of phrasing, both individual and in unison. Granted it is a virtuoso work – especially as arranged for a mere eight players, and redolent of Bach's Brandenburgs – but it is, after all, Tchaikovsky. At the conclusion, this listener was more exhausted than transported by the lovely melodies. Other listeners, who applauded with excitement between each of the four movements, were on their feet.

The program concluded with a rousing performance by "Three Extraordinary Tenors," Dennis McNeil, Jose Medina and Jorge Lopez-Yanez. Their voices raised the roof of the Neurosciences Institute auditorium at least three inches off its moorings. As with any three tenors, including the original trio of Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras, each brings singular virtues to the platform. Physically agile and droll, McNeil has a lovely lyric sound, so reliable in beauty and pitch. Medina has ravishing beauty of tone and seemingly endless ability to scale the heights, and Lopez-Yanez, though his voice seemed a bit dry and tired at times Friday night, provided hefty ballast. Listeners enjoyed such tenorial standards as "Granada," the brindisi ("Libiamo") from "La Traviata," and "Nessun Dorma" from "Turandot." Then the three clowned their way through a number from "Mamma Mia!"

"Octet" is Not (Just) a Crossword Puzzle Clue

Tonight's concert in the lovely 120 year old Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Santa Ana showcased the up-and-coming Hutchins Consort, an octet of violins custom-built to evenly span eight octaves researched, designed and built by luthier Carleen Hutchins, now 97 and living in New Hampshire. The Consort owns the only two sets of these violins in use today, while the others are housed in museums around the world. In the world of entertainment, it's said you've "gotta have a gimmick," and there's no question that this ensemble has carved out a unique niche, but success depends upon talent—and that's in abundance in this group that is based both in Corona del Mar and Encinitas. They play a full schedule around Orange County and in San Diego, so don't lament that you missed tonight's performance. All of the music the Consort played had to be specially arranged for their unusual instrumentation. The full house at the church tonight received the performance warmly and was rewarded with an encore—a tango, no less. An inventive chamber music group like this has attracted an enthusiastic audience in our community and recently won national attention, receiving an NEA grant to boot.
Rick Stein, Executive Director, ArtsOC

I am writing to thank you for the wonderful experience I had at the Hutchins Consort performance. I was so moved throughout it. The kind of energy that it stirred in me was unbelievable-- emotional almost. The musicians are majestic and real and humble. Their sounds together are absolutely wonderful. I am stoked that I was able to be a part of that experience. Thank you for helping make those kind of performances happen... very cool.
Maya, student

It was a splendid concert, a rich offering of various styles particularly jazz .It was a real opportunity for the group to showcase its highly developed skills and versatility as musicians. The audience was wildly receptive and responsive. Thanks for urging us to attend.
Tony, City Planner, Del Mar

My wife and I attended both the Friday night and Saturday morning concerts. The Friday night concert was absolutely fabulous and we both said that it may have been one of the best concerts we have ever seen of any type! Saturday morning concert was also fantastic and those people that did not attend (especially locals) have no idea what they missed but soon will. The musicians were all fabulous, the guest performers were beyond expectations and the work that went into the music was evident. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks
Jim, Real Estate Broker/Owner Encinitas

Composers, Musicians and Music Lovers, not only of our past heritage but those of today and on to our tomorrows, are the beneficiaries of the dedication and perseverance of the "Luthier Physicist", Dr. Carleen Hutchins, who has created an eightfold "re-sounding" of the classic violin.

To attend the Hutchins Consort is to experience the unique joy and excitement of the only ensemble of eight incredible "new" violinists playing their hearts out on these wondrous instruments. It is an occasion not to be missed!

For those who dismiss anything "classical" to those well versed in the repertoire, you have inspired both new and renewed appreciation for fresh insights into the world of sound.

Several reluctant people whom I have literally dragged to classical music as re- interpreted by The Hutchins Consort are now happy ticket buyers. Bravo Bravo!
Felicity

I was absolutely blown away by the performance. It was the perfect combination of classic and modern, perfectly combining the arts.
Thank you for inviting us and recognizing us in the program.
Javiera, Field Representative from Congresswoman Sanchez' office, Garden Grove, CA

Aside from the high quality of musicianship I'm enthralled by the sound of the instruments, individually and as a consort. I can't get over what I'm hearing.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that your ensemble will perform and record more frequently. I simply cannot get over how really good this is. If I were a composer I'd be composing for your ensemble. Very best wishes to you and the rest of the consort.
Terrence