The AARCH Society of Frederick County, Maryland, in partnership with New Spire Arts, presents the award-winning documentary feature film: The Tale of the Lion Our Stories. Our Voices The oldest African American citizens in Frederick County, Maryland, share the memories, wit, and wisdom that have shaped their lives. Until the story of the hunt is told by the Lion, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter. -- African Proverb

The National String Symphonia begins its Spring season with an exciting collaboration with area saxophonist Howard Burns. Burns joins us to present a live performance of the 1960 Stan Getz album "Focus," featuring a suite composed specifically for Getz by Eddie Sauter. A noted example of "third stream" music, Focus beautifully blends classical and jazz elements into a unique sound that will thrill listeners.

Broadway and television legend, Bebe Neuwirth, performs for one night only in the dynamic, staged reading of “Second Derivative”, a thrilling new play by local playwright Jeffery Keilholtz. From “Cheers” and “Frasier” to Broadway blockbuster “Chicago”, Neuwirth is lauded as one of America’s most celebrated performers.  On March 21, this two-time Tony winner and two-time Emmy winner travels from Manhattan to join forces with high-potential regional talent in Frederick, Maryland, on Patrick Street, in a rousing evening of workshop theatre that will keep you talking long after you leave!   Post-show Q&A and cocktail reception to follow. Starring: Bebe Neuwirth*, Amanda Shafer, Paul Cottman, James McGarvey *Appearing with permission of Actors Equity Association   ABOUT THE PLAY: Over the course of one night, a seasoned attorney rushes to protect a battered civilian and a young political operator, until a routine police inquiry puts her on the defense to save her own life from peril. The play contains mature language.  Produced by PHENOMENOLOGY. phenoart.org

Rivka Golani is generally considered to be among the leading violists in modern times. Israeli by birth she now resides in London. She teaches and holds professorship at Trinity Laban Conservatoire. Rivka has performed with many of the major orchestras around the world, including the BBC Symphony, Boston Symphony, Toronto Symphony, Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic and Israeli Philharmonic orchestras. She has also performed as a soloist at the Proms concerts in London’s Royal Albert Hall three times, including at the infamous last night of the Proms. What do the critics think of Rivka Golani? James North of Fanfare Magazine, in a glowing appraisal of her work, wrote that she is “... carving out a place of her own that no other performer on the instrument can reach.”  The Financial Times of London clearly agrees: “Rivka Golani (is)... a supreme viola virtuoso - white-hot in delivery, kaleidoscopic in tone colours, electrifying in rhythmic attack.” For an even more effusive testimony, we might try the Boston Herald: “... riveting, intensely physical stage presence... hurtling momentum, constant risk-taking, complete technical assurance... one can only be grateful that she dedicated herself to art rather than warfare, for she would be an awesome adversary.”

April Verch Band This Ottawa Valley native has garnered praise from music’s heavy hitters including NPR, Rolling Stone, No Depression and more, for her fresh and feisty approach to deep North Americana.  Verch’s signature fiddle sound blends together regional Canadian, American old-time, bluegrass, country and Americana, resulting in a well-rounded tour-de-force of traditional sounds.  Her delicate voice, energetic footwork and stunning playing have brought her to stages across the globe, wowing audiences with her jaw-dropping performance.    “…[a] retro-wonderful—a masterful presentation…” -Steven Brodksy delcoculturevultures.com

One of the cornerstones of the string orchestra repertoire, Tchaikovsky's Serenade will be featured on the National String Symphonia May concert. This work evokes the spirit of Mozart's serenades, which were greatly admired by Tchaikovsky. Indeed, Mozart's most famous Serenade - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - was also composed for strings alone. Continuing the Mozart connection, we will be presenting a work by a woman composer who was a contemporary (and friend) of Mozart. Soprano Melissa Chavez will return to join the NSS in presenting Marianne von Martinez's aria "La belle lagrime" for the first time since Martinez's death in 1812. The Bachianas Brasilieras of Heitor Villa-Lobos are also nods to composers of the past, this time to J.S. Bach. Villa-Lobos composed nine such works, attempting to integrate the compositional tools of the Baroque composers to the sound of the traditional music of Brazil. The result are some of the best-known works of Latin American art music. Rounding out this concert is the beloved Adagietto for Strings by Gustav Mahler. Written as a love song to his future wife, Alma, this tender and lyrical work has inspired more than 20 choreographers to set it to stage.