The atmosphere was festive last night at La Chapelle Scènes Contemporaines. The Stick&Bow ensemble, an atypical duo made up of Krystina Marcoux on marimba and Juan Sebastian Delgado on cello, is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year. In front of an enthusiastic audience, the two performers clearly wanted to indulge themselves by offering a program consisting almost entirely of new works. Almost all the composers were present for the first public performance of their works.
The timbre of the cello and marimba are a perfect match, and the hall at La Chapelle was just right for this kind of concert. The intimate atmosphere made the audience feel close to the performers, and there were no volume problems. The scenography of the concert was also commendable. The stage was sometimes bathed in half-light, sometimes illuminated by lamps suspended from the ceiling. These elements helped to create different moods, both mysterious and lively, adding a new dimension to each piece.
In fact, this was the concept of the concert: to mobilize several senses. Upon entering the concert hall, each audience member received a small bag containing various snacks to enjoy during the concert. A sometimes distracting feature during the speeches between pieces, but appreciated nonetheless. It really felt like a birthday party!
Musically, the duo showed us the full extent of their talent. The pieces required the use of several playing techniques, on both marimba and cello. The instruments were really used to their full potential, and the impression was given that these were two solo instruments, so demanding and intense were the scores. The audience was treated to a sonic journey that took them from introspective, soaring pieces to jazz-sounding works, to pieces full of intensity and fire. The pieces were interspersed with anecdotes from the ensemble’s first five years.
Stick&Bow’s anniversary gift to us was exciting, moving and impressive. The two performers clearly enjoy sharing these works with us, and the pleasure is contagious. For Stick&Bow, the adventure is just beginning!
For the Vivier’s full programme, click HERE.
