'Society for the Doctrinal Affectation of Baroque Music' returns with concert Saturday
Classical music is anything but boring and stuffy to University of St. Thomas music professors Dr. Christopher Kachian and Dr. David Jenkins. In fact, about eight years ago they started something whose name even pokes fun at the perceived snootiness of classical aficionados: The Society for the Doctrinal Affectation of Baroque Music (hereafter called the Society … please note the capital "S").
The Society — Kachian on guitar and mandolin, Jenkins on fortepiano and Dr. Michelle Nordtorp-Madson of the UST Art History Department, commentator – will give its annual performance at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, in St. Mary's Chapel of the St. Paul Seminary, 2260 Summit Ave. It's free and open to the public.
The Society is dedicated, says this trio, "to stylish performances of early musical artifacts with nonconventional instrumentation. The Society's artistic mission is to arouse the elevated passions of modern audiences through elegant interpretations informed by the latest in historical discovery." Or, says Kachian, "We're gonna have fun with music and art!"
Jenkins and Kachian will, "in an inexplicable break with august tradition," play an all-classical program this year, with music by Beethoven, Hummel and Schubert. They will play "historic" instruments on loan from the Schubert Club. Nordtorp-Madson will provide the visual treats and scintillating commentary. The musicians and the art historian have stellar credentials, having given performances and lectures all over the world. But, what makes them interesting, however, is their decidedly unstuffy approach.
For further information about the Society for the Doctrinal Affectation of Baroque Music — or how you can join — call Kachian, (651) 962-5858.
