Monarch Duo

Kick-Off Event, Kansas City Public Library – Central Library, June 5th, 5:30 PM

Bio: Since 2023, Matthew Bennett and Joanna Metsker have been performing chamber music concerts throughout the region showcasing a broad repertoire from baroque to pop. Our duo, The Monarch Duo, has created a program that has something for everyone. We bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that allows us to showcase baroque performance practice, tango, and even rock. The Monarch Duo’s diverse experience includes Candlelight Concerts, KC Baroque Consortium, extensive orchestral experience, and performing with rock bands including The Eagles, Disturbed, and Trans Siberian Orchestra. 

In response to this year’s theme, Wonder, this violin duet concert will delve into the depths of curiosity, connection, and shared experience through a rich and diverse repertoire. We will explore how music from Baroque, Classical, Eastern European, and Latin traditions illuminates our shared humanity and highlights the beauty of discovery, cultural exchange, and the unexpected moments of connection that enrich our lives. Through the timeless medium of the violin, we invite the audience to explore the wonder of both the familiar and the unfamiliar, and how they intertwine to shape our collective journey.

 

In connection to the theme: This concert program reflects the theme of Wonder by inviting the audience to embrace the complexities of connection, personal growth, and the unexpected. Each piece on the program will reflect a different aspect of the journey towards greater understanding, as we navigate our differences and discover common threads that bind us together. The violin duet, with its rich history and expressive power, provides the perfect vehicle to explore these themes. From the Baroque elegance of Leclair to the playful folk melodies of Bartók and the passionate Latin rhythms of Gardel, the music will provide a framework for reflection on: 

The Complexity of Connection: How diverse cultural expressions—whether French Baroque, Hungarian folk, or Argentine tango—create a shared understanding of the human experience. Music speaks to the universality of human emotions, while embracing our differences.

Discovery and Personal Growth: The violin’s capacity for both virtuosity and intimacy reflects the process of self-discovery, while the duet format underscores the importance of community and dialogue. The Unexpected: From the playful folk dances of Bartók to the emotive tango of Gardel, music invites us to pause and reflect on the moments of surprise that can shift our perspectives and spark a sense of wonder.

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@mattbennettviolin

@metskerviolin