Saturday night was truly a special evening for Barrington’s White House as we hosted the Chicago-born, yet internationally acclaimed, concert violinist Rachel Barton Barton. Ms. Pine performed before a sold-out crowd and her full recital was recorded by 98.7WFMT for later rebroadcast on Music in Chicago.
Attendees were mesmerized by her lustrous tone and passion while playing Amanda Maier’s Sonata for violin and piano in B minor, the haunting melodies of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Sonata for violin and piano in G major, Op. 134, as well her energy and artistry performing Johannes Brahms and Mieczyslaw Weinberg’s Moldavian Rhapsody. Between pieces, Ms. Barton Pine entertained and educated the audience with historic stories about the artists and their friendships – friendships being the theme of her musical choices for the evening. She also shared stories about her violin, a Guarneri del Gesu, which was made in 1742. She has been playing the instrument since 2002.
Ms. Pine was accompanied by long-time friend and collaborator, pianist Matthew Hagel, an accomplished musician in his own right. For the final performance, Ms. Barton Pine invited violinist Lauren Conroy, Barrington High School student, on to the stage and they performed a piece together, ending with a standing ovation.
“The sold out concert crowd was treated to a evening of Racheal’s exquisite artistry and music of the masters! Truly a memorable evening for all,” said Denise Devereux Peters, Cultural Co-Chair for Barrington’s White House.
Following the performance, the artist met with fans to sign autographs and copies of her latest CD.
Her husband, Greg Pine, and daughter Sylvia, also visited with Ms. Pine at Barrington’s White House.
The performance was sponsored by the Northern Trust Company and Barrington School District 220.
