Flute-Tuba Duo Has Local Concerts Next Week

SOUTHBURY AND NEWTOWN — East Hill Woods will present Double Play, the world’s only professional flute and tuba duo, on Wednesday, August 27, at 7:15 pm. The public is invited free of charge. Call 262-6161 for additional information. The auditorium is 611 East Hill Road in Southbury.

The duo will then be performing on Friday, August 29, at 7 pm, at The Homesteads at Newtown, 166 Mt Pleasant Road/Route 6. The public is also welcome to attend this concert free or charge. Call The Homesteads at 426-8118.

Although the couple makes their home in Phoenix, Ariz., flutist Amy Ridings and tubaist Patrick Sciannella travel the country extensively each year, entertaining audiences of all ages. This summer’s “European Cruise” program features the music of Rossini, Handel, Tchaikovsky and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Demonstrations on a “hose-horn” and baroque (wooden) flute help explain the origins of the woodwind and brass instruments. Mr Sciannella’s guide dog, Mustang, will also be giving his own special demonstration.

Ms Ridings is a graduate of Oberlin Conservatory and a former member of Quintessence Chamber Ensemble. She has appeared as soloist with New American Chamber Orchestra and Bach Aria Group and was principal flutists of Michigan’s Macomb Symphony.

Mr Sciannella holds a master’s degree from Eastman School of Music and is a former member of Genessee and Southwest brass quintets. Despite a severe visual handicap, he also performs on occasion as second tubaist with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra.