Across the Atlantic - Winchester, VA
This week I attended a wonderful live music performance in Goodson Chapel and Recital Hall at the Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, VA. I attended the debut of Across the Atlantic with Tara McNeill and Alexander Bernstein. Across the Atlantic was a free performance of the couple’s new album at the conservatory. This spectacular duo blew away the audience with their new album as well as several Irish tune and Disney ballads.
Quality of Entertainment
This performance at the Shenandoah Conservatory was the debut of Tara McNeill and Alexander Bernstein’s new album Across the Atlantic. Tara McNeill is known for being the fiddle player in the world-renowned music group Celtic Women. Alexander Bernstein is a pianist in the faculty at Shenandoah Conservatory as well as Tara’s husband. Alexander played the piano and Tara switched between the violin and vocals throughout the performance. They played several pieces from their new album as some Irish folk songs, and Disney movie music.
I though it was beautiful intimate performance. Tara had a beautiful sparkling silver gown that made her look quite ethereal, like a snow fairy. The pieces were performed exceedingly well with a lot of feeling. They explained the history and emotions behind each song from their album and you could really feel the emotion come through in their execution. The couple really wore their heart on their sleeves and it came through in their music. I found it brought a deeper connection and appreciation of each song.
For example, they explained that the theme of the album is Across the Atlantic, nautical, because they have often had long stretches of time where Alexander is in the US and Tara is in Ireland or elsewhere abroad across the Atlantic. Therefore, many pieces involve the good and bad times in their complex long-distance relationship. Additionally, they explained their connections to each of the Irish and Disney songs they performed. It was truly a spectacular and personal experience.
Who Goes Here?
The audience was primarily older local people and college students. It was a very small venue with a small audience.
Venue
The performance was held at the Goodson Chapel and Recital Hall.
Organization & Cleanliness
Moreover, this live music venue is very clean and simple. Also, there is a lobby with restrooms available. The lighting seemed to be a bit harsh and they did suffer some technical difficulties with the audio equipment at one point in the performance.
Refreshments
No refreshments were available at this performance. A table was setup in the lobby for CD sales.
Venue Overall
It is a small venue that doubles as a chapel so it features an organ and stain glass windows. The design appears to be 80s with a lot of golden wood paneling. There is floor seating and a small balcony available. The seating consisted of individual placed chairs on the floor and on small risers to the side. Overall, the effect is a very intimate performance where you are in close proximity to the performers.
Location
Goodson Chapel and Recital Hall is located at the center of Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. There is free parking available. Restaurants and shops are not available in the immediate area, but there are many available a short drive outside of campus.
Summary
Tara McNeill and Alexander Bernstein accomplished a wonderful live music performance of their new album Across the Atlantic at the Shenandoah Conservatory. The intimate setting and the couples ability to connect with the audience really took the performance to an elevated level. I consider myself luck to have been a part of this experience.
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