SHERMAN, Conn.—Most Americans know Thomas Jefferson as a Founding Father, the third president of the United States, and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Yet beyond politics and philosophy, Jefferson was also an accomplished violinist and devoted student of European classical music.
At the same time, the enslaved African Americans living and working at Monticello preserved rich musical traditions rooted in rhythm, storytelling, improvisation, dance, and spiritual expression — traditions that would profoundly shape the evolution of American music.
In celebration of America 250, the Sherman Chamber Ensemble presents “Monticello’s Two Worlds,” a unique concert experience exploring how these two distinct musical cultures — one grounded in European refinement, the other forged through resilience and survival — converged to create the foundations of American classical, folk, blues, jazz, gospel and popular music.
The program is curated by acclaimed violinist, fiddler and raconteur Paul Woodiel and performing artist and teaching musician Craig Edwards (banjo), a specialist in American roots music and traditional instruments. Joining them are Susan Rotholz (fife and flute), Daniel Bailen (bass), and Eliot Bailen (cello and guitar).
Performances will take place on Friday, June 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the Sherman JCC and Saturday, June 20, at 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church on the New Milford Green.
The Saturday performance will feature vocalist Anastacia McCleskey, a celebrated Broadway veteran with credits spanning some of the most acclaimed stage productions, including “Suffs,” “Waitress,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Priscilla Queen of the Desert,” “HAIR” and “Tarzan.”