Music at Whitehead concerts carry on virtually

For many years, Whitehead Institute’s lunchtime concert series, Music at Whitehead, has provided a space for the Institute and the Kendall Square community to take a breather and be carried away by expert musicians performing in a wide range of musical styles. The series went on a short hiatus this year due to COVID-19. However, concerts are back and available to a larger audience than ever as livestreamed events online. Below, learn how to access the last two concerts and sign up for updates.

The 2020-2021 concert series kicked off in September with a performance by Julian Loida and Charles Overton on vibes and harp, respectively. Watch the concert here (no logon is required.) The duo performed original compositions that drew from West African rhythms, American jazz, minimalist music, and many other sources. They also performed inventive covers including “My Favorite Things” by John Coltrane and “Ostinato #7” by harpist Maeve Gilchrist.

“This is the most relaxed I've been in 2020! Thanks!” commented Carla DeMaria, Director of Intellectual Property and Sponsored Programs.

The series continued in November with the return of Trio Gaia, a piano trio from the New England Conservatory of Music: violinist Grant Houston, cellist Yi-Mei Templeman, and pianist Andrew Barnwell. Watch the concert here. Showcasing their flexibility, the ensemble performed an eclectic mix of music that ranged from pop and movie music arrangements for piano trio and a set of works by composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor inspired by African-American spirituals.

Stay tuned for future Music at Whitehead virtual concerts by following Whitehead Institute on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn) and sign up for our email list by sending a message to music@wi.mit.edu.