Live on Stage: a piano and fiddle festival to write home about
Performers received standing ovation
By Joy McLean
Special to the Argus Observer
Saturday, November 29, 2008 10:29 PM PST
ONTARIO — A large audience of concert-goers was in attendance Nov. 15 when the duo Pianafiddle performed at the Meyer-McLean Theatre at Four Rivers Cultural Center.
Violinist Adam DeGraff and pianist Lynn Wright were audience-friendly performers who loved to entertain, playing Bach to bluegrass and everything in between. Listeners said they were “incredible.”
As we learned, Wright, a gentleman of many talents, had enjoyed a long career as a jazz and ragtime pianist. He most recently retired as an Episcopal priest in Wyoming and was also the 10-year resident ragtime pianist at the world-famous Silver Dollar Saloon.
Although DeGraff, a classically-trained violinist, recently served a five-season tenure with the Richmond Symphony in Virginia, his command of the fiddle and the art of “old-time” fiddling was remarkable. When not on tour, I believe he teaches violin and fiddle lessons.
At intermission, the Concert Auxiliary served cookies and punch, and Pianafiddle CDs were on sale and being signed by the performers.
DeGraff and Wright visited with members of the audience, answering questions about their careers and tours. They seemed to really enjoy their jobs, and the audience appeared to be having fun as well.
During the second half of the program, the duo brought down the house with their interpretations of “Wizard’s Walk” and “Fur Elise.” The performers were granted an immediate standing ovation at the close of the evening.
