Eudaimonia’s all-female ensemble is on a mission with music, ‘Boundary Issues II: A Shindig de Chambre’

BOSTON | Under the direction of early keyboardist Vivian Montgomery and violinist Julia McKenzie, the female contingent of the early music collective Eudaimonia will present the second annual “Boundary Issues II: A Shindig de Chambre” at Villa Victoria in Boston on November 29 at 8 p.m. and United Parish Church in Brookline on December 1 at 8 p.m. As recipients of The Boston Foundation’s Free for All Grant Program, Eudaimonia is pleased to offer both concerts free of charge. As part of its social mission to spotlight local charities at their performances, both concerts will introduce attendees with and encourage donations for IBA – Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, a nonprofit organization that empowers and engages individuals and families to improve their lives through high-quality affordable housing, education and arts programs.

For Boundary Issues II, Eudaimonia will again push the boundaries in a passionate and playful St. Cecilia’s celebration. The audience will be treated to an unusual array of repertoire, including Ladino songs from the Spanish and North African Sephardic tradition, (“Yo Soy Locura” - Henry de Bailly and “Bossa Nova Folia” - David Solomons); Brazilian Choros (“Passarim” – Antonio Carlos Jobim, “Carinhoso” – Pixinguinha, “Nightclub 1960” from “History of the Tango” - Astor Piazzolla) and Baroque arias in honor of St. Cecilia by Handel and Hayes and other baroque pieces, (“Unser trefflicher,” an aria from “Mer hahn en neue Oberkeet” – J.S. Bach and “Folia,” a virtuosic trio sonata with percussion - Antonio Vivaldi.) The evening will also present “Fragmentos Nerudianos,” by composer Jorge Ibáñez, new music for baroque flute with percussion.

This performance will feature core members of the ensemble; soprano Pamela Murray, mezzo Carrie Cheron, flutist Na’ama Lion, period and jazz reeds blower Diane Heffner, violinists Julia McKenzie and Anna Griffis, harpsichordist/accordionist Vivian Montgomery, along with guests, recorder virtuoso Cléa Galhano, cellist Claire Garabedian, and percussionist Deborah Welsch Ibanez.

 
Now in its fourth season, Eudaimonia’s founder Montgomery explains how The Boston Foundation grant has strengthened their resolve to bring a more inclusive blend of music to a wider audience, while highlighting local organizations doing good work in the community. “This concert fully encompasses our mission and ideals — support from a prestigious humanitarian source, free access for all, and the opportunity to shine a light on the work of an inspiring local social action organization — all through this joyous collaboration of our favorite musicians in a wildly inventive program. This is an enterprise that's exploding with good will and creative energy.”

In keeping with Eudaimonia’s social action mission, these concert events will be in connection with a local social service organization, IBA – Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción. The organization empowers and engages individuals and families to improve their lives through high-quality affordable housing, education, and arts programs. An IBA representative will speak at each performance to describe its work toward addressing local quality of life issues. Printed materials will be available, and attendees will be encouraged to make contributions and learn how they can get involved and stay informed.

Last year’s Boundary Issues I benefited the METCO College Scholarship Fund of Lexington. “It was an honor to be able to share the story of the fund with your audience,” said Metco President, Jill Smilow. “The music was so joyful and uplifting as was the spirit in the sanctuary. Through the generosity of those in attendance, the fund received donations that will fund our college scholarships for our METCO LPS seniors next spring. The event made a real difference for our students, thank you!”

About Eudaimonia

Founded and directed by early keyboardist Vivian Montgomery and violinist Julia McKenzie, Eudaimonia brings together some of the Boston area’s most creative performers in the historical performance field. As an artistic collective, we build upon shared ideals, ignited spirits, and a desire for healthy collaboration. 

Eudaimonia’s repertoire spans the mid-16th century through the middle of the 19th century and our programs center around vocal and orchestral works that speak to the mission of our partner organizations. The works of ?women composers are seamlessly blended into our programming.

About IBA – Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción

Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción is a non-profit organization and a dynamic community development corporation that started in the South End neighborhood of Boston, to address displacement of low-income families due to urban development. IBA offers affordable housing and supportive programming to improve the knowledge, life skills and health of participants of all ages.

One of the most important goals of IBA is proving safe and sustainable affordable housing. For more than four decades, IBA has developed housing that is associated and financed by different supportive programs, while developing leaders who support and encourage themselves, their families and their neighbors.