Take a quick — and free — musical trip to Iceland to start your Labor Day weekend. James Marshall and his musician friends are back at the Presbyterian Church on Friday, Sept. 4, at 5:30 p.m., with his latest instrumental film music arrangements, this time featuring Icelandic composers.
Icelandic violinist Álfheiður Sæmundsson, the concertmaster of the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony (PACS), whom many Islanders heard perform Stravinsky’s “The Soldier’s Tale” last year, is featured throughout the program. Islander and PACS percussionist Rachel Beardsley also returns playing a variety of unusual percussion instruments, including the five-octave concert marimba. Mr. Marshall rounds out the ensemble playing piano and organ on his arrangements.
With film music spanning the Stephen Hawking biopic “The Theory of Everything” (Jóhann Jóhannsson) to “Tár” and “Joker” (Oscar-winner Hildur Guðnadóttir), the highlight of the night will be a guest performance by the talented Shelter Island singer, Sara Mundy.
Ms. Mundy will be singing Björk in the finale, “Dancer in the Dark,” the 2000 movie musical composed by and starring the famous Icelander, which won her Best Actress at the Cannes Film Festival. In keeping with Björk’s fashion sense, ARTSI member Tia Bowman is styling and designing a look for Ms. Mundy’s performance.
Photographer Adam Bundy has once again created large-scale photographic wall hangings to enhance the film music performance, which will then be donated to the church for its collection.
Mr. Marshall said his fascination with Iceland spans decades, and will offer thoughts from the stage on what makes Iceland and its island culture such a hotbed for creativity. “I think the Icelandic mindset for rampant artistic collaboration speaks to Shelter Island about our own arts scene,” he said.
Whether you’re a movie buff, music lover or just curious, treat yourself to this performance of lush film music by a terrific group of musicians. No reservations are necessary, though it’s suggested you arrive early. Last year’s concert was standing-room-only.
The 60-minute concert is free; donations are appreciated for the Presbyterian Church’s Music Ministry. A wine reception with the musicians follows the concert.
