Coastal Concerts sets special Dec. 9 performance

World-class musicians once again graced the stages of Coastal Concerts in Lewes Nov. 11 as classical guitarist Jiji and violinist Danbi Um thrilled the crowd at Bethel United Methodist Church.

Calling upon a program that featured works spanning four centuries, the duo practically held the audience captive, culminating with an extended standing ovation followed by a wonderful encore. The intimate setting of Bethel church provides a unique opportunity for artists to relax and interact comfortably with the audience. This is a hallmark of Coastal Concerts events, and these gifted players shared charming stories about how and why they selected particular pieces for the program as well as insights about the composers. 

After the concert, Coastal Concerts Executive Director Carol Dennis spoke about the performance. “Like so many of the artists that we bring to the region, Jiji and Danbi, in addition to being  wonderfully talented and gifted musicians, are warm and friendly, and you can see that they really enjoy themselves on stage performing as well as interacting with the audience,” she said.

Jiji and Danbi’s concert at Bethel was preceded by a recital at The Moorings Nov. 10. They delighted an audience of over 50 residents who enthusiastically welcomed the two young artists to their beautiful stage. Jiji’s classical guitar rendition of the all-time favorite, “Over the Rainbow,” especially seemed to resonate with the residents as many were seen quietly singing along to the music. 

The next artists to be showcased during Coastal Concerts’ 25th Anniversary Season will be members of the Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective, set to perform at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Cape Henlopen High School auditorium on Kings Highway in Lewes. At 1 p.m., Lani Spahr will present Performance Insights. The chamber group combines instrumentalists with vocalists to produce innovative and thoroughly enjoyable programming.

Coastal Concerts announced a special holiday offer of buy one-get one free tickets for the Dec. 9 Kaleidoscope concert.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to coastalconcerts.org or email Monica Han at monezra@gmail.com.