Music School of Delaware to present concert in Milford May 21

The Music School of Delaware's Milford branch will present its final music masters concert of the 2018-19 season at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 21, in its recital room.

Spring Music Magic will feature a world premiere composition, “A Cage Without A Key,” by music school faculty member J. Andrew Dickenson, as well as works by de Sarasate, Jobim, Puccini and Stravinsky, and selections for guitar and keyboard.

"The majority of the music I write is for me to play and is either for solo guitar or a hodgepodge of instruments," said Dickenson. "But for this piece, I had the opportunity to write something more traditional while challenging myself artistically." The piece is written for violin and piano, and features Milford Branch Director Amos Fayette on violin and music school faculty member Liliya Maslov on piano.

“‘A Cage Without A Key’ started off as a single idea, but as I started to compose, the tone became much darker than the music I typically write. The piece is about feeling like you're trapped in a situation you can't get out of – perhaps a job you don't like, something you've erroneously committed to, a regrettable financial situation, or even something like depression or anxiety. These situations, for better or for worse, can shape us and help us grow stronger,” said Dickenson.

Dickenson is thrilled to premiere his piece with his music school colleagues. "It's an honor to have such talented and accomplished artists as Amos and Liliya perform this piece. I look forward to the performance, and I hope everyone enjoys it,” he said.

Artists performing in the concert include Second Opinion Jazz Duo; Maria Rusu, voice; Milford Branch Director Amos Fayette, violin; Lionel Thomas, violin; Sam Schreiber, guest clarinet; J. Andrew Dickenson, guitar; Christopher Kraus, guest piano; and Liliya Maslov, piano.

Tickets are $10, or $5 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, go to www.brownpapertickets.com or buy them at the door the day of the performance.

For more information, go to www.musicschoolofdelaware.org.