Friends of the Library Continues Restoration Concerts Series

^{First published in the Oct. 29 print issue of the South Pasadena Review.}

The Friends of the Library’s Restoration Concerts Series recently held its second concert of the season in the Library Community Room.
The room capacity was capped due to pandemic restrictions.

A harp and string quartet performed works by Bellini, Bax, de Falla, Saint-Saëns and Beethoven. Performing were Madalyn Parnas Möller, violin; Juliette Herlin, cello; Jonah Sirota, viola; and Christina Montes Mateo, harp. Sirota and Montes Mateo are residents of South Pasadena.
“All of our musicians are world class,” said Janet Ervin, co-chair of the Restoration Concerts Series Committee, “and have won competitions in various countries.”
Co-chair Laurie Astle added: “They have played with world-renowned conductors and orchestras. Many of them also have careers teaching in universities.”
Parnas Möller is an active soloist, recitalist, chamber musician and educator. Sirota is a violist, composer and producer. Herlin is a soloist, chamber musician and recitalist who has performed throughout Europe, the U.S. and Asia. Montes Mateo, according to Maestro Zubin Mehta, is one among very few individuals who have reached the very top of her field, the harp.
Harpist Montes Mateo performed pieces with each of the other musicians as well as solo. The violin, viola and cello musicians performed the String Trio No. 5 in C minor, Op. 9 No. 3 by Beethoven. The musicians received standing ovations from an appreciative audience of around 80 attendees.
The 2021-22 series is sold out, but individual tickets may be available for the remaining six concerts. The next concert is Nov. 21. Dates for 2022 are Jan. 16, Feb. 6, March 6, April 10 and May 22. All concerts are held on Sundays at 4 p.m. COVID-19 protocols are being followed.
For up-to-date information, visit friendsofsopaslibrary.org/restoration-concerts, or email restorationconcerts@gmail.com.