Coming up in Philly music: Mysteries of a mistuned violin

Fundraisers generally charge prices that put them out of reach for people who merely want to go to a concert. Choral Arts is opening its season with a $40 fundraiser, low enough that it might interest people who are willing to pay a bit more and give a deserving organization some extra support. The main attraction will be violinist Rebecca Harris, playing pieces from her new album, A String Mysterious.

A String Mysterious takes its title from a set of meditative Baroque sonatas on the mysteries of the Catholic rosary. The sonatas are played on a violin that has been deliberately mistuned in various ways, creating unusual harmonies and musical effects.

Harris is a British violinist who’s become a familiar figure to Philadelphians who follow early music groups like Tempesta di Mare and Choral Arts Philadelphia. The program will include modern pieces composed for Baroque instruments and it partners her with three collaborators: Tempesta di Mare lutenist Richard Stone, Choral Arts music director and organist Matthew Glandorf, and the unclassifiable, multifaceted Andrew Lipke.

Rebecca Harris has posted some brief, highly informative notes on the album on her website.

Choral Arts Philadelphia will present its season-opening fundraiser concert featuring Rebecca Harris on Wednesday, September 12, at 7pm at St. Clement's Church (2013 Appletree Street, Philadelphia). Tickets ($40 to $100, with the latter price including the new CD and preferred seating) are available online, by calling 267-240-2586, and at the door.