Library patrons discover the sounds of rare instruments
Music composer Jim Kendros of Des Plaines played the classical "Anniversary Waltz" on a rare stringed instrument called a nyckelharpa Tuesday during a concert at the Vernon Area Public Library in Lincolnshire.
More than 40 people listened to Kendros play classical and modern music on the nyckelharpa, the hurdy-gurdy and the piano, during a performance of the library's winter Senior Series.
"I'm a music historian as well as a composer. I love historical instruments and I love unusual instruments. I like to perform on them and compose for them," Kendros said while tuning up the nyckelharpa. "Hearing these instruments is like rediscovering an old friend in a new way."
Kendros began the lecture and concert with a discussion about composing music, and went on to explain the history of the rare string instruments he brought - the French hurdy-gurdy and Swedish nyckelharpa.
He then sat at the piano to play original works from his CD "Fermata's Journey" before transitioning to the theme from "Romeo and Juliet."
Kendros is a preconcert lecturer at the Lake Forest, Northbrook, and Elgin symphonies.