Sounds of summer at Bloedel Reserve

Private nature preserve opens its doors for two weekends of music.

Like a magical frame that complements any picture, nature at Bloedel Reserve accents a summer rainbow of musicians from classical to jazz to New Age.

“Outdoors, in a casual, relaxed setting, I will play what’s in the moment,” said guitarist Andre Feriante, whose July 25 performance caps the series.

The summer concerts held at the private conservancy are the only events open to the public each year. This year’s concerts are a mix of styles and music appealing to different facets of an audience.

In selecting the artists, Kate Gormley, program director and volunteer coordinator for Bloedel Reserve, says they try to have something for everyone.

“I try to pick people a little out of the ordinary for concerts,” Gormley said. “It’s a wonderful way to introduce people to the Reserve.”

Presenting a concert of classical favorites, including the sonorous Rachmaninov “Vocalise” for cello and piano, the Dvorak “Dumky” piano trio and the devilishly virtuosic “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso” by Saint-Saens is the New World Trio.

Hailing from “Old World” countries of the former Soviet Union, the three musicians – violinist Art Tsaturian, cellist Olga Dolgaya and pianist Povilas Stravinsky – chose a name reflecting their new home. All are currently artists-in-residence at the First Presbyterian Church in Seattle.

In their third visit to Bloedel, Tingstad and Rumbel bring their special brand of New Age music that combines acoustic guitar with woodwind sounds of the oboe, English horn and ocarina.

Guitarist Eric Tingstad describes their music as “creating a sense of place...creating places of repose.”

The pair won a Grammy in 2003 for their CD “Acoustic Garden.”

“Our music gives people a strong sense of security...like a security blanket,” Tingstad said.

The series also features the first appearance by young pianist and composer Dawn Clement. Classically trained, Clement explores jazz, tango and other musical genres in her music. Her past projects include an homage to master bandoneon tango player Astor Piazzolla, and a collaboration with house music and funk musicians.

“I love all these different styles,” Clement said. “I just want to plug them into my music.

“I want to play music fulfilling to me, but also that an average listener could listen and enjoy.

Her Bloedel program, featuring Clement on piano and vocals, Byron Vannoy on percussion and Geoff Harper on bass, will include some original instrumental pieces from her recent CD “Hush,” as well as songs by Tom Waits and Piazzolla.

Guitarist Andre Feriante incorporates the classical with flamenco guitar learned informally as a teen in Italy. Later study with Spanish guitar great Andre Segovia and classical and jazz guitarist Leon Atkinson further flavored his playing.

His original compositions range from classical pieces in the impressionistic style of Maurice Ravel and Erik Satie, to languid Brazilian samba.

At Bloedel, Feriante will perform a mix of Bach, original work and improvisational pieces.

Feriante also experiments with “song-poems,” poetry recited over solo guitar music.

“The way I look at music, it’s like a mirror; there’s something for everyone,” Feriante said.

“For me it’s a journey.”

Also performing are Gino Lucchetti, Stephen Wall and Stuart Lutzenhiser, who sing a selection of solos, duets and trios from opera and Broadway in the spirit of the Three Tenors. The Jovino Santos Neto Quintet, led by Brazilian-born pianist, flutist and composer Neto will perform original jazz compositions.

Concerts will be held under a tent on the back patio of the visitors center, where concertgoers are treated to sweeping views of Puget Sound.

The audience gets “to enjoy wonderful music in a gorgeous venue,” Gormley said. “It’s a way to see a little bit of the Reserve.”

Natural wonders

The Bloedel Reserve hosts six summer shows featuring a variety of outstanding musicians. These outdoor concerts are July 16-18 and 23-25. Tickets are $25 for festival seating, available in advance only.

Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of payment by check. For tickets or information, call 842-7631 or see www.bloedelreserve.org. Program schedule:

Dawn Clement Trio: Up-and-coming jazz artist makes her Bloedel debut, 7 p.m. July 16

The New World Trio: Three “Old World” emigrés perform Rachmaninov, Dvorak and Saint-Saens, 7 p.m. July 17

Three Tenors: Gino Lucchetti, Stephen Wall and Stuart Lutzenhiser sing opera and Broadway, 4:30 p.m. July 18

Jovino Santos Neto Quintet: Brazilian-born musician performs original works, 7 p.m. July 23.

Tingstad and Rumbel: Grammy winners and Bainbridge favorites return, 7 p.m. July 24

Andre Feriante: Exquisite guitar, mixed with a little poetry, 4:30 p.m. July 25

Bloedel Reserve is located at the north end of Bainbridge off Dolphin Drive. Driving directions:www.bloedelreserve.org.

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