Combining stories, history, recordings of legendary violinists, and performance by Allen on his prized Joseph Curtin violin. Entertaining and informative handouts are included. These programs can be presented live or on Zoom.
The Grand Tradition of the Violin
The improbable and inspiring story of the King of Instruments, from its beginnings in the
16th Century and more vibrant than ever in the 21st Century. You'll hear colorful stories of the great violinists of the past and present, of the great violins and their makers.
The Magic of the Violin
For centuries, people all over the world have come under the spell of the violin. This thin wooden box projects a sound so otherworldly, yet so human. We'll explore the wonders of the violin with stories and recordings, focusing on what can only be called - Magic!
The Epic Violin
Six monuments of violin artistry; concertos by Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Beethoven. We will briefly explore the history of these timeless masterpieces and hear them played by 18 great violinists, three for each concerto. A unique experience!
Art and Romance of the Guitar
No instrument evokes a more romantic aura. From a serenade under the stars to the primal energy of a rock concert, there's something about the guitar that reaches us very deeply. Allen, an accomplished guitarist, traces its four hundred year history, shares classic recordings, and demonstrates several varieties of this fascinating and versatile instrument.