Take the sweet sounds of a viola, violin and cello, add in some vocal percussion techniques, and you have From Handel to Hip Hop, the latest show from beat-boxing string trio Infinitus.
The group brings its unique sound and upbeat style to the first of the Vernon Performing Arts Centre’s 2014-15 kids’ series, Saturday, Oct. 4.
Praised for their musical ingenuity, these three musicians share their infectious enthusiasm for music through an interactive performance that introduces young audiences to the basics of music.
“We have something for everyone, whether it’s the theme from Spongebob Squarepants, something from the Disney movie Frozen, or a pop song from the radio,” said Alex Cheung, with Infinitus. “We then transition into classical pieces like Pachelbel’s Canon and then explain how some of the songs on the radio were influenced by classical pieces.”
Formed in 2008, Infinitus consists of Anthony Cheung on viola, Alex Cheung on cello, and John “Adidam” Littlejohn on violin. Collectively, the members hold degrees from the University of Michigan and the Peabody Conservatory and have won awards at the local, national, and international level.
The trio has performed extensively throughout North America. In addition to their public concerts, Infinitus is dedicated to quality outreach including countless performances, workshops and master classes in schools, nursing homes, juvenile detention centres and hospitals. Recent residencies include the Surrey, Delta and Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestras, and the Vancouver Academy of Music Junior Orchestra.
Since their debut, Infinitus has been featured on CBC, National Public Radio, OMNI Television and in numerous publications.
In 2011 they released their debut album featuring refreshingly original compositions and arrangements. With a repertoire including everything from classical to jazz to hip hop and rock, From Handel to Hip Hop is an entertaining musical experience that can be enjoyed by children, adults, and everyone in between.
“Families may want to show up an hour before the show starts as students from the Vernon Community Music School will be performing in the lobby,” said the Performing Arts Centre’s audience development coordinator Brian van Wensem.
The school will also bring instruments for the public to try out in the centre’s Marie Fleming Hall before the show.
Saturday’s performance with Infinitus starts at 2 p.m. and tickets are $12 each, available through the Ticket Seller box office at 250-549-SHOW (7469) or online at www.ticketseller.ca.
