Join violinist and Bonsai Concert creator Gabriel Kastelle for this compelling series of intimate mini-concerts. From Kastelle's three years of masterfully short and sweet Bonsai Concerts presented monthly in his New London studio, the Violin Training Gymnasium, three popular events have been chosen for "reframing" in the stunning acoustics of the Museum's galleries. Close-up, comfy, conversational, dynamic, edifying, friendly, fun, unique!

Sunday, March 13, 2pm
"Celebrating the Chinese Year of the Rabbit" (2011)

Hear traditional Chinese melodies played on the er-hu, sometimes called the Chinese violin or "snake-skin fiddle." More than a concert, this is also an opportunity to learn "jianpu" or the "simplified [music] notation" of China, write your own melody, and hear it sung back to you by the er-hu! Even with no other musical background, you will genuinely and successfully learn and participate in Chinese culture without leaving Old Lyme! Yet the inimitable voice of the er-hu will resonate within you long after you leave.

Sunday, April 17, 2pm
"Making the Most of Minimalism"

Blending multi-layered prepared recordings with live violin and viola creates an audio kaleidoscope of mesmerizing sound. Ingenious and intriguing, this concert explores Minimalism from seminal music of the 1960's to 1990's West Philly originals by Kastelle, and more! Drug-free psychedelia! Musical moire effect! You call this music? Yeah, baby!

Sunday, May 15, 2pm
"The BarTalk Violin Duo: Spanning Concert Classics to 21st Century Originals"

Two friends talking in a bar, but with violins-- from Paris Conservatory classics to originals composed by Kastelle, with luscious Hungarian spice and maybe even post-tonal improvisation in-between! Special guest violinist and long-time collaborator Joshua Sussman completes the duo. Come and enjoy this reunion of two musical friends as they cavort and "converse" in sound.

Florence Griswold Museum-- www.flogris.org
96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT 06371

Sunday Hours: 1 - 5 PM
Admission: $9 adults; $8 seniors; $7 students; Free to visitors 12 and under :-)