WATERBURY, Vt. (WCAX) – TURNmusic, a Vermont ensemble dedicated to contemporary chamber music, is gearing up for weekend performances. For nearly a decade, the group has performed in church basements or schools, but now they are moving into a new home.
The Phoenix Gallery and Music Hall is in the heart of Waterbury and TURNmusic will now use the space to practice and perform the original work from Vermont musicians and composers they specialize in.
“It’s called TURNmusic because I’m always looking towards the new and I’m trying not to do the same thing,” said Anne Decker, the group’s founder. “I think it’s really rewarding for me to spend time with the variety of musicians and support their work.”
Decker says she is excited to spread her passion for the art form.
“For me personally, it’s one of the ways that I am best in touch with my own emotions. And so on a personal level, I think that keeps me open and keeps my heart open,” she said. “I’ve always celebrated composers and people who are writing music and so this is my first venture into a contemporary music ensemble in Vermont.”
Violinist Mary Rowell says having a space outside of the Burlington metro area gives them greater reach. “When Anne started turn, we didn’t have a home or anything, so finding places to rehearse and also to perform. And she wanted to base it here in Waterbury, which was fantastic, you know. It’s not Burlington, it’s not Stowe. It’s Waterbury,” she said.
TURNmusic this weekend plays music by Kyle Saulnier, Iman Habibi, Nico Muhly, Liz Reid.