‘Woven Harmony’ weaves together music and visual art

March 1, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. –– Blending the works of tapestry artist Rebecca Bluestone with the musical sounds of classical guitarist Robert Bluestone, “Woven Harmony” is a feast for the eyes and the ears. As these two genres unite, the audience is treated to a performance with rich textures, beautiful music and an insight into the artistic process. The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. March 9 at the Phillips Center Black Box Theatre.

“Woven Harmony” incorporates Rebecca’s tapestries installed onstage; projected visual images of the couple’s home, studio and process; and landscapes and places from which she has drawn inspiration for her artwork. All of this is interwoven with Robert performing his music, as well as conversation between the two artists.

The ultimate goal of “Woven Harmony” is to invite the audience into the Bluestones’ lives as artists, individuals and a couple. The husband-and-wife team believes strongly in the nonverbal communication of music and visual art. Through the use of what Rebecca calls “contemplative repetition” and Robert’s lyrical interpretations of classical music, they attempt to create a transformative space in the performance, where the music and art can speak in their own language.

The Bluestones have made several previous appearances at University of Florida Performing Arts. One of the reasons they are a favorite of UFPA is their ability to “transcend the aesthetics of what they bring to the stage,” according to Director Michael Blachly. “They have an ability to reach into the core and soul of each audience member through their communication, the passion that they bring to what they do and their ability to personalize their artistry so that it can be read uniquely by all who encounter them. These are two people who integrate their artistic skills into the essence of who and what they are.”

The March 9 performance also features a musical collaboration with composer Andrew York of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. York has created a new work for guitar inspired by Robert’s and Rebecca’s lives, their art and their aesthetic. Rebecca, in turn, has created a body of work in response to Robert’s interpretation of York’s music. The “Woven Harmony Suite” will be a highlight of the multimedia performance.

General admission tickets are $25 each. Tickets are available by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at 352-392-2787 or 800-905-ARTS or by calling Ticketmaster at 904-353-3309. Orders may be faxed to 352-846-1562. Tickets are also available in person at the Phillips Center Box Office, University Box Office at the University of Florida Reitz Student Union and all Ticketmaster outlets, and on the Web atwww.ticketmaster.com.

The Phillips Center Box Office is open from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and two hours before performances.