Mélomanie enriches the cultural life of our community by connecting audience, composers, and performers through concerts that pair early and contemporary music. To connect the music of the Baroque with contemporary invention, Mélomanie's programs feature works from the 17th and 18th Centuries performed on period instruments as well as works from the 20th and 21st Centuries. In addition, Mélomanie is dedicated to commissioning and performing new works composed for the ensemble.
Founded in 1993 by co-artistic directors and ensemble members, Tracy Richardson and Kimberly Reighley, Mélomanie has delighted audiences throughout the Delaware Valley in its presentation of provocative pairings of early and contemporary works. Their innovative chamber music collaborations feature both guest performers and composers. Currently performing their concert series at The Delaware Center for Contemporary Arts in Wilmington, Delaware, the ensemble's programs reflect its mission to connect the music of the Baroque with contemporary invention. The ensemble’s contemporary repertoire includes World Premieres of compositions written especially for Mélomanie by such composers as Ingrid Arauco, Chris Braddock, Chuck Holdeman, Sergio Roberto de Oliveira, Mark Rimple, and Mark Hagerty.
Mélomanie is: Kimberly Reighley, flutes; Tracy Richardson, harpsichord; Donna Fournier, viola da gamba; Douglas McNames, cellos and Christof Richter, violins. These Mélomanie artists also appear as soloists and with various orchestras and ensembles in the region, including the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Reading Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, OperaDelaware, Tempesta di Mare, Philomel, and Le Triomphe de l’Amour. The group was also invited to Rio de Janeiro to perform in a series devoted to new music.
Mélomanie has recorded works of Telemann on Lyrichord Discs and can be heard on Winterthur's Playing in the Garden: Musical Inspirations from the Winterthur Garden, a benefit CD released in 2008. Their newest CD, Florescence, features five original compositions written for the ensemble and was released in 2011 by Meyer Media. Recording of new works currently continues with Meyer Media. Mélomanie is supported by the Delaware Division of the Arts and the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation. Mélomanie means music mania!
For more information please visit melomanie.org
About the New Music Concert Series
The series seeks to highlight the expansive musical experience available in the 21st century presenting musicians from all genres and backgrounds while focusing on opportunities to present and premiere new and cutting edge works. The series is designed to attract a broad range of new listeners and to introduce concert audiences to a variety of musical styles and genres in an inclusive and informative environment. The primary goal of the series is to enhance the educational experience available to the students of the College and the community it serves. For this reason, all events are offered at a low ticket price to the public in order to encourage access to any and all interested audience members. Learn more >>
About the Arts at Delaware County Community College
Each year the College offers exciting opportunities to experience the arts. Through the New Music Concert Series, Student Theatre Productions, Art Exhibitions, and SpectiCast Series, it is our goal to make the arts more accessible and affordable to residents of Delaware and Chester counties, and beyond. Learn more >>