Woodfield Trio to Perform for Museum Lunchtime Series

Instead of a normal blogger-style post, I'm just going to post my news release for the free concert tomorrow (9/8) at the museum. The full schedule is here. Do come out and join us, won't you?


AUBURN, Ala. – On Thursday, September 8, the weekly classical music series at The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art will feature Auburn-based chamber group, the Woodfield Trio, from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. The concert is free and informal. Listeners can sit with an audience, dine at the Museum Café or visit the museum’s fine art exhibits while the music plays.

The Woodfield Trio was formed in 2010 as the series’ regular performing group. Made up of Patrick McCurry on saxophones and flute, cellist Charles Wright and pianist Barbara Acker-Mills, the trio plays music from Baroque to Modern periods.

“Our music is pretty accessible for most audiences,” says McCurry, who also coordinates the series. The trio’s repertoire includes pieces by Handel, Ozi, Bach, Corelli, Bolling, Bruch and others.

Called “A Little Lunch Music,” the series started its fall season on September 1 with a solo recital by Dr. Josh Pifer, new piano lecturer with Auburn’s music department. On September 14, Gary Smith, clarinetist with the Montgomery Symphony, will perform with local pianist Nicole Agostino.

Since beginning in 2007, the performances have grown in popularity. “There’s really nothing like this in Auburn,” says McCurry. “It‘s a great way to combine three great passions—fine art, gourmet food and classical music.”

Performers vary. Soloists and small groups like the Woodfield Trio are featured. But even large ensembles like the AU chamber winds, roughly a 30-piece band, have played. Students perform, as do local, regional and even international musicians.

On September 22, the series will welcome James Houlik. “He is truly a world-class performer,” said McCurry, speaking of the concert tenor saxophonist, who has had over 80 works written for him and has been hailed throughout the world as a pioneer on his instrument. “His touring schedule happened to match up with ours, and a generous sponsor stepped up to make this the Key Performance for the fall series.”

Donors give any amount to support the series, but can also become a named sponsor for a single performance. McCurry says that people can give $100 for the Student Recital level and up to $1,000 to sponsor a Key Performance. Other sponsorship levels are Local Color, $250; Woodfield Trio, $500; and Chamber Group, $750. Those interested should contact Brett Evans, the museum’s Director of Development, at bevans@auburn.edu or call 334-844-7945.

The September 8 performance is sponsored by Ursula’s Catering and the Museum Café.

The Café is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu, which changes weekly, consists of light, freshly prepared salads, Italian Panini sandwiches and seasonal soups and entrees. Menu prices at the Museum Café range from $5 to $9.

Currently, fine art exhibits at the museum include Chinese ceramics from the Silk Road, the ancient trading route that linked east Asia with southwest Asia and Europe. Also featured is Alabama pottery from the mid-19th and early 20th centuries, Haitian art from the late 20th century, prints from John James Audubon, and Beleek porcelain pieces from Northern Ireland.

For more information about “A Little Lunch Music,” contact Patrick McCurry at patrick@lunchcharm.net or visit jcsm.auburn.edu.