Local High School String Quartet to Join the Pros

TORRINGTON – When the touring show Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown performs at the Warner Theatre on Sunday, April 23, the Torrington High School String Quartet will join the professional musicians on stage to lend some local talent to this homage to the British Invasion.

The show pits Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction against rival Brit boys Abbey Road in an all-out musical showdown for rock dominance. The string quartet will perform six songs with the bands.

Here's the rundown:
The show: The two greatest rock 'n' roll bands of all time face off in Beatles vs. Stones - A Musical Showdown. Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the nation's top Beatles tribute bands. With brilliant musicianship and authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles' career. They engage in a "showdown" of the hits with Stones tribute band Satisfaction - The International Rolling Stones Show, who offer a faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the bad boys of the British Invasion. The production includes multimedia, period costumes and vintage instruments. It has toured for years, with a critic for the Los Angeles Times at one point declaring: "this is the most unique tribute show in decades." The Torrington show is part of a 125-city tour of the U.S., Canada and Australia.

The string quartet: Torrington High juniors Aisley Harrison, Chloe Bayat, Emily Tacuri Penaranda and Rosangel Baez-Batista will join the bands for the songs "Eleanor Rigby," "A Day in the Life," "Hello Goodbye," "Hey Jude," "Gimme Shelter" and "Ruby Tuesday."

Quartet members have auditioned for and have been selected to perform at this year's Connecticut Music Educators Association Northern Region Orchestra and New England Music Festival. All students are members of the award-winning Torrington High School Orchestra, and Chamber Strings and play with the pit orchestra during school musicals.

How the "Beatles" and "Stones" connection was started: The producers of Beatles vs. Stones approached Torrington High Orchestra Director Wayne Splettstoeszer looking for a talented ensemble of high school students which could hold their own with a rock band in front of an audience. The show commonly reaches out to local high school orchestras, making donations to their school music programs in exchange for student participation.

“We are very excited to showcase our musical talent on a large-scale stage for all to enjoy. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the string musicians," said Splettstoeszer

The details: The two greatest rock 'n' roll bands of all time face off as the Warner Theatre hosts tributes to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Renowned tribute bands Abbey Road and Satisfaction - The International Rolling Stones Show engage in a musical showdown of the hits. The show performs at the Warner Theatre’s Oneglia Auditorium on Sunday, April 23 at 7:00 pm. The show is appropriate for all ages.

The quartet’s Beatles or Rolling Stones fans: Aisley, Chole and Rosangel are the quartet's Beatles fans.

"Eleanor Rigby is one my favorite Beatles songs and I'm excited we get to play it in the Beatles vs. Stones show," said Chloe.

"The Beatles' music is insanely diverse," said Aisley. "Rubber Soul is my favorite Beatles album."

Rosangel's favorite Beatles song is "Eleanor Rigby."

And here is some additional information about the string quartet:

Aisley Harrison, 17, decided to play the violin in fourth grade because her mother played the instrument as a child. She also plays guitar and bass.

"I've learned so much about music and about myself playing the violin," she said. "It's really touched my life."

The junior plans to attend college after high school and either attend medical school or pursue a career in music therapy.

Chloe Bayat, 16, decided to learn to play violin in fourth grade so she that could be in high school orchestra together with her older sister, who played the cello.

“When you phrase a piece correctly, it is amazing,” said Chloe.

The junior plans to attend college after graduating from high school.

Emily Tacuri Penaranda, 16, has been playing the viola for seven years. She also plays the euphonium.

"I love the routine of playing viola and getting better," said Emily. "Music brings out a part of you that you don't see."

The junior plans to attend college and pursue a degree in Music Education.

"I'd like to teach viola and maybe one day join the Waterbury Symphony," she said.

Rosangel Baez-Batista, 17, attended a "musical petting zoo" in the fourth grade, where students are able to try out various instruments, and saw a cello.

"I thought it was a guitar a stick," laughed Roasangel. "I loved the tone and the way it looked."

In addition to playing with her school's orchestra, chamber strings and pit orchestra, she performs with her church worship team.

The junior aspires to teach music as a career.

And here is some additional information about Beatles vs. Stones - A Musical Showdown:
Alternating mini power sets with the two bands coming together on stage for an amazing encore makes this show a once-in-a-lifetime event.

For the past decade with more than 1500 performances across the country and abroad, this unforgettable production has been delighting audiences with their talent, warmth, humor and passion for the music of The Beatles and the Rolling Stones. A critic for the Los Angeles Times called it “the most unique tribute show in decades.”

The show pits Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction against rival Brit boys Abbey Road in an all-out musical showdown for rock dominance.

Calendar: Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown performs on at the Warner Theatre’s Oneglia Auditorium on Sunday, April 23 at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $35 - $55, plus ticket fees, and may be purchased at the Theatre Box Office, by phone at 860.489.7180 or online at www.warnertheatre.org. The Box Office is open Tuesday – Friday from 10 AM – 6 PM and two hours before performances. The Box Office may also reached by email at boxoffice@warnertheatre.org. The Warner Theatre is located at 68 Main Street, Torrington, CT 06790. The show is appropriate for all ages.