Decatur, GA — On the evening of May 21, the Ridibund Chamber Music Society returned to Eddie’s Attic with a lively and imaginative performance that combined classical music with pop music and rock music. The genre-defying program featured inventive arrangements by bassist and composer Michael Kurth.
Kurth, a bassist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, founded the group during the pandemic. Originally formed for casual neighborhood performances, the ensemble has since grown into a polished act known for its creative and unconventional style. The group includes violinist Kirsten Browning, cellist Mary Horst, harpist Molly O’Roark, drummer Ronnie MacDuff, and Kurth on upright bass.
Eddie’s Attic, a well-known music venue in Decatur, Georgia, is recognized for its intimate setting and excellent acoustics. It has hosted emerging artists like John Mayer and the Indigo Girls. The venue is ideal for acts that thrive on close audience connection and musical experimentation—qualities that define the Ridibund Chamber Music Society.
The evening’s setlist reflected the group’s playful and inventive spirit. One standout medley began with the dramatic opening of Richard Strauss’s Also Sprach Zarathustra and transitioned into Thomas Dolby’s “She Blinded Me With Science,” followed by Coldplay’s “The Scientist,” Sam Cooke’s “Wonderful World,” and They Might Be Giants’ “Birdhouse in Your Soul.”
Other memorable performances included a mashup of Debussy’s Clair de Lune with Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon,” and a fusion of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata with “House of the Rising Sun” and The Who’s “Love Reign O’er Me.”
Kurth’s arrangements are known for blending classical phrases with pop melodies, creating unexpected and exciting musical textures. One highlight featured the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” merged with Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android,” showcasing the group’s ability to move smoothly between different genres and musical eras. These combinations often include clever transitions and layered styles, sometimes ending with classical flourishes that echo the work of composers like Bach.
Midway through the program, Kurth performed his own composition, Charles at His Leisure, a solo piece for upright bass.
The concert ended on a high note with a spirited version of James Brown’s “I Feel Good,” which brought the audience to life and drew enthusiastic applause.
With its bold mix of classical sophistication and modern flair, the Ridibund Chamber Music Society continues to push musical boundaries. Their performance at Eddie’s Attic proved that chamber music can be both innovative and entertaining, appealing to a wide range of listeners.
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