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 Clovice Lewis on cello performing with Paula Stuckens (viola), Laura Smith (violin) and Catharine Hall (flute) at the Tallman Hotel “Concerts with Conversation” series. Courtesy photo
UPPER LAKE – Clovice Lewis and the Lakeside Chamber Players thrilled an appreciative audience Thursday evening in the final event of the Tallman Hotel’s 2008 “Concerts with Conversation” series.
Guests enjoyed a sumptuous three-course dinner in the hotel dining room followed by the concert in the adjoining Riffe’s Meeting House. With the exception of three outstanding piano pieces created and performed by Carolyn Hawley, the evening was devoted entirely to the highly creative and personal music of Kelseyville’s master cellist Clovice Lewis.
Ten percent of the proceeds of the concert series go to the nonprofit fund now in the final stages of restoring Lakeport’s single screen movie theater into the Soper-Reese Center for the Performing Arts. Funding Chair Nina Marino accepted a check prior to the concert and gave the audience an update on the real progress being made in the theater restoration.
To showcase his original works, which he calls “Jazzical” music, Clovice included his original partners in the Lakeside Chamber Players, Carolyn Hawley on piano and Catharine Hall on flute. In addition, the group was backed by Laura Smith (violin), Paula Stuckens (viola) and two outstanding vocalists, Christine Nobel and Keely Southwick.
The program included 26 short pieces, many inspired by Lewis’ unique romantic vision. For the finale, Lewis introduced local poet Eric Leber, five of whose poems he had set to music. Leber seemed fully transported as he recited two of his poems to the beautiful orchestration composed by Lewis.
The 2008 Concerts with Conversation series featured a baroque harpsichord and violin duo, original music by Ukiah’s John Mattern, a ragtime ensemble and Cuban pianist Elena Casanova in addition to the Lakeside Players. Plans are under way for a new season of concerts early next year.  Bernie Butcher, owner of the Tallman Hotel, presenting a check for ten percent of the proceeds of the five concert series to Nina Marino of the Soper-Reese Theatre Fund. Courtesy photo.
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