Andreas Vollenweider gave a beautiful concert that I really enjoyed. He is an excellent musician that knows how to mix classical music with all other genres of music to include Rock & Roll. I was fortunate to see him during sound check and listen to an interview he gave to one of the local TV stations. He is a very opened minded individual that "sees" music from all viewpoints and enjoys listening to all musical expressions to then incorporate different styles into his own interpretive sound. One thing that remains in mind is the answer he gave to the interviewer when asked how he felt about playing in a square in front of a church. He had no problem with that. The conversation continued into a more religious inquiry. Andreas Vollenweider responded that he had nothing against religion and religious people. He just affirmed that religion is a personal spiritual enlightment that is not confined to any one institution. He explained that once any religion becomes an institution and people follow the institution instead of their own personal spiritual experiences, then the purpose of religion and religious experience is lost. Since I am not a very religious person I did however value his comments, and agree with them. But, this is a music site and enough of religion unless you listen to music religiously!

Andreas Vollenweider performed with his band and with a four string quartet called Solis (Vincenzo Di Donna - violino, Luigi De Maio - violino, Gerardo Morrone - viola, Antonio Di Francia - violoncello). They all graduated from the Conservatory of Music in Naples, probably the best conservatory in the world. Andreas Vollenweider blew me away with his music but, Solis demonstrated a new concept and sound for a four string quartet. This quartet was not your usual quartet. What really got me was to see a violoncello being played with a WAH-WAH pedal! They had energy, intensity, and fun on stage. Who said classical music can't be fun?