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Days of wine and
Mozart By Tim Rios - Staff Writer Posted on July 1, 2005
Photo by Tim Rios
Eric and Catherine
Thompson, in their role as Duo Polyhymnia, make beautiful music together
to the delight of the guests they invited to their home for an evening
of wine, food and music.
What do you do when you and your wife both have
Masters degrees in music from San Francisco State and would love to
familiarize your community with the beauty of classical piano? If you’re
Eric and Catherine Thompson, you open your home, offer wine and food, and
hold a recital in your living room.
Playing to a packed house on June 25, the Thompsons, performing under the
pseudonym Duo Polyhymnia, uncorked the wine, broke out the music sheets and
treated their guests to an evening filled with Mozart, Schubert and
Beethoven.
Named after one of the nine Greek muses, the duo has been playing together
for 15 years and studying music for more than 20.
“There was another muse that symbolized sacred poetry and dance and was
probably a closer match but is largely associated with flute music,” Eric
said. “But Polyhymnia had key elements in the name that were more sacred –
pensive, thoughtful, and serious.”
Seriousness about the music is not only evident in the couple’s masterful
playing but also in their knowledge of the pieces they are presenting.
Before playing each piece, the couple described the composition and the era
in which it was written. They also told of the composer’s life at the time
the piece was created.
The Brentwood couple runs their Thompson Music Studio from their home, where
lessons are taught throughout the week. Catherine also teaches piano at Los
Medanos College and the couple hosts several recitals for their students
throughout the year.
The idea for their own recital was born out of an ongoing gathering that the
couple has been a part of for more than 10 years, according to Eric.
“We’d get together with friends and have monthly music soirés,” Eric said.
“Where we’d sing, play, read poetry and have wine and food.”
The circle of friends always dreamed of expanding their monthly gatherings,
mostly because of the sheer joy they experienced every time they met, but
also to be able to make classical music accessible to the community.
“Concert halls are so stiff,” Eric said. “We wanted a real relaxed venue.”
“So we thought, ‘Why don’t we do it at home?’” added Catherine.
A rebuilt 1920 Steinway piano sits in the entrance of their home, where on
concert night rows of chairs fill the front room. Passing through an arch
reveals a series of couches and more chairs and leads to the kitchen full of
treats. Low lighting, a colorful fish tank and hors d’oeuvres with wine
augment the welcoming ambience.
“It’s a casual atmosphere where people can be introduced to classical music
where they don’t feel intimidated,” said attendee and longtime friend
Lynette Stack.
Performing solos and duos last, the couple, both 39, brought the classic
Steinway to life with their 20 fingers, performing pieces delivered with
gusto and passion. They took their final bows and thanked their guests for
their part in the evening.
The first in a Music and Wine Series, the Thompsons hope that the momentum
will continue and that the community’s interest in rediscovering the arts
will catch on.
For information on future dates for the Music and Wine Series or lessons at
Thompson Music Studio, e-mail info@thompsonmusicstudio.com.