In July 2017, we kicked off the season with the first concert in our Shining Stars series, featuring an evening of music with guitarist Michael Mandrell who was joined by flutist Gretchen Moritz.
Michael Mandrell currently makes his home in Portland, Oregon and Taos, New Mexico. Influenced by the burgeoning Celtic folk music revival taking place in Britain, France and North America, Michael explores the diversity of open tunings, the nuanced harmonic palates of modern jazz influences and even East Indian modalities. He plays a mix of handmade steel string guitars from luthiers Tom Cornett, Stephen Smith and Mike Doolin. HeΒ has produced and recorded over 6 albums, and continues to collaborate on numerous projects in film, dance, art and music.
Gretchen Moritz is an Evergreen local and the middle school music teacher at Rocky Mountain Academy of Evergreen. She finds joy in bringing music into the lives of her students at RMAE and is always excited to perform with the Chorale.
