
Cellist Tanya Tomkins performs classical music on two different instruments: one “period” the other “modern”. Both instruments are crafted from the same kind of wood and have four strings; except for the convex shape of her “period” bow, non-connoisseurs would have a hard time telling the two apart. So, what makes for a “period” or “modern” performance? Is it Tanya’s instrument choice or her performance style? And does that dichotomy imply a right and a wrong classical music? Questions aside, “period instrument” performances are a Western classical music phenomenon and we have an exclusive opportunity to get to know what it’s all about from one of its pioneers. Come welcome Tanya to our show for a look at her artistry and directorship of the West Coast’s period-instrument Valley of the Moon Music Festival!