Mark Battenberg to perform Autumn Trilogy concert series at Danforth Mennonite Church

By MATTHEW STEPHENS

With a long history living in the Beach, a deep connection to nature, and a music career spanning more than 30 years – musician, composer, producer and songwriter Mark Battenberg is showcasing a collection of his most prominent works with Mark Battenberg’s Autumn Trilogy of Music at Danforth Mennonite Church, 2174 Danforth Ave.

“The music trilogy is a series of concerts that I’m going to put on. It’s a presentation of a large collection of the music that I’ve composed over the last 30 years. It’s going to consist of three distinct events,” said Battenberg.

The three-part, autumn-inspired concerts feature guest appearances from cellist Sybil Shannahan, violinist Suhashini Arulanandam, and internationally renowned Shakuhachi flute master Debbie Danbrook. Battenberg will be playing the guitar during the shows, using a custom made, one-of-a-kind guitar crafted by local resident and Film Set Carpenter Matthew Sanders.

Part one, Music for the Autumnal Equinox, is on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m. and will celebrate the first day of autumn. The concert will feature Battenberg and Danbrook.

Part two, on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m., is titled Song of the River Spirit: A musical meditation and journey along the waters of life. The solo guitar suite is based on the holistic nature of the Glen Stewart Ravine.

“It’s a solo guitar suite that I wrote for classical guitar for myself. It’s based around walking through the Glen Manor Ravine. There’s places I’d walk through there and just sit and listen to the little stream. There are moments in there, especially during mid-October when it’s just totally magical,” said Battenberg.

Part three on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m. is a culminative chamber music performance titled Canticles for an October Night. The concert features an ensemble of Battenberg’s written and arranged music for guitar, cello, violin, and shakuhachi flute.

Tickets for each night of the three-part event will be $20 at the door. However, Battenberg said the tickets will also be sold in a “pay what you can” fashion, to ensure guests are able to experience the performances without being restricted by cost.

A multi-faceted musician with years working in the industry, Battenberg said the performances will incorporate songs based on life experiences throughout the many years of his career.

“It’s very significant. I get to present it with some people who I love playing with. All the music is different phases from chapters in my life,” he said. “Some of the pieces have been written 20 years ago, and some of them have been written literally right now.”

Battenberg hopes his performances will leave audiences with a better understanding of inner peace and self-reflection.
For more information about the concerts, please go online to https://www.markbattenbergcreations.com/