Renegade Duo: 21st Century Salon

Renegade Duo presents Historically (In)appropriate, a 21st century salon with an eclectic program of intimate songs spanning centuries and genres, with sets by Dusan Bogdanovic, California-based composer Gary Eister, obscure pieces by 19th century guitar composers Salvador Castro de Gistau and Karl Eulenstein, songs by John Dowland, as well as a collection of reimagined jazz standards for voice and banjo.
 
FEATURING:
Melinda Becker – mezzo-soprano vocals
Jon Mendle – tenor banjo, Renaissance lute, 19th century guitar & modern guitar
 
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Renegade Duo consists of guitarist Jon Mendle and mezzo-soprano vocalist Melinda Becker. First collaborating while students at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Jon and Melinda founded Renegade Duo in 2017 with the intention of paying tribute to music they find interesting and exciting. Utilizing both historical and modern instruments, they perform an uncommon repertoire for guitar and voice. Nimbly navigating different eras and genres, they take care to investigate and highlight stylistic differences in each using the full range and capability of their instruments, including 19th century guitar, lute, tenor banjo, and modern classical guitar. (Photo by: Matthew Washburn)

A versatile singer, Melinda Becker enjoys performing a multi-faceted repertoire, from Baroque cantatas and Spanish and Ladino art songs, to soul and other popular music styles. She recently performed as the alto soloist in Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9” with Classical Revolution Orchestra and frequently collaborates with many Bay Area ensembles and musicians, most recently the Musical Art Quintet, Phonochrome, Oakland-based jazz band RDL+, and Iranian singer Mahsa Vahdat. Active with several chamber groups, Melinda is a member of Renegade Duo with guitarist Jon Mendle and Liaison Ensemble, a female Baroque quartet bringing historically informed performances to a wide range of audiences in non-traditional venues.

Classical guitarist Jon Mendle has performed around the country since his Carnegie Hall debut at age 19 and has drawn widespread praise for his virtuosity and musicianship. His highlights include solo recitals at the 2015 Loyola Marymount University Annual Guitar Festival, the 2014 Guitar Foundation of America Annual Convention, and for presenters such as San Francisco Performances and guitar societies up and down the west coast. On tour with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, Jon performed at the Tanglewood and Ravinia summer music festivals, as well as Detroit’s Orchestra Hall and other major venues.

 
Time: Doors 7:00PM / Show 7:30PM
Admission: $20. Ticket availability at the door is limited and contingent on online sales.
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