GREAT SHOW FOR ALL AGES

Formed to enrich Northwest Middlesex communities, the Nissitissit String Quartet is four long-time colleagues and friends with a mutual desire for a fresh and fun experience.

“For the Love of Music” blends music about love with repertoire that the members dearly love, numbers that got standing ovations, and pieces that simply touch the heart. From standards such as Gershwin’s Embraceable You and Cole Porter’s I’ve Got You Under My Skin to a Beatles set featuring Something, When I’m 64, and All You Need is Love, the concert showcases many of the most passionate musical masterpieces. 

Also featured are Edith Piaf’s La vie en rose, Delibes’ endearing Flower Duet, the rock anthem Marry You, and a medley from West Side Story. Mixed in are Irish folk songs and some fancy fiddle fare that the group especially enjoys, along with a few that are back by popular demand, such as Bohemian Rhapsody. 

The Ensemble: 

Lisa Kempskie, longtime Principal Viola of the Lexington Symphony, equally comfortable on violin and viola.

Peter Stickel is the violinist for the New England Tenors. He is co-founder and long-time executive director of New England String Ensemble. 

Valerie Callahan has taught and performed on the violin and viola since childhood. She has a Master's in String Performance from the Boston Conservatory and heads the string program in Dracut. 

John Bumstead, co-founder of New England String Ensemble and a Boston area freelance musician performing regularly with Symphony by the Sea and North Shore Music Theater. John was cello professor at UMass Lowell for many years.

“This program is funded in part by a grant from the Townsend Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.”

Sponsored by the Mass Cultural Council, The Friends of the Library and the TPL Endowment