Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Lieurance.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Barbara. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
“Your story” as it applies to the project Tardigrade Stage:
Tardigrade Stage began because I wanted to contribute to the climate movement in a way that is meaningful, sustainable, and effective. As a classical pianist and teacher I know the power of music, and I wanted to find a way to combine that with activism and give everyone a boost: activists, musicians, and everyone in between.
“Your story” as it applies to my life as a musician:
I grew up surrounded by music because my father was a music teacher, but I did not grow up surrounded by pianos. I can remember practicing a little electric synthesizer in the old trapper’s cabin where I lived as a girl in northern British Columbia. Later I had the special privilege to be the only child allowed into school a half hour early so that I could practice the piano there. The janitor (named Rusty, because he had red hair) and I became good friends. Since then I have had the privilege to perform on pianos all over the world.
“In a masterful performance. . . . Barbara Lieurance made us wonder why pianists focus so much on the keys rather than the entire instrument. . . . It was a visual and musical feast. Her tender nuances, the lovely tones she brought forth, and her exquisite sense of timing and musical structure richly demonstrated how demonstrating how enchanting and profound this music is.” – Kalamazoo Gazette, Gilmore International Keyboard Festival performance
Known for her innovative performances and her daring programming, Ms. Lieurance brings new music to concert halls around the United States and Europe. Her current program Inside the Piano, Outside the Box came to fruition through an artist residency at the Banff Center for the Arts in Canada – a program exploring non-traditional virtuosity, and featuring works for bowed piano along with new commissions from young composers. The Metroland of New York writes that Ms. Lieurance “wowed audiences”, the Maine Sunday Telegram notes that “at the end of the concert, Ms. Lieurance had . . . the audience standing”.
Has it been a smooth road?
Starting a project like this while performing, teaching, and parenting a young child is a challenge. And yet, the enthusiastic generosity of everyone involved (musicians, artists, volunteers, and friends and family) more than makes up for the challenge. The events are magical, even beyond the tremendous talent and commitment of the people performing, because absolutely everyone in the room is there because they care and are ready to pitch in.
If you would like to get involved or be on the mailing list for future events, please visit the website and click on the orange button that says “Join the Tardigrades”!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Tardigrade Stage is a concert series bringing together the power of arts and the energy of activism. Our goal is to build resilience and create connections within communities. Events feature live music, storytelling, dancing, poetry, visual arts, or more. We shine the spotlight on local organizations that are taking action, raise money to support their organization, and give everyone a chance to pitch in. Each event features performers who donate their time and talent. We are inspired by the resilient and easy-to-overlook tardigrades that manage to proliferate in even the most extreme environments – hence our name.
100% volunteer with 100% of proceeds going to organizations. To stay informed about upcoming events, share a skill, or offer a venue, join the Tardigrades by clicking the big orange button that says “Join the Tardigrades” on the website. Skills can include everything from spreading the word on social media or baking cookies to performing a belly dance – whatever is your forte!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely: all the ingredients one needs are here. Musicians and artists with heart, activists with initiative, friends and family who care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lieurance.com/tardigrade-stage/
- Email: barbara@lieurance.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TardigradeStage/
Image Credit:
Gregory Wong, photography and Courtney Wynn-Sheets, photography
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
