Classical Pianist Steven Masi Performs at the Adams Theater

Print Story | Email Story
ADAMS, Mass. — Acclaimed pianist Steven Masi will perform at the Adams Theater on Saturday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. 
 
Masi, who's given concerts across the world and is noted for his depth and sensitivity in playing, will bring a new approach to Bach for his first Northern Berkshire concert.
 
"He is absolutely top on my list of composers," Masi said. "But for various reasons I've been shy about playing Bach in public. This is the year I finally broke through that."
 
Bach didn't actually write for the piano, because the modern Classical piano wasn't developed in his heyday. So Masi is bringing Bach's French Suites, originally written for harpsichord or clavichord, into newer territory. 
 
"It's no easy feat because a piano can do things a harpsichord can't," Masi said. "So anything played on the piano is kind of a transcription. You have to use the phrasing and articulation that harpsichords use." 
 
Masi has spent part of his career bringing other Classical musicians to life, and is known for his sensitivity and virtuosity at the piano. Notably, he's recorded all 32 of Beethoven's sonatas. A review of his recordings of Franz Schubert's late works assert that his "slow and contemplative playing literally allows the music to glow from within." 
 
See a full lineup of events at www.adamstheater.org/present
 
The Adams Theater participates in Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program, in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Women, Infants & Children Nutrition Program, and the Mass Health Connector.
 
EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders receive free admission to our shows and events by presenting their cards at our Box Office. See the complete list of participating organizations offering EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare discounts.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Cheshire Speed Limits Reduced, Code of Conduct Mulled

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

CHESHIRE, Mass. — Some streets will soon be slower for cars with the Department of Public Works replacing the speed limit signs in response to community concerns.

The town adopted Chapter 90, Section 17C to reduce some local road speed limits to 25 mph. Twenty-three streets are approved by the state; signs are ordered from the state Department of Transportation and should arrive within a couple weeks.

DPW Director Corey McGrath told the Selectmen at last Tuesday's meeting that the department had received concerns from residents wanting people to be slower on the following streets:

  • Church Street 
  • East Main Street 
  • portions of Wells Road 
  • Main Street 
  • Furnace Hill Road
  • Flaherty Road
  • Pit Road
  • Prospect Street 
  • Dean Street 
  • Richmond Street 
  • School Street 
  • Railroad Street 
  • Depot Street 
  • Richardson Street 
  • 5th Avenue
  • Meadowview Drive 
  • Wood Lane
  • Dean Street Extension 
  • portions of Ingalls Road 
  • Devonshire Drive 
  • Yorkshire Drive
  • Berkshire Drive 
  • Wilshire Drive 

Chair Michelle Francesconi asked McGrath to look into the signs solar-powered "slow down" signs. She also spoke about increasing problems with electric bicycles and similar devices.

Young people are going 30 to 40 mph, often on sidewalks, weaving between cars, cutting through private property and town property and riding in the road, she said, and brought up how other towns are creating bylaws to address these problems. Francesconi thought the board should look into it as well as a matter of public safety.

The state is currently revising related laws, so the board will see what the Legislature passes and then model bylaws on other communities.

Francesconi also said that since there is limited police coverage at night during most of the behavior, she suggested shifting some patrol hours to evenings to address youth riding behavior.

Later in the meeting, Francesconi also brought up code of conduct for town employees as she has been receiving numerous reports regarding professionalism, boundaries, confidentiality, and internal relationships and communication among town hall staff, department heads, and with the public.

She said town counsel has recommended adopting a code of conduct as well as providing training. After some discussion, the board decided to get a catalog of training options and identify mandatory and optional trainings. Members are also thinking of doing them in-person.

In other news, the Fire Department's rescue boat missing from the water because motor is broken and is in the process of being replaced.

There are two applicants in the running for the police chief position who will be doing the assessment center on Aug. 17. The Selectmen will get their resumes afterward and decide on interviews.

View Full Story

More Adams Stories