At first glance, Peter Thomas and Evan Christian might look like an odd couple — Peter, a cellist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra; Evan, a flamenco guitarist and Milwaukee mainstay who recently opened a music club in Walker’s Point. Some might say the two don’t go together. But Thomas and Christian would disagree.
The 414 Quartet residency, a partnership that brings MSO musicians to Christian’s club to perform chamber music, is still in its infancy but has shown promise, drawing packed crowds and inspiring powerful performances. Evan and Peter agree chamber music, a more intimate expression of classical, is an accessible way to introduce people to an art form that can often seem reserved for the wealthy or elite.
“The point of playing something, anything, is for people to hear you. And that is the greatest power of music,” Thomas says. “It brings people together.”
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Since Christian opened Gibraltar MKE, in December 2016, it’s taken on an almost-mythical allure for those seeking quality music and a diverse crowd. Gibraltar, located near 6th Street and National Avenue, sits in a largely Hispanic area and draws people from across Milwaukee. That was a consideration, Thomas said, when considering where to host these events.
Christian, whose first instrument was upright bass, has been a long-time admirer of classical music. Gibraltar hosts flamenco acts, DJs, bluegrass bands and a variety of other performers. But Christian said the opportunity to host the quartet is a special treat.
“The experience of being there, and seeing the expression on the face of the musicians — the sweat and all that — that’s the thing,” says Christian. “I’m just really grateful”
Quartet performances are held periodically on Friday nights at Gibraltar. Admission is $15.⬩
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Wonderful!