Lovers of traditional music should lend an ear this weekend.
Boxwood, a duo specializing in 18th-century folk and baroque music, has arrived in Williamsburg for a series of events through Sunday.
Musicians Chris Norman and David Greenberg started Boxwood as a nonprofit organization to share and celebrate traditional music. Norman plays flutes, whistles and pipes, and can be heard on the Oscar-winning “Titanic” soundtrack. Greenberg specializes on the baroque violin and the traditional fiddle, and has a long career performing as a soloist and in ensembles.
Since 1995, the internationally known pair has presented festivals, workshops, classes, concerts, and produced a variety of media.
Boxwood also regularly performs in Nova Scotia and New Zealand. Norman said it was a small contingent of devoted fans who brought him and Greenberg to Williamsburg a few years ago. While it may seem like an odd combination of locales, Williamsburg’s connection to history makes it a perfect fit for the pair.
“We’re presenting musical traditions that go back, in many cases, 300 years,” Norman said.
Norman led a class Thursday evening at the Williamsburg Regional Library on the basics of the pennywhistle, a sturdy and highly portable instrument. He showed the group of children and adults basic techniques, and the group learned a short song.
The series will continue tonight with a concert by Norman and Greenberg at the WRL Theatre. The program starts at 7:30 p.m. and will feature music from Ireland, Scotland, Canada and elsewhere.
As Boxwood Williamsburg is becoming an annual affair, Norman said it is helpful to find a home at the library. Friday’s show is being presented as part of the Dewey Decibel Concert Series.
There are more opportunities to learn about the music firsthand Saturday through an all-day workshop at Our Saviour’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on Richmond Road. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Boxwood duo will present workshop sessions leading into a group jam sessions. These classes are geared to players with some proficiency on violin or flute.
DoG Street Pub will host a traditional jam session that evening, starting at 8 p.m. The event is free, and welcomes guests to play, dance, sing or just listen.
Private lessons are also available with either of the musicians on Sunday.
Tickets can be purchased at the door for paid events. More information and registration forms can be found on the Boxwood website.
