‘The Music Room,’ Part 3: cellist Fred Dempster, violinist David Margetts, violist Albert Gillis and violinist James Stark

The Munro Review continues its special collaboration with the Fresno Free College Foundation to draw attention to a wonderful archival resource. (It seems a perfect time to do so, considering that most of us are quarantined from live performance these days, and we’re relying on the digital world to remain connected to culture.) From 1978 to 1989, a locally televised Fresno series titled “The Music Room” featured some of the great pianists of the day. The 30-minute television program originated with the late pianist Philip Lorenz. He was professor of music at California State University, Fresno and was artistic director of the Keyboard Concerts series, which was under the sponsorship of the foundation for 15-years.

Thanks to the foundation’s board, and in particular to Alex Vavoulis, the executive producer of “The Music Room.” Vavoulis was a supporter of The Munro Review who died just a few weeks ago. I’ll be highlighting the archive of videos on a regular basis.

This installment was broadcast on the Fresno PBS station in 1982 and featured cellist Fred Dempster, violinist David Margetts, violist Albert Gillis and violinist James Stark, all members of the music faculty at Fresno State. You can find all the videos on the foundation’s website.

‘The Music Room,’ Part 3: cellist Fred Dempster, violinist David Margetts, violist Albert Gillis and violinist James Stark

The Munro Review has no paywall but is financially supported by readers who believe in its non-profit mission of bringing professional arts journalism to the central San Joaquin Valley. You can help by signing up for a monthly recurring paid membership or make a one-time donation of as little as $3. All memberships and donations are tax-deductible.