Boys Bring Classical Fare to the Topsfield Fair

As America’s oldest agricultural fair, the Topsfield Fair has maintained its charming traditions while each year welcoming something new. On October 6, amidst the giant pumpkin and horse pulling, four young string players from the North Shore will perform classical music perfect for a Sunday afternoon.

 The da Figaro Quartet features four boys ranging from 12 to 14 years old. They will alternate with local vocalist Kerri Sears on the Trianon Stage beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Da Figaro Quartet features four talented young string players from the Northeast Massachusetts Youth Orchestras (NMYO) where they have played individually and in ensembles together for the past several years. They bring their enthusiasm and passion for music and life to everything they play, ranging from classical compositions by artists like Vivaldi and Bach to Celtic fiddle music. Da Figaro Quartet has performed in concert at outreach events including retirement homes and at private venues such as a garden wedding.

12-year-old Roan Elliott-Higgins, of Boxford, attends Glen Urquhart School in Beverly as a 7th grader. He has been studying violin with Trudy Larson of North Andover since he was five years old, and took up the viola last year.   He began playing with NMYO in 2008, taking after his older sister, who served as concert master with the organization.

Phillip Joyce, 14, followed in the footsteps of his brother and sister, beginning string lessons with Trudy Larson at four years of age. He joined NMYO in 2007. He was a member of 2012 and 2013 Northeastern Junior Districts Orchestras. The Boxford native is a freshman at Masconomet High School. In addition to violin, he plays viola, mandolin, guitar, bass guitar and trombone.

14-year-old David Shane attends ninth grade at Georgetown High School, where he is also a percussionist in the concert band and jazz band. David joined NMYO in 2007 and studies cello with Junko Fujiwara. He was a member of the 2013 Northeast Junior Districts Orchestra.

Gavin Batsimm, 14, entered his freshman year at Andover High School, where he is the youngest first violin in the All Town Orchestra. He began studying violin with Trudy Larson at five years old, joining NMYO in 2007. He was a member of the 2012 and 2013 Northeastern Junior Districts Orchestra.

Trudy Larson, founding director and strings director of NMYO, and founding director of the former Northshore Youth Symphony Orchestra and Up With Music, instructs the quartet. Mrs. Larson shares her passion for classical music and years of experience teaching violin to youth.

For more information about the da Figaro Quartet, please call (978) 233-1240 or email info@dafigaro.com. You may visit online at www.dafigaro.com.