Fiddlers ReStrung Play Historic Opera House in Fayette, Ohio

FAYETTE, OHIO — Fiddlers ReStrung brought their musical energy and enthusiasm to Fayette, Ohio on April 16 for a performance in the town’s historic Fayette Opera House. The building is a historic jewel that was constructed between 1889-1899 during the Spanish-American War and the William McKinley administration.

The Opera House was originally built for approximately $4,000 and housed (on the first floor) village offices, shops, the jail, and later the fire department. The upstairs was dedicated for the use of spectator and community events including live touring theater and locally produced events. At one point, the facility even became the community’s first basketball court. In 1978, the Fayette Community Fine Arts Council spearheaded a drive to acquire the structure and return it to its original usage. Over the past two decades, a core of dedicated volunteers have led the effort to renovate the structure as a community and cultural center.

In a fitting tribute to the venue, one of the evening’s songs was Star of the County Down. This is an old Irish ballad contemporaneous to the original construction of the Opera House. The piece speaks of a young man’s longing for a fair lass he chanced to meet before becoming infatuated and dreaming of marrying her. Fiddlers ReStrung’s interpretation opens with a hauntingly pretty duet for cello and bass.  The cello evokes the young lad’s longing for his love and is accompanied by hopeful harmony from the bass. The moving opening moved at least one audience member to tears.

The rest of the 50-minute set included bluegrass favorites, Celtic fantasies and newer material. The appreciative audience gave the group a standing ovation and curtain call for an encore of Old Joe Clark.

The reception following the performance treated audience and performers to dessert in the building’s dining room. Fiddlers ReStrung members answered questions from the guests as they greeted them and shared the treats.

Fiddlers ReStrung will perform its Spring Hometown Concert later this spring at .  This concert will feature Saline native and local favorite Jeremy Kittel and his Jeremy Kittel Band appearing with the group on Saturday, May 7, at 7 p.m. Tickets and reservations for this event can be purchased by phone at (734) 224-8725 or at offices at Liberty School in Saline.

Fiddlers ReStrung is a 21-piece string ensemble featured at over 80 performances annually consisting of students at Saline High School, all of whom share in producing a unique ensemble truly their own. The organization is officially sponsored and supported by Saline Area Schools and Saline Community Education. Students are chosen based not only on musical talent, but personal maturity as well balancing a demanding performance schedule while maintaining high standards in other school activities, sports, and academics.

For more information about upcoming events or Fiddlers ReStrung, please contact Rebecca Groeb-Driskill, Cultural Arts Specialist, Saline Area Schools at (734) 429-8000 ext. 2338 or at groebr@saline.k12.mi.us, or visit the group’s website www.fiddlersrestrung.com.