The Lafayette Square Duo, comprised of Rebecca Anstine Smith, harp, and Michael Lodico, organ, performed their newly commissioned work Fantaisie in an April 23 tribute performance honoring Jeanne Chalifoux. The piece was composed by Peter Mathews and was “dedicated in celebration of the birth of Michael’s daughter, Florence Asha, and for the inspiration and friendship of Jeanne Chalifoux,” according to Anstine Smith. Jeanne Chalifoux, who is niece of the late Alice Chalifoux, taught for over 60 years in the Mid-Atlantic region, including serving on the faculty of the Peabody Institute; she also performed with the National Symphony Orchestra.
Mathews has written other works for harp including Psalm 8, for treble voices and harp, Prelude, for flute and harp, and Aria and Hymns, both for harp and organ. Read more about him at www.petermathews.net.
