With the newest season of “Bridgerton” out on Netflix, fans are raving and providing their critiques. However, when it comes to the classical pop arrangements that defined the series, you don’t have to limit the experience to your living room. Carolina Music Planner, a string quartet known for contemporary arrangements, brings “Chamber Music Series: Timeless Love” to Newberry Opera House on February 22.
The quartet is comprised of talented musicians across the Southeastern US, particularly South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Megan Johnson-Barnes, the CEO and lead cellist, can be credited for the quartet’s inception. Back in 2017, while working a corporate management job, Megan began booking string ensembles and performing full-time. She’d been noticing that her full-time musician friends were working multiple jobs and continually seeking work to stay afloat. Megan says, “To create a financially stable, balanced performing career is a challenge. Carolina Music Planner’s mission and purpose are to provide regular performance opportunities for competitive pay.” Since Carolina Music Planner’s inception, Barnes has cultivated relationships with venues, wedding planners, corporations, and national booking entities.
Each member brings a unique musical background and perspective to Carolina Music Planner. Lead violinist, Mariya, explains that she moved to the United States as a teenager and studied with various teachers who taught her that music brings people together. She also learned that music helps people embrace their individuality. Jonathan shares this idea of how each human experience is unique and shapes artists. He says, “Contrast is the greatest spice in life. Whether it’s been playing music on a symphonic stage, opera house, a mariachi band, or musical theater production, the diversity of my musical experiences bring a unique perspective into everything I do in the future.”
Violist, Daphne, jokingly calls violists the red-headed stepchild of the string world but notes how this instrument keeps everyone in line. She states, “The violins and the cello can be stars in their own right, but the viola is what grounds everything. What I bring to the table is giving life to the rich, warm harmonies that tie the whole ensemble together.”
As they plan and arrange music, the quartet takes extra care to customize and personalize arrangements with their listeners in mind. They work to break out of the classical mold, taking pride in their ability to perform hip-hop and pop/top 40 hits while still maintaining the skill needed to play classical repertoire. Even before “Bridgerton” became a hit in the US, Carolina Music Planner curated similar setlists to engage a wider audience, Megan stresses. By blending classical technique with contemporary favorites, Carolina Music Planner hopes to spark curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of music for audiences of all ages.
The quartet’s approach to arranging music first involves listening and studying the original material to make sure they are conveying the true sound and message of the song without the lyrics. Mariya expresses, “We have to make decisions about dynamics, articulation, and tempos that may not always be marked by the arranger, or that we may not agree with.” They work with high-demand international arrangers to source the best adaptations of music that was not originally written for them. Megan’s personal favorite arranger is Alison Gillies, who is based in England. She says, “My personal favorite arrangements pass the melody among instruments, showcasing all 4 members of the ensemble.”
Carolina Music Planner is meticulously piecing together their final program for their performance at Newberry Opera House on February22. This performance, “Timeless Love,” reflects Carolina Music Planner’s mission to bring world-class music and arts to the Newberry community while inspiring the next generation of musicians. Their show will center on romantic favorites that span multiple genres. Megan says, “Please sing along, tap your feet, dance—we love when our audience is responsive and involved.”
Article by Teilor McManus
