Nexus Chamber Orchestra continues series Sunday
By AMY STUMPFL
Brentwood Home Page
The word nexus is defined as “a means of connection” or the “core or center.” And it would be difficult to find a more fitting name for Williamson County’s only professional chamber orchestra.

“Connected” by their work as recording studio musicians, Nexus’ “core” members are actually part of the Nashville String Machine – the city’s foremost recording orchestra for nearly 30 years. From contemporary Christian and country to rock and even film scores, these accomplished musicians have worked with big names such as Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Kid Rock, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill and many, many more.

“We certainly enjoy our work in the recording industry, but we are all classically trained musicians and really missed playing that type of music,” says Cathy Umstead, who founded Nexus Chamber Orchestra along with husband (and fellow violinist) Alan last year. “Our first concert was a benefit for the Nashville Musicians Flood Relief Fund, which was set up to help musicians who had lost instruments and equipment in last year’s flood. It was a lot of fun, and we thought it should be a regular thing.”

The group makes its home in the chapel at Brentwood United Methodist Church, which Umstead calls “the ideal venue.”

“The chapel is just the perfect size for a small chamber orchestra, and the acoustics are really wonderful,” she says. “Many of our members live in Williamson County, so this is a great place for us to get together.”

Nexus performs at the church on the third Sunday of each month as part of its “Chapel Concert Series.” This Sunday, the series continues with “Interlude to Passion,” featuring the music of famed movie composer Errnio Morricone – performed by Nashville Symphony principal cellist Anthony LaMarchina and Nexus Chamber Orchestra.

Nashville Symphony principal cellist Anthony LaMarchina

“Morricone is one of my favorite film composers,” says LaMarchina, who has served as principal cellist in the orchestra since 1990 and has been a prominent studio musician in Nashville since 1986. “He composed great scores such as ‘Cinema Paradiso,’ ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, and ‘The Mission.’

LaMarchina first recorded “Interlude to Passion” in 1995, but says he is looking forward to playing it live with Nexus.

“It’s wonderful to have a professional organization like this in Williamson County,” he says. “It’s a pleasure to play with such fine musicians. And Conni Ellisor – an incredible violinist and another Nexus member – did all the arrangements.” 

“Part of our mission is to showcase local talent,” Umstead adds. “We have so many talented musicians and composers here – it’s wonderful to be able to feature their work each month.” 

Umstead says that an informal meet-and-greet will take place immediately following the concert.

“People always seem to enjoy meeting the musicians,” she says. “It’s informal, informative, and just a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.”