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Peter Franchi was fond of paintings that represented the vivid beauty of life, most notably “Luncheon of the Boating Party” by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, one of his favorite pieces.
Renowned for his incredible artistic talent, Franchi passed away December 2024 at the age of 87. A beloved member of the Winchester community, Franchi was a well known figure around the Jenks Center, where he took Italian classes.
Graduating as a member of the Boston Latin School’s Class of 1955 and later from Harvard University, Franchi was an extremely accomplished man who had a profound impact on everyone who had the honor of knowing him.
And on March 22, the Boston Saxophone Quartet will be performing a concert at the Jenks Center, free for the public from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., in tribute to Franchi.
The Boston Saxophone Quartet’s “Tribute for Peter” will take the shape of a “highlight reel” of projections displaying 10 of Franchi’s paintings. Throughout his artistic career, Franchi was fond of creating versions of his favorite works.
For each of Franchi’s 10 works to be displayed on Saturday, there will be a detailed commentary that follows, talking more about the unique qualities and meaning of each painting and its significance to him.
“So, where’s the music part?” you may be asking.
The visual and informative component of the event will be accompanied by a series of 10 pieces performed by the Boston Saxophone Quartet that are inspired by and correspond with each of Franchi’s 10 paintings, combining visual and musical art into an hour-long performance.
A look at Peter Franchi’s favorite paintings. COURTESY PHOTOS
Having performed throughout the Greater Boston area for 35 years, the Boston Saxophone Quartet is well-versed in putting on a fantastic show that leaves listeners reminiscing on riffs for days to come.
The Boston Saxophone Quartet is a four-musician ensemble that specializes in the Woodwind musical family. For the non-musicians out there, this family is defined by musical instruments that create sound by blowing air across a hole, over a lip, or through a reed, and includes the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and (of course) the saxophone.
With extensive individual experience, each of the four members has played at prestigious venues such as, but not limited to, the Boston Pops, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and leading Broadway theaters throughout New England. As an ensemble, BSQ performs a wide range of concerts, from corporate events to wedding receptions, and is proficient in a diverse array of repertoire.
Currently, the quartet consists of Jim Repa, Pete Cokkinias, Lou Stamas, and Bob Chadwick. Additionally, a special thank you to Fred Ehrhardt, who will man the slide projector, and Diane McLaughlin, who will handle slide narrations.
This show was made possible by the Winchester Seniors Association, Music Performance Trust Fund, and the Winchester Cultural Council.
