Tanglewood’s Linde Center, May 16, 2025
On a warm Friday evening, the Natalia Bernal Quintet took to the Linde Center floor with a mission: to bring the heartbeat of music directly into the hearts of their audience. In her introduction, Chilean vocalist Natalia Bernal placed her hand over her chest and spoke of the heartbeat that pulses at the core of all music—how it crosses borders, how it connects us. What followed was an infectious performance rooted in rhythm, emotion, and connection.
Thanks to the inspired programming of Tanglewood Learning Institute Director Mark Rulison, the evening showcased local talent, yet this Berkshire-based quintet would be comfortable on any stage. The Natalia Bernal Quintet—featuring Jason Ennis on guitar, Michael Eckroth on piano, Mary Ann McSweeney on bass, and Connor Meehan on drums—offered a captivating set that drew from their newly released album, “En Diablada,” and a rich set of Latin American and cross-cultural works.
The music was alive with swing and soul, each piece radiating energy, warmth and intelligence, and a sense of mutual communication and respect.
A collaboration that inspires
After intermission, the concert blossomed into something even more moving. Natalia Bernal invited to the stage a group of 10 advanced student musicians from Kids 4 Harmony, conducted by Sean Elliger. Based in Berkshire County, Kids 4 Harmony is a free, intensive music program inspired by Venezuela’s El Sistema. Uniquely embedded in the social service agency 18 Degrees, it serves youth from underserved communities with a vision of empowerment through music.
These young musicians didn’t merely support the Quintet, they transformed the concert into a celebration of promise and potential. With sensitivity and spirit, they added a new layer of heart to the music. The blend of professional and student artistry was both seamless and stirring. I found myself unable to stay seated, and the audience joined in. The music demanded movement, and the joy was irrepressible.
Among the young performers were students now in or bound for college—many the first in their families to reach this milestone. Their proud parents were present, their beaming faces a testament to what music and community can achieve together.
A night to remember
With vision and generosity, Natalia Bernal and her Quintet created a space where hearts and talents met in harmony. This was not just a concert—it was a reminder of music’s power to elevate, connect, and transform.
Brava, Natalia!
