"If there's a natural rhythm in everything, Heidi Kirchofer and Joel Melendez just may have tapped into it. Whether it's the pulsating beat of the D'jembe, the spectacular manipulation of fire, the delicate balance of a unicycle or the fluidity of capoeira, Kirchofer and Melendez convey uncanny timing and gracefulness in their performances."

John Fitts, Tri-town Post

"This is the third year that Matica Arts performs in our school.  Parents and children from PK to 8th grade enjoyed their amazing musical and artistic presentations.  Their repertoire is full of positive energy and enlight our knowledge of World Music."

 

Juan Brito

School Social Woker

Mary Hooker Magnet School

Matica's performance was raucous and good natured, alternately exciting their audience and calming them with music. The children were delighted by the vast array of exotic instruments and, without knowing it, got a terrific geography lesson. We would happily welcome Matica back to Hartford Public Library again and we encourage other libraries to have them.
Auden di-Corcia-D'Adamato, Children's Librarian, Hartford Public Library

"We seem to keep crossing professional paths with Heidi and Joel of Matica and every project has been such a pleasure. Each time we collaborate it's completely different and they never cease to amaze us with the depth of their many talents. Their energy is adventurous and fun."

Craig Norton, Playtivity

 

"I call on Heidi and Joel to accomplish a tremendous task: to dissolve the barriers that exist between teens from Hartford and and teens from rural Connecticut...it's magical to see these teens that arrived on two separate buses from entirely different environments come together over a drumming session or to practice juggling...Heidi and Joel are amazing people and excellent role models for teens to look up to."

Michelle Rawcliffe, YMCA, Camp Woodstock

"Heidi and Joel brought an engaging cultural presentation to our library, incorporating the beautiful sounds and textures of their instruments. They heightened our understanding of the purposes behind the music created around the globe."

Leslie Flowers, Harwinton Public Library

 

They [Heidi and Joel] are fabulous! They manage to keep 80 second grade girls engaged during their entire program. They bring the girls in a journey and hold their attention the entire time."

Teresa Allen, Girl Scout Council of Northwestern CT

 

"They were in very colorful happy costume, The kids loved them!"

Debbie Gatto, Oxford Parks and Recreation

"Original Instruments plus geographical background...Educational!"

Elly Habregtor -Audience member

"Superlative performance! Enjoyable-educational, for music and multi-cultural programs. We highly recommend the Instruments of the World program."

Kristalyn Giroux- Audience member

Oddfellows' Playhouse
Connecticut Science Center
Riverfront Recapture
Music Mountain
The Witches Ball, NJ
The Goshen Fair
Rumsey Hall School
ASAP
Washington Montessori
Woodrow Wilson Middle School, Middletown, CT
Mary Hooker Magnet School
Millerton Community Center
Litchfield Community Center
Prospect Parks and Rec
Oxford Parks and Recreation

Ambience

Torrington Parks and Recreation

Hartford Hospital- Nurturing Connections

Gramby Parks and Recreation

Yarmouth, ME. Chamber of Commerce

Charter Oak Cultural Center

Connecticut Visitor's Bureau

Northwest CT Girl Scouts Council

Touchstone, Litchfield, CT

River Fest Hartford

Middle School of Plainville

Footlights Center for the Performing Arts

McDonough Elementary School (Middletown)

Grumbling Gryphons

Performing Arts Programs

Sankofa Kuumba

The Learning Corridor

Sanctuary Yoga

Hartford Conservatory

Barkhamsted Elementary School

New Opportunities (Waterbury)

Farmington Avenue Alliance

The Old State House

American Red Cross

Harwinton Public Library

Litchfield Jazz Fest

Snow School (Middletown)

YMCA

...and many, many private parties and events