Our first chamber music concert pairs Antonin Dvorak’s glorious string quintet with Canadian composer Murray Adaskin’s intimate homage to father and son. Adaskin’s Sonata: “padre e figlio” (father and son) for violin and marimba has a beautiful, ethereal opening, challenging cadenzas and a playful conclusion. Dvorak’s String Quintet No. 2 features the addition of double bass to the standard string quartet in a Czech inspired explosion of beautiful melodies, deep and expansive sonorities and moments of pure joy. Murray…
Schumann declared that Felix Mendelssohn was the “Mozart of the 19th century”. In this concert, we celebrate two child prodigies whose work demonstrates true genius. Mozart’s stunning Quartet for oboe and strings moves from the sublime to the effervescent. Mendelssohn’s famous Octet is for two string quartets combined in a miracle of grace and unbounded youthful enthusiasm. Join us for a concert of some of the greatest chamber music ever written. W.A. Mozart: Oboe Quartet, K. 370 Colleen Kennedy,…
Join us for music from the sunny south! D’River’s Aires Tropicales is a colourful suite for woodwind quintet showcasing popular Cuban dance styles. William Grant Still’s Danzas de Panama is an impressive tour de force for string quartet based on a collection of Panamanian folk tunes collected in the 1920’s. Piazzolla’s name has become synonymous with Argentina’s iconic dance, the tango. Here we present two popular works with sophisticated rhythms and sensuous moods: his famous Libertango and Four for Tango,…
Gina Gillie’s Scenes from the Bayou is a collection of short programmatic movements that portray various times of the day, animals and scenery at the lush Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana. The famous “Trout” Quintet is a much-loved masterpiece for strings and piano showcasing Schubert’s lyrical melodies, inventive ideas and jovial good humour. Gina Gillie: Scenes from the Bayou Schubert: Piano Quintet in A Major, D. 667 “Trout”
Exploring the work of three composers with close ties to Paris, a city with a history of rich musical traditions and daring innovations. Jerome Naulais’ Flash is a musical gem for brass trio, featuring quick runs and sweeping melodies combined with special effects to add colour and excitement. Martinu’s Quartet, influenced by Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat, was written shortly after moving to Paris in the 1920’s. From the work’s opening drum stroke, the piece is a rollicking and abstract blend…
Presenting works that combine ingredients of classical music, jazz, klezmer and whimsy. Paul Schoenfield’s Café Music is Irresistible and full of energy - this is caffeine-fuelled music at its most entertaining. Gershwin’s music for strings is charming, melodic and captivating. Schuller’s snazzy jazz-inspired suite masterfully incorporates rhythmic syncopation, characteristic dissonances and harmonic progressions. And Shostakovich’s set of variations on the song Tea for Two is sure to surprise and delight. Schoenfield: Café Music Gershwin: Three Preludes for String Trio Gershwin:…
Celebrating a chamber music genius. Beethoven’s Duo for 2 Flutes was commissioned by a close friend and is a little-known gem. The Septet in E-flat, known for its youthful charm and immediate appeal, was Beethoven’s most popular work during his lifetime. Beethoven: Duo for 2 Flutes in G Major Penelope Clarke & Doris Dungan, flutes Beethoven: Septet in E-flat, op. 20 Kathlyn Stevens, violin; Patrick Horn, viola; Daniel Parker, cello; E-Chen Hsu, clarinet; Kristy Tucker, bassoon; Janelle Wiebe, horn; Martin…
Nelhybel’s Trio for Brass demonstrates the composer’s well-known skill for writing sharply incisive passagework for brass, as well as plaintive, almost Kurt Weill-like lyricism. Brahms’ magnificent Sextet for Strings, No. 2 is one of the best-loved works of all chamber music repertoire. It is inspired music - both serious and complex, but also beautiful and romantic. Nelhybel: Trio for Brass Sam Hughes, trumpet; Damian Rivers-Moore, horn; Erik Hongisto, trombone Brahms: Sextet No. 2 in G major, Op. 36 Tom Cosbey…
