Events
J is for Jaell, Joplin, and Janacek
Goethe Institute
170 Beacon St. Boston MA
November 2, 7:30pm
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Our first Letter Concert of the season kicks off with Marie Jaell’s almost unknown Romance for Violin and Piano, Scott Joplin’s innovative ragtime piece designed for the concert hall, and Leos Janacek’s “Intimate Letters” for string quartet; a dream piece for musicians and an audience favorite!
K is for Kodaly, Kidjo, and Korngold
Somerville Music Spaces
1060 Broadway St. Somerville MA
February 8, 7:30pm
Taking inspiration from folk music and cinematic traditions, this program spans a wide range of cultures and styles. Opening with Kodaly’s infamously tricky duet for violin and cello inspired by the music of Eastern Europe, the program continues with Angelique Kidjo’s string quartet arrangement of YanYanKliYan Senamido. Drawing from the musical traditions of Benin, the quartet writing is unfamiliar for players but instantly appeals to listeners. Finally, Korngold’s Piano Quintet takes center stage in a tour de force of cinematic writing.
April 5, 7:30pm
L is for Leonarda, Lyuh, and Larsen
First Church Jamaica Plain
6 Eliot St. Boston MA
Celebrating the music of exclusively women composers, this program spans from east to west, modern day to the Middle Ages. Isabella Leonarda’s hauntingly beautiful medieval music for violin and lute sets the stage for the evening. Soo Yeun Lyuh’s music follows with a composition originally premiered by the Kronos Quartet. Finally, Libby Larsen’s Fourth String Quartet demonstrates her mastery of merging complexity and beauty into a single work. Centered around the theme of water in its many forms, this final piece is at once soothing and challenging.
M is for Martinez, Montgomery, and Mendelssohn
Arlington Street Church
351 Boylston St. Boston MA
June 6, 7:30pm
Our Season Finale is jam packed with favorites for musicians and audiences alike. ABC veteran, Hannah Shanefield returns to perform Odaline de la Martinez’ “Four Afro-Cuban Poems” with string quartet. All-star composer, Jessie Montgomery’s Rhapsodies for Solo Violin are the first two in an incomplete set of six that will mirror the famous Bach works for the same instrument. Our last piece of the season is Mendelssohn’s second string quartet. Written in a cyclical fashion, the opening notes of the piece are also the last; a fitting send off as we celebrate the year of music making and look ahead to the next!