Welcome to our 64th season of continued commitment to presenting a variety of ensembles that combine core chamber repertoire, modern and contemporary works.
From the Artistic Director:
Our 64th season will take us on a tour around the world and across many centuries, from Scandinavia in the 20th century, to Haydn’s Esterhazy Palace, to Spain, to the underground railroad in the American South, and finally ending in Gershwin’s America. This year, I hope you will join me before each concert for a short presentation beginning at 6:45 pm. These pre-concert talks are free and open to all with the purchase of a concert ticket. In these talks, I will provide historical and cultural context for the music we will hear in the concert with the hope that it will enrich your listening and open up a dialogue about these works. I look forward to sharing and discussing these programs with you!
Mozart in Copenhagen
Carion Winds will take you on a journey a hundred years back to a time where Copenhagen was a Nordic pearl of culture and architecture, yet heavily inspired by the classicism of Southern Europe. During this time, something really extraordinary happened when Denmark’s most prominent composer Carl Nielsen called his friend on the phone and heard wind players rehearsing a Mozart piece. Little did Nielsen know that the quintet he wrote later that year inspired by this Austrian genius would ripple through the century, change the way we look at the wind quintet now and inspire many, many others. Now, a hundred years later, Copenhagen has grown into a metropolitan city characterized by iconic Nordic design and a multicultural melting pot. Carion Winds has learned to embrace equally their Viking roots as well as foreign influences, which they bring to us with their exciting program. The prize-winning Danish-Latvian ensemble performs truly unique and innovative chamber music. Carion fascinates with its carefully choreographed and dramatized performances of classical and modern works, making music on stage visible, thus adding a new dimension to traditional concert events.
Treasures from the Esterhazy Palace
The Valencia Baryton Project was formed by colleagues from the opera of the Palau de les Arts (Valencia) and the Orchestre Nationale de Montpellier with the vision of performing the nearly 160 works written by Franz Joseph Haydn for the baryton as well as compositions by other composers, both modern and classical. At the heart of the ensemble is the traditional baryton trio—baryton, viola, and violoncello—for which Haydn wrote 123 works of outstanding beauty during his time as the court composer for the Prince Esterhazy of Austria. With Matthew Baker, one of only a handful baryton performers in the world, the Valencia Baryton Project have delighted audiences in North, Central and South America as well as Europe with what is considered to have been the pinnacle of aristocratic instruments of the classical era. Their work has been described as ‘delightfully inventive’ (The Strad) and ‘you can’t get enough of it’ (Die Welt, Germany). They have been featured in publications and programs such as Berklee Now (USA), Ritmo (Spain), RTVE (Ireland), BBC 3 (UK), and Classic FM (UK) amongst others.
“Delightfully inventive… The trio prove themselves a well attuned team, always alert to the music’s mercurial nature.”
—The Strad
A separate event will be held for donors only with the Valencia Baryton Trio on Thursday, November 30. Become a donor to attend!
Spanish Brass (a)LIVE
Spanish Brass(www.spanishbrass.com) was created in 1989 by five Spanish musicians as an innovative project that quickly gained world recognition for its performances, educational activities and creative collaborations. After they won First Prize in the 1996 Narbonne (France) International Brass Quintet Competition, the most prestigious event of its kind in the world, trumpeter Bernard Soustrot said, “Of all the First Prize winners of the Narbonne Competition, the Spanish Brass is the best since the competition was founded in 1986.” In 2017 the group received the I Bankia Music Talent Award in Spain, for the most influential musical artists. Their program will feature arrangements of works by J.S. Bach and Leonard Bernstein alongside those by Spanish and Latin American composers, such as Manuel de Falla and Astor Piazzolla.
“Spanish Brass has earned an international reputation for the quality of its playing, reaching across boundaries of geography and style . . . Their enthusiasm, and their commitment to their musical cause, made them the best kind of ambassadors.”
—Louisville Courier Journal
On Being Enslaved
The critically acclaimed all-female ensemble has performed at presidential inaugurations, the Library of Congress and more, making history in 1991 when they won the International Cleveland Quartet Competition – the first African American ensemble to win a classical music competition. Their rich program presents works reflecting on the theme of enslavement, beginning with “At the Purchaser’s Option with Variations” by MacArthur “Genius” Award recipient, Grammy Award winner and musical polymath Rhiannon Giddens through a suite by Jonathan McNair composed for the story of the underground railroad and pieces written in honor of the quartet’s namesake, before leading organically into a performance of Dvorak’s beloved “American” Quartet.
“In the presence of the (Marian) Anderson String Quartet you feel as if everything’s going to be alright for classical music, as if a little Beethoven and Brahms might just solve the world’s problems.”
— LA Times
Gershwin: My Time is Today
Anchored in Heifitz’s Gershwin arrangements, and interspersed with William Bolcom, violinist Haerim Liz Lee and her pianist collaborator David Fung juxtapose classical repertoire with contemporary works by living composers and collaborators. Inspired by George Gershwin’s quote, “My people are American, my time is today. Music must repeat the thought and aspirations of the times,” this impassioned performance conveys the timelessness of music throughout the ages. Elizabeth’s playing style indicates her personality: passionate, deliberate, and often witty. She captivates audiences by “leaving them breathless with impeccable phrasing and relevant musicality.”
“No one can do justice to this music without swagger and swing, and (Elizabeth) has plenty of it. After three hearings [of Gerwshin; My Time is Today], this album enchants me; it’s a keeper.”
— Performing Arts Monterey Bay
Chamber Music Corvallis’ Statement of Inclusivity Here at CMC, we believe in equality, respect for others, and creating a safe space for all to enjoy classical music. We believe the inclusion of people from all backgrounds makes us a stronger community. Our top priority is to bring high quality chamber music to everyone in the local and surrounding area of Corvallis. While we understand that historically, classical music has been an exclusive culture, we believe in making classical music more accessible and enjoyable for all. We look forward to continuing to create this community with you!