Music spanning three centuries featuring works by Beethoven, Ernst Von Dohnanyi and Paul Moravec (b. 1957) will be performed at the Trinity Church by the Concordia Chamber Players on March 22.
Beethoven’s Serenade in D major, Opus 8, for String Trio will open the program with Concordia regulars, Carmit Zori on violin, Robert Rinehart on viola and artistic director Michelle Djokic on cello.
Beethoven’s musical genius and his creative abilities virtually transformed every aspect of music that he touched. He died in 1827, however, his genius inspired composers in the later part of the 19th century and beyond. His music, in many ways considered revolutionary, was both an inspiration for the conservative and radical composers to follow.
Following the Serenade will be the New Hope premiere of Sonata for Violin and Piano by American composer, Paul Moravec, recipient of the 2004 Pulitzer Prize in Music and one of the most sought after composers of our time. Concordia is proud to present the world renown Bachmann – Klibonoff Duo in this performance. Their world premiere recording of Moravec’s Sonata can be heard on their BMG/RCA Red Seal recording. Moravec has composed music for film, orchestras, chamber and choral groups. His music has been reviewed by the San Francisco Chronicle as “tuneful, ebullient and wonderfully energetic”.
All five musicians will take the stage together to conclude the afternoon’s program with a performance of the rousing piano quintet in c minor, Opus 1 by Ernst Von Dohnanyi. Dohnanyi began his formal music studies in 1894, just 100 years after Beethoven began his career as both a pianist and composer. His music reflects similar influences to that of other Hungarian nationalist composers such as Kodaly and Bartok. However, Dohnanyi’s most prominent musical influence, Brahms, can be heard in this work as well. Dohnanyi, was the director of the Budapest Academy of Music from 1934 until 1941. He resigned the post in protest to anti-Jewish legislation that was passed by the then pro Nazi Hungarian law makers. The new post WW II Communist Hungarian Government started an anti Dohnanyi whispering campaign against him. He then chose to move to the United States and taught at Florida State University.
Maria Bachmann
Ticket prices for this final concert of Concordia Chamber Players 2008-2009 season at Trinity Church are $25. Please join us for an unforgettable experience of live music by the finest musicians in a uniquely beautiful setting. There will be a lovely reception at intermission as always. Trinity Church is located at the corner of Upper York Rd. {Rt. 263} and Sugan Rd. Call 215 297 5972 or visit our web site www.concordiaplayers.org. for further information. As always, children under 16 accompanied by an adult are welcome and encouraged to join us for free admission.