By Roy Ziegler
Harpsichordist, Kenneth Cooper is one of the world’s leading specialists in eighteenth century music. Thirteen year-old violinist, Danbi Um, is the youngest student ever admitted to the Curtis Institute of Music. She began her studies there when she was ten years old. These artists underscore the excitement that the Concordia Chamber Players promises as they present Vivaldi’s Four Seasons in a remarkably unique concert setting at the George Nakashima Studio in New Hope, Pennsylvania on September 21, 2003 at 3 PM.
Michelle Djokic, cellist and Artistic Director for Concordia, could barely contain her enthusiasm as she described the Vivaldi event. “We partnered with the Nakashima Foundation for Peace to perform at the Nakashima Studio late last season. Our sold-out audience was so enthralled by this unique combination that we have decided to perform there again this year prior to our regular season schedule,” said Djokic.
Soloists for the Four Seasons performance include Caterina Szepes, violinist and winner of the first prize in the Cleveland Institute of Music concerto competition; David Brickman, violinist and concertmaster with the Rochester Chamber Orchestra and Carmit Zori, violinist and regular participant at the Marlboro Music Festival and Bargemusic in New York City. Harold Hall Robinson, principal contrabassist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Robert Rinehart, violist with the New York Philharmonic will join the soloists and cellist Michelle Djokic on the program.
“The great talent that we have assembled for this Vivaldi concert will be presented in a studio that resonates the sound of these instruments unlike most performance venues can achieve.” noted Djokic. “And the setting at the Nakashima campus is spectacular”. She said.
Concertgoers will be treated to a tour of the Nakashima studios prior to the concert and will enjoy a champagne reception immediately following the performance.
Tickets for the Vivaldi concert and for Concordia’s regular season can be purchased by calling 215-297-5972. A wide array of concert ticket packages is now available and can be accessed at www.concordiaplayers.org.