Hugo Wolf
Saturday, 13 March 2010 at 7:30 p.m.

A celebration of the life and music of the Austrian composer, Hugo Wolf, born on this day 150 years ago (March 13, 1860 - February 22, 1903)

• Chelsea Van Pelt, soprano
• Lauren Crowther, soprano
• Claire de Sévigné, soprano
• Erin Bardua, soprano
• Christopher Wilson, bass-baritone
• Catherine Sulem, violin
• Gretchen Paxson, violin
• Elizabeth Morris, viola
• Michelle Kyle, cello and piano
• Maria Thorburn, narrator

Naturally, the program contains many of Wolf's stunningly beautiful art songs. There are other gems as well: a duet from his opera and two of his rarely-heard short works for string quartet: Italian Serenade and Intermezzo. I must say that I love the string quartets!!

Not only will there be Wolfian music, but there are also door prizes and after the concert, everyone is invited to stay for complimentary birthday cake, served with tea and coffee (regular, herbal and decaf!).

Johannes Brahms
Friday, 7 May 2010 at 7:30 p.m.

Please join us while we celebrate the life and music of Johannes Brahms (May 7, 1833 - April 3, 1897).

• Trish O'Reilly, soprano
• Martha Spence, mezzo-soprano
• Marta Herman, mezzo-soprano
• Vasil Garvanliev, baritone
• Elizabeth Morris, viola
• Ellen Meyer, piano
• Michelle Kyle, piano
• Maria Thorburn, narrator

I will be playing the wonderful F minor sonata composed in 1894, just three years before the end of Brahms life. This is one of Brahms' last pieces of chamber music, from a set of two sonatas written for Brahms' friend, virtuoso clarinetist Richard Muhlfield. When the sonatas were first heard (first performance 19 September 1894: Richard Muhlfeld on clarinet, Brahms on piano), Brahms was begged to create versions for viola and piano as well. He obliged, much to the delight of violists everywhere. (There is very little written for solo viola.)

Clarinetists and violists often have arguments about which instrument works better for the sonata. Perhaps surprisingly, the consensus is that the 1st sonata is much more satisfying on the viola but the 2nd is more satisfying on the clarinet - or vice versa. It's rare that clarinetists and violists will favour their own instruments exclusively for the sonatas.

As excited as I am to be playing the sonata, I'm almost more thrilled to be performing the two stunningly beautiful songs for Contralto, Viola and Piano.

Not only will there be Brahmsian music, but there are also door prizes and after the concert, you will be invited to stay for complimentary birthday cake, served with tea and coffee (regular, herbal and decaf!).

Hope to see you there!