Langley Community Music School will host an unofficial weekend of chamber music with the Arioso Strings and the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Music Faculty in the Rose Gellert Hall to kick off 2013.
On Sunday, Jan. 13, the Concerts Café Classico series presents, Ian and Friends, as LCMS artistic director emeritus Ian Hampton joins fellow Arioso Strings colleagues Max Ngai, violin, Luiza Nelepcu, violin, Frances Dodd, viola, and special guest artist Gene Ramsbottom, clarinet, to present works by Franz Schubert and Arthur Bliss. Coffee and commentary are hosted before the concert with the school’s artistic director of concerts Elizabeth Bergmann at 3 p.m., followed by the performance at 4 p.m.
The quartet is a combination of professional and dedicated amateur musicians who have come together for the joy and collegiality of making music together. “In addition to the Schubert Quartet in a minor op. 29, the ensemble will interpret the Clarinet Quintet by the British born composer and conductor Sir Arthur Bliss,” says Bergmann. “Probably the best known Clarinet quintets are by Mozart, Weber and Brahms, however the lesser know quintet by Bliss is a wonderful example of late Romantic British writing where he especially pushes the boundaries for the clarinet.”
Bergmann also noted that the composer drew his inspiration from the deep trauma and losses he experienced after the First World War. Arthur Bliss’ brother, who was a gifted clarinetist, was killed during the war and the quintet is a memorial to him.
“This homage can be especially heard in the tranquil slow movement,” added Bergmann.
Tickets are available for $15 adults, $13 seniors and $10 students. Call the box office for tickets at 604-534-2848.
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On Saturday, Jan. 12, at 7:30 p.m., LCMS will host a special bonus concert with Kwantlen Polytechnic University. New and Improved: Stolen Works for Flute, Strings and Piano will be a great evening of chamber music featuring four of Vancouver’s finest musicians: Paolo Bortolussi (flute), Nikita Pogrebnoy (viola), Joel Stobbe (cello), and Jane Hayes (piano). The concert program features masterworks by Faure, Saint-Saens, Dvorak, and Martinu, and is an exciting opportunity to hear these outstanding artists in concert together. For more information contact LCMS. Free admission.
“As part of their residency, the Kwantlen faculty members will also offer master classes at 2 p.m.,” says Bergmann.
“The public is welcome to attend these sessions as well.”
The Rose Gellert Hall is located at 4899 207 St. in Langley.
