By Lois Sandberg
A chamber music favorite, Franz Schubert’s joyful Piano Quintet in A major “The Trout” will highlight New Canaan Chamber Music’s winter concert which will include a showcase of solos performances by individual world-class musicians assembled by Andrew Armstrong, Founder and Artistic Director of New Canaan Chamber Music.
The concerts will be held Thursday, February 5, 3pm, and Friday, February 6, 7 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in New Canaan at 178 Oenoke Ridge. Tickets are available at www.newcanaanchambermusic.org.
Schubert’s “The Trout” is sunny, melodic, and uplifting. One of his happiest works, it is instantly memorable and a favorite for chamber music audiences and musicians alike. The nickname comes from the melody that is bright, flowing, and playful — just like a darting fish. It was written in 1819 when Schubert was just 22 years old.
The program also will include individually acclaimed musicians in solo performances including music by Serge Koussevitzky, Rebecca Clarke, William Grant Still, and Arvo Part. They are Double Bassist Marguerite Cox, a returning favorite musician in demand throughout the United States; Violinist Kevin Zhu whose young career has taken him to renowned concert halls across the globe; Violist Emma Wernig, a rising star on the international stage; and Cellist Sterling Elliott, a new generation star acclaimed for his joyous musicianship.
Andrew Armstrong is a virtuoso pianist and is also Artistic Director of the USC Beaufort’s Chamber Music Series as well as Columbia’s “Andy & Friends,” presented by the SC Philharmonic. He was recently interviewed and played live on WSHU public radio based in Fairfield, CT, and his performances are heard regularly on stations across the country and on National Public Radio, and WQXR, New York.
The final concert of the season will be Thurs., April 16 at 3pm Fri., April 17 at 7pm, “Clarinet Meets Classical Accordion!” with Yoonah Kim, clarinet, Ryan Corbett, accordion; Andrew Armstrong, piano.
Celebrating its 5th year, New Canaan Chamber Music has become a thriving new addition to the concert scene. It also provides growing and inclusive programs of outreach with the Children’s Concerts and programs during the year that bring great music to seniors, youth orchestras, and local schools in New Canaan, Stamford, and Norwalk. NCCM is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
The Music Program
Valse Miniature, for Double-Bass and Piano by Serge Koussevitzky
Viola Sonata Impetuoso – ma non troppo by Rebecca Clarke
Mother & Child, arr. for Cello and Piano by William Grant Still
Fratres – “Brothers,” for Violin and Piano by Arvo Pärt
Intermission
Piano Quintet in A Major, D. 667, “The Trout” by Franz Schubert
