our musicians + program notes
Maurice Ravel (1875 - 1937): String Quartet
I. Allegro moderato – Très doux (very sweet)
II. Assez vif (rather lively)
Caroline Shaw (b. 1982): Plan & Elevation (the Grounds of Dumbarton Oaks) (2015)
I. The Ellipse
II. The Cutting Garden
III. The Herbaceous Border
IV. The Orangery
V. The Beech Tree
Benjamin Britten (1913 - 1976): Three Divertimenti (1936)
I. March
II. Waltz
III. Burlesque
Jessie Montgomery (b. 1981): Strum for String Quartet (2006)
we have selected pieces for this program that we simply adore!
Pilsen Classical is a chamber project featuring an extraordinary group of musicians passionate about chamber music, collaboration, and fostering connection. Our events are community gatherings that usually feature on-the-fly unrehearsed classical chamber music performances. However, for this performance, we are excited to partner with the Chicago Art Department and take advantage of the expansive acoustics of their space to present repertoire that is dynamic, beautiful, and frankly too difficult for our usual performance setting. The program features pieces by Maurice Ravel and Benjamin Britten that are romantic and playful as well as selections from our favorite current American voices in classical music, Caroline Shaw and Jessie Montgomery, that will take both the performers and the audience on a journey of color and groove.
Pilsen Classical presents ensemble performances with a rotating roster of musicians, and for this concert, we have gathered musicians who are highly intuitive performers and have a particular passion for the art of the string quartet.
a violinist who does un poquito de todo, from performing as a soloist with symphony orchestras to playing for intimate studio recording sessions. Alejandra has performed as a professional violinist from a very young age and graduated from Curtis Institute of Music. Ale brings energy and curiosity to the stage, and believes music should be enjoyed like wine: with friends and in large quantities! Ale is a founder of Pilsen Classical and serves as its artistic director.
a violinist who can do it all! She is an avid chamber musician, orchestral performer, and music educator. She has led orchestras and performed at music festivals across the US, Canada, China, Europe, and the Philippines. She consistently commutes between D.C. and Wisconsin to teach and perform and often shows up with her happy, leggy, and wriggly dog Penny.
a violist dedicated to expanding the breadth of the classical canon through commissions and performances. His passion for musical variety has led to collaborations with storytellers, singers, artists such as Bootsy Collins, a variety of chamber and orchestral ensembles such as Fifth House Ensemble and the Sileo Quartett, and even a soloistic tea kettle. Mason believes that through flexibility and an open mind, classical music can not only stay relevant but appeal to ALL audiences.
a cellist living in Pilsen and is a passionate and vulnerable performer. They recently graduated from DePaul University with their master's degree and are currently maintaining a studio of 24 private students (and counting!), so their passion for making espresso coffee and latte art has become a necessity. Eve (eh-veh) is a founder of Pilsen Classical and serves as its executive director.
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