Chamber Music

CHAMBER MUSIC UNPLUGGED

Friday, March 30, 2012

Home from the Hunt

Omaha Consort presents:
Home from the Hunt
7p Concert; 6:30p pre-concert talk; reception following.


General Notes:
The concert, entitled Home from the Hunt, will present some of the most shining examples of the horn in chamber music and as a solo instrument. Three works on the program were composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart for his lifelong friend, and horn virtuoso, Joseph Leutgeb. Mozart was fascinated with the horn throughout his career and is quoted as telling his sister, Maria, "Remind me to give plenty of good work for the horns." He held true to this and left a wealth of the literature for early horn in chamber music, concertos, and famous passages from his operatic and symphonic catalogues. This music serves some of the finest examples of horn writing of any era and is notable for securing a place for the horn in the solo and chamber literature for the following centuries.

The music begins with Mozart's Quintet, k. 407 for horn, violin, two violas, and cello. It ends with his Concerto no. 2, k. 417 transcribed for horn and string quartet by Peter Landgren. The program will also feature Michael Haydn's 1795 rearrangement of Mozart's Romance from the Third Horn Concerto for horn and string quartet. The Consort will present its fourth world premiere of the season with an unaccompanied horn work by Omaha-based composer, and horn player, Phill Smith.

I will be the featured horn soloist and MC for the evening. I look forward to introducing Consort patrons to some of the finest music written for any instrument. This program shows the horn in its most beautiful light away from the symphony stage as we hear Mozart's most sensitive and masterful treatment of the instrument. I will be joined by some of Omaha's finest musicians and fellow colleagues from the Symphony. I hope to see you there!



JdW

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Artistic Director in pink

For the next concert Jason, our Artistic Director, has decided to wear a fox hunting coat. This is because the theme is "Home from the Hunt. The horn moves from the back of a horse to the back of the orchestra" So we will find him a bright red coat, which in England is always called Hunting Pink. Bring cameras.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Margo and Mozart, March 12

The Omaha Consort is gearing up for its fifth concert of the 2011-12 season, Margo and Mozart.  This program will feature Mozart's Divertimento in Eb for Violin, Viola, and Cello (k. 563) and two works composed by Omaha's own Margo Romig.

To open the concert patrons will be treated to a world premiere performance of Margo's Duo for Trumpet and Viola.  Margo will perform alongside Scott Quackenbush (trumpet).  The Duo is a romantically episodic work with soaring melodies, tuneful conversation, and skillful contrapuntal writing.

Following the Mozart will be an encore performance of Margo's Adagio and Tango for string trio.  The Consort premiered this work last spring and it was a huge hit.  If you missed the world premiere of this modern tango you must come hear it for yourself.  Margo has established herself with a catalogue of strong work that is approachable, smart, and extremely versatile... her wonderful sense of humour also shines through with all of her music.

The concert will take place on Monday, March 12 at the Joslyn Castle.  Doors open at 6p with a pre-concert talk at 6:30p.  The hour-long program begins at 7p and is followed by reception.  Complimentary wine and spread will be provided by Consort partner Morning, Noon, and Night.

NET will be filming this concert as part of a work that will be aired for Nebraska Treasures.  Margo Romig is one of Nebraska's musical treasures and these two pieces are a testament to her craft.  I hope to see you there!