On Friday, April 19, the University of Calgary's Eckhard-Gramatté Hall will resonate with the captivating melodies of women composers, performed by the UCalgary String Quartet. Titled A Celebration of Music by Women Composers, this concert promises a journey through the rich and often overlooked repertoire of female musical geniuses.
The UCalgary String Quartet, the quartet-in-residence at the University of Calgary, will shine a spotlight on the extraordinary works of Laura Valborg Aulin (1860-1928), Jean Coulthard (1908-2000), and the timeless melodies of Fanny Mendelssohn (1805-1847). Their repertoire spans continents and centuries, promising a journey through musical landscapes both familiar and exotic.
The program is meticulously curated to offer a diverse yet cohesive musical experience. Opening the evening will be Mendelssohn's evocative String Quartet in E-flat major, transporting the audience to the romantic landscapes of the 19th century. Following this, Canadian composer Coulthard's String Quartet No. 1 “In the Spring of the Year 1952'" offers a modernist exploration of themes both introspective and exuberant. The quartet will close the concert with Swedish composer Valborg Aulin's String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 17, which provides a glimpse into the Nordic landscapes through lush harmonies and stirring melodies.
At the heart of this celebration lies not only the music but also the commitment to nurturing young talent. The UCalgary String Quartet annually awards the second violin position to an outstanding student, providing them with invaluable experience alongside seasoned professionals. This year, Isaac Wilocks, a fourth-year student studying under the tutelage of Professor of Violin Edmond Agopian, assumes this prestigious role. Isaac is also the recipient of the Calgary Phil's 2023/2024 Marley Rynd Memorial Performance Scholarship.
The quartet itself comprises a constellation of musical luminaries. Edmond Agopian, Professor of Violin at the University of Calgary's School of Creative and Performing Arts, leads the ensemble with his virtuosity and passion. Joining him are Dean O'Brien, principal violist of the Red Deer Symphony, and Beth Root Sandvoss, a member of the acclaimed Land's End Ensemble.
Mark your calendars for Friday, April 19, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., the voices of women composers echo through time. It's a celebration not only of their artistic brilliance but also of the enduring power of music to transcend boundaries and inspire generations.
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