As a woman in the Romantic era, virtuoso pianist and composer Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel had far less opportunity than her younger brother, Felix, and was even discouraged from having a public career in music. Though prolific (460 compositions by age 41) her output was smaller in scale by necessity. BRAI has commissioned San Francisco-based composer Patricia Wallinga to orchestrate Hensel\'s Piano Sonata in G Minor into a Concerto for piano and orchestra to give her the orchestral debut she ... view more »
As a woman in the Romantic era, virtuoso pianist and composer Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel had far less opportunity than her younger brother, Felix, and was even discouraged from having a public career in music. Though prolific (460 compositions by age 41) her output was smaller in scale by necessity. BRAI has commissioned San Francisco-based composer Patricia Wallinga to orchestrate Hensel\’s Piano Sonata in G Minor into a Concerto for piano and orchestra to give her the orchestral debut she deserved.
Pianist Sharon Su will give the first performance of Wallinga’s arrangement with original cadenzas. The program also features music by women composers connected to the themes of history and our present-day relationship to it, including pieces by Joan Tower (1938-), Lera Auerbach (1973-) and Tania León (1943-).
Doors Open at 7 pm, music at 7:30 pm. Front Row ticket-holders are invited for a post-concert reception with the musicians, circa 9 pm.
PROGRAM:
Sixth Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, by Joan Tower (b. 1938)
2015; solo piano version
dedicated to Tania León
Alma, by Tania León (b. 1943)
2007; flute and piano
Piano Concerto in G Minor, IFH 19, by Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel (1805-1847), arr. Patricia Wallinga
1843/2023; chamber orchestra and piano solo, arranged from the Piano Sonata in G Minor
First Performance. Conductor Britney Alcine, soloist Sharon Su. Orchestration commissioned by Ballets Russes Arts Initiative.
I. Allegro molto agitato;
II. Scherzo;
III. Adagio;
IV. Finale. Presto
Intermission
Quartet No. 3 “Cetera Desunt” by Lera AUERBACH (b. 1973)
2006; sonnet for 2 violins, viola and violoncello
Petroushskates by Joan Tower (b. 1938)
1980; Pierrot ensemble (flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano)
Inspired by \”The Shrovetide Fair\” scene from Stravinsky\’s Petrushka
This concert is presented by Ballets Russes Arts Initiative in partnership with Congregation Kehillath Israel.
The performance and orchestral commission are generously supported by the Hegardt Foundation, with additional funding from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Women\’s Philharmonic Advocacy, the Rebecca Clarke Society, Aurora Charitable Fund, Congregation Kehillath Israel and numerous individuals including Guillermo Del Angel, Friedhelm Hildebrandt and an Anonymous donor.
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