South Coast Chamber Music Series: "Banquet"

Kaiji Sariaaho: Aure
Danny Elfman: Piano Quartet
Rebecca Clarke: Dumka
Bedřich Smetana: String Quartet No. 1 in E Minor (“From My Life”)

The recent passing of Finnish composer Kaiji Sariaaho ended a brilliant career in the highest echelons of the music world. Aure, a work for violin and viola, demonstrates her mastery and originality. Danny Elfman, prolific film composer (Spiderman, Good Will Hunting), singer, and percussionist, turns his protean talents to the Piano Quartet, with amazing results. The ravishing renegade Rebecca Clarke explores both modern concepts and ancient styles with her duo-concertante Dumka. Lastly, the autobiographical String Quartet No. 1 (“From My Life”) of Biedrich Smetana, father of Czech nationalist music, closes our season with one of the most beloved works in the chamber repertoire.