LET THE MUSIC FILL YOU UP AT PACIFIC SYMPHONY’S Pacific Symphony
—“Chamber Fantasy,” the final concert of Pacific Symphony’s Pacific Symphony chamber series,” combines the impressionism of Debussy’s “Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp” with Scriabin’s sensual “Piano Sonata No. 2” and Schumann’s spirited “Piano Quintet.” Taking place on Sunday, May 2 at 3 p.m., in the intimate Samueli Theater (next door to the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall), transformed into an inviting café with coffee and treats, the ideal setting for patrons to relax and enjoy an afternoon of music.
Led for the second year by pianist Orli Shaham, who returns again in the 2010-11 season, Café Ludwig also features some of the Symphony’s most talented musicians: Concertmaster Raymond Kobler, Principal Second Violinist Bridget Dolkas, Principal Violist Robert Becker, Principal Cellist Timothy Landauer, Flutist Cindy Ellis and Principal Harpist Mindy Ball. Tickets are $57 and $73. For more information, call (714) 755-5799 or visit http://www.pacificsymphony.org.
“When I’m coming up with a chamber music program, I try to think of a way to really feature all the individual musicians, so that nobody ever feels like they come in to do a bit part,” Shaham says. “At the same time, the program needs to be well-balanced in terms of the type of music.
“For me, putting together any kind of program is a little bit like putting together the menu for dinner. You want the soup and you want the main course…maybe a salad and a dessert. But they all have to go with each other. You can’t have one that overwhelms the other. You can’t have the filet mignon and a chocolate soufflé, if you’re also going to have a very heavy soup to start. You want each individual work to really be able to stand up for itself and have a chance to communicate what it needs to say, despite the fact that there are other works on the program.”
The concert features three distinct works—including one of Debussy’s three sonatas. Although the composer had planned a set of six sonatas, he died after completing only half of them, leaving music lovers to wonder what might have been. Also on the program is one of Scriabin’s piano sonatas, which are often flirtatious and dance-like, contributing to their delicate sensuality. And Schumann was the first Romantic composer to pair the piano with the string quartet, resulting in a new lease on life for his creative imagination and the birth of an ensemble form later used by many composers. Together the pieces contrast yet complement one another.
“This concert contrasts impressionistic and Germanic music, which I think makes for a nice full program,” says Shaham. “After the Debussy, I’m playing the Scriabin, and although Scriabin was not technically an impressionist, the piece works very well after Debussy because the Debussy highlights the kinds of sounds that are in the Scriabin. The Schumann on the second half brings a very different kind of sound quality and adds verve and fervor to the music.”
A consummate musician recognized for her grace, subtlety and vitality, Gilmore Young Artist Award and Avery Fisher Career Grant-winner Shaham has established an impressive international reputation as one of today’s most gifted pianists. Hailed by critics worldwide, Shaham is admired for her interpretations of both standard and modern repertoire. She has given recitals and performed with top-tier symphonies all across America and Europe, and this season debuts with the Malaysian Philharmonic and returns to the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in Australia.
Driven by a passion to bring classical music to new audiences, she maintains an active parallel career as a respected broadcaster, music writer and lecturer. Recognized early for her prodigious talents, Shaham received her first scholarship at age 5 to study at the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem. By age 7, she traveled to New York, and a year later became a scholarship student at The Juilliard School.
Jayce Keane
Director of Public Relations
Pacific Symphony
