Violist

From pleasing to provocative, intellectual to insouciant, this program sheds light on the many facets of 20th-century Mexican and Argentinian classical compositions. Feel the passion and intensity of the tango in Piazzola’s renowned “Seasons”, juxtaposed with the exhilarating and profound string quartet “Música de Feria” by Revueltas. The program also features the graceful compositions of Manuel Ponce, offering a glimpse into the elegant charm of his musical creations. Works by 20th-century composers Alberto Ginastera (Argentina) and Mario Lavista (Mexico) top off an exciting and varied program.

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Mexico and Argentina

Hanna Boys Center

Aaron Copland made four highly publicized government-sponsored trips to Latin America between 1941 and 1963. During these visits, he shared contemporary American concert music with Latin American audiences, including his own violin sonata, heard on tonight’s program. Back home, he drew US attention to the composers and musicians he met in Latin America, such as Heitor Villa-Lobos of Brazil and Silvestre Revueltas and Manuel Ponce of Mexico, all whom Copland knew personally and whose works are also featured. Another contemporary of Copland was the Black American composer William Grant Still, whose Panamanian Dances were inspired by a collection of Latin American folk songs. The history of Pan-American musical exchange predates Copland.

The Americas

Five exceptionally talented young musicians, each chosen for a coveted spot in the 2024 Apprenticeship Program, take the stage for a showcase concert. During the Festival, Apprentices work with VMMF Faculty Artists, immersing themselves in the theory and practice of historical performance. Repertoire includes favorites of the 18th and 19th Century chamber music repertoire.

Apprentice Concert

Discover a harmonious fusion of serenity and exuberance come together at Buena Vista Winery. Our stage will be the enchanting Fountain Courtyard, framed by the historic backdrop of the 1864 Champagne Cellar. Savor the exquisite selection of Buena Vista’s wines as they complement the sultry notes of Villa-Lobos’ ‘Bachianas Brasileiras No.5’ and the fiery passion of Pablo de Sarasate’s ‘Carmen Fantasy’. Immerse yourself in the grand finale of our Alfresco series, where the blend of music, high-quality wines, and the breathtaking sunset creates an unforgettable evening.

Alfresco 3

Buena Vista Winery

Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of Brazil as we bring to life the musical genius of GRAMMY-award winning Brazilian guitarist, composer, and arranger Sergio Assad (b. 1953). Renowned for his captivating duo performances with his brother Odair Assad and frequent collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma and other luminaries, Assad stands as one of today’s most prolific composers for the guitar. The program presents Assad’s music alongside that of his Brazilian forebears, Antonio Carlos Gomes and Heitor Villa-Lobos, as well as his European influences, Chopin and Maurice Ravel. Bay Area guitarist—and friend of Assad’s—Marc Teicholz makes his Festival debut for this Brazilian panorama. 

Sergio Assad and His World

The centerpiece of this program is the Quartetto Concertante, op 55, by Pedro Ximenez Abrill Tirado (1784-1856), the most prolific South American composer of the first half of the 19th century. Ximenez, born in Peru during the independence movement that led to the country’s founding, hosted a famous salon at his home that was celebrated by artists and revolutionaries alike. At the invitation of the Bolivian president in 1833, Ximenez became Maestro de Capilla in Sucre, the Bolivian capital, a post he held until his death. The first half of the program includes favorites from Ximenez’s European contemporaries, Boccherini, Haydn, and Mozart.

La Música Clásica

Join us for the final concert of our 2023-2024 Chamber Music Series. Experience an Unforgettable Mother’s Day Celebration with Franz Schubert! In honor of both Schubert and motherhood, this program will feature Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata and his renowned Piano Trio in Bb, one of the exceptional piano trios from Schubert’s later years.

A Mother’s Day Celebration with Schubert and Friends | Chamber Music Series

South Presbyterian Church

Beethoven’s great Pastorale Symphony in a chamber version? How is that possible? Join us to find out how powerfully the music comes across without a conductor and with only seven string players.  The first half of this program features another grand work on an intimate scale: Chopin’s Piano Concerto in E minor with VMMF Laureate, Suren Barry as soloist, and string quartet accompaniment. 

This concert is preceded by a free Blattner Series Lecture at 2:30pm. Lecturer: Francesco Spagnolo.

The Intimate Pastorale: Schumann, Beethoven & Chopin

Who needs a large orchestra when you can bring across the magic of Mozart’s Symphony Concertante with just a string quartet, bass and two soloists? In this case, star VMMF Laureates Rachell Ellen Wong and Andrew Gonzalez take the solo parts in an arrangement for string sextet. Excerpts of a string quartet by Florence Price and an arrangement of Ravel’s thrilling “La Valse” for four-hands piano round out the program.

Andrew Gonzalez

Violist

Events

Past events

Jul 28, 2024

Mexico and Argentina · Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Jul 27, 2024

The Americas · Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Future and recently performed repertoire

Viola in String Sextet No. 2 by Brahms

Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Cello in Cello Suite No. 5 by Bach

Bargemusic

Cello in Cello Suite No.4 in E-flat major by Bach

Bargemusic

Cello in Cello Suite No.2 in D minor by Bach

Bargemusic

Cello in Cello Suite No.3 in C major by Bach

Bargemusic

Cello in Cello Suites by Bach

Bargemusic

Cello in Cello Suite No. 6 by Bach

Bargemusic

About

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