Cellist

The dramatic dynamism of the duo form is spotlighted in the first half of this program, which features two vastly different works: Mozart’s perfectly crafted Duo in G Major, performed by violinist William Hagen and violist Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, and Kodály’s thrilling and demanding Duo for Violin and Cello, played by Leila Josefowicz and Paul Watkins. Mozart is featured again in the second half, as his exquisite Clarinet Quintet showcases the soaring artistry of clarinetist David Shifrin and the Escher String Quartet. 

EPSG:4326

Mozart Clarinet Quintet

New Mexico Museum of Art

Pianist Julius Drake joins horn player Nathaniel Silberschlag and violinist William Hagen in treasured works by Schumann and Beethoven, which provide a lyrical and emotive frame for Schoenberg’s fiendishly difficult String Trio, performed here by violinist Leila Josefowicz, violist Milena-Pajaro-van de Stadt, and cellist Paul Watkins. 

Schumann & Beethoven

On this powerful program, eight acclaimed wind players—including Minnesota Orchestra Principal Oboe Nathan Hughes and Cleveland Orchestra Principal Horn Nathaniel Silberschlag—come together to play Mozart’s earliest masterpiece for wind ensemble, the Serenade, K.375, and violinist William Hagen leads an all-star ensemble in Brahms’s Piano Quintet, which one of the composer’s contemporaries, conductor Hermann Levi, described as “beautiful beyond words.”

Mozart & Brahms Masterworks

Join us for an enchanting evening with the La Jolla Music Society as we present "Midweek Masterworks: Instrumental Stories" on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 7 PM in the prestigious Baker-Baum Concert Hall. This unique concert experience will illuminate the profound narratives behind some of the most celebrated compositions in classical music, featuring a lineup of pieces that bridge personal stories with the rich histories of the instruments used to perform them.

The evening will spotlight Brahms’ "String Sextet No. 1," a masterpiece that will be brought to life through the personal stories of the musicians and the venerable histories of their instruments. Adding to the musical tapestry, we will present Bartók’s "Contrasts," a vibrant fusion of classical music and jazz elements, originally commissioned by the legendary Benny Goodman. This piece will showcase the talents of Yura Lee on violin, Anthony McGill on clarinet, and Gilles Vonsattel on piano, creating an unforgettable auditory experience.

Further enriching the program, Michi Wiancko’s "Lullaby for the Transient" will offer a meditative reflection on themes of immigration, performed by an ensemble including Simone Porter and TBA on violins, Jonathan Vinocour on viola, Paul Wiancko on cello, and Anthony McGill returning on clarinet.

The concert will also feature Brahms’ "String Sextet No. 1, Op. 18," interpreted by a distinguished group of musicians including James Ehnes, Jack Liebeck, Yura Lee, Jonathan Vinocour, Paul Watkins, and Kyril Zlotnikov.

To make your evening even more special, we invite you to enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne during our "Midweek Cheers" celebration. This intermission-less concert allows for a seamless musical journey, culminating in a celebratory toast with fellow concertgoers in the Wu Tsai QRT.yrd following the performance.

Don’t miss this deeply engaging exploration of music’s power to tell stories, weaving together personal and historical narratives through the universal language of music.

Midweek Masterworks: Instrumental Stories

Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center

Join us on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 7:30 PM for an unforgettable evening at The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, presented by the La Jolla Music Society. "The Road to Victory" is a powerful concert that promises to take you on a journey from adversity to triumph through the medium of classical music.

This exceptional performance will feature three pivotal works that each, in their own way, echo the turmoil and resolve of wartime, while also celebrating the human spirit's capacity to overcome societal barriers. The evening will begin with Beethoven's String Quartet No. 11, Op. 95 "Serioso," a piece renowned for its intense and emotional depth. The quartet will be brought to life by the virtuosic talents of James Ehnes and Simone Porter on violins, Jonathan Vinocour on viola, and Paul Watkins on cello.

Following Beethoven, the audience will be treated to Bridge's Cello Sonata, H. 125, a work that encapsulates the composer's reflection on the anguish of war. Paul Watkins will return to the stage, this time accompanied by Gilles Vonsattel on piano, to deliver this poignant piece.

The concert will conclude with Coleridge-Taylor's Clarinet Quintet in F-sharp Minor, Op. 10, a masterpiece that stands as a testament to overcoming societal barriers with its romantic and lyrical melodies. Anthony McGill will lead on clarinet, supported by an ensemble including Jack Liebeck and Njioma Greivious on violins, Yura Lee on viola, and Kyril Zlotnikov on cello.

"The Road to Victory" is not just a concert; it's an experience that promises to move, inspire, and uplift. Don't miss your chance to be part of this remarkable musical journey.

Paul Watkins

Cellist

Events

Aug 7, 2024

Mozart Clarinet Quintet · Santa Fe Chamber Music festival

Aug 8, 2024

Schumann & Beethoven · Santa Fe Chamber Music festival

Aug 12, 2024

Mozart & Brahms Masterworks · Santa Fe Chamber Music festival

Aug 21, 2024

Midweek Masterworks: Instrumental Stories · La Jolla Music Society

Aug 23, 2024

The Road to Victory · La Jolla Music Society

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