The Festival concludes with a grand finale featuring Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings,performed by a full band of players—faculty, Apprentices, Fellows, and Laureates—led by violinist Rachell Ellen Wong. Tchaikovsky was deeply inspired by Mozart, who in turn was profoundly influenced by Haydn. Before the Serenade, you will hear a Mozart’s Piano Trio and Haydn’s ebullient string quartet op. 33, no. 5. Music is passed down through generations, with each composer responding to those who preceded them—whether striving to match or surpass their predecessors’ achievements or simply honor and incorporate their voices. This concert tells the story of one such set of musical dialogues.

Final Concert: Inspirations

Hanna Center

Set against the picturesque courtyard of Buena Vista Winery, this concert offers an evening of musical fireworks!

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Alfresco Concert 2

Buena Vista Winery

Clara Schumann was one of 19th-century Europe’s foremost pianists. In addition to raising many children and being the wife of renowned composer Robert Schumann, who demanded silence at home while he was at work, Clara maintained a grueling touring schedule—yet still found time to compose. Salons were an essential part of Leipzig’s cultural life, fostering exchanges of ideas and friendships. Two women composers featured on this program were part of Clara’s circle: Josephine Lang, for whom Clara organized a benefit concert, and Swedish composer and violinist Amanda Maier, whom Clara befriended in her later years. According to Amanda Maier’s great-granddaughter, Saskia Thiadens (who lives in Napa!), a treasure trove of Amanda’s forgotten scores were discovered in a family member’s attic. Although Maier’s music is rarely heard today, we are thrilled to share her brilliance alongside works by the Schumanns, Josephine Lang, and Johannes Brahms.

Clara Schumann And Her Circle

This concert transports us to Paris to celebrate legendary pedagogue Nadia Boulanger and some of her remarkable students. From Aaron Copland to Astor Piazzolla to Quincy Jones, many young talents sought her guidance, solidifying her legacy as the Grande Dame of 20th-century composition. The program also includes works by Stravinsky, whom she admired and advised on several of his pieces, music by her talented sister Lili Boulanger, and the G minor Piano Quartet of her own teacher, Gabriel Fauré.

Nadia Boulanger: 20th Century Influencer

Mozart's Divertimento in Eb Major, K. 563 is the only full-length string trio he ever composed. And full-length it certainly is — six movements long and clocking in at around 45 minutes — making it the second longest chamber work Mozart ever wrote, and a giant among string trios composed to this day. “Divertimento” is a genre typically associated with lighthearted, rather informal compositions meant purely for entertainment, and K. 563 stretches that definition in both its scope and profundity. This piece was composed in 1787−1788, a period during which Mozart was facing financial struggles. After repeated, increasingly desperate appeals to his friend Michael Puchberg, a textile merchant, to help him out by sending him money, Puchberg responded by giving Mozart a sizable loan. It is believed that Mozart wrote this piece in dedication to Puchberg in return for this gesture. This work takes advantage of all three voices' capacity for soloistic playing, featuring each of the three instruments in virtuosic roles as well as supporting ones. The result is an intricate conversation among three true equals.

Clara Abel

Events

Past events

Jul 27, 2025

Final Concert: Inspirations · Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Jul 22, 2025

Alfresco Concert 2 · Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Future and recently performed repertoire

Cello in Oblivion by Piazzolla

Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Cello in String Quartet in G major by Haydn

Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Cello in Piano Concerto by Schumann

Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Cello in Octet by Mendelssohn

Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Cello in 3 Pieces for Cello and Piano by Boulanger

Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Cello in Piano Quartet in E minor by Maier

Valley of the Moon Music Festival

About

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