Second performance of the 2017/18 season features Principal Flutist Zach Sheets
HYANNIS, MA—January 5, 2018
The next performance of Nth Degree, the Cape Symphony’s chamber music ensemble, will focus on flute, and highlight the orchestra’s principal flutist Zach Sheets.
Although when we think of chamber music we often think of strings and piano, the Sunday January 14th performance (3:00 PM) of Nth Degree will showcase four composers with a flair for flute.
“Johann Sebastian Bach has always held a special place in the heart of flutists,” explained Sheets. “Unlike many other highly recognized composers, whose most serious works were written for large orchestras, string quartets, or the piano, several of Bach’s most significant works were written for the flute.”
Also on the program is Sonata for flute and piano by Sergei Prokofiev, Sonatine by Pierre Sancan and a Trio Sonata from Bohuslav Martinů.
“Martinů’s sonata shares some musical workings in common with the Bach – imitation and interwoven melodic ideas that always lead sequentially towards a goal – but filtered through a 20th century musical language that had been nourished on the frenetic rhythms of the post-industrial era and the rich, lively harmonies of the jazz age,” said Sheets.
Interestingly, Martinů wrote several works that prominently feature the flute, including a sonata for flute and piano that was finished at one of his favorite vacation spots – a house in South Orleans, just a few miles down the road from where this performance will take place.
Sheets is a 1st-prize winner of the 2017 Byron Hester Flute Competition, the 2016 Lorraine Vaillancourt Prize, and the 2015 Tallon Perkes Flute Competition, and is principal flute of the Cape Symphony. Sheets was a featured performer at the Spoleto Festival USA in 2015 and 2016, and has performed as a guest with the Portland Symphony, Albany Symphony, and Boston Ballet.
Also featured in “Fickle Flute” is Cape Symphony concertmaster and Nth Degree Series Director Jae Cosmos Lee and guest pianist Wei-Han Wu. Wu has performed in venues such as the Chicago Cultural Center, the Kennedy Center, Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall, and the DiMenna Center for Performing Arts in New York City. Wu also served as pianist for the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble (ACE), and is currently a member of the [Switch~ Ensemble], an ensemble dedicated to the performance of electroacoustic music. Together as Duo Axis, Sheets and Wu have presented recitals and commissioned and premiered major new works for flute and piano.
Nth Degree tickets are $25, general admission. To purchase tickets online visit www.capesymphony.org or call the Cape Symphony Box Office at 508-362-1111.
Please note the following change of venue: All of the remaining Nth Degree performances this season will be held at the Federated Church of Orleans located at 162 Main Street, Orleans beginning at 3:00 PM.
Media Contact:
Jen Pitta, Public Relations Specialist
508-954-0160;
About Cape Arts & Entertainment and Cape Symphony & Conservatory
Cape Arts & Entertainment is the home of the Cape Symphony & Conservatory. Cape Cod’s very own orchestra, Cape Symphony, performs at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center in Hyannis. From popular hits to magnificent classics, highlighting hidden gems and putting a new twist on standards, the emphasis is always on fun, surprises, and beautiful music. Led by Artistic Director and Conductor Jung-Ho Pak, the Cape Symphony provides an experience like no other. Cape Conservatory’s commitment to education for all ages includes musical instruction as well as classes in dance and art at campuses in West Barnstable and Falmouth. Its Pre-School program is known for blending traditional academics with the arts. Through MusicWorks! Everyday and other community outreach programs, Cape Conservatory brings an array of engaging programs to thousands of students on the Cape and Islands. Visit www.capesymphony.org and www.capeconservatory.org for more information.
