Technically challenging Brahms Symphony No. 3 Featured; Intimate Haydn Quartet a special element
HYANNIS, MA—December 19, 2017
Music is only as good as the musicians that play it. Fortunately, the Cape Symphony has extraordinary musicians that will take the spotlight in the upcoming Haydn to Brahms: A Thread of Genius on Saturday, January 20 and Sunday, January 21, 2018.
The concert will feature three masterful pieces including an unusually intimate performance of Joseph Haydn’s “String Quartet No. 63,” Johannes Brahms’ passionate and beautiful “Symphony No. 3,” and his “Variations on a Theme by Haydn.”
The concert will begin with just four musicians at the front of the stage: Concertmaster Jae Cosmos Lee, Principal Violin Heather Goodchild Wade, Principal Violist Anya Shemetyeva and guest cellist Jacques Lee Wood. These four brilliant musicians will present the uplifting “String Quartet No. 63,” which has been called “The Sunrise” because of its peaceful and simple opening.
“This is a very unusual way to start a performance, and I might even say a bit daring,” said Artistic Director & Conductor Jung-Ho Pak. “I think it will be an unforgettable way to begin a symphony program because we’re featuring four of our incredibly talented musicians. This is truly emblematic of the transformation of the Cape Symphony over the years.”
Following this intimate presentation, the rest of the orchestra will join these four musicians on stage for Brahms’ “Variations on a Theme by Haydn.”
“This piece is the thread that joins Haydn and Brahms in the lineage of foundational composers,” said Pak. “Interestingly, the theme by Haydn itself was probably not written by Haydn. However, it’s one of the best versions of a theme and variation ever written. Brahms revered Haydn and wrote this piece as a tribute to the legendary predecessor.”
To close out Haydn to Brahms: A Thread of Genius, the Cape Symphony will present “Symphony No. 3” by Brahms for the first time in over a decade. This challenging and beautiful piece was last conducted as the finale for the former Cape Symphony conductor, the late Royston Nash.
“It’s a richly complex and fascinating symphony, with each movement being its own masterwork. It’s the most challenging symphony by Johannes Brahms because it demands so much listening and reaction by the players. We’re completely ready to devour this epic symphony,” said Pak.
The Cape Symphony is proud to feature Jae Cosmos Lee, Heather Goodchild Wade, Anya Shemetyeva and Jacques Lee Wood in Haydn to Brahms: A Thread of Genius on Saturday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m. & Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center, 744 West Main Street. For more information or to purchase tickets visit capesymphony.org or call 508.362.1111.
Media Contact:
Jen Pitta, Public Relations Specialist
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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.
