2021/2022 SEASON
We can’t wait to see you!
Letter from the President Dear Friends, We are thrilled to be back! This season will feature extraordinary performances that include bluegrass, celebrations of composer César Franck and a premiere appearance by one of the most acclaimed pianists in the world, Daniil Trifonov. In addition to presenting these incredible artists, we are committed to keeping the community safe. As such, both proof of vaccination and masks will be required, capacity will be limited to allow for social distancing, and additional COVID-19 protocols will be implemented if and when we receive new mandates from the University of Denver, the City and County of Denver, and/or the State of Colorado. Please watch for messages from Friends of Chamber Music about events, master classes, and important health notices. We cannot wait to see you again in Gates Hall. Best regards,
Alix Corboy, President
“A brilliant musical force who defies categorization.” — Jane Moss, Lincoln Center Artistic Director
Tessa Lark
Tessa Lark, violin Andrew Armstrong, piano WED, SEPT 22, 2021
Violinist Tessa Lark is a star in the classical world and a highly acclaimed fiddler in the tradition of her native Kentucky. Joining Lark is pianist Andrew Armstrong, praised by critics for his passionate expression and dazzling technique. PROGRAM Ludwig van Beethoven:Sonata No. 8 in G major, Op. 30, no. 3 Tessa Lark: Jig and Pop Michael Torke: Spoon Bread John Corigliano: STOMP John Lewis: Django César Franck: Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano Maurice Ravel: Tzigane
Arnaud Sussmann, violin Anna Polonsky, piano WED, OCT 6, 2021
After the unfortunate cancellation of their concert in 2020, we welcome the captivating violinist Arnaud Sussmann, performing with award-winning pianist Anna Polonsky. PROGRAM Leoš Janáček: Sonata for Violin and Piano Antonín Dvořák: Sonata for Violin and Piano in F major, Op. 57 Johannes Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108 Mieczyslaw Weinberg: Rhapsody on Moldavian Themes, Op. 47, no. 3
“...the sounds made by a violinist who has an innate ability to hit the acoustic sweet spot of whatever hall he’s playing in...Sussmann was glorious.” — Bachtrack
Arnaud Sussmann
Harlem Quartet Michael Brown, piano MON, DEC 13, 2021
The Harlem Quartet brings “. . . a new attitude to classical music, one that is fresh, bracing and intelligent.” — Cincinnati Enquirer The Harlem Quartet is recognized for their expansive repertoire and artistic partnerships with classical and jazz musicians. Pianist and composer Michael Brown joins the quartet for one of Schumann’s finest works.
Harlem Quartet
PROGRAM Felix Mendelssohn: Fantasy in F-sharp minor for Piano, Op. 28 Fanny Mendelssohn: Quartet in E-flat major Robert Schumann: Piano Quintet
Inon Barnatan, piano Viano String Quartet WED, FEB 16, 2022
“One of the most admired pianists of his generation.” — The New York Times Inon Barnatan, an FCM audience favorite, will be performing with the Viano String Quartet, First Prize winner of the 2019 Banff International String Quartet Competition. PROGRAM Inon Barntan and the Viano Quartet will present the Time Traveler’s Suite, a program designed by Barnatan himself. This performance includes pieces by Bach, Handel, Ravel and others – spanning more than 300 years – as if they were movements of a single suite.
Viano String Quartet
Benjamin Grosvenor, piano WED, MARCH 16, 2022
“He commands the stage with aristocratic ease . . . A temperament rare in yesteryear, let alone now.” — David Allen,The New York Times We are excited to welcome internationally-recognized artist Benjamin Grosvenor to our stage following the cancellation of his recital in 2020. PROGRAM César Franck: Prélude, Choral et Fugue, M.21 Robert Schumann: Fantasie in C major, Op. 17 Isaac Albéniz: Iberia, Book 1 Maurice Ravel: Jeux d’eau and La Valse
Quatuor Ébène
WED, APRIL 6, 2022 Making their debut on the Chamber Series, Quatuor Ébène is known for their charismatic playing, fresh approach to tradition, and open engagement with new forms. PROGRAM W.A. Mozart: Quartet No. 14 in G major, K. 387 Dmitri Shostakovich: Quartet No. 8 in C minor, Op. 110 Johannes Brahms: Quartet No. 3 in B-flat major, Op 67
“...the Ébène evinces a musical grace, ingenuousness and simplicity that is deeply satisfying.” — The Strad Quatuor Ébène
Daniil Trifonov, piano THURS, MAY 5, 2022
“…without question, the most astounding pianist of our age.” — Times of London Grammy award-winning Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov – winner of Gramophone’s 2016 Artist of the year award – has made a spectacular ascent in the classical music world as a solo artist, champion of the concerto repertoire, chamber and vocal collaborator, and composer. PROGRAM Sergei Prokofiev: Sarcasms Karol Szymankowski: Sonata No. 3, Op. 36 Claude Debussy: Pour le Piano, L. 95 Johannes Brahms: Sonata No. 3 in F minor, Op. 5
ALL CONCERTS BEGIN AT 7:30 PM IN GATES HALL, NEWMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. Visit www.friendsofchambermusic.com for complete program information. Still have questions? Call 303-388-9839.
SUBSCRIPTIONS $260 FOR ENTIRE SERIES OF 7 CONCERTS Note: a $12 fee will be applied to each order. • Online: Visit www.newmantix.com • Phone: 720-871-7720.
SINGLE TICKETS Advance single tickets are available through the Newman Center Box Office (subject to availability). • Online: www.newmantix.com • By phone: 303-871-7720 Tickets are $40 each with the exception of the recital with pianist Daniil Trifonov, which is priced at $60. Additional fees may apply. Single tickets for patrons 30-years-old or younger (subject to availability) are always $15!
COVID-19 INFORMATION Friends of Chamber Music is in close communication with the Newman Center team and the University of Denver’s COVID Task Force to ensure that we are in compliance with the latest guidelines and requirements set by local and state health officials. For the fall, facial coverings will be required, and we will be operating at a reduced capacity with socially-distanced seating. Proof of vaccination will be required. Check our website for additional information and updates.
191 University Blvd., #974 Denver, CO 80206-4613 friendsofchambermusic.com