Gabriel Martins | Photo Courtesy of Geneva Lewis
Geneva Lewis | Photo Courtesy of Matthew Holler
Masterworks III Featuring Geneva Lewis and Gabriel Martins
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 The Parker
For Masterworks III, the South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) will present Johannes Brahms’ final symphonic work, Double Concerto, featuring New Zealand-born violinist Geneva Lewis and cellist Gabriel Martins. Lewis has forged a reputation as a musician of consummate artistry whose performances speak from and to the heart, while Martins has established himself as one of the world’s most enthralling young artists, with a deep commitment to the timeless masterpieces of classical music. This concert will also feature the Fifth Symphony by famed Finnish composer Sibelius, and the spirited overture to Berlioz’s Béatrice et Bénédict. OutClique caught up with the duo to talk more about their upcoming South Florida appearance and more. Denny Patterson: Can you begin by telling us what we can expect from your performance with the SFSO, and what are you personally looking forward to the most about it? Gabriel Martins: Geneva and I will be guest soloists for the Brahms Double Concerto. This is a unique concerto in that two soloists are featured rather than the traditional one. Other than just being a great work by a great composer, it offers many interesting and special dialogues on stage. At times, the violin and cello are conversing with one another, at other times they team up as an entity
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beside the orchestra. It is a dramatic and beautiful work that is always a privilege to play. Geneva Lewis: It’s always a very special privilege to share the stage with Gabriel, and I’m very much looking forward to collaborating with Maestra Sebrina Alfonso and the SFSO on this wonderful work, which Gabriel has described so well. Denny Patterson: Is this your first time playing with the SFSO? Geneva Lewis: Yes, it will be the first time playing with the SFSO for both of us! Denny Patterson:What are you hoping to take away from this experience? Geneva Lewis: I always enjoy getting the opportunity to play with musicians/ensembles for the first time. There’s so much opportunity for exciting new discoveries. Gabriel Martins: Absolutely. The chance for collaboration is always a new and exciting project. Also, of course, getting to connect with new audiences. I’ve always enjoyed coming to Florida to play, or to visit. Denny Patterson: What do you ultimately hope audiences take away from Masterworks III? Gabriel Martins: The chance to experience these classical masterpieces. The art of classical music is something that can be so unbelievably powerful, so much so that Geneva and I have decided to devote our lives to
