John Koen

Bartók String Quartet No. 5, I. A very irregular syncopated passage that needed more security. Slow practice at ¼ = 108, then (final product) up to tempo at 132. Concert December 16!

Celebrating Emanuel Ax‘ 50th anniversary of performances with with The Philadelphia Orchestra!

Saying much with few words!

Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Quartet for oboe and string trio was composed for our oboist Richard Woodhams and commissioned by and premiered at the Saratoga Chamber Music Festival in 2004. Zwilich’s music is known for her optimistic and humanistic spirit, and you have a rare chance to hear this scintillating work on our opening program. The cello surges up from the depths into the icy textures of the other instruments before much interplay of vigorous textures. The second movement starts out with pizzicato (plucked) strings and tart utterances from the oboe, and a reflection of the opening surges resolves into a strong and affirmative unison ending. Hear it at our 48th season opener this Friday at Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill (7pm) & Sunday at Old Pine Church (2pm). Friday evening concert hosted by PCCH and presented as part of the Cantatas and Chamber Music series. Season or individual tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. Links in bio. #oboe #strings #womensmusic #chambermusic #zwilich #beethoven #martinů #flute #smetana #livemusic #chestnuthill #oldcity #societyhill #headhousesquare #queenvillagee

Read more about the opening work on our upcoming season! This concert features Richard Woodhams, oboe, Patrick Williams, Flutist, Jennifer Haas and William Polk, violins, Kerri Ryan, viola, and yours truly!