Mozart and Pärt in Harmonie Pre-Concert Letter

We are excited to open our 41st season in an intriguing new Rochester venue, the Lyric Theatre.  The sublime beauty and rich history of this performance space captured our attention and we have chosen a wind octet as the perfect ensemble to showcase the unique acoustics and stunning visual landscape of the Lyric Theatre.

We begin our acoustical exploration of the Lyric Theatre with Fratres by Arvo Pärt. Beat Briner beautifully arranged this minimalist work for wind octet. The wind octet, or Harmonie Ensemble, was a staple group of Mozart’s time and formed the foundation of the wind section for many orchestras. Mozart’s beautiful Serenade in C minor will follow the Pärt. We will also perform arrangements of Mozart’s opera overtures and a short work by Beethoven as well as the music of Mozart’s closest composer friend, Myslivecek. Making his SCMR debut, George Sakakeeny is the new professor of bassoon at ESM and one of the most celebrated pedagogues and performers of his generation. Don’t miss this concert of unforgettable music in a stunning venue!

We invite you to join us for a complimentary wine tasting during intermission in the lobby.  Pre-concert chat is at 3:30pm and the concert is at 4:00pm.

Warmly,
Erik and Juliana