European Romance Pre-Concert Letter

Welcome to the beginning of our 42nd season!

We are looking forward to five extraordinary concerts this season that offer collections of the world’s best chamber music played by some of Rochester’s most talented musicians. Each concert is a unique event, showcasing both beloved and less familiar works played by ensembles specifically formed for each concert. These distinctive concerts are made possible by your enthusiastic support and your generosity also enables us to spread our passion for music appreciation through SCMR outreach programs in our schools and community centers. Thank you!!

Our first concert is Antonín Dvorák’s lyrical String Sextet; written around the time Dvorák was composing his Slavonic Dances, the Sextet is a quintessentially Czech-sounding work. We begin with Strauss’ gorgeous String Sextet from his final (and perhaps most enchanting) opera, Capriccio. Also featured is the rarely-heard Quintet for Oboe and Strings composed by the British composer Arnold Bax. The piece was composed for British oboist Leon Goosens (brother of former RPO music director Eugene Goosens) and listeners will note the Celtic influence in Bax’s quintet.

Pre-concert chat is at 3:30pm and the performance is at 4pm. Don’t forget our complimentary wine tasting during intermission and remember that complimentary valet parking is available.

Warmly,

Erik and Juliana