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Event
Borealis String Quartet: Centuries - A Sonic Journey
Centuries: A Sonic Journey, takes an innovative and wide-ranging journey through the history of music and the development of the classical string quartet, from 18th-century Europe right up to present-day Vancouver. It will present traditional repertoire from the 18th, 19th and early 20th century along with a new commission by BC's own Maestro Bramwell Tovey, all performed by the Borealis String Quartet a Vancouver-based ensemble that is acclaimed internationally as one of the most dynamic and exciting string quartets of its generation.
Program:
J.S. Bach - Sonata for Violin and Continuo (BWV 1024), a new arrangement for string quartet by F. Samandari
F. Schubert - Quartettsatz in C Minor (D. 103)
I. Stravinsky - Three Pieces for String Quartet
B. Tovey - a newly written string quartet
Intermission
A. Dvorak - String Quartet in F Major, Op. 96, "American"
The journey through time will begin in 1714 with a sonata by J.S. Bach for violin and continuo (BWV 1024), in a new arrangement for string quartet (also to be commissioned specially for this project from a BC composer). Bach's music is filled with intricate counterpoint and the intimate interplay of the different instruments; his use of continuo marks the emergence of tonal harmony, and his instrumental writing is a clear predecessor for the later string quartets of Haydn, Mozart and others. A century later in 1814, Schubert wrote a dramatic two-movement piece, Quartettsatz in C Minor (D. 103). In this expressive classical-romantic work, the composer develops melody and form, and reflects the era's drastic social changes by focusing on harmonic texture (rather than on counterpoint). Schubert celebrates the classical composition style at its pinnacle while, at times, hinting at the Romantic school of the future. Another century later, Stravinsky's Three Pieces (String Quartet) (1914) demonstrates the use of new sonorities and innovative approach to colour and texture that made him one of the giants of 20th century music, taking the medium of the string quartet to an entirely new level. In these frenetic short pieces, Stravinsky also transcends boundaries of class and genre and celebrates human diversity by introducing folk musical influences to the abstract "serious" medium of the classical string quartet. Finally, the journey reaches the present day with a brand new work by renowned conductor and composer Bramwell Tovey. His piece will draw on the influences of centuries past and also break new ground in highlighting contemporary Vancouver's sonorous, colourful environment.
The second half of this programme will feature Dvorak's seminal String Quartet Op. 96. With its balanced approach to the medium, orchestration, harmony and counterpoint, this monumental masterwork has inspired and influenced generations of composers, and will continue to do so in the future. Here Dvorak eradicates the boundaries of form and structure to reach unparalleled depths of human spiritual expression.
The Borealis String Quartet
Patricia Shih, violin
Yuel Yawney, violin
Nikita Pogrebnoy, viola
Bo Peng, cello
"With its intense, focused style of playing, drawing the maximum expression from every phrase, the quartet presents itself as a group of star players, the energy radiating from them like the stars." - Calgary Herald
"The youthful Borealis String Quartet plays with a passion I haven't heard since the heyday of the fabled Budapest Quartet in the 1950s."
- Music at Kohl Mansion, Burlingame, CA
One of the most dynamic and exciting world-class ensembles of its generation, the Borealis String Quartet has received international critical acclaim as an ensemble praised for its fiery performances, passionate style, and refined, musical interpretation. Founded in Vancouver, British Columbia in the fall of 2000 and rapidly establishing a stellar reputation, the Borealis has toured extensively in North America Europe and Asia and performed to enthusiastic sold-out audiences in major cities, including New York, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Rome, Mainz, Shanghai, Taipei, Beijing, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and, of course, in their home town of Vancouver.
The Borealis has continued to receive awards and rave accolades from presenters, renowned musicians and critics alike for their artistry. The Borealis was the only classical group to be selected for the Great Canadian Dream Competition which was televised across the nation and as a result, were the only classical musicians to perform for the Prime Minister of Canada at the Parliament Hill in Ottawa for an audience of over 75,000. Since then, they have performed on every music series in Canada. Amongst other awards, their most recent CD was also nominated for the prestigious Golden Melody Award in Asia.
The quartet is frequently seen on television and heard on CBC Radio and other stations across North America and Asia. The Borealis has also filmed music videos including "The Harp" which were debuted at the Vancouver International Film Festival and often broadcast on Bravo Television and the Knowledge Network. Exploring a synergy of classical, fusion, folk and world music, the Borealis has recorded seven CDs which feature the great classics as well as music written especially for them.
Although the Borealis feels strongly committed to the great traditional quartet literature, they actively seek to promote new works and are strong advocates of Canadian music, with quartets by R. Murray Schafer, Omar Daniels, John Stetch and Peter Tiefenbach among others in their repertory. They have also worked closely with and commissioned music from Bramwell Tovey, Imant Raminsh, Kelly-Marie Murphy, and John Oliver to name a few.
In addition to performance, the Borealis has frequently served as jury members for competitions and most recently at the 2012 E-Gre National Competition. The Borealis was the String Quartet-in-Residence at the University of British Columbia for over 10 years and as Visiting Scholars at Green College from 2000-2004 during whcih time they often performed for dignitaries including the Dalai Lama.
They have also been invited to be the the Quartet in Residence at numerous festivals and universities across North America, Mexico, Europe and Asia. From 2012, the Borealis has been the String Quartet-in-Residence at the Casalmaggiore International Music Festival in Italy. Beginning September, 2014, the Borealis will be the Quartet in Residence at Kwantlen University in Langley, BC.
The Borealis String Quartet would like to acknowledge the generous support of the Canada Council and the BC Arts Council. We are grateful for the financial assistance given to further our artistic ambitions and vision as well as enable us bring Canadian music and culture to audiences abroad.
" ...combination of superb musicality and impressive technique...Energy-charged, yet still full of nuance, they take the audience on an unforgettable ride "
- Winnipeg News
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LocationThe Orpheum Annex (View)
823 Seymour Street, 2nd floor
Vancouver, BC V6B 3L4
Canada
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| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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