Front Row Washington
From klezmer to classical, the clarinet awakens Chiarina Chamber Players’ ninth season in a program of concertos re-envisioned. Musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra alongside pianist Efi Hackmey highlight the chamber music qualities of these oft-heard works for orchestra, bringing soloistic flair to every seat.
Classical Breakdown
This month we have an exciting episode coming out on March 19 exploring the Concerto for Orchestra by American composer, Joan Tower. The idea of a concerto for orchestra was nothing new when she wrote this work in 1991, but she takes it to a different level than other composers of the 20th century. Now, we often hear in “concertos” for orchestra, sections and principal players highlighted in virtuosic and serene passages, everyone gets their moment in the spotlight. But Tower wasn’t looking or intending to write that type of work, and in fact, she resisted even using the title for her piece! Join us to hear how she plays with the concerto genre, what she does differently, what to listen for, and more!
Opera Matinee
Opera Matinee presents Gounod's Roméo et Juliette. Ill-fated lovers are joined in Gounod's sumptuous adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy, in the tradition of French Romanticism with subtlety, sensuality, and graceful vocal delivery. Nadine Sierra and Benjamin Bernheim sing the title roles in this live Metropolitan Opera production, conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
Choral Showcase
Antonin Dvorak began composing his Stabat Mater after the death of his infant daughter. Putting it aside for other work, he completed it two years later, following the deaths of his two remaining children. His Stabat Mater featured on this week's Choral Showcase is one of the most moving ever written, an invitation to empathy and grace in the midst of sorrow.
From the Top
This week we meet a blind tenor from coastal Maine who lobsters with his dad, a talented teenage violinist who got his start following YouTube tutorials, an award-winning teenage sax quartet, a pianist who is passionate about music history, and a violinist who performs a beautiful work by contemporary composer Jessie Montgomery.
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