Our 2009/2010 Season
When: All performances are on Sunday afternoons at three o'clock
Where: Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, Newtown, Connecticut Map
Please mark the following dates on your calendar right now and use our handy order form to receive your season tickets:
OCTOBER 18, 2009
Daria Rabotkina, piano
Daria Rabotkina, winner of the 2007 Concert Artists Guild International Competition, has been lauded as “…a pianist full of fire and warmth” (The Plain-Dealer). Ms Rabotkina's burgeoning career has already led to solo appearances with the San Francisco and New World Symphonies under the baton of Michael Tilson Thomas and with the Kirov Orchestra and Valery Gergiev in a four concert North American tour. Whether in front of an orchestra, in the recital hall or in a chamber music setting, this “Russian virtuoso” (The Miami Herald) impresses audiences and critics alike.
“She has stage presence, personality and the gift of communication with the public” – Vladimir Feltsman
“A display of breakneck virtuosity…” – San Francisco Chronicle
We are proud to welcome her to Newtown.
NOVEMBER 22, 2009
Talich String Quartet
internationally recognized as one of Europe’s finest ensembles, was founded in 1964 by Jan Talich, Sr, who named it for his uncle Vaclav Talich, conductor of the Czech Philharmonic. During the 90’s, a new generation replaced the founding members. The Talich continues in the tradition of its predecessors through its involvement in a wide range of performance and recording activities.
Jan Talich, is the son of the quartet’s founder, his violin: an 1845 Vuillaume. Peter Macecek served as concertmaster of the Prague, the Slovak, and the Suk Chamber orchestras. He plays a 1694 Ruggieri. Vladimir Bukac, served as first violin of the Czech Philharmonic. Recordings include the complete Suites for Solo Viola by Reger. His viola: a 1740 Guadagnini. Petr Prause has performed as soloist with orchestras in France, Germany, Denmark, England and throughout eastern Europe. He plays a 1795 Gagliano.
We welcome them back to Newtown.
FEBRUARY 14, 2010
Paris Piano Trio
Régis Pasquier, violin
Roland Pidoux, cello
Jean-Claude Pennetier, piano
Spectacular piano trio performances by these three great French musicians won acclaim throughout Europe and North America. Their recordings of works by Schubert, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Chausson are familiar to listeners worldwide.
“They perform with polish, vigor and an exemplary sense of style.” – The Washington Post
“Their playing is superb.” – Los Angeles Times
“They play with a brilliance and suavity characteristic of French chamber playing at its best.” – Toronto Star
We expect sublime music making for Valentine’s Day on this, their second visit to Newtown.
MARCH 14, 2010
JENNIFER STUMM, viola
TOM POSTER, piano
Recognized internationally as a musical innovator and dynamic advocate for her instrument, Jennifer Stumm makes waves with her irrepressible enthusiasm as soloist with orchestra, in recital and as a collaborator. After winning three of the world's major competitions for her instrument (William Primrose, Geneva Competitions) and taking First Prize as the first solo violist in the nearly 60-year history of the Concert Artists Guild Competition, she’s made debuts at Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Ravinia Festival, Wigmore Hall, the Concertgebouw Amsterdam and lots of other places, spent a lot of time playing and talking on the BBC (where she was a New Generation Artist) and collaborated with a fantastic cast of characters from all over the world. Her first recording project evolved from time spent mucking about libraries looking for interesting music.
Pianist Tom Poster enjoys a busy and diverse career, appearing as concerto soloist, solo recitalist and chamber musician across an extensive repertoire in a range of major international venues. Well-known for his readiness to face a challenge, Tom has on several occasions been asked to step in at the last moment for indisposed artists, once rushing across London to perform the Grieg Concerto at only three hours’ notice. The London Times said he possessed “great authority and astounding virtuosity”.
We welcome them both to Newtown.
APRIL 11, 2010
Quatuor Parisii
Propelled onto the stages of the world’s most important concert halls by triumphs at the international competition in Banff (1986), Evian (1987), and Munich (1987), the Parisii Quartet quickly won widespread international acclaim.
“Arguably one of the world’s best – from the sweep of the first violinist’s opening phrase, the quartet’s artistry is apparent” – St Louis Post-Dispatch.
“A glow of warm spontaneity characterized all the Parisii’s playing, with a radiant and impassioned expressiveness that seemed to rise from the very heart of the central string-quartet tradition.” – San Diego Reader
“They bring to their chosen (contemporary French) repertoire a mastery of style and technique, a fine-tuned coordination and a freshness of vision that argue the merits of this music persuasively.” – The Washington Post
We are proud to present them in Newtown once again.