Old + New = Harmony

Today's post is from Lee Anne Myslewski, Director, Artistic Administration, Wolf Trap Opera & Classical Programming.

Tonight we have two chamber music titans in the house; cellist Steven Isserlis and pianist Kirill Gerstein. Both have won competitions and accolades, too many to list. They’ll be playing an amazing program of Liszt (Romance oubliée & Die Zelle in Nonnenwerth ), Busoni (Kultaselle, variations on a Finnish folksong), Brahms (Sonata No. 1 in E minor, Op. 38 and Sonata No. 2 in F minor, Op. 99), and, Bartók (Rhapsody for Cello and Piano). There is no doubt in my mind that the evening is going to be musically rich and inspiring.

But here’s an interesting contrast to ponder:

Steven will likely be playing an instrument of great historical provenance – most likely a Stradivarius cello which was made in 1726. (That’s fifty years before we were even an indivisible nation, folks.)

Kirill will be playing on a piano with a more recent provenance (our beautiful 9’ Yamaha CFIII concert grand).

But here’s the kicker…when I asked if he’d need a page turner for the concert? I was told “No page turner needed – he’ll have his iPad.” Seriously?!?! Twenty-first century technology in concert with an 18th century instrument, both on our intimate stage… there’s an exciting synergy in that kind of collaboration.