The magnificent production facility of Rôtie Cellars provides the stage to celebrate the initial events of the Tenth Anniversary Season of the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival in style.

The program, featuring Tina Dahl, Meta Weiss, Maria Sampen and Timothy Christie, explores the mature compositions of two child prodigies, Mozart and Chopin. Mozart and Chopin lived a combined 74 years. Both enjoyed fame and attention from the elite circles of Europe. While Mozart concluded his life anonymously in poverty, Chopin concluded his in comparative prosperity, or at least in the care of more prosperous patronage. Both made pilgrimages to Paris, and both won over the city’s cultural elite. Chopin stayed, taking French citizenship, while Mozart returned home to Austria. Though the two composers’ lives did not overlap, Mozart’s Requiem was sung at Chopin’s funeral, uniting the two consummate artists in one final musical communion.

The two composers are here united on happier terms as we explore the effervescent Piano Quartet in E flat, K. 493, of Mozart, and the heroic Sonata for Cello and Piano in G minor, Op. 65, of Chopin. Both works demand much of the performers, and will have listeners jumping for joy. Here’s to ten great years of chamber music in the Walla Walla Valley!

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

ENTR’ACTE FROM SLEEPING BEAUTY, OP. 66 FOR VIOLIN AND PIANO

W. A. Mozart (1756-1791)

PIANO QUARTET IN E FLAT, K.493

I. Allegro
II. Larghetto
III. Allegretto

— INTERMISSION —

Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)

SONATA IN G MINOR FOR CELLO AND PIANO, OP. 65

I. Allegro moderato
II. Scherzo. Allegro con brio
III. Largo
IV. Finale. Allegro

WWCMF acknowledges the generous support of the Walla Walla Piano Group in providing the Steinway Model B piano for this performance. Bravo, and thank you!

Artists: Timothy Christie, viola; Henry Kramer, piano; Maria Sampen, violin; and Meta Weiss, cello

Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)

SONATA IN G MINOR FOR PIANO AND CELLO, OP. 65

I. Allegro moderato
II. Scherzo. Allegro con brio
III. Largo
IV. Finale. Allegro

By the mid nineteenth century, Frédéric Chopin had achieved musical stardom in Europe. He supported himself primarily by the publication of his own piano compositions and through private teaching. As a performer, Chopin preferred the intimacy of his own apartment and a circle of friends to the bright lights of the concert stage. Historians count the number of public performances given by Chopin during his life at 30. There were no symphonies or grand oratorios or operas. Chopin composed primarily for the piano alone. However, he did have a particular affection for the cello, returning to the instrument at various stages in his career. The Sonata in G minor, Op. 65 is Chopin’s final work of significance. In it, we hear the final lyrical verses penned by the “Poet of the Piano.”

WWCMF acknowledges the generous support of the Walla Walla Piano Group in providing the Steinway Model B piano for this performance. Bravo, and thank you!

Artists: Henry Kramer, piano; and Meta Weiss, cello

We kick off the Tenth Anniversary Season with the WWCMF debut of pianist, Henry Kramer. From the sparkling classicism of Haydn to the rapturous harmonies of Ravel’s Alborada del gracioso, this recital promises electricity. Henry will also perform works by modern master Gyorgi Ligeti and Spanish hero, Isaac Albéniz. The New York Timeshas called Henry’s performances “triumphant” and “thrilling.” You do not want to miss this opportunity to get to know one of the finest up-and-coming artists of our time. WWCMF Founder and Artistic Director, Timothy Christie, will moderate the evening’s festivities.

WWCMF acknowledges the generous support of the Walla Walla Piano Group in providing the Steinway Model B piano for this performance. Bravo, and thank you!

All selections will be announced from the stage.

Artist: Henry Kramer, piano