Four plus four equals infinite possibility.

First on the program is the string quartet of Bedřich Smetana in E minor, performed by Festival Artists Brittany Boulding Breeden and Petro Krysa, violins; Timothy Christie, viola; and Kevin Krentz, cello. The folk-infused music tells the story of the famous Czech composer’s life. From young romance to personal triumphs and tragedies, Smetana lays bare his personal narrative in beautiful sound.

Next, the Festival quartet is joined by the world famous Turtle Island Quartet for a performance of David Balakrishnan’s “Snakes and Ladders” from his double quartet, Mara’s Garden of False Delights. The work combines funky grooves and the unmistakeable spice of Indian music.

Finally, Turtle Island Quartet takes the stage for a set of genre-defying selections. Jazz, blues, bluegrass, folk, classical and anything else they can think of will be on display. All pieces will be announced from the stage. Happy anniversary, WWCMF!

Special Bonus! Doors will open a half-hour earlier at 6PM so that you can enjoy delicious food by Plow & Vine and wines by The Walls Vineyards. A variety of tapas, fried gnocchi and the famous Plow & Vine Burger will be available for purchase prior to the performance.

Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884)

STRING QUARTET IN E MINOR, FROM MY LIFE (1876)

     I. Allegro vivo appassionato
     II. Allegro moderato alla polka
     III. Largo sostenuto
     IV. Vivace

— INTERMISSION —

David Balakrishnan (b. 1954)

MARA’S GARDEN OF FALSE DELIGHTS, FOR TWO STRING QUARTETS

     III. Snakes and Ladders

MUSIC OF TURTLE ISLAND QUARTET

All selections will be announced from the stage

Artists: David Balakrishnan, violin; Brittany Boulding Breeden, violin; Timothy Christie, viola; Benjamin von Gutzeit, viola; Alex Hargreaves, violin; Kevin Krentz, cello; Petro Krysa, violin; and Malcolm Parson, cello.

The gallery at Foundry Vineyards will provide the stage for one of the highlights of Walla Walla’s cultural calendar as WWCMF welcomes special guests, Turtle Island Quartet. Known around the world for their groundbreaking explorations in a multitude of genres, Turtle Island Quartet is at its heart the most natural extension of the string quartet of Haydn’s day. Each member of the quartet is an accomplished improvisor, composer and arranger, skills that once formed the backbone of classical music training.

Perhaps you have been a fan of Turtle Island Quartet for years. Perhaps you are encountering them for the first time. In either case, you are in for a night of funky grooves, seductive harmonies and an all around good time. Enjoy!

Artists: David Balakrishnan, violin; Benjamin von Gutzeit, viola; Alex Hargreaves, and Malcolm Parson, cello.

Bedřich Smetana is regarded as the father of Czech music. His opera, The Bartered Bride, and the sweeping orchestral tapestry, Má Vlast (My Country), enjoy wide appeal in concert halls and opera houses the world over. Though exalted now at home and abroad, Smetana’s path to fame was bumpy. Unable to find sustaining musical opportunities in Prague, Smetana moved to Sweden, where he honed his craft as a composer, and took a leading role in developing a classical conservatory in Gothenburg. Upon his return to Prague, years later, Smetana finally found success in his hometown only to suffer rapidly declining health, notably in the loss of his hearing.

While Smetana’s large scale compositions deal with Czech folklore and nationalistic pride, his four chamber works, consisting of one piano trio, two string quartets and a duo for violin and piano, turn their attention inward. The String Quartet in E minor, From My Life, is just what it sounds, an autobiographical tale. It is possessed of youthful exuberance, profound love, joy and ultimately, loss. The last movement is famous for its high, whistling ‘E’ harmonic, the harbinger of encroaching deafness and the unraveling of his life’s greatest pleasure. Although the beginning and end of this work are of a sober mood, this is largely joyous music full of uplifting sentiments and Puckish wit. It holds a deserving place in the great standard string quartet repertoire.

Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884)

STRING QUARTET IN E MINOR, FROM MY LIFE (1876)

     I. Allegro vivo appassionato
     II. Allegro moderato alla polka
     III. Largo sostenuto
     IV. Vivace

Artists: Brittany Boulding Breeden, violin; Timothy Christie, viola; Kevin Krentz, cello; and Petro Krysa, violin.