Tonight’s performance and the World Premiere of Last Chants by composer, James M. Stephenson, has been made possible by the generosity of John Jamison and Kathy Wildermuth.

Musicians are always asked to name their favorite piece of music. It is impossible to answer correctly or even truthfully. The musician is supposed to answer by naming whatever piece he or she is currently playing. Tonight, none of the performers will have to fib even a little. The Brahms G Major Sextet stands as a favorite world-wide among string players, and more so among audiences.

Joining this venerated work on the program is a piece that has not yet been played or heard by anyone. Each season, WWCMF commissions a composer to pen a new work to receive its premiere at the opening Festival Series performance. The 2015 Festival Series kicks off with the World Premiere of the Last Chants for Piano, Violin, Viola and Clarinet by composer James Stephenson. Will the Brahms be unseated? There is only one way to find out. Join the celebration as we open the 2015 Festival Series in style!

James M. Stephenson (1969-)

LAST CHANTS FOR PIANO, VIOLIN, VIOLA AND CLARINET (2015)

Claude Debussy (1862-1918)

SONATA FOR CELLO AND PIANO (1915)

I. Prologue: Lent, sostenuto e molto risoluto
II. Sérénade: Modérément animé
III. Final: Animé, léger et nerveux

Intermission

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

STRING SEXTET IN G MAJOR, OP. 36

I. Allegro non troppo 
II. Scherzo. Allegro non troppo 
III. Poco Adagio 
IV. Poco Allegro

Artists: Timothy Christie, viola; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; Stephen Miahky, violin; Laura Renz, viola; David Requiro, cello; Maria Sampen, violin; Kevin Schempf, clarinet; Meta Weiss, cello; and Wei-Han Wu, piano.