Tonight’s performance has been made possible by the generosity of Sonia Schmitt.

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)

L’HISTOIRE DU SOLDAT (1918)

I. The soldier’s march

II. Soldier at the brook

III. Pastorale

IV. The royal march

V. The little concert

VI. Three dances: Tango, Waltz, Ragtime

VII. The devil’s dance

VIII. The little chorale

IX. The devil’s song

X. Grand chorale

XI. Triumphal march of the devil

Artists: Timothy Christie, narrator; Gunnar Folsom, percussion; Billy Ray Hunter, trumpet, Peter Kolkay, bassoon, Maria Sampen, violin; Kevin Schempf, clarinet; Steve Schermer, double bass; and Weston Sprott, trombone.

You’ve met the artists in pianist, Thomas Rosenkranz, and The Westerlies. You’ve explored the music in Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 49, and original compositions by the Westerlies. Now it’s time to bring it all together with a collaboration that ties all the seemingly disparate sources into one original piece of music.

With the Gloria of Stravinsky’s Mass as inspiration, Andy Clausen of The Westerlies has arranged a new piece to be premiered by the combined forces of all of the Winter Festival Artists. The new work is a fitting way to welcome Stravinsky to this season’s poster. Also featured on the performance is the Mendelssohn D minor Piano Trio, and selections by The Westerlies.

Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

PIANO TRIO IN D MINOR, OP. 49

I. Molto allegro ed agitato
II. Andante con moto tranquillo
III. Scherzo: Leggiero e vivace
IV. Finale: Allegro assai appassionato

— INTERMISSION —

Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971), arr. Andy Clausen

MASS (1948)

II. Gloria

ORIGINAL COMPOSITIONS BY THE WESTERLIES

Selections will be announced from the stage.

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; Andy Clausen, trombone; Zubin Hensler, trumpet; Willem de Koch, trombone; Riley Mulherkar, trumpet; Thomas Rosenkranz, piano; Maria Sampen, violin; and Sally Singer Tuttle, cello.

Few events in musical history are as (in)famous as the World Premiere of Igor Stravinsky’s ballet, The Rite of Spring. On May 29, 1913 at the Théâtre Des Champs-Elysées in Paris, a riot greeted one of the most important compositions of the 20th century. The conductor on the night of the premiere, Pierre Monteux, recalls “everything available was tossed in our direction, but we continued to play on.” Musicians today regard the story of the premiere as legend, often wistfully dreaming “if only I could have been in the room on that night…” Despite romantic hindsight, we insist that you leave any wilted cabbage or rotten tomatoes at home, as we have no interest in a second riot!

Instead, we will explore this great work through the composer’s version for piano four-hands, featuring virtuoso pianists, Oksana Ezhokina and Christina Dahl. Stravinsky’s masterpiece sounds as strikingly primal and raw as it did over one hundred years ago. We’ll look at the ballet’s kaleidoscopic evocations of nature and pagan ritual, and delve into the rhythmic revolution of Stravinsky’s score. WWCMF is delighted to return to the gallery at Foundry Vineyards for this truly Special Event.

Artists: Christina Dahl, piano; and Oksana Ezhokina, piano.

Commentary: Timothy Christie

What’s the difference between a fiddle and a violin? Exactly.

Festival Series II presents three distinct versions of what it means to play the fiddle.

Long before Charlie Daniels scored a hit with the song The Devil Went Down to Georgia, Igor Stravinsky told the story of a soldier who sells both his soul and his fiddle to the Devil for wealth and power. Here, WWCMF offers Stravinsky’s trio version for violin, clarinet and piano.

American composer Evan Chambers was brought up on a steady diet of folk music. His work Come Down Heavy! for violin, saxophone, and piano is a testament to his roots. From the gritty Steel Drivin’ Man (John Henry) to the tender I Gave My Love a Cherry, this magnificent piece is uniquely American.

The program concludes with Mendelssohn at his finest. The String Quintet in B Flat will leave you glowing with uproarious joy.

Artists: Timothy Christie, Katri Ervamaa, Andrew Jennings, Norbert Lewandowski, Christina McGann, Stephen Miahky, Erik Rynearson, John Sampen, Maria Sampen, Kevin Schempf, and Cristina Valdes.