Violinist, Alessandra Jennings Flanagan (Ali) makes her WWCMF debut. Ali has been a member of the Fort Worth and Colorado Symphonies, holding leadership positions in both organizations. A graduate of the prestigious Shepard School of Music at Rice University and frequent participant summer programs such as Tanglewood and Yellowbarn, Ali now comes west to bring us a program that includes music by Mozart, Copland, Smetana and Clara Schumann. Expect a cameo from Festival regular and dad, Andrew Jennings, too. This special recital affords a unique view into the life of a great violinist from an extremely musical family.

Artists: Alessandra Jennings Flanagan, violin and Oxana Ejokina, piano.

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.

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.

Smetana: String Quartet in E minor “From My Life”

Garrison Creek Cellars provides the idyllic setting for the first Tasting Music Event of the 2010 Season. Set amid the verdant splendor of “Les Collines” vineyard, Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival musicians will perform Smetana’s String Quartet in E minor, “From My Life.” As the subtitle suggests, Smetana treated the work as a musical autobiography. Through music he paints vivid scenes of love, loss, and triumph. This Czech masterpiece of Romantic Nationalism will kick off the 2010 Series in rollicking fashion.† Garrison Creek Cellars is not generally open to the public, so this event will sell out quickly!