Works by Bartók, Schumann and more…

Completing the 2019 Winter Fest experience is the Festival Series performance at the Gesa Power House Theatre. Schumann’s masterpiece of melody and invention, the Piano Quartet in E flat, Op. 47, anchors the program. Also on tap is music for two violins by Hungarian master and WWCMF 2019 Poster Composer, Béla Bartók.

Though darkness envelops the Walla Walla Valley by late afternoon in January, but the music of Bartók, Schumann and more will flood the theater with warmth and light. This concert is not to be missed!

Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)

String Trio in G minor (1894), unfinished

I. Lento

Béla Bartók (1881-1945)

Selections from 44 Duos for 2 Violins, Sz. 98 (1931)

1. Teasing Song

2. Maypole Dance

5. Slovakian Song No. 1

6. Hungarian Song No. 1

7. Walachian Song

12. Hay Song

13. Wedding Song

14. Pillow Dance

15. Soldier’s Song

19. A Fairy Tale

20. A Rhythm Song

21. New Year’s Song No. 1

22. Dance of the Fly

24. Comic Song

26. Teasing Song

27. Limping Dance

28. Sadness

29. New Year’s Song No. 2

30. New Year’s Song No. 3

32. Dancing Song

33. Song of the Harvest

35. Ruthenian Dance

36. The Bag Pipe, and Variation

37. Prelude and Canon

40. Walachian Dance

42. Arabian Dance

44. Ardeliana

38. Rumanian “Whirling” Dance

INTERMISSION

Robert Schumann (1810-1856)

Piano Quartet in E flat, Op. 47

I. Sostenuto assai - Allegro ma non troppo

II. Scherzo: Molto vivace - Trio I - Trio II

III. Andante cantabile

IV. Finale: Vivace

Artists: Timothy Christie, viola/violin; Conor Hanick, piano; Norbert Lewandowski, cello; and Maria Sampen, violin.

Tonight’s performance has been made possible by the generosity of Al Marshall. The Steinway grand piano has been generously provided by the Walla Walla Piano Group.

Finnish-born cellist Katri Ervamaa, DMA, is a versatile performer, who specializes in chamber music, new music and creative improvisation. She has performed and given master classes throughout North America, Europe and Taiwan. Her festival appearances include the Orlando, Kuhmo, Bowdoin, Lyckå and Norrtäjle Chamber Music Festivals (with the Finnish Owla String Quartet) as well as the Denison University Tutti! New Music Festival, Poison City Music Festival and Finnfest, among others.

Katri is a musician who is deeply influenced by her inherent love for the cello, pride in her native Finland and her close network of musical friends. Tonight’s program reflects those influences in works by Bach, Sibelius and Gabriela Lena Frank.

We’ll also take a few moments to explore the always tricky Finnish language. HYVÄÄ PÄIVÄNJATKOA! (Have a nice day!)

Artists: Katri Ervamaa, cello; and Jan Roberts, piano.