First things first… what is a theremin?

THER·E·MIN

/ˈTHerəmən/

noun: theremin; plural noun: theremins

An electronic musical instrument in which the tone is generated by two high-frequency oscillators and the pitch controlled by the movement of the performer's hand toward and away from the circuit.

Now that we’ve cleared that up... what is a theremin? Do you know that cool sound in the Beach Boys’ hit, Good Vibrations? Do you know the sound on The Simpsons every time the space aliens Kodos and Kang make a cameo? Not to mention the rest of Sci-Fi? Yes, the theremin plays a role in all of these situations, but it is so much more…

What do you say to Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee? Or what about Rachmaninov’s iconic Vocalise? Come experience this wild and wonderful instrument in the hands of the world’s foremost virtuoso, Carolina Eyck. In addition to the works above, Carolina will share some of her own compositions, showcasing the realm of possibility at the intersection of science and art.

Artists: Carolina Eyck, theremin; and Henry Kramer, piano.

For the final Portrait of an Artist recital of the 2016 Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival, you are in for a treat. Taiwanese-American pianist, Wei-Han Wu has established himself as one of the most versatile musicians in a crowded field. At home in the sometimes disparate worlds of art song, contemporary music, chamber music and concert repertoire, Wei-Han brings a cheerful sense of camaraderie to his every performance. At roughly 90 pounds soaking wet, do not underestimate Wei-Han at the dinner table… No one knows where he puts it, but he will keep eating long after you have thrown in the towel.

Tonight, however, Wei-Han Wu will provide you with a feast in works for piano by Liszt, Gershwin, Rachmaninov, Bach and more. We close the Portrait of an Artist Series for 2016 at the always air-conditioned and stylish Foundry Vineyards gallery and tasting room.

All selections will be announced from the stage.

Artist: Wei-Han Wu, piano

Commentary: Timothy Christie

Theme and Variation. Wild and Wooly

Collage has become an annual tradition at WWCMF. This showcase of unchecked virtuosity will change your whole perception of classical music and your whole perception of a night out in Waitsburg, Washington. Jim and Claire, the artist-proprietors of jimgermanbar generously open their doors and their hearts to WWCMF each year. To thank them, we put on a kaleidoscopic concert that mashes centuries of music into one show. No breaks between movements; no chance to catch your breath; no time to blink.

The 2012 Collage performances focus on the concept of theme and variation. No such program would be complete without the Paganini Caprice No. 24 in A minor. Composers such as Rachmaninov, Brahms and Liszt all wrote music based on the virtuoso violin piece, and American composer George Rochberg used it for a set of 50 variations for solo violin. It is rumored that Paganini sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for complete mastery of the violin. We’ll leave the dark arts out of it, and just practice a lot before June 14!

Enjoy the signature cocktail: this year Jim will create the “Tango Sureale,” inspired by the profound and wild Clarinet Quintet by William Albright. Past signature drinks have included the “Cavatina” and the “Vox Dei.”

Join us as we pioneer Chamber Music Mixology!

Artists: Timothy Christie, Katri Ervamaa, Andrew Jennings, Norbert Lewandowski, Christina McGann, Stephen Miahky, Philip Payton, Erik Rynearson, John Sampen, and Maria Sampen

Theme and Variation. Wild and Wooly

Collage has become an annual tradition at WWCMF. This showcase of unchecked virtuosity will change your whole perception of classical music and your whole perception of a night out in Waitsburg, Washington. Jim and Claire, the artist-proprietors of jimgermanbar generously open their doors and their hearts to WWCMF each year. To thank them, we put on a kaleidoscopic concert that mashes centuries of music into one show. No breaks between movements; no chance to catch your breath; no time to blink.

The 2012 Collage performances focus on the concept of theme and variation. No such program would be complete without the Paganini Caprice No. 24 in A minor. Composers such as Rachmaninov, Brahms and Liszt all wrote music based on the virtuoso violin piece, and American composer George Rochberg used it for a set of 50 variations for solo violin. It is rumored that Paganini sold his soul to the Devil in exchange for complete mastery of the violin. We’ll leave the dark arts out of it, and just practice a lot before June 14!

Enjoy the signature cocktail: this year Jim will create the “Tango Sureale,” inspired by the profound and wild Clarinet Quintet by William Albright. Past signature drinks have included the “Cavatina” and the “Vox Dei.”

Join us as we pioneer Chamber Music Mixology!

Artists: Timothy Christie, Katri Ervamaa, Andrew Jennings, Norbert Lewandowski, Christina McGann, Stephen Miahky, Philip Payton, Erik Rynearson, John Sampen, and Maria Sampen