The harp is associated with many things, all of them good: heaven, cupid, Ireland and in particular, Irish beer. And the harp is one of the most ancient instruments with many appearances in classical Greek history and mythology. But in modern Western culture, perhaps the readiest association with the harp is the wedding ceremony. Our featured Artist, Elizabeth Landis, played her first wedding at the age of twelve. I wonder if the happy couple is still together. I bet they are! Because Liz is an artist of the highest pedigree.

From early studies at the Interlochen Arts Academy to the University of Toronto, Temple University, Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and the Aspen Music Festival, Liz has traveled extensively in the music world. But she also brings a love of traveling in the wider world, and is a respected travel and food blogger. Epicure, traveler and purveyor of 47 strings and seven pedals, Liz approaches music in much the same way as she looks at the world — her oyster!

All selections will be announced from the stage.

Artists: Elizabeth Landis, harp

Antonio Vivaldi and André Caplet

Join WWCMF Musicians as they explore music by Antonio Vivaldi and André Caplet in the intimate tasting room of Dama Wines on Main Street in downtown Walla Walla. It’s chilly outside, but it’s toasty up close to the furnace of intensive classical music rehearsal. You will be captivated by the process or your money back! This event is free and open to the public. All ages welcome.

Artists: Timothy Christie, Viola; Elizabeth Landis, Harp; Vanessa Moss, violin; Maria Sampen, Violin; Sally Singer Tuttle, cello

Forbidden love. That’s the quickest synopsis of the Arthurian-era legend of Tristan and Isolde. Fleshing it out a bit, Tristan is charged with escorting Isolde, an Irish princess, from Ireland to Cornwall by boat so that she can marry King Mark of Cornwall. On the way the two somehow accidentally drink a love potion. It works. Tristan is doomed to suffer death at the hands of King Mark’s henchmen. Isolde follows suit, owing to the potency of her love for Tristan and her heartbreak upon his death.

The most famous retelling of the story is Richard Wagner’s 1865 opera, Tristan und Isolde. “Mild und leise…” For Wagner fans, these words are like a clubhouse secret password. Loosely translated, they mean “softly and gently.” But,what could that possibly mean? In the context of Wagner’s opera (music drama), they represent the commingling of love and death. It’s Act III. Isolde looks upon the dead body of her (illicit/accidental) true love, Tristan. She contemplates the tranquility of his state, savoring a new beauty even as she savors the pain of his loss. She proceeds to sing herself to an ecstatic death, overcome by his strange perfection — a Liebestod or ‘Love Death.’

Which brings us to tonight’s work, love fail, by David Lang. This masterpiece is a reexamining of the medieval romance of Tristan and Isolde from different sources. “Mild und Leise” becomes “mild, light” in movement 12 of Lang’s retelling. Scored for four treble voices and percussion, Quince Ensemble brings the work to life like no other group on the world stage today. And we have them all to ourselves. This is a special night in the now 18-year arc of WWCMF. We return to Foundry Vineyards, site of so many wonderful performances over the years.

All selections will be announced from the stage.

Artists: Kayleigh Butcher, voice; Amanda DeBoer Bartlett, voice; Liz Pearse, voice; Carrie Henneman Shaw, voice

WWCMF’s Sounds Like Fun series is presented free to the community thanks to the generosity of Columbia REA.

WWCMF Musicians will perform music inspired by literature in the perfect place, the Walla Walla Public Library. You’ll encounter the 47-stringed Concert Grand Pedal Harp, Violins, Viola and Cello. There will be much plucking, plenty of bowing and good fun for all who attend!

Artists: Timothy Christie, Viola; Elizabeth Landis, Harp; Vanessa Moss, violin; Maria Sampen, Violin; Sally Singer Tuttle, c

André Caplet (1878-1925)

Conte Fantastique d’après La Masque de la Mort Rouge

For harp and string quartet

“Merci, Edgar!” said French composer, André Caplet, upon reading the words above from Poe’s Masque of the Red Death. Maybe he said that, maybe he didn’t. Doesn’t matter! These are the qualities Caplet brings to life in his work for harp and string quartet, Conte Fantastique d’après La Masque de la Mort Rouge (1924). Glare. Glitter. Piquancy. Phantasm.

A pandemic rages. An eccentric aristocrat invites hundreds of nobles to ride out the storm in his castle, enjoying opulent parties and masked balls. There are seven chambers, each decorated to the point of embodiment of a different color: Blue, Purple, Green, Orange, White, Violet and Black. In the outer rooms, the vibe is light and merry. As the action progresses deeper into the castle, things take a decidedly morbid turn. Vincent Price makes a cameo (I think). 

Are you intrigued? We visit Echolands Winery for this performance sure to echo in the annals of WWCMF lore for years to come.

Artists: Timothy Christie, viola; Elizabeth Landis, harp; Vanessa Moss, violin; Maria Sampen, violin; Sally Singer Tuttle, cello

Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)

From 12 Trio Sonatas, Op. 1

Sonata No. 12 in D minor, RV 63, La Follia

André Caplet (1878-1925)

Conte Fantastique d’après La Masque de la Mort Rouge (1924)

For harp and string quartet

Intermission

Molly Herron (b. 1982)

Stellar Atmospheres (2015/2024)

For treble vocal quartet and string quartet

Co-commissioned by Quince Vocal Ensemble and WWCMF

With additional support from Bud & Phyllis Wulliman

Michael Miller

“Going down that road” from Guthrie Songs (2018)

Carrie Henneman Shaw

The Smallest Gap (2019)

Laura Steenberge

The Four Winds (2015)

V. Red Giant, White Dwarf

Artists: Kayleigh Butcher, voice; Timothy Christie, viola; Amanda DeBoer Bartlett, voice; Elizabeth Landis, harp; Vanessa Moss, violin; Liz Pearse, voice; Maria Sampen, violin; Carrie Henneman Shaw, voice; Sally Singer Tuttle, cello