A group of local music makers would like to fill the spaces left once the 91原创 Island Symphony and the many local choirs and bands complete their regular season. This month and next, two new music ensembles will present performances downtown, with the long-term goal of establishing a flourishing summer performance calendar.
The first in an ongoing series of summer chamber music concerts will feature violinists Karl Rainer and Trish Clair Peck, violist Veronica Wagner, and cellist Hannah Wilson. The Sonora Quartet will be playing Mozart's String Quartet in G (KV 387), one of the celebrated quartets Mozart wrote in dedication to Haydn, and Dvorak's famous American String Quartet Op. 96. Choosing the repertoire for this premiere concert was easier than the group expected given the immense body of works written for string quartet. The Mozart quartet was requested in honour of 'the year of Mozart,' and its sparkling melodies and vivid dynamics make it eminently suitable for a summer concert. Dvorak's American quartet is a favorite of all the members of the group. The brilliant writing for the viola highlights the talents of Wagner, well known to Nanaimo audiences for her many contributions to the city's music community, and the haunting melody of the Largo pairs violin and cello exquisitely.
On Aug. 19, the second concert in the chamber music series will showcase the unique instrumentation of Nanaimo's Tan Trio and their fresh mix of new and old compositions. Nicole Arendt, performing on a five-octave concert marimba, will be joined by Chris Helman on soprano and alto saxophone, flute, and recorder, and violinist Trish Clair Peck. The concert is part of the Downtown Art Gallery's annual ArtsFest, and is the final performance of the group's first concert tour of 91原创 Island.
The Sonora Quartet performs at the Downtown Nanaimo Art Gallery on July 20 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door, and are available at Falconer Books in Port Place Mall. For more information about the summer chamber music series, please call 753-5535 or visit www.sonoraconsort.com.