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Friends of Music Announces the 2012–2013 Concert Season

Posted On June 01, 2012 | 14:29 pm | by lisaw | Permalink

This season the Friends of Music is thrilled to present two brilliant young musicians who are rapidly rising on the international scene: the phenomenal pianist Alessio Bax, and the brilliant violinist Ray Chen. Other highlights include the acclaimed male a cappella ensemble Cantus, and the celebrated virtuoso guitarists, Sergio and Odair Assad. The complete schedule follows:

October 14 & 15, 2012

Among the most esteemed wind players in the United States, the ten members of the Wind Soloists of New York perform masterworks by Rossini, Salieri, Mozart, Gounod, and Beethoven, for flute, French horn, clarinet, oboe, and bassoon.

November 4 & 5, 2012

Pianist Alessio Bax has won audiences around the globe with his lyrical playing, dazzling facility, and deep musicality. First prizewinner at both the Leeds and Hamamatsu (Japan) International Piano Competitions, he was also awarded an Avery Fisher Career Grant, one of the most prestigious prizes in classical music. His program includes works by Brahms and Rachmaninov.

December 2 & 3, 2012

Recognized by Fanfare as the “premier men’s vocal ensemble in the United States,” Cantus offers an evening of high energy and beautifully blended sonorities. The nine singers perform music spanning many centuries and styles, from chant to contemporary works, to art song, world music, and, of course, seasonal favorites.

January 13 & 14, 2013

In its Washington, D.C. début, the period-instrument ensemble Quicksilver—two violins, cello, bassoon, theorbo, and harpsichord—has been praised by the Boston Globe for “fresh, technically assured, and rewarding performances.” The ensemble, led by violinists Robert Mealy and Julie Andrijeski, explores the extravagant and virtuosic chamber music of the German seventeenth century, by composers such as Johann Kaspar Kerll, Matthias Weckmann, David Pohle, and Antonio Bertali.

February 10 & 11, 2013

The distinguished Brazilian-born guitarists and brothers, Sergio and Odair Assad, return to the Music Room with works by French and South American composers, including Debussy, Ravel, Gismonti, Jobim, and S. Assad. The Assads’ exceptional artistry and uncanny ensemble playing promise to delight.

March 17 & 18, 2013

Among the finest of Czech string quartets performing today, the Škampa Quartet has represented its country in major concert halls and music festivals around the world for twenty years. Mentored by the legendary Smetana Quartet, this award-winning ensemble will perform music by Martinů, Beethoven, and Smetana.

April 21 & 22, 2013

A protégé of maestro Christoph Eschenbach and winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition (2009) and the Yehudi Menuhin Competition (2008), Ray Chen is among the most compelling young violinists today. Invited to perform at the 2012 Nobel Prize Concert in Stockholm, he is known for his beautiful tone, vitality and lightness. Chen closes the season playing works by Mozart, Brahms, Ysaÿe, and Saint-Saëns.

Programs are subject to change. For subscription information, please contact the Friends of Music.

For information about performing at Dumbarton Oaks, please contact Valerie Stains, Artistic Director and Music Advisor.