Performance schedule 2011-2012
September 3, 2011
Convocation Hall
2:00pm and 7:30pm
Guest artist: Peter Hedlin - cellist
| Franz Joseph | Haydn String Quartet in F major, Op. 74, No. 2 (1793) |
| Arvo Pärt | Psalom (1997) |
| Franz Schubert | Quintet in C major, D 956 (1828) |
The University of Saskatchewan Amati Quartet begins their ninth season September 3 by celebrating the cello with two fabulous cellists performing in Schubert’s greatest chamber work, the Cello Quintet. The symphonic proportions contain some of the most passionate music ever written and will push the performers to the extremes of expression.
Continuing in their quest to perform all 83 of Haydn’s String Quartets, the Amati Quartet will reach one-third of their goal by performing the first two quartets of Haydn’s opus 74 which were composed in 1793 and dedicated to Count Apponyi. Haydn’s inspiration at this time was fuelled by his superstar status after his immensely successful concert series in London, England.
The music of Arvo Pärt , the Estonian composer born in 1935, is recognized world-wide for its intense purity and luminous beauty. Two short works by Pärt, distinctive for their hypnotic rhythms and haunting melodies, will inspire the listener into a state of enchanting relaxation — `Psalom’ in the opening concert, and `Summa’ in the January 28th program.
October 29, 2011
Third Ave United Church
7:30 pm
With the Saskatoon Opera and the University of Saskatchewan Musical Theatre Ensemble
| Purcell | King Arthur, a semi-opera with libretto by John Dryden |
For those who are captivated by the ancient archetypes and legends embedded in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, consider this a special invitation to discover the roots of the legends of King Arthur.
The Saskatoon Opera, the University of Saskatchewan Amati Quartet and the University of Saskatchewan’s Music Theatre Ensemble join forces to present this amusing and fantastical adaptation of King Arthur using John Dryden’s original song texts. The story has been adapted by Barbara Montalbetti with an original script written by Charles Peters.
A cast of mythological and supernatural characters, including Merlin, Lancelot, sorceresses, soldiers and shepherds aid, beguile the heroic king as he pursues his dreams of conquering his foes and uniting Britain.
The score of King Arthur contains some of Purcell’s most lyrical and exquisite music, much of it inspired by French dance rhythms and adventurous harmonies. Enter a world of old magic and legends, romance and deception, and experience the seductive and enthralling beauty of this celebrated baroque opera.
January 28, 2012
Convocation Hall
2:00pm and 7:30pm
Guest artists: Guy Few - trumpet and corno, Nadina Mackie Jackson - bassoon
| Ignaz Lachner | Concertino for corno and bassoon |
| Mathieu Lussier | Spring Lullaby for corno and bassoon |
| Mathieu Lussier | Bacchanale |
| Dmitri Shostakovich | Fast Dance from Jazz Suite #1, arr, Fraser Jackson |
| Dmitri Shostakovich | Waltz from Jazz suite #2, arr, Fraser Jackson |
| Astor Piazzolla | Tango Ballet, arr. Jose Bragato |
| Alfred Schnittke | Polka, arr. Sergej Dreznin |
| Dmitri Shostakovich | Two Pieces for String Quartet, Op. 36 |
| Arvo Pärt | Summa |
Known internationally as soloists, chamber musicians, recitalists and fashionistas, Guy and Nadina will seduce you with their phenomenal skills and exuberant artistic flair. Determined to expand the boundaries of classical concerts, the duo’s virtuosic playing, refreshing interpretations and humour will impress and entertain both the novice and experienced audience member.
Performed by the soloists and the Amati Quartet the repertoire of this concert will excite you with appearances by the king of tango, Astor Piazzolla; quirky jazz music by Dmitri Shostakovich; a humorous polka by the avant guard Alfred Schnittke; and the western Canadian premiere of the music of Quebec composer Mathieu Lussier — works composed especially for ’guyandnadina’.
June 9, 2012
Convocation Hall
2:00pm and 7:30pm
| Haydn | String Quartet in C major, Op. 74, No. 1 (1793) |
| Tavener | Ikon of Joy/Sorrow (1999) |
| Beethoven | String Quartet Op. 59, No. 3 in C major (1806) |
After a scintillating dance through Haydn at his best in his Opus 74 No. 1 allow the inner stillness and timelessness of Tavener`s spiritual music to mesmerize you. `Ikon of Joy/Sorrow’ is a meditation on Beethoven’s `Ode to Joy’ composed in 1999 by the British composer John Tavener.
For the season finale, much is owed to the wealthy patron of the arts and Russian ambassador to Vienna, Count Rasumovsky, who in 1806 commissioned the three monumental string quartets of Opus 59 by Beethoven. Composed after Beethoven was faced with his personal crisis of deafness and had triumphed over his ensuing depression, the tremendous third quartet finishes with a fugue — the crowning glory of a somewhat autobiographical group of quartets.
*All repertoire, dates and artists are subject to change
