Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra January Concert “Echoes”

The stories that we make and share echo throughout time; our past affects our present and future. Our exploration of musical heritage continues with Echoes, where we look at chamber music by composers past and present from around the world.

The past and present interweave with Washington Heights composer Valerie Coleman’s Tzigane for woodwind quintet. Inspired by the work by Maurice Ravel of the same name, Coleman’s Tzigane is a present-day showpiece full of virtuosity and passion for the wind players of the WHCO. Moving back to the early twentieth century, Dutch composer Emmy Wegener’s Suite for String Trio is a rarely heard work, lush and sparkling as a set of miniatures. We continue our look to the past with Czech composer Bohuslav Martinů’s Nonet. Combining both string and wind players, the Nonet is a vibrant celebration of life in three movements. We conclude the program with Dvorak’s String Quintet No. 2, Op. 77. Written for a competition in Prague with the dedication “to my nation,” he weaves his Bohemian nationalism throughout the work.

Prior to the concert, at 2:15pm, bring the whole family to our “Meet the Instruments” petting zoo where even our youngest listeners can get up close and personal with their favorite instruments before seeing them come alive onstage. This event will take place (weather permitting) in the beautiful setting of the Fort Washington Green, the community garden space at FWCC.

And finally, join the musicians of WHCO after the concert for a reception!