Opus Nine to make Baltimore debut on Saturday
You've got to admire an ensemble that is "dedicated to approaching the most challenging and exciting concert repertoire with new ideas, dramatic modern contrasts, and passionate exuberance." Not to mention one that is "masterfully trained, prodigious, and ethnically diverse." And whose members are all "under the age of thirty and fresh from the heat of the top academies in America." And which says that you should "expect the unexpected, expect more from a thrilling NEW ERA in classical performance!"
Welcome to Opus Nine, which ...
With a core of 16 -- strings, winds, piano and vocalists -- Opus Nine offers a good example of how music students and recent conservatory grads are making their own way, creating their own opportunities in a world where jobs are not exactly plentiful. (Remind me to find out why a 16-member group is called Opus Nine.)
The attractive Baltimore program offers a flute quartet by Mozart, Schubert's The Shepherd on the Rock, songs by Ravel and H.T. Burleigh, Mendelssohn's Octet, and more.
Comments
My guess: Schönberg's Chamber Symphony No. 1, Op.9. Let me dig out the score here... Yup! 15 players and a conductor. I actually like this work. (Depends on who plays it, however. Favourite recording: Gielen, Brendel, & Baden-Baden on Philips. Tight, lively performance!)
Brilliant.TIM
Posted by: Doug Halfen | May 14, 2009 11:51 PM
Tim –
The Co-Founder of Opus Nine, Alysia Lee, is a Baltimore native and a 1999 graduate of Carver Center for Arts and Technology.
The concert was outstanding.
Thanks for the report. I hope the group will be back soon. I love the kind of diverse programming they can offer.TIM
Posted by: Joe Freed | May 18, 2009 8:03 AM
Dear Mr. Smith, on behalf of Opus Nine, I thank you for covering our story! My name is Robin and I am one of two Opus Nine violists. I was personally moved to have had the performance just blocks away from my alma mater, The Peabody! We are truly grateful to have had such an exciting first showing and warm public reception in Charm City. (Thank you for your positive comments, Mr. Joe Freed!) We are already in the process of planning our next season! Stay tuned!
Looking forward to it.TIM
Posted by: Robin F. Massie-Jean | May 18, 2009 9:34 PM
Not a comment, a question for Mr. Ear-to-the-Ground. Any news on the Alsop contract?
Good question. Haven't been able to get info yet, but I'm still trying.ETTG
Posted by: Maude Larke | May 19, 2009 11:54 AM