Water Chants & Love

Join us for an enchanting evening with "Water Chants and Love," featuring music that explores the connections between nature and emotion. The concert begins with Thomas Adès's "Shanty – Over the Sea," a modern take on traditional sea shanties, followed by John Luther Adams's serene "Become River," which evokes the journey of water from stream to river. After intermission, enjoy Sergei Rachmaninoff's lush and virtuosic Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor, Op.18. The evening concludes with Inocente Carreño's "Glosa Sinfónica 'Margariteña'," a vibrant tribute to Venezuela's Margarita Island, rich with folk elements and colorful orchestration.

Thomas Adès (b. 1971) Shanty – Over the Sea (2020)

Thomas Adès, one of the most prominent contemporary composers, premiered "Shanty – Over the Sea" in 2020. This work is inspired by traditional sea shanties, reimagined through Adès's innovative and modern musical language. The piece captures the essence of the sea through its rhythmic vitality and evocative melodies, painting a vivid sonic picture of maritime life. Adès's skillful orchestration and imaginative use of harmony and texture create a compelling narrative that is both haunting and exhilarating, reflecting the timeless allure and peril of the ocean.

John Luther Adams (b. 1953) Become River (2010; rev. 2015)

John Luther Adams, a Pulitzer Prize-winning composer known for his environmental themes, composed "Become River" in 2010, later revising it in 2015. This meditative and immersive work is part of Adams's larger series exploring water in its various forms. "Become River" traces a journey from a small stream to a vast, flowing river, using minimalistic techniques to create a sense of organic growth and transformation. The music unfolds gradually, with delicate textures and shimmering sonorities that evoke the natural beauty and power of a river. Adams's work invites listeners to reflect on the interconnectedness of nature and music.

Intermission

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943) Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor, Op.18 (1900–1901)

Sergei Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor, Op.18, is one of the most beloved works in the piano repertoire. Composed between 1900 and 1901, this concerto marks Rachmaninoff's triumphant return to composition after a period of depression. The piece is celebrated for its lush Romantic melodies, virtuosic piano writing, and rich orchestration. The first movement features a dramatic opening followed by a lyrical second theme, the second movement is known for its hauntingly beautiful melodies, and the finale is a brilliant and energetic display of technical prowess and emotional depth. This concerto remains a favorite for its emotional intensity and technical challenges.

Inocente Carreño (1913-1976) Glosa Sinfónica “Margariteña” (1954)

Inocente Carreño, a distinguished Venezuelan composer, wrote "Glosa Sinfónica ‘Margariteña’" in 1954. This symphonic poem is a tribute to Carreño's birthplace, the island of Margarita. The piece is infused with elements of Venezuelan folk music, reflecting the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the island. Carreño's use of vibrant rhythms, colorful orchestration, and evocative melodies creates a vivid and dynamic musical portrait. "Margariteña" is celebrated for its ability to convey a strong sense of place and identity, making it a significant work in the Latin American orchestral repertoire.