Untitled

WHAT IS TERTULIA
Tertulia is a new type of concert which blends the casual with the classical in a chamber music series
tailored to young audiences committed to concert-going and revelry. Here, we remove the sacred wall
of formality between player and listener and instead invite lively musical and social interplay between
them. It is our mission to bring performance opportunities to emerging, professional musicians, and
a more relaxed, festive experience to young concert-goers. With our fresh approach, we offer a social,
casual and inexpensive alternative to a traditional classical concert.
AN EVENING OF MUSIC & MINGLING
DECEMBER 6 | 7:30 PM
LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN
124 7TH AVENUE AT 17TH STREET, CHELSEA | NYC
TERTULIANYC.ORG
HOW IT WORKS
Tertulia preserves the atmosphere New Yorkers already love: food, drink, and conversation in
boutique-style venues like a wine bar, cafe, restaurant, or gallery. Our events run two to three hours,
with live performance on and off throughout. The program is traditional chamber music repertoire
with a unique presentation. We embrace a vibrant, casual setting while preserving some concert
etiquette basics.
A FEW ETIQUETTE BASICS
> Music will always start twenty to thirty minutes
into an event, so it is important the audience
arrives on time.
> The musicians work hard to prepare this
music. Please respect this by keeping whispers
and moving around to a minimum when they
are playing. Your attention is appreciated.
> Please keep in mind that the visual aspect
of performance is important. Try to grab a seat
if you are close to the “stage” to allow those
behind you to see.
> We do not have rules about clapping at
Tertulia. If after a movement you are inspired
to clap, please do so. We encourage you to
celebrate this music.
> Mingle! Meet new people! Discuss the music!
Share your feedback! As the word tertulia
defines, these are social events with musical
and artistic overtones.
> Don’t forget to silence your cell phone.
WHY TERTULIA IS IMPORTANT
In elite culture’s reverence for the master composers, in our distance from the great performers,
it is easy to forget why these works were written; to be played and to be heard. Tertulia will
remind listeners that chamber music was once the pop music of its day, oftentimes a scandal
for supposedly inciting passionate urges in its followers! As the name suggests, this music was
intended to be played socially, for small audiences in intimate spaces.
EMCEE
Julia Villagra, Founder & Artistic Director
THE AMPHION QUARTET
David Southorn and Katie Hyun, violin
Wei-Yang Andy Lin, viola
Mihai Marica, cello
THE TERTULIA CHAMBER PLAYERS
Monica Davis and Hilary Castle, violin
Brenton Caldwell, viola
Isabel Fairbanks, cello
ITINERARY
Cocktails
20 MINUTES
Robert Schumann (1810 - 1856)
String Quartet in A major, Op. 41, No. 3
III. Adagio molto
IV. Finale: Allegro molto vivace
15 MINUTES
Dinner
30 MINUTES
Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770 - 1827)
String Quartet No. 11, Op. 95 ‘Serioso’
I. Allegro con brio
II. Allegretto ma non troppo
III. Allegro assai vivace, ma serioso
IV. Larghetto espressivo – Allegretto agitato
5 MINUTES
5 MINUTES
7 MINUTES
5 MINUTES
Dessert
20 MINUTES
Johannes Brahms (1733 - 1897)
String Sextet No. 2 in G major, Op. 36
I. Allegro non troppo
15 MINUTES
Mingle & Meet Musicians
30 MINUTES
Thank you for coming.
TERTULIANYC.ORG
JOHANNES BRAHMS (1833 – 1897)
STRING SEXTET NO. 2 IN G MAJOR, OP. 36 (1864 – 1865);
I. ALLEGRO NON TROPPO
By Julia Villagra
ROBERT SCHUMANN (1810 – 1856)
STRING QUARTET IN A MAJOR, OP. 41, NO. 3; III. MOLTO ADAGIO;
IV. FINALE: ALLEGRO MOLTO VIVACE
Schumann was not a prolific chamber music composer, but during the summer of 1841 he composed
some of his most celebrated works of chamber music, including his only three string quartets and
his Piano Quintet in E flat. Schumann thought highly of his works, declaring “This past summer I
worked with much ardor at three quartets. You may be sure that I have spared no pains to compose
something really good; indeed, I sometimes think, my best work.” His self-congratulatory notes
are most certainly grounded in reality, and the third and final of his Op. 41 String Quartets is no
exception.
Brahms, a prolific chamber music composer, wrote two string sextets; Op. 18 and Op. 36. Both
works radiate emotionalism and the intense passion which is so typical of Brahms. Appropriately,
the notes of the theme of the Second Sextet pay tribute to a young soprano, Agathe von Siebold
(AGA[T]HE – H is B natural in German notation), for whom Brahms developed strong feelings. The
love was unrequited, however, and only in his music did Brahms again display such open affection.
The Second Sextet opens with a floating violin melody on top of a sweet viola ostinato. The melody
is frequently passed between instruments; one picking up the melodic line seamlessly from the
next. The declaratory second section seems to be an exclamation to Agathe, “I have recovered and
will not be fooled again!” But there are conflicting moods, and the moments of extreme beauty
recall a gentler, softer memory. The music is delicate and loving, yet cathartic in its release. Brahms,
always the consummate Romantic.
NOTE: For the purposes of Tertulia, we perform selected movements of complete works. For a deeper
understanding of the music, and so as not to miss important thematic and developmental material,
we urge you to listen to these works in their entirety.
The third movement, which will open tonight’s concert, is rich with Romantic emotion. The sweetly
passionate motif of the first section is quickly transformed by the repetitive and obsessive dotted
eighth note pattern played by the second violin. This exchange of moods occurs throughout the
movement, in what feels like an ardent declaration of love. In fact, the intense and almost undecided
disposition of the third movement may be an outpouring of emotion based very much on Schumann’s
own relationship with his wife, the renowned concert pianist Clara Schumann. Their love was deep,
but not without tension. Schumann struggled with Clara’s fame, oftentimes feeling overshadowed by
her success.
The finale is quick, upbeat and cheerful, alternating between several contrasting yet rhythmically
similar sections, in a somewhat ambiguous (yet inventive) form that has traces of a sonata, rondo
and scherzo. Again we see the appearance of a dotted note theme, which returns throughout the
movement. The quartet closes in an extended coda with a symphonic energy. It is certainly a grand
conclusion to Schumann’s only quartet cycle.
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770 - 1827)
STRING QUARTET NO. 11 IN F MINOR, OP. 95 ‘SERIOSO’ (1810)
Beethoven’s ‘Serioso’ Quartet, written in 1810, brings his middle period to a dramatic close.
Compared to the rest of the period, the Quartet is highly adventurous in its compositional
technique. The Quartet’s frequent, unexpected outbursts and increased tonal and metric freedom
will be used heavily in Beethoven’s later output. It is also important to keep in mind the historical
context of this piece; the Napoleonic Wars are in full force, and like many, Beethoven was
personally affected by the damage these wars inflicted. It is evident in his music.
The piece opens with an intense, eleven-note unison passage which is the main theme and returns
in multiple forms throughout the first movement. The composer warns us from these first notes
that the ‘Serioso’ Quartet will most certainly not be a Haydn quartet, or even what we think
of a Beethoven quartet, to date. The Allegro ma non troppo begins with a chromatic cello solo
that progresses, uncertain and hesitant, note by note. Midway, Beethoven introduces a fugue, a
seemingly outdated technique employed here with progressive harmonic structure. The tritones
appear, and with them a dark, unstable theme that tries desperately to escape itself. The movement
ends with an unexpected calmness, which is quickly forgotten with the attacca entrance into the
third movement. The abrupt harmonic change does little to provide the listener any real respite,
but the disconnected chorale-like trio of the scherzo offers the listener a short break. The Larghetto
espressivo, the first eight bars of the finale, serves as a prelude to what is best described as a folklike dance theme. Beethoven chooses, ironically, to end the ‘Serioso’ Quartet in the parallel major.
One can argue that this choice is not a departure from reason or even unexpected; just typical of
the composer always seeking to shock or surprise.
THE NAPOLEONIC WARS (1803 - 1815) WREAKED HAVOC ACROSS EUROPE IN AN ERA WHEN ROMANTIC MUSIC AND ITS
GREATEST COMPOSERS WERE JUST BEGINNING TO FLOURISH.
TERTULIANYC.ORG
City bound to pursue a Master of Music degree and Professional Studies Diploma from
GUILLAUME MOLKO, VIOLIN
Mannes College, one of the city’s premier music conservatories. While at Mannes,
Paris native Guillaume Molko began violin studies at age 7. Guillaume h
Hilary served as principal second
violin
in the Mannes Symphony
Orchestra,
and
as
list
of accomplishments.
A chamber
music and
orchestra
enthusiast, he
concertmaster of the Mannes Opera
Orchestra.
Hilary’s
summers
have
been
spent
at been concertmast
throughout
Europe,
the
Middle
East
and
India.
He
has
quartet will be returning some
to Portland
next summer where
theyaround
have the
been
re-invited
tomember
Chamber
of the most reputable music
festivals
globe.
Hilary
is
a
of
extraordinary and reputable orchestras throughout the world. Guillaum
Music Northwest.
Project 60/40 whose performances
experimentof
with
and include
concertmaster
the unique
Mannesinstrumentation
Orchestra. In December
2009, he won firs
a mix of the traditional and trendy.
Project
60/40competition
holds a residence
at the popular
Mannes
concerto
and performed
Bartok’s Violin Concerto N
Violinists Katie Hyun andLower
David
Southorn,
Wei-Yangthe
Andy
Lin,
and
cellist,
Mihai
Marica,
first
East
Side venueviolist,
Pianos throughout
month
of
May.
Hilary
plays
on
an
1815
Mannes Orchestra at Alice Tully Hall in early April 2011. Guillaume’s su
joined together
for awhich
performance
at Sprague
Hall
the
SchoolThe
of
Musicbyenergy
in
February,
2009.
Giovanni
Battista Ceruti
has been generously
loaned
to at
her
by aYale
benefactor.
electric
behind and
Hilary’s
abilities
are illogically
matched
free-spirited
whimsical playing. G
The overwhelmingly
positive
audience
reception
atwho
thisshe
concert
was
the
inspiration
behind
their
playing
is indescribable. Her
instrument
is so clearly
a part of
is,
that
one
only
to the
listen
to her
playing
musician
who
can
not
onlyneeds
master
most
difficult
musical passages,
to
feel herdesire
zealousto
passion
foralife
and for
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breathes
lifeintensity
into theand
music
and personifies
it playing
in a waywill entice even
mutual
pursue
career
asclassical
the Amphion
String
Quartet.
with
charm,
remarkable
ease. His
that would shame those who thought this music could ever be disinterested
boring. Watchlistener
and listen.
with endless charisma and personality.
THE TERTULIA CHAMBER PLAYERS
MONICA DAVIS, VIOLIN
HILARY CASTLE, VIOLIN
A versatile performer, violinist Monica
Davis began
has recorded
and graduating with a B
Hilary Castle
playing for
thefilm,
violintelevision,
at age 7. After
recording artists including AliciaMusic
Keys,inMichael
Jackson, Donnie
and Ivy. Hilary
In
violin performance
fromMcClurkin,
Boston University,
decided she
addition to these recording projects,
Monicatowas
mosta recently
to perform
in
City bound
pursue
Master ofselected
Music degree
and Professional
Studies
the Sydney Opera House with the
YouTube
Symphony
under the
direction
Mannes
College,
one ofOrchestra
the city’s premier
music
conservatories. While a
of Michael Tilson Thomas. She was
chosen
from
a pool ofsecond
thousands
ofin
musicians
Hilary
served
as principal
violin
the Mannes Symphony Orche
from all over of the world. Monica
also had theof
pleasure
of going
onOrchestra.
tour with Hilary’s
pop
concertmaster
the Mannes
Opera
summers have b
some
of the
mosthas
reputable
music
festivals around
icon Diana Ross in the summer of
2010.
Monica
appeared
on Saturday
Night the globe. Hilary is a
Project
60/40
whose
performances
Live with Michael Buble and Pearl
Jam and
in the
orchestra
of Shrekexperiment
the Musicalwith
on unique instrumenta
mix of theastraditional
andattractive”
trendy. Project
60/40
Broadway. Her playing has beenadescribed
“refined and
by The
Newholds
York a residence at t
Monica Davis
Hilary
Castle
Brenton
Caldwell
Isabel
Fairbanks
East Side venue
Pianos
month
of May. Hilary play
Times. Currently, Monica servesLower
as concertmaster
of the
New throughout
Amsterdamthe
and
Chelsea
Giovanni
Cerutiwinner
which has
been
generously
loaned Monica
to her by
benefactor.
The electric energy
violin
violin
viola
Symphonies.
An alumnus and former
BestBattista
Tone Award
of the
Sphinx
Competition,
is anow
a cello
member
playing
is
indescribable.
Her
instrument
is
so
clearly
a
part
of
who
she
is,
that
one
only
of the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra and has appeared in three of their national tours: each of which culminated in sold needs to listen
to feel
zealous
passion
life andwith
for the
music.
She breathes
life
into the music and person
out
performances
at Carnegie
Hall.
As MONICA
aher
soloist
Monica
has for
appeared
Chelsea,
Manchester
Hartford
A versatile
performer,
violinist
DAVIS
has
recorded
forclassical
film,
television,
andand
recording
artists
that
wouldfor
shame
those
whoMidori,
thoughtPamela
this music
could
ever
boring. Monica
Watch and
listen.
Symphonies
and played
in master
classes
Sanford
Allen,
and
Joel be
Krosnick.
received
including Alicia
Keys,
Michael
Jackson,
Donnie
McClurkin,
andFrank,
Ivy. In
addition
to these recording
her Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music and her Bachelor’s degree in history as a Kluge
projects, Monica was most recently selected to perform in the Sydney Opera House with the
Scholar at Columbia University. There, Monica received the Dolan Prize, which made it possible for her to study with
YouTube Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas. She was chosen
Phil Setzer of the Emerson String Quartet.
from a pool of thousands of musicians from all over
of the DAVIS,
world. VIOLIN
Monica also had the pleasure of
MONICA
going on tour with pop icon Diana Ross in the summer
of 2010.
Monica
has Monica
appeared
A versatile
performer,
violinist
Davison
hasSaturday
recorded for film, telev
Night Live with Michael Buble and Pearl Jam and in recording
the orchestra
of ShrekAlicia
the Keys,
Musical
on Broadway.
artists including
Michael
Jackson, Donnie McClur
addition to
projects,
Monica
was most recently selected
Her playing has been described as “refined and attractive”
bythese
Therecording
New York
Times.
Currently,
the Sydney
House
with the YouTube
Symphony and
Orchestra under
Monica serves as concertmaster of the New Amsterdam
and Opera
Chelsea
Symphonies.
An alumnus
of Michael Tilson
Thomas.
Sheawas
chosen of
from
a pool
ofTERTULIANYC.ORG
thousands of
former Best Tone Award winner of the Sphinx Competition,
Monica
is now
member
the
Sphinx
fromnational
all over oftours:
the world.
Monica
also had
the pleasure of going on tou
Chamber Orchestra and has appeared in three of their
each
of which
culminated
icon Diana
Ross
in the
summer of
2010.
Monica
has appeared on Saturd
in sold out performances at Carnegie Hall. As a soloist
Monica
has
appeared
with
the
Chelsea,
Live with Michael Buble and Pearl Jam and in the orchestra of Shrek the
Manchester and Hartford Symphonies and played in
master classes for Sanford Allen, Midori,
Broadway. Her playing has been described as “refined and attractive” by
Pamela Frank, and Joel Krosnick. Monica received her Master of Music degree from the Manhattan
Times. Currently, Monica serves as concertmaster of the New Amsterda
School of Music and her Bachelor’s
degree in history as a Kluge Scholar at Columbia University.
Symphonies. An alumnus and former Best Tone Award winner of the Sphinx Competition, Monica is n
There, Monica received theofDolan
Prize,
whichOrchestra
made itand
possible
for her
to study
with
Philtours:
Setzer
ofof which culm
the Sphinx
Chamber
has appeared
in three
of their
national
each
the Emerson String Quartet.
out performances at Carnegie Hall. As a soloist Monica has appeared with the Chelsea, Manchester and
THE AMPHION QUARTET
The Amphion Quartet has recently been selected as Winners of the 2011 Concert Artists Guild
Victor Elmaleh Competition. Hailed for their “gripping intensity” and “suspenseful and virtuoso
playing” by the San Francisco Classical Voice , the Amphion String Quartet was awarded First
Prize in the Piano and Strings category as well as the Audience Choice Award at the 2010 Plowman
Chamber Music Competition held in Columbia, Missouri. They have also received the 1st Prize
at the Hugo Kauder String Quartet Competition in New Haven, CT. Recently they have made
appearances at the Beinecke Library at Yale University, the WMP Strad for Lunch Series in New York
and the Chelsea Art Museum.
The Amphion Quartet has performed at the Mostly Music Festival with such renowned artists as
Ani Kavafian, Carter Brey, and Ettore Causa, et al. In the summer of 2010 they were invited to the
Beethoven Institute at Mannes College, where they worked closely with the Brentano Quartet, and
the Music@Menlo International Program in California. This past summer the quartet enjoyed an
intense performance schedule at the OK Mozart Festival and as the Protégé Quartet-in-Residence
at Chamber Music Northwest where the quartet had the opportunity to collaborate with world
renowned clarinetist David Shifrin.
Symphonies and played in master classes for Sanford Allen, Midori, Pamela Frank, and Joel Krosnick. M
her Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music and her Bachelor’s degree in history a
Scholar
at Columbia
University.
There, graduating
Monica received
the aDolan
Prize, which
made it possible for her
HILARY CASTLE began playing
the violin
at age
seven. After
with
Bachelor
of Music
Setzer University,
of the Emerson
String decided
Quartet. she was New York City bound to
in violin performance fromPhil
Boston
Hilary
pursue a Master of Music degree and Professional Studies Diploma from Mannes College, one of
the city’s premier music conservatories. While at Mannes, Hilary served as principal second violin
in the Mannes Symphony Orchestra, and as concertmaster of the Mannes Opera Orchestra. Hilary’s
summers have been spent at some of the most reputable music festivals around the globe. Hilary
is a member of Project 60/40 whose performances experiment with unique instrumentation and
include a mix of the traditional and trendy. Hilary plays on an 1815 Giovanni Battista Ceruti which
has been generously loaned to her by a benefactor. The electric energy behind Hilary’s playing is
indescribable. Her instrument is so clearly a part of who she is, that one only needs to listen to her
playing to feel her zealous passion for life and for classical music. She breathes life into the music
and personifies it in a way that would shame those who thought this music could ever be boring.
Watch and listen.
Highlights of the 2011-2012 season include an appearance at the Schneider Concert Series in
NYC, a World Premiere performance of a string quartet by John Sichel in New Jersey, as well as
performances at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Tertulia chamber music series. The
TERTULIANYC.ORG
Since beginning viola studies at the age of twelve, BRENTON CALDWELL has performed throughout
the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, South America and Africa. Brenton was a prize winner in the 2009
National Young Artist and the Watson Forbes International Viola Competitions. He has appeared
at the Amelia Island Chamber Music Festival, BRAVO! Vail Valley Music Festival, Music@Menlo,
Angel Fire, Banff, Ravinia, Verbier, Tanglewood, Pacific Music Festival, Festival Mozaic, Festispiele
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and the Medellín Festicámara Internacional. Brenton has had the
privilege of collaborating with esteemed artists such as Roberto Díaz, Gary Graffman, Daniel Hope,
Marc Johnson, Ida Kavafian, Menahem Pressler, Steven Tenenbom, and Eugenia Zukerman. With an
ardent devotion to education, Brenton has participated in numerous outreach projects and concerts,
presented masterclasses throughout the U.S., South Africa and Colombia, and served as teaching
assistant to his long-time mentor Karen Tuttle. Brenton is an alum of the Carnegie Hall- Juilliard
Academy. Based in New York City, Brenton performs with groups such as Ensemble ACJW, the
American Ballet Theater Orchestra, Metropolis Ensemble and the New York Philharmonic. Brenton
earned his Bachelor of Music degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music and an Artist Diploma from
the Curtis Institute of Music.
Cellist ISABEL FAIRBANKS is active in New York City as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral
musician, and teacher. She has degrees in cello performance from the Manhattan School of Music
and Boston University, and her primary teachers include David Geber, George Neikrug, Andres Diaz,
and David Soyer. Isabel has performed in recitals and concerts throughout the United States and
China. Festival appearances include the Roundtop Music Festival and the Bowdoin International
Music Festival. She has also performed in concerts at Merkin Concert Hall, Bargemusic, Avery Fisher
Hall and Carnegie Hall. Isabel plays her cello with technical expertise and finesse that is saturated
with the intense love of the music she performs. Her playing can be described as unwavering; the
foundation of the ensemble and a leader by virtue of two simple qualities: talent and passion.
FUTURE TERTULIAS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2012
VENUE: TO BE ANNOUNCED
Stefan Jackiw
violin
Emily Daggett Smith
violin, viola
Karen Ouzounian
cello
For concert announcements and updates, please email JULIA@TERTULIANYC.ORG
to be added to our mailing list.
TERTULIANYC.ORG
THANK YOU
FRIENDS OF TERTULIA
Thanks to all of you for donating to our very successful Kickstarter campaign!
Adrian Wisernig
Alejandra Villagra
Anit Chakraborty
Annie Pennies
Ben Morcos
Carlos Wesley
Chafic Kazoun
Claire Galli
Cooper Troxell
Dan Litchfield &
Laura Schubert
Daniela Ortiz
Daren Anderson
David Villagra
Devin Nakao
Dominique Guay
Douglas Cox, violin maker
Elizabeth Denys
Hap & Ruth Fairbanks
Helen Jones Parry
Jason Vopni
Jessica Weglein Kraus
Josh Wilson
Julian Yap
Julie Geng
Keith Woodis
Ken Tai
Kyle Albert Hughes
Laura Harris
Laura McIntyre
Margaret Lee
Marilyn Moller
Mike & Mia Paskowitz
Nancy Grover
Nate Bachhuber
Patrick Mauro
Rakan El-Khalil
Robert Day
Robert Schmon
Robert Spielman
S7 Labs
Sandy Sobey
Sarah Song
Serkan Ozel
Stalin Alfredo Cruz
Stephanie Trodello
Susan Buchanan
Taro Kuriyama
Tina & Danilo Scepanovic
Tom Aiezza
Tom & Dorrit Castle
Vahe Poladian
Victor & Eugenia Villagra
Yaritza Rodriguez
TERTULIANYC.ORG