Heifetz on Air

Episode 21: Amadeus

Playwright Arthur Miller once said “Mozart is happiness before it has gotten defined.” We’ve got Mozart happy, melancholy and masterful on Heifetz On Air, featuring performances by outstanding Heifetz Institute students and alumni.
This Episode’s Playlist
Mozart: Violin Sonata No. 21 in E minor, K. 304II. Tempo di MenuettoAlina Kobialka, violin | Beilin Han, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.21.2016
Mozart, arr. Jerrold Rubinstein: Divertimento No. 15 in B-flat Major, K. 287IV. AdagioItamar Zorman, violin | Alexander Tentser, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Stuanton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.17.2016
Mozart: Duo in B-flat for Violin & Viola, K. 424.I. Adagio [excerpt]Rachell Ellen Wong, violin | Andrew Gonzalez, violaBlackfriars Playhouse, American Shakespeare Center Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 05.20.2020
Mozart: Divertimento in E-flat Major for String Trio, K. 563I. AllegroIV. AndanteV. Minuets I & IIVI. AllegroYezu Woo, violin | Laura Liu, viola | Allen Liang, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 04.09.2023
Beethoven: 7 Variations on ‘Bei Männern welche Liebe fühlen,’ WoO 46 [excerpt]Zlatomir Fung, cello | Rohan De Silva, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Stuanton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 08.04.2019
Pablo de Sarasate: Fantasy on Mozart’s Magic Flute, Op. 54Ji-Won Song, violin | Jun Cho, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Stuanton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.05.2017
Go Deeper
Joseph Solman’s charming little book Mozartiana is stuffed with “Notes, Quotes and Anecdotes about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.”  The book is a bargain and a fun read.  You can find lots of inexpensive copies here.
Mozartiana is better known as the title of one of choreographer George Balanchines’s most celebrated productions, set to the Mozart-inspired suite by the same name by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, or as author Solomon Volkov put it, “the flourishing bow of the Russian composer to the Austrian genius.”  Balanchine choreographed the piece no fewer than three times; the final instance in 1981, in an acclaimed production featuring Suzanne Farrell.
Here’s another informative and inexpensive read that also serves as a handy reference for digging deeper into Mozart: Author Paul Roussel’s Mozart, Seen Through 50 Masterpieces – which happens to include two of the works featured on today’s program!
More at www.heifetzinstitute.org

Episode 20: Spanish Steps

“Spanish Steps.” Music and scenes ranging from Andalusia in the south, to Navarra in the north, to the Royal court in Madrid. Works by Luigi Boccherini, Pablo de Sarsate, Joaquin Turina, and more…all played in concert at the Heifetz Institute​.
This Episode’s Playlist
François Rabbath: Ibérique PéninsulaireHarry Barnett, doublebassFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 08.06.2022
Pablo de Sarasate: Zigeunerweisen, Op. 20SoHyun Ko, violin | Allison Freeman, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Stuanton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.17.2018
Enrique Granados, arr. Gaspar Cassadó: Intermezzo, fr. GoyescasMo Mo, cello | Hsin-Ciao Liao, pianoJamestown Arts Center, Jamestown, RIHeifetz Institute Recording | 10.24.2015
Rodion Shchedrin: In The Style of AlbénizElmar Oliveira, violin | Lise Keiter, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.15.2016
Gaspar Cassadó: Suite for Solo Cello:III. Intermezzo e Danza Finale [excerpt]Coleman Itzkoff, celloStaunton Augusta Arts Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 3/26/2021
Joaquin Turina: Scène Andalouse, Op. 7Gilad Karni, viola | Dallas Noble, violin | Luka Sakon, violin | Breanna Lang, viola | Jacqueline Hager, cello | Stefan Petrov, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.13.2018
MUSIC: Domenico Scarlatti: Keyboard Sonata in C Major, K. 513I. Moderato [excerpt]Mikhail Bukhman, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Stuanton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.15.2019
Luigi Boccherini: Introduction & FandangoYehun Danny Jin, violin | Isabella Gorman, violin | Steven Baloue, viola | Zhihao Wu, cello | Sean Zirpoli, guitar | Robby Brown, guitarMonroe’s Highland, Charlottesville, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.04.2019
Pablo de Sarasate: Navarra, Op. 33Julia Schilz, violin | Christina Nam, violin | Rohan De Silva, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 08.08.2019
Go Deeper
Come check out a Heifetz performance this summer! Our 2023 Festival of Concerts boasts a robust schedule of 50+ concerts of vital, compelling music-making in the unique Heifetz style, from the flagship Stars of Tomorrow and the rollicking Heifetz Hootenannies to the masterful Celebrity Series and Sunday Matinees, presented in venues across Staunton and throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Tickets & Info
“Enrique Granados Had Just Conquered America” – Flushed with the success of his opera Goyescas making a successful debut at the Metropolitan Opera, and being received at the White House by President (and Staunton, VA native) Woodrow Wilson, find out the ill fortune that befall Spanish composer Enrique Granados after his one and only trip to the US.
“For much of its recent history, Spain has been a country of conflicting identities; on the one hand a national identity hinging on the concept of Spain as a single country; on the other hand a network of regional identities, many regions of Spain displaying distinct regional characteristics, and even using their own distinct languages.” Check out this A Guide to the Regions of Spain to learn and discover more about the particular characteristics of the each region that shapes their culture – and the music you hear in this episode!
More information at heifetzinstitute.org

Episode 19: It Ain’t Necessarily So

On this edition, “It Ain’t Necessarily So.” Classical favorites revised, reworked, and reimagined for the Heifetz Institute stage. Featuring great works by Gershwin, Dvorak, Manuel de Falla, and even a Beethoven Symphony in unique Heifetz Institute performances.  
This Episode’s Playlist
Gluck, arr. Kreisler: Mélodie fr. Orfeo ed EuridiceLilya Milcheva, violin | Carlos Avila, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.31.2016
Gershwin, arr. Jascha Heifetz: Three Selection from Porgy & BessA Woman Is a Sometime Thing Bess You Is My Woman NowIt Ain’t Necessarily SoJi-Won Song, violin | Carlos Avila, pianoMonroe’s Highland, Charlottesville, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.04.2016
Prokofiev: Romeo & Juliet, Op. 64 (arr. viola & piano). I.  Introduction [excerpt]En-Chi Cheng, viola | Anton Smirnoff, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | June 29, 2015
Dvořák, arr. Julia Egan: Silent WoodsAndrew Gonzalez, viola | Robby Brown, guitarBlackfriars Playhouse, American Shakespeare Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.02.2019
Manuel de Falla, arr. Piatigorsky: Ritual Fire Dance fr. El Amor BrujoDominic Lee, cello | Zhenni Li-Cohen, pianoMonroe’s Highland, Charlottesville, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.04.2019
Ervin T. Rouse: Orange Blossom SpecialPauline Lee, violinPage Terrace, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.14.2018
Paganini: Caprice No. 24Nicholas Wong, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.05.2022
J.S. Bach: Little Prelude No. 2 in C minor, BWV 934 [excerpt]Peter Blanchette, archguitar | Mané Lareggla, archguitarChrist Evangelical Lutheran Church, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.19.2022
Beethoven, arr. Nicholas Kitchen:  Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92II. AllegrettoIV. Allegro con brioNicholas Kitchen, violin |  | Hannah Cho, violin | Emily Liu, viola | Isabella Bignasca, viola | Yeesun Kim, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.16.2017
Go Deeper
Heifetz Artistic Director Nicholas Kitchen has become increasingly well-know for his fascinating insights into the music of Ludwig von Beethoven.  Register online to view his May 22 talk, “Nicholas Kitchen Rediscovers Beethoven,” presented by the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music.
“A pop song about the prominent violinists of the day? It seems hard to imagine now. But around 1921 George and Ira Gershwin wrote Mischa, Jascha, Toscha, Sascha, a lighthearted ditty about four great Jewish Russian violinists who were well known at the time: Mischa Elman, Jascha Heifetz, Toscha Seidel, and Sascha Jacobsen…”  Explore more about the Jascha Heifetz – Gershwin connection in this excellent post from “The Listener’s Club” by Timothy Judd.
“His transcriptions, arrangements and commissioned works have helped shaped the modern cello repertoire. His artistic flare created a rare musical excitement which left an indelible impression on all those who heard him.”  Discover more about the remarkable life and career of the Ukrainian-born cellist (and frequent Jascha Heifetz collaborator!) Gregor Piatagorsky, whose arrangement of Manuel De Falla’s Ritual Fire Dance is featured in this episode
More at heifetzinstitute.org

Episode 18: Voilà Viola

It’s “Voilà Viola” on this episode, celebrating great viola works and the great violists who perform at the Heifetz Institute. Roberto Diaz, Nobuko Imai, students, and alumni artists put the viola front and center in Heifetz performances that have to be heard to be believed.
This Episode’s Playlist
J.S. Bach: Cello Suite No. 6 in D major, BWV 1012: I. PreludeAndy Park, violaVirtual Performance – Pasadena, CAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.30.2020
Telemann: Viola Concerto in G Major, TWV 51:G9I. LargoII. AllegroSteven Baloue, viola | Allison Freeman, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.16.2021
Niccolo Paganini: Quartet No. 15 in A minorIII. Recitativo: Andante sostenuto con sentimentoIV. Adagio CantabileV. Rondo: AllegrettoRoberto Díaz, viola | Diana Do Hyung Kim, violin | Mo Mo, cello | Robby Brown, guitarFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.12.2017
Mozart: Duo in B-flat for Violin & Viola, K. 424 [excerpt]I. AdagioRachell Ellen Wong, violin | Andrew Gonzalez, violaBlackfriars Playhouse, American Shakespeare Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 05.21.2020
Max Bruch, arr. Emil Ludmány: Romance, Op. 85 (arr. viola + string quartet)Nobuko Imai, viola | Francesca DePasquale, violin | Kae Tanimura, violin | Hsuan-Min Chang, viola | Benjamin Francisco, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.14.2017
Prokofiev: Romeo & Juliet, Op. 64 (arr. viola & piano)I. Introduction [excerpt]En-chi Cheng, viola | Anton Smirnoff, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | June 29, 2015
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33Matt Cohen, viola | Carlos Avila, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.30.2017
Go Deeper
“One of my greatest triumphs was being the violist of the Vermeer Quartet for five or so years in my early thirties. Every single day taught me so much. Its founder, [Heifetz Institute faculty member] Shmuel Ashkenasi, is a sensational musician and a wonderful person…” Check out Life Lessons, an interview with viola legend Nobuko Imai (featured in this episode) in the English journal The Strad.
“By the turn of 19th century, and quite all along Paganini’s life, the guitar was a very trendy instrument, which was particularly en vogue in bourgeoisie and aristocracy in Europe. Check out the fascinting article Niccolò Paganini – The Guitar Behind The Violin about the legendary violin virtuoso’s second-favorite instrument. 
Dueling lists: Check out BBC Music magazine’s take on the Twelve Best Pieces Written for Viola, (Hint: One of them is in this playlist!) – and then how eleven top viola professionals rate their favorites in Strings Magazine. Roberto Díaz‘ nomination? “It’s the one I’m playing!’ as Slava [Mstislav Rostropovich] used to say.”
More at heifetzinstitute.org

Episode 17: Quartetto

This episode features a survey of the sounds of string quartets and other foursomes, captured in concert on the Heifetz stage. Capped off by a performance of the Brahms Piano Quartet in G minor from the Blackfriars Playhouse of the American Shakespeare Center, featuring Heifetz Institute founder Daniel Heifetz and the late, great cellist Lynn Harrell.
This Episode’s Playlist
J.S. Bach, arr. N. Kitchen: Prelude No. 18 in G-sharp minor, BWV 887from the Well Tempered Clavier Book IIBorromeo Quartet: NIcholas Kitchen, violin | Kristopher Tong, violin | Mai Motobuchi, viola | Yeesun Kim, celloThe Kitchen Studio, Boston, MAHeifetz Institute Recording | 06.21.2021
Beethoven: String Quartet No. 7 in F Major, Op. 59, No. 3, “Razumovsky”I. AllegroKenneth Naito, violin | Sory Park, violin | Steven Baloue, viola | Dominic Lee, celloBlackfriars Playhouse, American Shakespeare Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.05.2019
Samuel Barber: String Quartet, Op. 11II. AdagioRachell Ellen Wong, violin | Daniel Aizensthadt, violin | Matthew Cohen, viola | Clare Bradford, celloGalvin School Auditorium, Wakefield, MAHeifetz Institute Recording & Wakefield Community Access TV Production | 04.10.2016
Dvořák: Bagatelles, Op. 47II. Tempo Di MenuettoIII. Allegretto ScherzandoV. Poco AllegroYezu Woo, violin | Julia Angelov, violin | Coleman Itzkoff, cello | Florence Jowers, harmonium (1915, built by the Putnam Organ Co., Staunton, VA)Great Hall, Blackburn Inn & Conference Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.26.2021
Respighi: Italiana fr. Ancient Airs & Dances [excerpt]SoHyun Ko, violin | Minchae Kim, violin | Jerome McCoy, viola | Dilshod Narzaillaev, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.16.2022
Brahms: Piano Quartet in G minor, Op. 25III. Andante con MotoIV. Rondo alla ZingareseDaniel Heifetz, violin | Caterina Longhi, viola | Lynn Harrell, cello | Dina Vainshtein, pianoBlackfriars Playhouse, American Shakespeare Center, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.19.2012​
Go Deeper
Read founder Daniel Heifetz‘ appreciation and reminiscences of the memorable week that cellist Lynn Harrell spent in Staunton teaching at the Heifetz Institute, capped off by the performance heard in this episode.
At the turn of the 20th century, the biggest, most bustling business in our home city of Staunton, Virginia was the W.W. Putnam Organ Works, which claimed to be “the largest exclusive reed organ factory in the world.” Read about how this vi!tal piece of Staunton’s musical past is connected to a present-day performance in this episode.
From Funerals to Festivals, the Curious Journey of Samuel Barber’s ‘Adagio for Strings’ is a great listen from NPR that traces how the American composer’s contemplative second movement to his 1936 string quartet became a national elegy.
More at heifetzinstitute.org

Episode 16: Ottetto

Two of Felix Mendelssohn’s most beloved works – both written when he was a teenager – are featured in this episode. Centerpiece is the premiere recording of the original 1825 edition of Mendelssohn’s Octet for Strings, Op. 20, which the composer titled “Ottetto.” It contains more than 100 bars of music not heard in the final version. Also on the program: a scintillating piano-eight-hands performance of Mendelssohn’s “Overture to a Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
This Episode’s Playlist
Felix Mendelssohn: Song Without Words, Op. 109Juan-Salvador Carrasco, cello | Lynne Mackey, pianoSouth Market Stage, Grace Christian School, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 04.22.2022
Felix Mendelssohn: Overture to a Midsummer Night’s Dreamarr. Piano eight-handsCarlos Avila, piano I | Jun Cho, piano I | Ta Wei Tsai, piano II | Anton Smirnoff, piano IIFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.17.2017
Mendelssohn: String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44 No.1III. Andante Espressivo ma con moto [excerpt]Rachell Wong, violin | Shuxiang Yang, violin | Stephanie Block, viola | Ben Fried, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.20.2016
Felix Mendelssohn: Ottetto, Op. 20 (Original 1825 version)I. Allegro moltoII. AndanteIII. Scherzo. Allegro moderatoIV. Molto allegro e vivaceNicholas Kitchen, violin | Hagai Shaham, violin | Ani Kavafian, violin | Shmuel Ashkenasi, violin | Katharina Kang, viola | Paul Neubauer, viola | Antonio Lysy, cello | Beiliang Zhu, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.05.2019
Go Deeper
“Follow along, and you’ll be in a familiar house, only you’ll suddenly find yourself in a room that wan’t there before.” Listen to the on-stage introduction and listening guide to the original Ottetto presented by Heifetz Institute Artistic Director Nicholas Kitchen.
“And He Shall Reign” –  Violinist Timothy Judd of the Richmond Symphony Orchestra offers some fascinating insights into the Handelian inspirations of Mendelssohn’s Octet in an excellent post from his music-appreciation blog The Listeners Club.
The original manuscript to the Mendelssohn’s Ottetto may be found in the vast holdings of the Music Division of the Library of Congress, where it was transcribed and edited by Nicholas Kitchen. It’s just one of the many deep connections Nick Kitchen has with the LOC, up to and including his longstanding use of the Library’s priceless Goldberg violin. Read more here.
More at heifetzinstitute.org

Episode 15: April in Paris

It’s “April in Paris” on this edition, featuring compositions with the sounds and sensibilities of the City of Light, including violin showpieces, a scintillating Debussy quartet, frenetic Jean Françaix, and much more, all played by the outstanding students and renowned faculty of the Heifetz Institute.
This Episode’s Playlist
Elgar: Salut D’Amour, Op. 12 [excerpt]Julia Angelov, violin | Zhenni Li-Cohen, pianoKreeger Museum of Art, Washington, DCHeifetz Institute Recording | 12.19.2019
Jean Françaix: String Trio in C MajorI. Allegretto vivoII. ScherzoFiona Khuong-Huu, violin | Joseph Skerik, viola | Boubacar Diallo, celloChrist Lutheran Church ,Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.14.2023
Maurice Ravel: PavaneAndrew Gonzalez, viola | Carlos Avila, pianoHouse concert, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 01.12.2017
Claude Debussy: String Quartet in G minor, Op. 10IV. Très modéré – En animant peu à peu – Très mouvementé et avec passionGeneva Lewis, violin | Sophia Steger, violin | Emma Wernig, viola | Ethan Sandman, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 08.06.2015
Jules Massenet: Méditation from Thaïs [EXCERPT]Thomas Mesa, cello (Miami, FL) | Yoon Lee, piano (New York, NY)Heifetz Institute Virtual Recording | 08.01.2020
Jenő Hubay: Carmen FantasieRia Honda, violin | Zhenni Li-Cohen, pianoEvermay, Washington, DCHeifetz Institute Recording | 05.03.2019
Saint-Saëns: Introduction et Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28Fiona Khuong-Huu, violin | Allison Freeman, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.07.2022
Go Deeper
From a bust on Broadway to a beloved jazz standard...read up on the fascinating history of the song April in Paris, penned in 1932 by composer Vernon Duke and lyricist E.Y. “Yip” Harburg (of Over the Rainbow fame).
Discover more about French composer Jean Françaix (1912-1997) whose childhood talents “were so extraordinary that his illustrious teacher Nadia Boulanger wrote to Françaix’s mother ‘Madame, I don’t see why we should waste our time teaching him harmony. He already knows harmony. I don’t know how, but he knows it; He was born knowing it. Let’s work on counterpoint’.”
More at heifetzinstitute.org

Episode 14: Rites of Spring

Spring is in the air on this episode of Heifetz On Air.  Images, incidents, and accidents of springtime will all come to bloom, including an all-time favorite from Vivaldi freshened up by violinist Rachell Ellen Wong, not to mention a Stravinsky suite and Mendelssohn in Love.  
This Episode’s Playlist
Fritz Kreisler: Caprice Viennois, Op. 2Chad Hoopes, violin | Dina Vainshteiin, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.06.2016
Antonio Vivaldi: Concerto No. 1 in E major, RV 269“La Primavera” (Spring) from The Four SeasonsRachell Ellen Wong, violin | Heifetz Chamber OrchestraFirst Presbyterian Church, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.11.2021
Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel: Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 11 [excerpt]III. Lied. AllegrettoYezu Woo, violin | Noémie Raymond-Friset, cello | Michel-Alexander Broekaert, pianoSouth Market Stage, Grace Christian School, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 03.25.2022
Daniël François van Goens: Scherzo, Op. 12, No. 2Malcolm Parson, cello | Lorena Tecu, pianoAnderson Hall, Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro, NHHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.19.2006
Felix Mendelssohn: String Quartet in D Major, Op. 44, No. 1I. Allegro molto VivaceRachell Ellen Wong, violin | Shuxiang Yang, violin | Stephanie Block, viola | Benjamin Fried, celloFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.26.2016
Manuel de Falla, arr. Fritz Kreisler: Danse Espagnole No. 1 fr. La Vida BreveIlya Kaler, violin | Allison Freeman, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 11.06.2022
Franz Schubert: Notturno in E-flat Major, D. 897 [excerpt]Masha Lakisova, violin | Isaiah Kim, cello | Anton Smirnoff, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin University, Staunton, VAHeifetz Institute Recording | 04.16.201600:59
Igor Stravinsky, arr. Samuel Dushkin: Suite ItalianneI – IntroduzioneII- SerenataIII – TarantellaIV – Gavotta con due variazioniV – ScherzinoVI – Minuetto e finaleJulian Rhee, violin | Miki Aoki, pianoFrancis Auditorium, Mary Baldwin UniversityHeifetz Institute Recording | 07.02.2019
Go Deeper
Born in New Orleans, raised in Atlanta, and now living in New York. cellist and composer Malcolm Parson first attended the Heifetz Institute as budding 16-year old virtuoso. It was the start of a career path that has taken him through a degree from Boston’s Berklee College of Music, memberships in both the genre-bending Carolina Chocolate Drops and Turtle Island String Quartet.  Check out Malcolm’s Spotify playlist.
“In this first movement, we are greeted by three different birds singing from each of the principal violins. The bird calls lead us to a babbling brook in the strings , with the harpsichord portraying gusts of wind on top…”  Check out violinist and Heifetz alumna Rachell Ellen Wong’s personalized program notes on the “Spring” concerto – as well as the entirety of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons –  in words…and then witness the full performance! 
“The premiere of Igor Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring is perhaps the most famous scandal in the history of the performing arts. It took place on the evening of 29 May 1913, at the brand-new Théâtre des Champs-Elysées in Paris, in front of a glittering audience….What actually happened on that scandalous night will always be a mystery to some degree, because the reports contradict each other. Was it the choreography that annoyed people, or the music? Were the police really called? Were the creators booed at the end, or cheered?” Author Ian Hewitt attempts to separate fact from fiction in this engaging read about “The Riot at the Rite.”