A Festive Classical Weekend by ‘Amici della Musica’

quartetto-guadagnini-copy
The Guadagnini Quartet

The Amici della Musica (Friends of Music) have scheduled three nights of concerts at Teatro della Pergola for this upcoming weekend. Discover Bohemian chamber music, a lively Italian quartet, and the vibrant style and vocal talent of the Swingle Singers.

Saturday, December 10: The Jerusalem Quartet. Teatro della Pergola.  4 pm.

The first afternoon offers a homage to Antonin Dvořák with the Jerusalem Quartet and renowned soloists Veronika Hagen (viola) and Gary Hoffman (cello).

Dvořák was a chamber music composer known for his inventive style of classical form. His rich melodies are supported by Bohemian folklore rhythms, blending his music with Slavic traditional culture. The opening number will be the Quartet op.9 6, known as “American” due to being written during Dvořák’s time in the United States, which will be followed by the famed Quintet for strings op. 97.

The Jerusalem Quartet is a group of Israeli musicians together since 1996. They have toured acclaimed concert halls around the world, such as the Zurich Tonhalle and the Salle Pleyel in Paris.

Sunday, December 11: The Guadagnini Quartet. Teatro della Pergola. 9 pm.

This evening catch the Guadagnini Quartet, a fresh and welcome newcomer on the classical music scene. Created in 2012, this all-Italian ensemble was the 2014 winner of the Piero Farulli Award and has toured the major concert halls of Italy. They continue to practice with the Quartetto di Cremona at the Accademia Stauffer in Cremona and at the European Chamber Music Academy.

The entire program will be played on late 19th and early 20th century string instruments, opening with the sweet sounds of Schubert’s Quartet op. 29 D. 804, or “Rosamunde” originally composed for an 1823 play of the same name. The overture was later used to accompany a ballet in the 1952 film Hans Christian Andersen. Three Nights follows, a newly scored number by Silvia Colasanti who dedicated the composition to the Guadagnini Quartet. The performance will end with Bartók Quartet no. 4.

Monday, December 12: Christmas with the Swingles. Teatro della Pergola. 9 pm.

The Swingle Singers have earned success through their vocal imitations of classical instruments and are bringing the holiday vibes to Teatro della Pergola Monday night. The evening event is entitled “Winter Tales” as the band will cover traditional carols such as “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night” and instrumental interpretations that the Swingles are renowned for. This program is always lively and full of surprises, contributing to spread the cheer for which this season is renowned.

More information all three concerts on www.amicimusica.fi.it. (carson cecil)