In their second performance of the 2013-14 season, the Galiano Ensemble of Victoria is offering a mix of compositions from Europe. The program includes Josef Suk’s Meditation on an Old Czech Chorale “St. Wenceslas,” the Serenade Op. 2 by Polish composer Mieczyslaw Karlowicz, and the haunting Verklärte Nacht, an early masterpiece by the Austrian composer Arnold Schonberg.
Josef Suk originally composed this hymn for string quartet at the beginning of World War I, in support of the quest for Czech independence from the Austrian-Hungarian empire. The music begins slowly and pensively, with different instruments overlapping, before building purposefully to a resounding climax. Suk’s transcription for string orchestra became a rallying cry for the Czech nation during the German occupation in World War II.
Serenade Op. 2 by Karlowicz is a rarely heard piece that is being performed in Victoria for the first time. This lyrical serenade is considered sweet and charming and has been described by some as playful.
Schonberg’s piece (trans. “Transfigured Night”) is a rich and melodic work inspired by a poem that tells the love story of a young couple resolving a scandalous problem as they walk together in the moonlight. The sombre tone at the start of the single movement becomes intense before turning to a hopeful mood culminating in a raptuous climax.
Conductor Yariv Aloni and the orchestra promise an inspiring start to the New Year so don’t miss the opportunity to hear some wonderful chamber music.
The concert will be performed Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 8:00 pm in the Phillip T. Young Recital Hall at the University of Victoria. Tickets are $33 ($30 for seniors). Advance tickets are available at Ivy’s Books and Munro’s Books or by calling 250-704-2580. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. http://www.galiano.ca/
For physical events that happen at a specific time. For example a concert, or dance performance. If there are multiple shows, you can still duplicate your event to cover them all.
In-Person Event
Wed. January 8th 2014 + Add to Calendar
Phillip T. Young Recital Hall (Uvic)
8:00pm - 10:00pm Doors at: 8:00pm
$33 ($30 seniors)
