Stamford Symphony’s Spring Chamber Concert Series begins Feb. 27 at the First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan on Feb. 27 with the first of four concerts.
— an announcement from Stamford Symphony
The series is aimed at encouraging new audiences to explore and appreciate classical music in a chamber size presentation. The second concert will take place at Westport Public Library on March 6, and concerts will also take place on May 1 and June 5 at locations to be announced.
“We have tailored these programs to celebrate the versatility that our musicians have to offer with a nod to the national and international contributions of composers and musicians,” said Russell Jones, president and CEO at Stamford Symphony.
In February, the orchestra will celebrate Black History Month by showcasing the work of composer Florence Price, the first African American woman to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra in 1933.
In March, the symphony marks Women’s History Month and the 1920 centennial passage of the 19th Amendment with “Women’s Work,” featuring women composers and musicians from the 19th and 20th centuries.
The confirmed performances in the series are:
Beethoven, a caricature from about 1825 by J.P. Lyser
Beethoven and Florence Price
3 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022
First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan
178 Oenoke Ridge Road
Unreserved Seating: $50
Buy Tickets: Here
In this program the Symphony’s string quartet celebrates the iconic Beethoven and his string writing including the “consistently lyrical” Op. 18 No. 3, his first venture into quartet writing. Long neglected, Florence Price’s gift for sumptuous harmonies, soaring lyricism, and references to spirituals and Juba dances is now applauded as an authentic American voice.
“Women’s Work” Chamber Concert
2 p.m., Sunday, March 6, 2022
Westport Library, 20 Jessup Road
Unreserved Seating: $25
Buy Tickets: Here
Florence Price
Stamford Symphony presents Women’s Work, Trailblazing Women Composers of the 19th and 20th Centuries. The Symphony’s violinist and musicologist, Gabriel Schaff and guest pianist Melody Fader for a duet that will recreate an historical musical journey featuring women composers, musicians and teachers that influenced the likes of their male musical counterparts of the 19th and 20th centuries.
The program will feature many female firsts who stood among great men while blazing a well-documented trail for the many talented women composers and musicians that followed. A melodic, delightful and spiritual tribute as we celebrate their musical impact as part of Women’s History Month.
—Clara Schumann (1819-1896): 3 Romances, Op. 22
—Rosemary Brown (1916-2001): Mazurka in g-sharp minor (1980)
—Marion Bauer (1882-1955): Up the Ocklawaha, Op. 6 (1913)
—Florence Price (1887-1953): Elfentanz (ca. 1935)
—Florence Price (1887-1953): Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (from Three Negro Spirituals, ca. 1933)
—Claire Polin (1926-1995): Two TransUral Dances from Shirildang (1991)
—Lili Boulanger (1893-1918): 3 Pieces for Violin and Piano
Trumpets & Organ Chamber Concert
Sunday, May 1, 2022
More details to come.
Wind Quintet Chamber Concert
Sunday, June 5, 2022
More details to come.
For performance updates or to order tickets online, visit the Stamford Symphony website.