By Leslie Tuomi | Development Director
The 54th annual Summer Festival (June 27-July 28) is dedicated to the musical legacy of Ludwig von Beethoven—not just his own compositions, but also works by composers who were influenced by Beethoven’s genius and musical innovations.
Week 1- Beethoven’s Sound: Inspiring a Sonic Revolution
With ear-bending polyphonics, brain-twisting chords, and utterly unpredictable progressions, Beethoven completely redefined what music could sound like. Our opening night concert celebrates with the epic Beethoven Symphony No. 2, arranged for chamber orchestra! Paired with Brahms Viola Sonata and a favorite piece, Ralph’s Old Records, by Portland composer Kenji Bunch, this program kicks off a week dedicated to Beethoven’s concept of musical sound.The second concert presents Leonard Bernstein’s Clarinet Concerto, Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 2, and the world premiere of Marc Neikrug’s Oboe Quartet, co-commissioned by CMNW.
Week 2 - Beethoven Now: Challenging Today’s Youth
This week showcases artists in our Protégé Project, for outstanding young artists in the early stages of their professional careers, and our Young Artist Institute (training program for exceptionally talented musicians, ages 14-18), who, like generations of young people, were inspired by Beethoven. Audiences will be amazed to hear the next generation of great chamber musicians as they explore Beethoven’s works with their own fresh interpretations. The week features Protégé bassist Nina Bernat, Opus13 string quartet, violinist Claire Wells and pianist Chloe Mun, in recitals and mainstage concerts, and the exciting final showcase of the 2024 Young Artist Institute.
Week 3 - Beethoven’s Fire: Igniting Explosive Innovation
‘Massive’, ‘shocking’, ‘controversial’, and ‘incomprehensible’ are just a few of the words 18th-century critics used to describe Beethoven’s revolutionary approach to composition. Beethoven infused his music with previously unimaginable smoldering introspection, white-hot emotion, and blazing joy. This week celebrates Beethoven’s genius with a musical bonfire of incendiary works, including two exciting world premieres of commissioned works by Joan Tower and John Luther Adams, both featuring Sandbox Percussion.
Week 4 - Beethoven’s Piano: Propelling Piano to Center Stage
The pianoforte differed from its predecessor, the harpsichord, in that it could play both softly and loudly. But Beethoven’s unprecedented focus on the piano forever altered the course of musical history, challenging both the instrument and the musicians who played his piano sonatas, trios, quartets and quintets. Featured works this week include the world premiere of Stewart Goodyear’s explosive “The Torment of Marsyas”, commissioned by CMNW, Robert Schumann’s Piano Quartet and Beethoven’s Piano Quintet for piano and winds.
Week 5 - Beethoven’s Virtuosity: Launching Music and Musicians to New Heights
Beethoven demanded more from both instruments and musicians than ever before, thus redefining musical virtuosity. Our final week features some of the world’s finest musicians performing virtuosic masterpieces that stretch their limits. We will introduce Jörg Widmann, superstar clarinetist, composer and conductor, showcase our own artistic director Gloria Chien, and bring back master horn player Radovan Vlatkovic playing works by Messiaen, Ravel, Weber, a new commission by Widmann, and ending with the spectacular Beethoven Septet.
In addition to the mainstage concerts, CMNW will offer 30+ free events, including community concerts, pop-ups, prelude concerts, open rehearsals, musical conversations and masterclasses at locations throughout the greater Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area.
We thank our GlobalGiving donors for helping us share great chamber music through concerts and education programs.
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