Escher String Quartet
Monday, January 13 — Live WFMT Impromptu with the Escher Quartet
The Escher String Quartet has received acclaim for its expressive, nuanced performances that combine unusual textural clarity with a rich, blended sound. In its home town of New York, the ensemble serves as Season Artists of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. They will visit WFMT before their performance at Chicago’s Harris Theater.
Music
String Quartet in G minor by Claude Debussy
Tuesday, January 14 — Leo Sowerby: Solo and Duo Piano Works
This album of world-premiere recordings features solo and duo piano music spanning nearly the entire career of composer Leo Sowerby, one of the most distinctive American voices of the 20th century. Recorded in 1997 in Chicago, where Sowerby spent the bulk of his student and professional life, the album features pianists Gail Quillman and Julia Tsien. Quillman studied with Sowerby and has performed more of his solo piano and chamber music than anyone else. Tsien, an active performer and teacher, was a Quillman student.
Music
Three Summer Beach Sketches by Leo Sowerby
Wednesday, January 15 — Stephen Kim and Ilya Friedberg at the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series
Continually praised for his originality and honest performances, violinist Stephen Kim gained international recognition most recently by winning the Third Prize at the 2019 Queen Elisabeth International Violin Competition. Israeli pianist Ilya Friedberg has been described as an artist who performs “musical magic” by pianist Menahem Pressler.
Music
Poème by Ernest Chausson
Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108 by Johannes Brahms
Thursday, January 16 — Music of the Baroque in Bach and Telemann
Music of the Baroque’s principal guest conductor since 2002, Nicholas Kraemer began his career as a harpsichordist, quickly moving from playing continuo at the back of the orchestra to directing from the harpsichord at the front. Kraemer led the MOB orchestra in concertos by Bach and Telemann in this concert recording from 2011.
Music
Concerto for 3 Violins in F Major from Tafelmusik by Georg Phillipp Telemann
Aizuri Quartet (Photo: Shervin Lainez)
Friday, January 17 — Live WFMT Impromptu with the Aizuri Quartet
Through its engaging and thought-provoking programs, the Aizuri Quartet has garnered critical acclaim for bringing “a technical bravado and emotional power” to bold new commissions and for its “flawless” (San Diego Union-Tribune) performances of the great masterpieces. The group is touring extensively across North America and will visit WFMT for a live performance.
Music
To be announced
