The Princeton Symphony Orchestra has announced its 2014-2015 four-concert PSO Chamber Series, offering intimate music performances by a variety of talented artists.
The series begins with a French bassoon concert featuring PSO principal bassoonist Brad Balliett and friends, Nov. 9, beginning 4:30 p.m. at Wolfensohn Hall at The Institute for Advanced Study, and Nov. 10 at The Monroe Library.
The program includes the world premiere of Mr. Balliett’s own composition, Eight Scottish Duos for Flute and Bassoon: as well as Francis Poulenc’s Sonata for Clarinet and Bassoon, Philipe Hersant’s Eight Duos for Viola and Bassoon, and Camille Saint-Saëns’ Sonata for Bassoon and Piano.
When he’s not performing with the PSO, Mr. Balliett can be heard performing with new music ensembles including Metropolis, Signal, Argento, Decoda and the band The Oracle Hysterical. He’s also a composer who’s comfortable taking risks creating cross-over music. Formerly principal of the Hartford Symphony, he has appeared as principal bassoonist with the Houston Symphony and American Ballet Theater, and performed with the New York City Ballet Orchestra, International Contemporary Ensemble, Anthony Braxton, Zakir Hussain, and Miguel Zenon.
Spanish Winds, a wind quartet from the Orquesta Sinfónica del Principado de Asturias, will perform at Wolfensohn Hall, Jan. 11, beginning at 4:30 p.m. PSO Music Director Rossen Milanov is also principal conductor for the Orquesta Sinfónica del Principado de Asturias. The quartet also will perform Jan. 12, beginning at 1 p.m. at The Monroe Public Library.
On March 8, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Wolfensohn Hall, PSO will present a program titled "The Romantic Violin" by Ruotao Mao on violin, and Michiko Otaki on piano.
The program will include Dvorak’s Romantic Pieces for Violin and Piano, Op.75; Edward T. Cone’s Elegy for Violin and Piano (1946); Brahms’ Sonata for Violin and Piano in G Major, Op.78. The program also will be performed at The Monroe Library, Jan. 12, beginning at 1 p.m.
Soprano Allison Pohl with cellist Alistair MacRae will wrap up the season with a concert April 12, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The concert also will be performed at The Monroe Library at 1 p.m.
Wolfensohn Hall is located at the Institute for Advanced Study, Einstein Drive in Princeton. For more information on the Chamber Series and other performances by Princeton Symphony Orchestra, go to www.princetonsymphony.org.
