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Contact: Gabriel Langfur
info@chameleonarts.org
617-427-8200
Chameleon Arts Ensemble presents “flung on canvas like notes divine”
April 22, 2010 – Boston, MA – The Chameleon Arts Ensemble’s twelfth season comes to a close on Saturday, May 22, 8 PM and Sunday, May 23, 3 PM. Both concerts are at the Goethe-Institut Boston, 170 Beacon Street in the Back Bay. The program, entitled flung on canvas like notes divine, explores the inspirations composers find in the world all around them, as they paint portraits in sound of people, places and things that they love. New Zealander Gareth Farr’s Taheke for flute and harp evokes the breathtaking waterfalls of his homeland, Pierre Jalbert’s Visual Abstract for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and percussionis inspired by bells and church domes and the sounds associated with them, and Fauré’s La Chanson d'Ève for soprano and piano is an art nouveau meditation on the wonder of Creation, the mystical paradise of the Garden of Eden, and the feminine ideal. Finally, Tchaikovsky gave us a musical celebration of his “city of dreams” in the joyously exuberant Souvenir de Florence for string sextet, Op. 70. The Chameleons will be joined for Souvenir by cellist Joshua Gordon of the Lydian String Quartet and violist Marcus Thompson, Artistic Director of the Boston Chamber Music Society.
Pierre Jalbert, born in 1967, is one of the most highly regarded American composers of his generation, earning widespread notice for his richly colored and superbly crafted scores. Among his many honors are the Rome Prize, the BBC Masterprize, and the Chamber Music Society of
Lincoln Center’s 2007 Stoeger Award. Currently Associate Professor of Composition and Theory at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music in Houston, Jalbert is originally a New Englander, born in Manchester, New Hampshire and raised in northern Vermont. Of Visual Abstract he writes: “Each of the three movements…was inspired by a visual image. The first uses the image of a tolling bell, and also its sound – a loud attack followed by a decay – and its sound backwards – a large crescendo followed by an accented note. The second movement uses the general image of
looking up at a church dome from the inside, but was inspired specifically by Francesco Borromini’s dome at the church of San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane in Rome, which to me evokes a sense of infinity and timelessness. The third movement uses the image of a group of dancers creating and energetic choreography.”
In keeping with Chameleon’s ongoing commitment to public service, the concerts will serve as a benefit for ReadBoston. Audience members who bring new or gently used books will receive 25% off ticket prices. Founded in 1995, ReadBoston works to promote a love of reading and literature at every age. Each year, they distribute thousands of free books to community centers, childcare providers, and after school programs throughout Boston’s many neighborhoods.
Since its founding in 1998, Chameleon and artistic director Deborah Boldin have earned unqualified praise for integrating old and new repertoire into unexpected chamber music programs that are themselves works of art. They were recognized nationally with 2009 and 2007 ASCAP/CMA Awards for Adventurous Programming. The Boston Globe praised Ms. Boldin’s “carefully curated blending of classic and contemporary repertoire,” and her “discerning ears and cosmopolitan tastes,” and remarked, “during intermission, concertgoers could be heard marveling at the program’s breadth and wondering why other groups aren’t as adventurous. Chameleon makes daring seem easy.”
This innovative ensemble now draws capacity audiences of those who love the adventure of music—classic and contemporary. A Chameleon concert is a multifaceted experience in an intimate environment joining audience and musicians in an exuberant celebration of music. The musicians are among Boston’s most highly-respected and sought-after performers, with growing national and international reputations. Their superb artistry and finely honed collaborative skills ensure luminous performances and dynamic musical dialogues.
For tickets or more information, concertgoers can call 617-427-8200 or visit www.chameleonarts.org. Individual tickets are $38, $28 and $18. $5 discounts for students and seniors are available. The Goethe-Institut is a wheelchair accessible venue.
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info@chameleonarts.org
