Strings attached
Karem Simon, Atlantic String Machine team up for evening of chamber music at UPEI on Saturday
UPEI clarinet professor Karem J. Simon will collaborate with the Atlantic String Machine in an intimate evening of chamber music on Saturday, Jan. 30, 7:30 p.m., in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall at UPEI.
This performance will present two of the most revered chamber works for clarinet and string quartet by Carl Maria von Weber and Johannes Brahms.
The von Weber is a virtuosic work for clarinet exploiting both its technical capabilities and expressive potential, a news release states.
“It happens to be among the first works composed for this medium, written for von Weber’s friend, clarinetist Heinrich Baermann, a leading player of the early 19th century.”
In contrast, the Brahms is more introspective, filled with technical, rhythmic and harmonic complexity. Brahms, who was inspired to write this work for clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld, treats all five parts equally in producing a highly expressive and emotional work that has been deemed to be among the finest chamber pieces.
Formed in 2015, the Atlantic String Machine is comprised of some of the finest string musicians in Atlantic Canada. The quartet from this ensemble consists of Sean Kemp and Karen Graves, violins, Jeffrey BazettJones, viola, and Natalie Williams Calhoun, cello.
Since its inception, the ASM has been very active infusing the island with classical and contemporary chamber music with considerable dynamic flare.
“That they are integrating their practice with leading Atlantic Canadian artists, Duane Andrews and Sirens, among them is indicative of the esteem with which this ensemble is held.
Simon is known for his wide body of work as a clarinetist, conductor and educator.
Tickets for this recital are $15, adults, and $10, seniors/students, and may be acquired at the UPEI Music Department and at the admissions desk prior to the performance.