AVANT GARDENS: DOUBLE SYMMETRY
In this intimate salon concert, Véronique Serret and Blair Harris show how a violin and a cello can create the richness and power of a string quartet – synergy and symmetry in action. Their program of duets and solos is a microcosm of human emotion, playing on dramatic contrasts: light and dark, smooth tonality and daring dissonance, power and delicacy, moody sentiment and fierce virtuosity, sinuous lines and dance-like energy.
DETAILS
Saturday 17 May 3pm, GlebeSunday 18 May 3pm, AlexandriaThursday 22 May 8pm, Tempo Rubato
PROGRAM
ERKKI-SVEN TÜÜR Synergie, for violin and cello (2010)
JÖRG WIDMANN Selections from 24 Duos for violin and cello (2008)
OSVALDO GOLIJOV Omaramor, for solo cello (1991)
KAIJA SAARIAHO - Aure, for violin and cello (2011)
HOLLY HARRISON Ice Giant, for solo violin (2023)
IANNIS XENAKIS Dhipli Zyia (Double Symmetry), for violin and cello (1951)
PERFORMERS
Véronique Serret (violin)
Blair Harris (cello)
DESCRIPTION
Estonian composer Erkki-Sven Tüür once said you don’t need a full orchestra to create a powerful soundscape, and in this intimate salon concert, Véronique Serret and Blair Harris show how a violin and a cello can create the richness and power of a string quartet – synergy and symmetry in action
Their program plays to the drama of contrasts – from the tensions between tonal and atonal in Tüür’s fiercely uncompromising Synergie, to the juxtapositions of shimmering mellifluousness of Kaija Saariaho’s Aure, and the sense of attraction and rejection in Jörg Widmann’s Duos. Osvaldo Golijov gives the cello a free fantasy on ‘My Beloved Buenos Aires’ in his moody and sinuous homage to tango singer Carlos Gardel. Holly Harrison turns her imagination to the planet Neptune in a brilliant solo, composed for Serret, that’s part bluegrass fiddle, part heavy metal guitar. And an early work by Iannis Xenakis unifies the duo once again for an energetic, folk-infused finale in the spirit of Béla Bartók.
What can you expect from an Avant Gardens concert experience?
These social salon concerts take place in the lovely private homes of generous Ensemble Offspring supporters, so we only share the exact address with concert-goers the week of the event in our pre-concert information email. When you arrive you will be warmly welcomed by the Ensemble Offspring team. Throughout the concert you’ll learn more about the music as the musicians and composers share stories and background on the works. After the concert, we invite you to join the musicians, composers and our wonderful hosts for a chat, a glass or two of Rowlee Wines Cuveé and a selection of delectables.
“Far away from the prescribed boundaries of western musical genres, Serret’s performance demonstrated artistic curiosity, musical flexibility, and virtuosity.”
“You could hear the.. bouncing, darting, quivering..interwoven and delicately trembling…pushing the boundaries of cello technique and Harris displayed remarkable artistry and technique.”
“Throughout the performance, Serret’s mastery of her instrument was undeniable, …her performance was seamless… a creative vision unbound by convention…Magic.”
DOWNLOAD THE PROGRAM
Accessibility Information
The Avant Gardens concerts take place in the private homes of some of Ensemble Offspring’s generous supporters. Some homes may have steps, limiting wheelchair access, but ambulant or mobility-restricted attendees can enter with extra time and assistance. If you have accessibility requirements, please reach out to the friendly Ensemble Offspring team by emailing admin@ensembleoffspring.com.
Please note that the Alexandria venue is only accessible via a flight of stairs.
