Dear Friends,

Designing the 2009-2010 Season of Concordia Chamber Players I found myself wanting to have more encounters with you, our audience. I am so grateful to have such wonderfully intelligent listeners, generous supporters and loyal friends. In this our 12th season you will see that Friday evenings prior to our regular subscription concert you are invited to an intimate gathering that I think you will find to be enlightening, entertaining, delicious, the perfect excuse to get together and a warm up for a great weekend of chamber music.

Program I
Friday, October 30th – Tangos and Tapas
Join us for an evening of Tango music arranged for string quartet. Appearing with us for the evening will be my colleague from the Grammy Nominated Quartet San Francisco violinist, Jeremy Cohen. This music pulses with the life and energy of Argentina. Hear this music in the intimacy of one of Bucks County’s historic homes with delicious offerings of food and wine among friends whetting your appetite for Sunday’s program.

Sunday, Nov. 1 – Argentinian Masters – We continue our exploration into the influence of Argentinian culture on three of its most revered composers. Returning to Concordia will be William Wolfram, piano, Todd Palmer, clarinet and Dan Panner, and making their first appearance with us will be two brilliant young violinists Jesse Mills and Cyrus Beroukhim .

Danzas Argentinas                                              Alberto Ginastera
for piano solo
The Four Seasons                                                     Astor Piazzolla
arranged for piano trio
Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind                Osvaldo Golijov
for Clarinet and String Quartet

Program II
Friday, Jan. 15th – At the Picture Show – Concordia Winter Gala Event
We launch this weekend of exploring American culture and music with a viewing of the 1922 Comedy, Grandma’s Boy with comedian Harold Lloyd, directed by Fred Newmeyer, written by Hal Roach (of Our Gang and Laurel and Hardy fame) and Sam Taylor. See this film with original music written and performed by Donald Sosin and Joanna Seaton, two of the world’s most sought silent film musicians appearing at film festivals around the world including performances at Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, and film festivals of Telluride, San Francisco, Seattle, BAM and MOMA. This event will take place on the gracious grounds of Cradle Valley Farm in Bucks County. Join us in the beautifully renovated barn for an evening you won’t soon forget.

Sunday, Jan. 17th – Stars and Stripes
This program will focus on four American composers, each with a very distinct voice.  What they share is the spirit of innovation and creativity associated with American culture heard throughout their music. Regulars Carmit Zori, Robert Rinehart, Todd Palmer, Melvin Chen, and Jesse Mills will join me for this performance.

Duo                                                                             Walter Piston
for viola and cello
Café Music                                                             Paul Schoenfield
for piano trio
Sonata                                                                 Leonard Bernstein
for clarinet and piano
Sextet                                                                        Aaron Copland
for string quartet, clarinet and piano

Program III 
Friday, April 9 – Unlocking The Mystery of Fine Instrument Making
This evening will give you the chance to ask all those questions you’ve ever had about the great makers of string instruments and bows. Yung Chin, world respected bowmaker and dealer will join us for an evening of discussion and demonstration on the varnishes, woods used, old and current techniques of bow and instrument making, the pricing of these works of art. Yung who works in NY, teaches a course at Oberlin on the restoration of old bows and has written several articles for Strings magazine. Join us for insightful conversation and delectable treats in another spectacular Bucks County home. This evening will have you listening for many more details in the string sound of Sunday’s concert.

Sunday, April 11 – Strung Out on Romance
Surround yourself in the lush sounds of the String Sextets of Brahms and Dvorak. It’s like indulging in a box of chocolates without the guilt. Joining myself and regulars, Carmit Zori and Robert Rinehart will be Cathy Cho - violin, Mark Holloway - viola and James Wilson – cello.

Sextet in A major                                                    Antonin Dvorak
for 2 violins, 2violas and 2 cellos
Sextet No. 2 in G major, Opus 36                       Johannes Brahms
for 2 violins, 2 violas and 2 cellos

Mark your calendars and get your tickets now so you’ll be sure not to miss this exciting 2009-2010 season of Concordia Chamber Players. You are the most important ingredient in making this season a success. I can’t wait to see you again and I look forward to sharing all this wonderful music with you.

Sincerely yours,
Michelle Djokic