Concordia Concert to Explore Folk Music Influence on Eastern European Composers

By Roy Ziegler

Frank Huang, the exciting Chinese-born American violinist, will headline the Concordia Chamber Players concert on Sunday, March 30 at 3:00 PM at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Solebury. Huang, who debuted with the Houston Symphony Orchestra at the age of eleven, has gone on to win many of the top prizes music competition. Michelle Djokic, Artistic Director for Concordia, was enthusiastic as she spoke about Huang’s impending performance with her ensemble. “Frank is one of the most exciting and sought-after violin virtuosos in the world right now, and we are so fortunate to have him join our program for this inspiring concert,” said Djokic.

The influence of folk music on composers can be seen in most great composers of classical music. Bela Bartok conducted extensive research to help him understand the music of his homeland and surrounding areas. The works have continued to inspire compositions in their rich, rhythmic and tonal fabric. His Duos for Violin keenly exemplify this deep understanding of melodies that have been passed down from generation to generation in his native Hungary. Huang will be joined by Carmit Zori, popular violinist who has performed with Concordia in many concerts over the past ten years.

Antonin Dvorak’s Piano Trio “Dumky” Opus 90, translates nationalistic feelings into melody. This great Czech composer inspired many American composers during his time in the United States and helped them to discern their own melodies in composition. Pianist, Charles Abramovic will perform this work with Michelle Djokic, cellist and Frank Huang.

The concert will conclude with Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet in G minor, Opus 57 that is sure to leave the audience humming the catching melodies just the way his Russian counterparts did more than six decades ago.

Contact the Concordia Chamber Players at 215-297-5972 or concordiachamberplayers.org to order tickets. Admission is $25. Children under fifteen years of age are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.