Serio Divertimenti in Concert on Sunday, August 19th at 3PM

Serio Divertimenti (l to r): Peter Prosser, cello; Lisa Arkis, flute; Mary Jo Pagano, piano and Monte Morgenstern, clarinet.

Friends of Music is happy to feature Serio Divertimenti in performance for the fifth concert of our 26th Season on Sunday, August 19th at 3:00 PM at the Cyr Center in Stamford. Roughly translated, Serio Divertimenti means “serious fun.” These seasoned professionals are serious about their art, and those of us in the audience will have a seriously good time listening to the results of their collaboration! Join us to hear Monte Morgenstern, clarinet; Mary Jo Pagano, piano; Lisa Arkis, flute and Peter Prosser, cello.

This chamber music ensemble “promotes new music as well as the more traditional classics.” Its members have impressive careers of performance in the concert hall, in the theater, and in the recording studio. As many do who make their living from their musical talent, several of them also teach. Broadway and pop music fans will also find many recognizable names in the list of talented artists these musicians have worked with. Read more about the artists at the Friends of Music Web site, friendsmusic.org.

The program for August 19th is a bit more eclectic than our usual performances, and the approach and professional experiences of these artists may be more palatable for those who are not convinced they like classical music. This would be the perfect event to bring along such friends and family for those who enjoy the chamber music performances we present at the Cyr Center. The program, though subject to change, is as follows:

Program

The Shaker Tune (Simple Gifts)(2009) ...................................Monte Morgenstern
         flute, clarinet and cello                                                 (after Joseph Brackett)

L’Encore (ca. 1898 - 1904)....................................................Victor Herbert
                                                                                                (1859 - 1924)

Waltz (from the film The Return of Maxim Op. 45, 1936)........Dmitri Shostakovich
         flute, clarinet, piano                                                       (1906 - 1975)

Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano (1944)......................................Bohuslav Martinu 
         Poco Allegretto                                                               (1890 - 1959)
         Adagio
         Andante - Allegretto scherzando

Intermission

Dance of the Sea Turtles (2010)..............................................Monte Morgenstern
         flute, clarinet, cello, piano

Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano in E-flat major, Op. 38...........Ludwig van Beethoven
       (1803; published 1805)                                                        (1770 – 1827)
         Adagio; Allegro con brio
         Adagio cantabile
         Andante con moto alla marcia: Presto

Possible encore:

Mosulipe Blues.......................................................................Monte Morgenstern
(A Blues Endeavor for Classical Musicians) (2008)
         flute, clarinet, cello, piano


We recommend previewing the excellent program notes provided by Mr. Morgenstern.

Join us to hear these talented artists and enjoy their beautiful music as we celebrate the waning days of summer and bask in the hint of autumnal coolness; serious fun, indeed!

As always, we thank all of our donors and the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation in particular for your generous support, which makes this concert possible.