When
Where
Meira Warshauer’s In Memoriam, in its version for solo cello, will be featured, along with works by J.S. Bach and Cassado on December 9 @ 12 noon as part of a recital by cellist Rebecca Hartka (http://www.rebeccahartka.com/index.html) at Arms Library in Shelburne Falls, MA. Presented by Mohawk Trail Concerts and the Arms Library. More info at http://www.mohawktrailconcerts .org/concerts. Read Meira’s program notes and hear a recording of In Memoriam here.
The cellist writes about the piece:
Dear friends, fans and family,
The snow is falling all around our little sanctuary in the woods and while practicing I am interrupted by my feelings and thoughts about the election and the intensity of what our country is confronting inside themselves and out in the world. I am faced with questions about my role as a musician in these highly politicized times. For the moment what I have concluded is that it is my most urgent calling to give voice to the full spectrum of our humanity, with a compassionate gesture around all of it, and to build bridges through music. I am so aware of the pain felt from those who feel persecuted and left out, both historically and currently, as well as those struggling to feed families, fearful of the unknown and constantly changing world. Perhaps I am most haunted by the destruction of friendships and family relations ripped apart by differing beliefs and world views. I keep returning to the necessity for gentleness and compassion, when we have the luxury to go this route.
It is in this climate that I offer up my pebble into the well; a lone cello voice telling as full a story as I am able, with integrity and heart. Thank-you to Mohawk Trails for inviting me to perform a solo recital on their series at the Arms Library on December 9th at noon. Please come if you are able (it is free of charge) to forget all the troubles around, OR to enter more deeply into your process of grief.
One of the works I will be performing feels very timely: In Memoriam 9/11 by contemporary composer Meira Warshauer. meirawarshauer.com
We all know why we grieve 9/11/01 but soon also 11/9/16 will go down in history.
This is a beautifully pensive and sorrowful work and I am honored to give the MA premiere. On this same concert I will perform the confident and bright third Bach Suite in C major, as well as the first movement from Preludio-Fantasia by Spanish composer Gaspar Cassado from his solo suite for cello. Details below.
In 2017 I have concerts booked already at Bass Hall at the Monadnock Center in Peterborough, NH, as well as several others in Boston, Greenfield and Ashburnham, MA and a tour of Cuba beginning in Havana. I will keep you posted.
With love,
Rebecca
Free noontime concert, presented by
Mohawk Trail Concerts and the Arms Library
Friday December 9 at 12 noon
Arms Library, Shelburne Falls, MA
Corner of Main St and Bridge St
Gaspar Cassado: Preludio-Fantasia
Miera Warshauer: In Memorium (MA Premiere)
Bach: Suite No. 3
Mohawk Trails Concerts
www.mohawktrailconcerts.org/ concerts