2024 Program Guide | Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music

CABRILLO FESTIVAL OF CONTEMPORARY MUSIC 50 The Muse Program annotations by Philippe Quint The multimedia recital, The Muse , not only celebrates the groundbreaking contributions of women composers and poets but also brings their legacies into contemporary resonance, offering a rich tapestry of music, poetry, and personal narratives. Poem: The Bird and the Arras Anne Finch, Countess of Winchilsea (1661 – 1720) Anne Finch, Countess of Winchilsea, was a pioneering poet whose work was deeply influential, particularly among women writers who followed her. Finch's poetry often challenged the constraints placed on women and celebrated the natural world, themes that resonated with later generations of female poets and writers. AnneFinch'slegacyliesinherabilitytocapture the complexities of female experience in a male-dominated society, making her a fitting inclusion in The Muse program. Her poem The Bird and the Arras is emblematic of her work, using the metaphor of a bird trapped in a tapestry to explore themes of captivity and freedom. Finch's poetry was a source of inspiration for many women writers who followed her, encouraging them to find their own voices in literature. Birdsong (2012) Vivian Fung (b. 1975) Canadian composer Vivian Fung's music embodies the innovative and transformative spirit of the women celebrated in this program. Fung's work often draws from diverse cultural influences and explores complex themes, making her an inspirational figure for modern audiences and emerging composers alike. Fung's Birdsong is an evocative piece that captures the essence of avian calls and the natural world. The work is noted for its intricate interplay between the violin and piano, mimicking the vibrant and dynamic sounds of birds in their natural habitat. Letter: Correspondence with Johannes Brahms Clara Schumann (1819 – 1896) THE MUSE: PROGRAM NOTES Romance from Drei Romanzen, Op.22 (1853) Clara Schumann Clara Schumann's letters to Johannes Brahms reveal a relationship marked by deep mutual respect and artistic synergy. Far from being just a muse, Clara was Brahms' mentor, confidant, and external motivator. Her approval and support sustained him in ways that were incalculable. When publishers rejected his work, contemporaries scorned him, and audiences hissed him off the stage, Clara was there, encouraging him and recognizing his genius. Clara was the standard against which Brahms measured his work. She was his teacher, advisor, musical partner, and intimate friend—the one person with enough genius to understand and appreciate his music when no one else did. Brahms turned to Clara for guidance and answers, relying on her insight and wisdom. Their relationship transcended normal descriptors, embodying a depth, intimacy, and closeness that melded the hearts and minds of two of the most brilliant artists in Romantic history. Her 'Romance' from Drei Romanzen showcases her lyrical and expressive style, blending tenderness with virtuosic brilliance. Poem: FUGUE Lera Auerbach (b. 1973) Sonata No. 1 (2000) Lera Auerbach [U.S. Premiere] Lera Auerbach's poetry often mirrors the complexity and depth of her musical compositions. Fugue intertwines themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time, offering a reflective prelude to her musical work. Auerbach's Sonata No. 1, written for and dedicated to Philippe Quint, is a substantial and challenging work that pushes the boundaries of violin and piano interplay. Symphonic in its structure, the Sonata was later orchestrated and premiered as Lera's Violin Concerto No. 1 by the American Youth Symphony at the Disney Hall and was recently recorded by Quint for the Pentatone label. The original Sonata version, characterized by its emotional intensity and technical demands, marks its U.S. premiere for tonight's program. Sonata in A minor, Op.7 (1887) Dame Ethel Smyth (1858 – 1944) Dame Ethel Smyth was an English trailblazing composer and ardent suffragette known for her tireless fight for women's voting rights. She was actively involved in the women's suffrage movement, even being imprisoned for her activism, where she famously conducted fellow suffragettes in singing her March of the Women from her cell window. Her only Violin and Piano Sonata reflects her bold and innovative spirit, combining romantic lyricism with structural rigor, mirroring her dedication to her art and activism. White Christine (1994) About Here (1999) My Feet May Take a Little While (2001) Errollyn Wallen (b. 1958) Three Songs with Miriam Khalil, soprano [U.S. Premieres] Errollyn Wallen is a versatile and innovative composer who blends contemporary classical music with elements of jazz and folk, pushing the boundaries of traditional genres. As a black female composer, she serves as a powerful inspiration, promoting diversity and inclusion in the arts. Wallen's emotionally expressive compositions resonate deeply with audiences, conveying complex emotions and compelling stories. She is also a passionate educator and writer, recently publishing her new book, Becoming a Composer , to guide and inspire future generations. Her success, coupled with her collaborative spirit and dedication to nurturing fellow artists, makes her a beacon of inspiration in the musical world. Letter: Correspondence with Igor Stravinsky Nadia Boulanger (1887-1979) Trois Pièces for Cello and Piano, Piece No.3 (1914) Nadia Boulanger arr. for violin and piano Nadia Boulanger's correspondence reveals her as a pivotal figure in 20th-century music. Her letters often provide a glimpse into her thoughts on music, life, and her relationships with prominent artists such as Igor Stravinsky. Renowned as a teacher and conductor, Boulanger was instrumental