"Mozart is an eternally sunny day," said a famous admirer.
If you agree, and if you love the composer's sublime Clarinet Quintet, then Sunday's Coast Recital Society concert at the Raven's Cry Theatre in Sechelt is for you. At 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Canada's pre-eminent clarinettist James Campbell joins the New Zealand String Quartet for an afternoon of music in celebration of the 250th anniversary year of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's birth.
The artists will also be available to discuss the afternoon's music at 1:30 p.m. before the concert.
In addition to Mozart's Clarinet Quintet, Campbell and the New Zealand String Quartet will perform Felix Mendelssohn's Capriccio in e minor, Opus. 81, No. 3; Antonin Dvorák's Andante con moto quasi allegretto, Opus 9; and Johannes Brahms' Clarinet Quintet in b minor, Opus 115.
The New Zealand String Quartet includes violinists Helene Pohl and Douglas Beilman, violist Gillian Ansell and cellist Rolf Gjelsten.
The players are acclaimed for their powerful communication, dramatic energy and beauty of sound. The Quartet has distinguished itself internationally for its imaginative and unique programming of the music of composers ranging from Mozart to Alban Berg and the championing of works from New Zealand and the Pacific Rim. The Quartet has won praise for its versatility in performing with jazz artists and indigenous musicians as well as for its fresh approach to the great classics of the quartet repertoire. The Kitchener-Waterloo Record reviewer praised their performance and musicianship, saying, "Watching the graceful choreography of an ensemble dancing together with such physical and musical expertise was spellbinding."
Campbell has performed in most of the world's major concert halls, in collaboration and/or performance with many of the world's great musicians. As guest soloist, he has appeared with over 50 orchestras. Following this tour, Campbell and pianist Gene DiNovi formed Classical Jazz, performing throughout Canada, Europe and Asia.
Tickets for Sunday's Coast Recital Society concert are still available. Call Mary Lea Bell at 604-886-8330 for ticket availability.
