We are thrilled to announce the next Puddingstone Salon featuring a very special program: a Schubertiade dedicated to the music of Franz Schubert, complemented by a contrasting piece from living composer Shelley Washington. The beloved Sheffield Chamber Players will perform this exceptional program, which includes Schubert’s renowned last chamber work, the String Quintet in C major (D. 956, Op. posth. 163).
Sasha Callahan, the violinist from the Sheffield Chamber Players, shares her thoughts on the program:
“This program features two works—written nearly 200 years apart and on different continents—that delve into the deepest corners of your soul while simultaneously lifting you from the everyday into the sublime. Shelley Washington’s 2019 String Quartet, Middleground, overlays rhythmic grooves with sweeping melodies that weave between the four voices. Schubert’s transcendent cello quintet shares some compositional DNA with Washington’s piece, particularly in its profound emotional sincerity and its ability to carry the listener on beautiful waves through the twists and turns of life. Schubert composed this work in the late summer and early fall of 1828, reflecting both the freedom and joy of summer and the autumnal melancholy that perhaps hints at the premature end of his life.”
— Sasha Callahan (Violinist, Sheffield Chamber Players)
PROGRAM
Middleground | Shelley Washington (b. 1991) ~ 10 minutes
String Quintet in C major (D. 956, Op. posth. 163) | Franz Schubert (1797—1828) ~ 55 minutes
I. Allegro ma non troppo
II. Adagio
III. Scherzo. Presto – Trio. Andante sostenuto
IV. Allegretto
Sheffield Chamber Players
Sasha Callahan, Violin
Megumi Stohs Lewis, Violin
Alexander Vavilov, Viola
Leo Eguchi, Violoncello
We are also delighted to feature a second showing of the acclaimed painter, Oana Lauric. She describes her artistic mission as follows: "In my paintings, I explore the impact of our environment on our psyche; I believe that the surroundings we create influence the way we behave. The experience of discovering a quality urban environment that stimulates all senses is always a subtle yet fantastic adventure. My intent is to signal the power of our surroundings and hopefully raise expectations in this regard."
The venue, Provence Sur Mer, is located at 39 Touro Street, in the heart of Newport, just next to the Jane Pickens Theater near Washington Square. The Clarke Street parking lot is conveniently situated behind the venue.
Doors open at 3:00 PM Estimated end of performance: 5:00 PM
Tea, coffee, and pastries are included in the ticket price.
*The Schubertiade was a series of informal gatherings and concerts focused on the music of Franz Schubert, held in the early 19th century, primarily in Vienna. These events, hosted by Schubert's friends and admirers, were essential to his life as they provided opportunities to showcase his music in an intimate setting. The Schubertiades played a significant role in promoting Schubert's work and fostering a close-knit community of musicians and music lovers who shared a deep appreciation for his artistry. Despite their informal nature, these gatherings were crucial to the development and recognition of Schubert's music.