Interview with Lavell Blackwell
In anticipation of our upcoming concert, we interviewed composer Lavell Blackwell to learn more about his background and thought process in composing a new piece for Winsor Music, On the Impulse to Move. We hope you’ll join us on September 30th to hear the premiere of this piece and a lively program that celebrates the connection between music and dance!
Interview with Anna Weesner
Our March 26 concert will feature the Boston premiere of composer Anna Weesner’s Love Progression: A Personal Essay, for oboe and string quartet, a Winsor Music commission. Dr. Weesner is chair of the music department at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and describes her new piece as “equal parts reflective, studious, and cheeky.” Recently, we had a chance to talk with her about the premiere and her background.
Meet Pianist Diane Walsh
La Fenice's pianist Diane Walsh describes her musical background, working with Peggy Pearson, her role in the Broadway play "33 Variations," and the future of chamber music.
Lev's Interview
Our opening concert this season features the Boston premiere of a work by one of our dear friends, Lev Mamuya. I have known Lev through Project STEP since he was about 3 feet tall and eight years old! He is currently entering his second year of the Harvard/NEC program, and I am honored that he took the time to write a piece for Winsor Music (our 5th from him).
Remembering Roberto Cassan
All of us at Winsor Music were shocked and saddened yesterday to learn of the passing of our friend and colleague Roberto Cassan. Roberto was a talented and expressive musician with an enormous heart. We will miss this beautiful soul.
How George Li Captures Time
It's been a big year for George Li, and for someone who had already performed at the White House for Barack Obama and Angela Merkel by age 15, that's saying something. A Lincoln Center/New York concerto debut, a silver medal from the Tchaikovsky Competition, a string of high profile recital and concerto bookings, and a $25,000 Avery Fisher Career Grant... and those are just the highlights. Did we mention that he's also in a dual degree program at Harvard and NEC?
Living Among Legends: Andreia Pinto Correia's Life and Work
Andreia Pinto-Correia is an award-winning Portuguese composer, a student of John Harbison, and the featured composer on the final concert of Winsor Music's 2015-16 season. The prestigious Jornal de Letras wrote: "The music of Andreia Pinto-Correia has been a major contribution to the dissemination of Portugal’s culture and language, perhaps a contribution larger than could ever be imagined."
Open Doors, Open Minds: Rupert Thompson's Mission
Rupert Thompson's life story is a testament to the power of mentoring and the necessity of arts education in public schools. His belief in and advocacy of these ideas is compelling and urgent, grounded in his own history and lived every day through his work at the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music. You can come and meet Rupert and the other members of the Apple Hill String Quartet, at our concert on Sunday, April 24, at 7:00pm, at St. Paul's Church in Brookline.
Autumn in Springtime: Yi Yiing Chen's Oboe Quartet
Winsor Music is honored to present the world premiere of a personal, powerful new work by a young composer, Yi Yiing Chen. Her credentials are impressive, but her intellect, empathy, and openness shine her writing, both verbal and musical. We are so grateful that she has shared her story with us in her music and in this vivid and thoughtful interview.
Miracles and Memories: Apple Hill Quartet returns to Winsor Music
We're less than a month away from our third concert of the season, and we'd like to introduce you to the pieces, performers and composers. Do you know how Haydn's "Miracle" Symphony got its nickname? Any guess as to who our newest young composer studies with? (Hint: it's an old friend!)
Double your impact with a matching gift from your employer!
Did you know that many corporations offer employee giving programs where they match donations to non-profit organizations such as Winsor Music? Most employees (and retirees) are unaware that their company offers this amazing benefit, so even if you don't think that you're eligible, take a minute and take a look!
Bruce Creditor Remembers Gunther Schuller
On November 23rd, at 7pm, at St. Paul’s Church in Brookline, our featured contemporary work will be the Sonata for Oboe and Piano by composer, conductor, author, and educator Gunther Schuller, who passed away on June 21st this year at the age of 89. Our concert is the last in a series of events honoring Mr. Schuller, and to learn more about him, we spoke with Bruce Creditor, a long-time friend and colleague of both Mr. Schuller and our artistic director, Peggy Pearson.
Look What We Hatched!
We are beyond delighted and grateful to be able to tell you that we not only met but exceeded the goal of our Hatchfund campaign! Because of the generosity of our campaign supporters, we were able to add three new students to the mentoring program, and we are delighted to introduce them to you now.
Full Circle: Marcy Rosen on Chamber Music
Marcy Rosen is an acclaimed cellist: soloist, chamber musician, teacher, and mentor. Somehow, in the midst of a stunningly rich career, Marcy and four of her equally gifted and in-demand friends (among them, our Artistic Director Peggy Pearson) made the time to form the La Fenice Quintet. She spoke to us on the role of chamber music in her life and career, the power and benefits of mentorship for both the mentor and protege, and why making music with friends is her preferred coping method in times of great trauma and grief.