The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) continues its extraordinary Chamber Music Series @ the Capri with Beethoven’s First String Trio at 7 p.m. Friday, February 23 at the Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway. Free tickets are available to this concert on a first-come, first-served basis beginning January 23. Register for free tickets at thecapritheater.org or the SPCO box office at 651-291-1144. Tickets may also be purchased for $15 (guaranteed, general seating admission) at thespco.org or 651-291-1144.
The first piece on the program, Raisins and Almonds and Budget Bulgar for Violin and Viola, by Brooklyn-based composer Lev Zhurmin (better known as Ljova), is a delightful expression of the composer’s Klezmer roots. Next, Zoltán Kodály’s piece, Serenade for Two Violins and Viola, captures the bright and melodic essence of folk music from his native Hungary.
The final piece, Serenade in D Major for Violin, Viola and Cello, Beethoven’s first string trio, gives each musician a fair share of beautiful melodies and virtuosic passagework. Concert listeners will also note that the viola takes on an especially important role in this program, functioning not only as an inner voice in the Beethoven, but in the first half as the bass line and anchor of the group.
“Every SPCO concert at the Capri delivers audiences a very special experience, due in large part to the warmth and intimacy of the space and the proximity of the players to listeners,” said Capri Director James Scott. “We invite everyone to warm up at the Capri with this wonderful night of music.”
This is the 8th year of SPCO’s partnership with the Capri. The series has become a treasured musical asset of the Northside community.
The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra is widely regarded as one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world, and is nationally recognized for its commitment to broad community accessibility and innovative audience outreach efforts.
More info: thecapritheater.org and thespco.org.