GERSHWIN’S “AMERICAN IN PARIS” FEATURED IN NOVEMBER CHAMBER MUSIC CHARLESTON CONCERT

Chamber Music Charleston’s November House Concert brings music for clarinet, bassoon, and piano to Spoleto Festival USA’s Murray Center (14 George Street) on Sunday, November 24, 2024 with performances at 2 and 4pm.  Performers include clarinetist Charles Messersmith, bassoonist Sandra Nikolajevs, and pianist Chee Hang See.

The concert opens with Gabriel Pierné’s "Prélude de Concert," Op. 53, a delightful work that showcases the lyrical and expressive capabilities of the bassoon. Composed in 1887, this piece is characterized by its graceful melodies and intricate interplay between the bassoon and piano, creating a rich and enchanting musical tapestry.

Next on the program is Paul Reade’s "Suite from the Victorian Kitchen Garden." Originally written as the soundtrack for the BBC television series of the same name, this suite is a charming and nostalgic portrayal of a bygone era. The music, with its gentle and evocative themes, captures the essence of the Victorian garden, from the serene morning dew to the bustling activity of garden life. The clarinet and piano weave together seamlessly, bringing to life the vivid imagery and delicate nuances of Reade’s composition.

The concert concludes with a brand-new arrangement of George Gershwin’s iconic "An American in Paris." This jazz-influenced symphonic tone poem, first performed in 1928, captures the vibrant energy and eclectic charm of the French capital through the eyes of an American visitor. The new arrangement for clarinet, bassoon, and piano retains the work’s dynamic rhythms, bluesy melodies, and playful character, offering a fresh and intimate perspective on Gershwin’s beloved masterpiece.

Tickets start at $55 each and includes a light post concert reception for the 2pm performance and pre concert reception for the 4pm performance.    

For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.chambermusiccharleston.org/event/downtown-house-concert-28/