1999–2000 Festival Series
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The Ying Quartet
October 7, 1999
The Louise F. Rees Memorial Concert
“To the ranks of super-accomplished American string quartets can now be added the name of the Ying Quartet…” – Los Angeles Times
First appearing on the Festival Series during the 1995–96 season, the Ying Quartet has established itself as one of America’s most compelling young ensembles. The enthusiasm the string quartet generates is reflected in multiple return engagements across the continent and an international touring schedule that has included England, Germany, Austria, France, Sweden, Canada, Mexico, Japan and Taiwan. From their faculty positions at the Eastman School of Music through an array of residencies for organizations of all types and sizes, the Yings continue to broaden the musical horizons of communities throughout the United States.
The Parsons Dance Company
November 19, 1999
“One of the hottest tickets in contemporary American dance.” – The Toronto Star
Founded by David Parsons in 1987 with the mission of making modern dance accessible to the widest possible audience throughout the world, the Parsons Dance Company has been presented by some of the most distinguished theaters around the globe. Hailed as one of the most promising choreographers of his generation, David Parsons’ works have been presented in the repertories of The Paul Taylor Dance Company, New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Paris Opera Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, Hubbard Street Dance Company and Nederlands Dans Theater I and III. In addition to a repertory of over 30 works by Parsons, the nine-member Parsons Dance Company is widely recognized for its community-based outreach activities including master classes, video workshops, lecture/demonstrations and seminars. This is the company’s second appearance on the Festival Series.
The Vienna Choir Boys
December 3, 1999
“…one of the most beloved choirs in the world.” – The San Fransisco Chronicle
One of the world’s oldest musical organizations, the Vienna Choir Boys makes a third appearance on the Festival Series. Internationally renowned for their exceptionally beautiful singing and unique charm, the ensemble performas a broad repertoire that ranges from sacred music and oratories to operettas, traditional Viennese waltzes and folk songs from around the world. The ensemble, which is closely identified with such figures as Mozart, Haydn and Schubert, has become a recognizable symbol of Vienna’s rich musical and cultural heritage. Established in 1498 by Imperial decree of Habsburg Emperor Maximilian I, the group now tours extensively on five continents, has made over 60 recordings and appears frequently on radio and television broadcasts throughout the world.
Yo-Yo Ma
January 19, 2000
The Lois M. Nitschke Memorial Concert
“There is hardly any virtuoso of any instrument who is as complete, profound, passionate and humane a musician as Ma.” – The Boston Globe
Perhaps the best-known cellist in the world, Yo-Yo Ma performed on the Festival Series in its first season. The many-faceted career of Ma is testament to his continual search for new ways to communicate with audiences and to his own desire for artistic growth and renewal. Whether coming together with colleagues for chamber music, reaching out to young audiences and student musicians, or exploring cultures and musical forms outside the Western classical tradition, he strives to find connections that stimulate the imagination. He will appear with pianist Kathryn Stott.
Empire Brass
March 25, 2000
“Brilliantly virtuosic” – Los Angeles Times
Known throughout the world as America’s finest brass quintet, the Empire Brass appeared on the Festival Series during the 1994–95 season. Acclaimed for their stylistic excellence and the unparalleled diversity of their repertoire, the five musicians perform over 100 concerts a year in cities such as New York City, Boston, Washington, D.C., Chicago, London, Zurich, Rome and Tokyo. The first brass ensemble to win the prestigious Naumburg Chamber Music Award, the Empire Brass has introducted listeners to brass music that ranges from the work of Gabrielli, Bach and Handel to Shostakovich, Stravinsky and Copland. They are also at home in the exuberantly show-stopping Broadway and jazz tunes of Richard Rodgers, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Duke Ellington.