InConcert Sierra: Year-round classical music
DON’T BELIEVE THE CLASSICAL MUSIC naysayers: This genre of music is basking in the glory of popular American culture— locally and nationwide.
Last winter, Super Bowl 50 featured the San Francisco Symphony in a “concert of champions.” Last fall, the Sacramento Kings’ first game at the Golden 1 Center showcased a performance by the Sacramento Philharmonic on center court. And a mammoth box set of Mozart’s music—Mozart 225: The New Complete Edition—was the best-selling CD release of 2016. (Billboard’s ranking counts every CD in the entire 225-CD set as an individual sale).
In the foothills, classical music lovers are treated to year-round performances, thanks to InConcert Sierra. The performing arts group began as the Twin Cities Concert Association over 70 years ago, making it the oldest established group of its kind in the foothills.
The programs feature world-renowned and up-and-coming performers. The 2016-17 season continues with a stellar lineup:
JAN 15: ZOFO PIANO
This Grammy-nominated, prize-winning Steinway Artist Ensemble—Eva-Maria Zimmermann and Keisuke Nakagoshi—is one of only a handful of duos worldwide devoted exclusively to piano duets. ZOFO is short- hand for 20-finger orchestra (ZO=20 and FO=finger orchestra).
FEB 19: PETER WYRICK, CELLO
Wyrick is the associate principal cellist of the San Francisco Symphony. An alumni now, he entered the Juilliard School at age 8 and was one of the last students of the famed Leonard Rose. At age 18, his professional recordings with Earl Wild and Rudolf Firkušný received a Grammy nomination.
MAR 19: TENTHING, BRASS ENSEMBLE
Young Norwegian trumpet sensation Tine Thing Helseth leads tenThing, an all- female brass ensemble, in unique arrangements of favorites such as Bizet, Grieg, Mozart, and Piazzolla. tenThing are rapidly establishing themselves on the international scene and known to provide fabulous experiences of live music that listeners will not easily forget.
APRIL 16: TINTABULATIONS, HANDBELL CHOIR
Every so often, the third Sunday falls on Easter and InConcert Sierra chooses something a little different. This year, it presents the western United States’ preeminent handbell ensemble performing on 120 bells and chimes, under the direction of Barb Walsh. From Reno, Tintabluations Handbell Ensemble is a diverse group committed to the art of English Handbell ringing.
APRIL 30: SAM HAYWOOD, PIANO
Remember the superlative British pianist who performed alongside renowned violinist Joshua Bell last October? He thoroughly enjoyed his stay and he’s coming back. A consummate pianist, Haywood has per- formed to critical acclaim in many of the world’s major concert halls.