Love is in the air — or it will be on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Presbyterian Church in Ocean View, when the Mid Atlantic Symphony Orchestra Society presents concertmaster violinist Nicholas Currie, accompanied by pianist Ernest Barretta, in recital titled “Singing Strings.” Currie has selected a program designed to warm a winter’s heart in anticipation of Valentine’s Day. The performance will be at 7:30 p.m., with tickets available in advance.
Organizers said the program will open with Ludwig Von Beethoven’s “Sonata No. 1 in D Major,” one of his early-period pieces written in 1798 when he was 28 years old and before he had begun to lose his hearing. Next will be Fritz Kreisler’s bookend pieces, “Love’s Sorrow (Liebesleid)” and “Love’s Joy (Liebesfreud).” Kreisler, born in Vienna in 1872, came to America and became an American citizen during World War II. As a celebrated violinist all over Europe and America, most of his compositions were written to showcase the brilliant, expressive and subtle violin work in which he excelled, they said.
The second part of the program is anchored by the well-known “Sonata in A Major for Violin” by Cesar Franck (1822-1892). Franck, who was born and raised in Belgium, moved to Paris as a young man where he became the most distinguished French composer of his age. He has deeply influenced the romantic music of all who followed him, organizers noted. In the violin sonata, he balances his deep emotionalism with traditional forms and rhythms in a romantic and touching piece of music, they added.
The concluding piece is the “Loure” from J.S. Bach’s “Partita No. 3.” A loure is a French dance music piece which Bach stylized in this work with beautiful syncopations to wonderful effect, organizers explained.
Canadian-born Currie began his university studies at Illinois State University, later attending the Peabody Conservatory and the American Conservatory in Fountainebleu, France. As a chamber musician Nick has performed with the Melos Ensemble, the Cueto String Quartet and currently with the Mariner String Quartet. In addition to being concertmaster for the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, Currie plays regularly with the Baltimore Opera Company, the Annapolis Symphony and the Concert Artists of Baltimore among others. Currie is also an accomplished painter and lives in the Baltimore area with his wife and two children.
Pianist Ernest Barretta, was born in McKeesport, Pa. He attended Oberlin Conservatory, receiving his bachelor’s degree, and later the University of the Arts for his masters and Peabody Conservatory for his doctorate. He received honors and awards at all three schools, including the Rudolf Serkin Prize (Oberlin), Strine Award (U. of A.) and the Zierler Award (Peabody).
Barretta is active as a composer and conductor in the Baltimore area and has performed extensively both here and abroad as a soloist and chamber musician. He has recorded contemporary, chamber and solo repertoire on multiple labels; his solo recording of the works by Bach, Beethoven and Mussorgsky on the MRC label has earned critical acclaim. Barretta resides in the Baltimore area with his wife and their daughter.
Tickets prices are $17 for adults and $10 for students. There is no charge for children younger than 12 accompanied by a paying adult. To obtain advance tickets, call 1-888-846-8600.