The Lenape Chamber Ensemble winds up the 33rd year of its Summer Gala Concert Series at Doylestown’s Delaware Valley University on July 27, with a full roster of distinguished chamber players performing music by Luigi Cherubini, Maurice Ravel and Sergei Taneyev. This is the third concert of the July series, held at 8 p.m. at the University’s air-conditioned Life Sciences Auditorium, known for its excellent acoustics since it opened several years ago.
Cherubini’s Sonata No. 2 for Horn and String Quartet opens the program, which features guest hornist David Jolley, of the virtuoso wind quintet “Windscape.” The Sonata No. 2 is barely seven minutes long, but melodic and full of drama. It is said to be one of the most technically demanding of the horn repertoire. The Wister Quartet’s Lloyd Smith and Nancy Bean, Cyrus Beroukhim and Catherine Beeson join Jolley in this virtuosic piece.
The String Quartet in F Major was written by Ravel in 1903 and dedicated to his teacher, Gabriel Faure, while he was still a student. This Quartet is said to be typical of his music, often characterized as post-impressionist. Its movements vary from vibrant to lyrical to introspective, ending on an agitated note. Debussy, one of the leaders of French Impressionism, was a great admirer of this work.
Taneyev is revered in Russia as one of the greatest composers and pianists of the early 20th century, yet outside his homeland, he is little known. His Piano Quintet in G Minor is a monumental, passionate work, progressing from dark moods through lively and lyrical moments. This Quintet is a lengthy work, yet the artistry of the performers – world-class pianist Marcantonio Barone, Bean, Smith, Beroukhim and Beeson, lead the audience through its intense emotional passages with skill and understanding.
A champagne punch reception following the concert will enable the audience to meet the performers. Main entrance to the Life Sciences Building at Delaware Valley University, 700 E. Butler Ave., Doylestown, is from New Britain Road at the State Street exit off Route 611. There is free parking at the entrance to the college campus. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, and are available at the door or by calling 610-294-9361.
