Gala Finale - from Bach to Babylon

About

We close the festival where so much of western music begins — with J.S. Bach. Two of his irresistible Brandenburg Concertos bookend an evening that spans from baroque exuberance to urgent contemporary voices: award-winning violinist Amy Hillis presents Sid Robinovitch’s Adieu Babylon, a work that confronts the political challenges of our moment. And then, as a final gift to our audience, Mendelssohn’s String Octet — written at the astonishing age of sixteen, by a composer who would later almost single-handedly resurrect Bach’s music for the world. A miraculous work to close a miraculous week.

Pre-Concert Event

Meet the Artist: A Conversation with Amy Hillis

7:00 PM - Laudamus Auditorium

Before the performance, join Andrea Ratuski for an intimate conversation with violinist Amy Hillis. Discover the ideas, stories, and artistry behind the performance in this special opportunity to connect with one of today’s exceptional musicians.

Artists

Eric Tsai, violin

Amy Hillis, violin

Gregory Lewis, violin

Dave Harding, viola

Eva Kennedy, viola

Karl Stobbe, viola

Paul Marleyn, cello

Hannah Moses, cello

Ethan Allers, cello

Meredith Johnson, contrebass

Everett Hopfner, harpsichord

Stephen Runge, piano

Program

Johann Sebastian Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048

Allegro

Adagio

Allegro

Eric Tsai violin, Amy Hillis violin, Gregory Lewis violin, Dave Harding viola, Eva Kennedy viola, Karl Stobbe viola, Paul Marleyn cello, Hannah Moses cello, Ethan Allers cello, Meredith Johnson contrebass, Everett Hopfner harpsichord

Sid Robinovitch - Adieu Babylon

Amy Hillis violin, Stephen Runge piano

Johann Sebastian Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B-flat Major, BWV 1051

Allegro

Adagio ma non tanto

Allegro

Dave Harding viola, Eva Kennedy viola, Hannah Moses cello, Paul Marleyn cello, Ethan Allers cello, Meredith Johnson contrebass, Everett Hopfner harpsichord

Intermission

Felix Mendelssohn - String Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20

Allegro moderato ma con fuoco

Andante

Scherzo: Allegro leggierissimo

Presto

Karl Stobbe violin, Amy Hillis violin, Gregory Lewis violin, Eric Tsai violin, Dave Harding viola, Eva Kennedy viola, Hannah Moses cello, Paul Marleyn cello