THE LYRICAL IMPULSE

MARCH 28, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
First Church, Boston

Schubert was a master songwriter, and his unmatched lyricism imbues his works for strings, as well. We’ll present his monumental final quartet, arranged for string orchestra. The lyrical impulse also moves through George Walker’s heartfelt tribute to his grandmother and Dvorak’s Songs My Mother Taught Me. Folk songs creatively arranged by the Danish Quartet round out the evening. Come bask in the beauty of this song-inspired world.

Schubert Quartet No. 15

Walker Lyric for Strings

Dvorak The Woods Are Silent All Around

Dvorak Songs My Mother Taught Me

Shetland traditional Unst Boat Song

Scottish/Danish traditional The Dromer

FLIGHTS OF FANCY

May 2, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
First Church, Boston

From the evocative sounds of bagpipes in the Highlands of Scotland to Derek Bermel’s musical representation of the amazing flight patterns of starlings, from a state of rapture of Mehmet Ali Sanlikol’s Vecd to driving drumming rhythms in Jimmy Kachulis’s African Violet, this concert will take you on a musical journey around the world.

Bantock Scenes from the Scottish Highlands

Bermel Murmurations

Sanlikol Vecd

Kachulis African Violet

Danish traditional Hur Var Du i Aftes Sa Sildig

Danish traditional Staedelil


A special note of appreciation

This season is dedicated to my uncle, Chuck Hardwick, who has been a generous and loyal supporter all these years. He has been with us from the very beginning and remains a constant inspiration. Thank you, Chuck!

Prior Concerts This Season

DANCE MOVES

NOVEMBER 15, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
First Church, Boston

What is it about some music that makes us want to dance? Moving to the beat of the music is a basic human impulse and there is an infinite variety of styles to enjoy. From elegant, stately Renaissance dances to whirling dervishes, the celebratory line dance dabke to a traditional minuet and an energetic polska, come experience music that is sure to move you!

Smith Polish Renaissance Suite

Bloch Concerto Grosso No. 1
Ivan Gusev, piano

Kachulis Three Mediterranean Portraits

Danish traditional Minuet No. 60

Roustom Dabke for string orchestra

Swedish traditional Polska from Dorotea