I’m referring to two mind-boggling performances of Garth Knox’s pieces for solo viola that Joël Belgique gave at the Free Marz String Trio concert on Friday, March 8th at the Community Music Center as part of the March Music Moderne Festival.
—James Bash, Oregon Music News (read the full article)
The event was impressively assembled by impresario/composer Bob Priest, who sought a blend of high-level art and banter about new music. Because Priest kept each segment of the program moving forward, the performances were successful and the audience engaged. Not bad for an evening that was provided gratis by MMM.
—James Bash, Oregon Music News (read the full article)
It would be hard to imagine a more seductive presentation. Despite their rather severe appearance, the Jerusalem [Quartet] projected a warm and lyrical sound, and their technique and ensemble were stellar.
—Jeff Winslow, Oregon ArtsWatch (read the full article)
Kyril Zlotnikov‘s cello sang out like a cherrywood Archangel, while the twin violins of Alexander Pavlovsky and Sergei Bresler played the part of a fractured nervous system, passing the details back and forth, in the form of mutated melody. Ori Kam‘s viola proved to be the passionate pulse of the quartet, patent leather shoes sliding across the floor. The quartet reached an explosive finale, and were rewarded with a much deserved standing ovation!
—Jason Simpson, REDEFINE magazine (read the full article)
My heartfelt congratulations to the band and guest director Lintu for their totally absorbing performance of this most fascinating work and most substantial contribution to this year’s March Music Moderne!
—Jeff Winslow, Oregon Music News (read the full article)
—Charles Noble, NobleViola.com (read the full article)
Image: Free Marz String Trio by Charles Noble