Strings Attached II

UPEI Clarinet Professor Karem J Simon will collaborate with the Atlantic String Machine in an intimate evening of chamber music on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 7:30 pm in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall at UPEI. This performance will present two of the most revered chamber works for clarinet and string quartet by Carl Maria von Weber and Johannes Brahms.

The von Weber is a virtuosic work for clarinet exploiting both its technical capabilities and expressive potential. It happens to be among the first works composed for this medium, written for von Weber’s friend, clarinetist Heinrich Baermann, a leading player of the early nineteenth century. In contrast, the Brahms is more introspective, filled with technical, rhythmic, and harmonic complexity. Brahms, who was inspired to write this work for clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld, treats all five parts equally in producing a highly expressive and emotional work that has been deemed to be among the finest chamber pieces. 

Formed in 2015, the Atlantic String Machine is comprised of some of the finest string musicians in Atlantic Canada. The quartet from this ensemble consists of Sean Kemp and Karen Graves, violins; Jeffrey Bazett-Jones, viola; and, Natalie Williams Calhoun, cello. Since its inception, the ASM has been very active infusing the island with classical and contemporary chamber music with considerable dynamic flare. That they are integrating their practice with leading Atlantic Canadian artists – Duane Andrews and Sirens, among them – is indicative of the esteem with which this ensemble is held.

Karem J Simon is known for his wide body of work as a clarinetist, conductor, and educator.

Tickets for this recital [$15 Adults & $10 Seniors/Students] may be acquired at the UPEI Music Department and at the admissions desk prior to performance.