MONDAY, MAY 12 – 7:00 PM

FIRST PART

Clarinet Quintet in A major, K. 581 by W. A. Mozart

I. Allegro
II. Larghetto
III. Menuetto
IV. Allegretto with variations

Intérpretes:

Efrén Ramos
Kirill Troussov
Darlin Dyle
Rumen Cvetkov
Gabriel Ureña

INTERMISSION

SECOND PART

Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20 by F. Mendelssohn

I. Allegro moderato ma con fuoco
II. Andante
III. Scherzo: Allegro leggierissimo
IV. Presto

Performers:

Kirill Troussov
Jesús Reina
Darlin Dyle
Paloma Pierzchala
Rumen Cvetkov
Paula Romero
Gabriel Ureña
Eduardo González

Program Notes

Clarinet Quintet in A major, K. 581 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Composed in 1789, this is one of the most celebrated works in the chamber music repertoire. Written for clarinet and string quartet, the piece highlights the warmth and expressiveness of the clarinet—an instrument Mozart greatly admired. Divided into four movements, it blends melodic delicacy with technical complexity, especially in its luminous Adagio and spirited final movement. It is widely regarded as a masterpiece for its balance between virtuosity and classical elegance.

Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20 by Felix Mendelssohn

Composed in 1825, when Mendelssohn was only 16 years old, this work is remarkable for its maturity and virtuosity. Written for an unusual ensemble of eight string instruments (four violins, two violas, and two cellos), it stands out for its youthful energy, melodic richness, and astonishing contrapuntal complexity. The octet is a gem of the chamber music repertoire, blending symphonic vigor with chamber music intimacy. Each movement showcases brilliant interplay among the instruments, revealing the genius of the young Mendelssohn.

TUESDAY, MAY 13 – 7:00 PM

FIRST PART

String Sextet No. 1 in B-flat major, Op. 18 by J. Brahms

I. Allegro ma non troppo
II. Andante, ma moderato
III. Scherzo: Allegro molto
IV. Rondo: Poco allegretto e grazioso

Performers:

Jesús Reina
Darlin Dyle
Rumen Cvetkov
Paula Romero
Gabriel Ureña
Eduardo González

INTERMISSION

SECOND PART

String Sextet in D minor, Op. 70 by P. I. Tchaikovsky

I. Allegro con spirito
II. Adagio cantabile e con moto
III. Allegretto moderato
IV. Allegro vivace

Performers:

Kirill Troussov
Paloma Pierzchala
Rumen Cvetkov
Paula Romero
Gabriel Ureña
Eduardo González

Program Notes

String Sextet No. 1 in B-flat major, Op. 18 by Johannes Brahms

Composed in 1860, this is one of Brahms’s earliest chamber works, written for two violins, two violas, and two cellos. The sextet combines Brahms’s characteristic melodic lyricism and harmonic richness with a balanced structure that emphasizes the warmth of the string ensemble. The work stands out for its emotional expressiveness—ranging from serenity to passion—and for its masterful handling of textures and interplay among the instruments.

String Sextet in D minor, Op. 70 “Souvenir de Florence” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Known as “Souvenir de Florence,” this piece was composed by Tchaikovsky in 1890 and revised in 1892. Although originally conceived as a chamber work, the sextet exhibits a distinctly symphonic character, with moments of great drama and lyricism. Its title refers to Tchaikovsky’s memories of Florence, where much of the work was composed. The sextet is marked by rhythmic energy, emotional intensity, and a rich orchestration that fully explores the expressive potential of the six string instruments. It reflects both Tchaikovsky’s passionate spirit and his gift for melodic delicacy, offering a structure that moves fluidly between introspection and radiant brilliance.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14 – 7:00 PM

LITTLE BRASS

Jesús Cabañero
Óscar Cuevas
Andrés González
Jorge Cuevas
Alberto Cuartero

Works by Monteverdi, Debussy, Joaquín Rodrigo, Morricone, and others.

With over 26 years of experience, the brass quintet Little Brass presents a varied concert that spans multiple musical eras and styles, showcasing a selection of works that reflect their artistic evolution and accomplishments over the years. For this special occasion, the ensemble will be joined by two professional dancers, whose artistry and movement will enrich each performance, creating a unique stage experience. This concert promises a journey through Little Brass’s musical history, where brass virtuosity blends seamlessly with dance, resulting in an evening full of emotion and expression.