Wilson Music Series will present Beethoven and Poulenc sonatas, and a world premiere

Cellist Gwen Krosnick and pianist Qing Jiang will perform Beethoven and Poulenc sonatas, a two short pieces by Lei Liang, and the premiere of his “Parts for a Floating Space” for cello and piano. This second concert in the 2019 Jean C. Wilson Music Series is Sunday, February 3 at 4:00PM at the Unitarian Church, 26 Pleasant Street in Newburyport, MA.

“Our program will include two big wonderful sonatas of Beethoven and Poulenc,” Krosnick said, “as well as a short set of miniatures by Lei Liang. Lei has offered to transcribe a beautiful, meditative piece of his, “Parts for a Floating Space,” which he originally wrote for saxophone and vibraphone, for cello and piano for us.  Our concert in Newburyport is going to be its premiere in the new version. Lei’s works – just a few minutes each – will bookend and sit in the middle of the program as balances to the big sonatas that presented in the rest of the recital.”

The complete program is:
Lei Liang: Selections from Garden Eight for solo piano (1996)
Ludwig van Beethoven: Sonata for Piano and Cello in F major, Op. 5, no. 1 (1796)
Lei Liang: Feng for solo cello (1998)
Francis Poulenc: Sonata for Cello and Piano, FP 143 (1948)
Lei Liang: Parts for a Floating Space for cello and piano (2002, transcribed by L. Liang 2018)

Praised by the New York Times as a “fiery musician” whose playing is “vigorous and passionate,” Chinese-born pianist Qing Jiang enjoys a diverse career in solo, chamber, and contemporary music.

Described by the Daily Forward as “an exuberantly gifted cellist,” Gwen Krosnick has appeared around the world. As a chamber musician, teacher, and concert presenter, Krosnick aims to create space for people to connect. She champions contemporary music and encourages a vibrant, thoughtful dialogue between great pieces of music, old and new.

The Jean C. Wilson Music Series is named for one of the founders and the director of the music series for 29 years. Now, under the auspices of the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist Church, the Music Series typically offers three or four concerts held during the winter months.

Suggested donations are $20, $10 for seniors, children and students free. For more information about the concert go to frsuu.org/jean-c-wilson-music-series or call 978-465-0602 x401.