Anyone who thinks classical string quartets are much too serious has yet to encounter Ednova, a recently conceived foursome that cheerfully confounds expectations.
“We have experimented combining traditional classic and more popular arrangements. For instance, we might incorporate movements of Mendelssohn with Star Wars. We want to expand the traditional repertoire with more contemporary works,” said violinist Anita Walsh.
Although Ednova is fresh out of the gate, Walsh, Buon Park (violin), Clayton Leung (viola) and Meran Currie-Roberts (cello) are experienced Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) musicians who perform with impeccable clarity, polish and confidence.
Each musician contributes a vastly different style that magically produces unforgettable expression.
“Buon has this incredibly versatile musicianship and she’s so expressive and communicative...I’m open to learning from my fellow musicians and I enjoy responding to their ideas...Clayton’s violin has an extraordinary singing sound that draws you in, and Merran is our baseline. As the cellist, she’s the glue of the quartet and keeps us together. She’s an exceptional musician and very smart,” Walsh said.
Hosted by St. Albert Chamber Music Society, Ednova debuts its impressive virtuosity on Sunday, November 24 at St. Albert United Church in a program that features Wolfgang Mozart, Benjamin Britten and Felix Mendelssohn.
Ednova opens with the 11-minute Mozart’s Divertimento No. 3 in F Major. It is one of three works Mozart wrote in the 1772 in Salzburg, Austria. Although intended for four players, it sounds symphonic and is sometimes called Salzburg Symphony.
“It’s typical Mozart perfection. It’s entertaining, amusing and energetic music.”
Immediately following is Benjamin Britten’s 12-minute Three Divertimenti for String Quartet. Britten is considered one of the great composers of the 20th century and Three Divertimenti are a trio of character pieces designed for breezy entertainment.
“He wrote it in the 1930s when he was in his 20s. It’s very accessible. There’s no deep meaning in them. It’s just fun. It has compelling textures and really cute harmonies. The first part is a March of toy soldiers. The second is a Waltz with a pastoral character and the last is a Burlesque with vibrant rhythms.”
Endova’s last performance piece is Mendelssohn’s String Quartet No. 6 in F minor. The composer was grieving the unexpected death of his older sister, Fanny. While grieving, he forced himself to compose the 27-minute work. It is a tough powerful composition that begins softly but rises in intensity.
“This piece manifests the struggles of deep grief as well as the love he had for her. We hear all kinds of contrasting emotions – grief, anger and optimism based on the love for his sister.”
Opening the concert is emerging artist Jenny Xu, currently first violin with Edmonton Youth Orchestra. She will perform Sarabande and Gigue from Bach’s Partita No. 2 in D minor. The two compositions are dance masterpieces taught to every violin student.
Walsh concluded by saying, “Our mandate it to provide joy and entertainment. That’s our focus. We’re a pretty relaxed group and we look forward to our time in St. Albert.”
At intermission, complimentary bubbly drinks and signature strawberries and chocolate truffles will be served.
The recital starts at 3 p.m., 20 Green Grove Drive. Tickets are $40 adults, $35 seniors, $15 students. They are available in person at Musée Heritage Museum or online at Eventbrite.
