SHEPHERD SCHOOL FACULTY BOLSTER DA CAMERA SEASON OPENER

Da Camera Chamber Music Series opens Saturday, October 2 bolstered by a quartet of Shepherd School faculty members performing an all Beethoven program in the Cullen Theater at the Wortham Theater Center. Joined by clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, violinist Lucy Stoltzman, cellist Bion Tsang, and pianist and Artistic Director Sarah Rothenberg, Shepherd School faculty William Ver Meulen, horn; Benjamin Kamins, bassoon; James Dunham, viola; and Paul Ellison, bass perform the Trio in B-flat, Op. 11 for Clarinet, Cello and Piano, the Trio in C minor, Op. 1 No. 3 for Violin, Cello, and Piano, and the Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20.

One of the most popular and beloved works of Beethoven, the Septet in E-flat Major, Op. 20 was the centerpiece of a program from April 2, 1800 in a grand concert for the benefit of the Royal Imperial Court Theater beside the Hofburg. Beethoven was responsible for preparing and copying the parts at his own expense, selecting and renting the hall, hiring and rehearsing the musicians, as well as supplying the refreshments for the players. The result of this effort was the tremendously popular Septet.

James Dunham comments "the Septet is one of Beethoven's most popular works, played as frequently as any of his most important compositions."

On playing with clarinetist Richard Stoltzman, "Richard is one of the most famous clarinet players in the world and has established a tremendous career as an expressive and deeply musical soloist. He is a wonderful collaborator and is inventive in the repertoire he chooses."

The opening night of Young Beethoven takes place at the Cullen Theater at the Wortham Theater Center, Saturday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m. For information and tickets, contact Da Camera at 713-524-5050 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Monday through Friday.