Chamber Music Amici will perform a concert titled “Memoir” at the Wildish Theater in Springfield on April 27, marking the one-year anniversary of the death of co-founder Sharon Schuman.
The event is significant as it honors Schuman’s memory and her contributions to Chamber Music Amici. The group’s artistic director Grace Choi and executive director Greg Hopper-Moore discussed the upcoming program during an interview with KLCC’s Rachael McDonald.
Choi said the concert will feature Antonín Dvořák’s “String Quartet No. 12 in F Major,” known as the “American” quartet, and Gabriel Fauré’s “Piano Quartet No. 1 in C minor.” Choi explained, “Basically, he was inspired by American surroundings during his stay, and then, he blended into his Czech Bohemian style writing. The audience may remember this piece very well with its syncopated rhythm and also stunning, pentatonic melodies.” She added that she chose to include Dvořák’s string quartet because it was meaningful to Schuman: “Because I remember when she… had a chance to perform this string quartet… And she had this chance to perform this piece in there and fell in love with the venue and the idea of forming a chamber music group.”
A pre-concert talk by Dr. Terry McQuilkin from the University of Oregon School of Music will take place before the performance. Hopper-Moore said, “Dr. McQuilkin is just a wealth of knowledge… he comes armed with snippets of sound with a full PowerPoint that he… shows different things about these pieces and about the composers themselves.” Afterward, attendees are invited to stay for dessert on stage—a tradition important to Schuman for fostering community.
The one-year anniversary of Schuman’s death falls on April 23. Her family has organized a gathering at Amazon path Thursday morning followed by remarks from family and friends and a gentle run or walk. Donations can be made to causes supported by Schuman such as Chamber Music Amici, SquareOne Community Villages, and Fanconi Cancer Foundation.
“Every time I mingle with the audience on stage, I will feel Sharon’s spirit guide us and be with us always,” Choi said.
