Music at the Mission [MAM] embarks on their Twentieth Anniversary Season with “Chronos.” Named for the Greek god of time, the program kicks off with a powerful call to freedom by Oakland native Alex Taite who makes his MAM debut and brings his captivating interpretations of traditional Black spirituals. This first half of the program, “In the Time of Strife,” will transport the audience through the struggles and triumphs of a pivotal chapter in American history. Following is a one-movement string quartet, “Source Code,” by Jesse Montgomery which centers on a melody derived from Black spirituals. “The spiritual is a significant part of the DNA of black folk music, and subsequently most (arguably all) American pop music forms that have developed to the present day,” Montgomery writes.
The program continues with British composer Errollyn Wallen’s “Sojourner Truth” for violin and piano. The work is based on the life of abolitionist and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth. Carlos Simon’s string quartet “Elegy: A Cry from the Grave” is a sorrowful yet hopeful piece. The composer describes it as “an artistic reflection dedicated to those who have been murdered wrongfully by an oppressive power; namely Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner and Michael Brown.”
For the second half, the program continues with “In the Time of Love.” Johannes Brahms’s “Werther” Piano Quartet no. 3 was written during the final illness of his close friend, Robert Schumann, when Brahms was torn between despair for his friend and love for his friend’s wife, Clara Schumann.
The program ends with “Clocks” by Miguel del Aguila, which takes an imaginary visit to a clock museum. The final movement, “The Joy of Keeping Time,” takes place after the museum closes and the clocks come to life in an exuberant jam session.
“Music has an unparalleled ability to touch the heart and stir the soul,” said Aileen Chanco, MAM Founding Director. “In times of both strife and love, music has the power to heal, to uplift and to remind us of our shared humanity.”
Tenor, Alex Taite performs on many Bay Area opera stages, currently sings with the San Francisco Opera Chorus and is writing two song books of spirituals. He will be joined by pianist Aileen Chanco, violinists Eugenia Wie and Liana Berube, violist Ivo Bokulic and cellist Eileen Moon.
“Chronos” will be presented as part of MAM’s new Fremont Happy Hour Concert Series at the elegant event house of Martha Mahuron in Fremont. It starts at 3:30pm on Saturday, Nov. 23 and will be exquisitely catered by Beyond the Board Catering. Advanced ticketing is required. “Enjoy your afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres with us!”, says Board President, Larry Matteucig. “This is a perfect, intimate setting for a performance. The audience isn’t an observer, but truly a part of the musical experience…We are grateful to the Alameda County Arts Commission Artsfund program for their support!”
Chronos will also be performed on the San Leandro Twilight Concerts Series at MAM’s new second venue, All Saints Episcopal Church in San Leandro, Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 7pm.
Music at the Mission: Chronos
Wednesday, Nov. 20
7pm
The San Leandro Twilight Series
All Saints Episcopal Church
911 Dowling Blvd., San Leandro
Tickets $40
Saturday, Nov. 23
3:30pm
Fremont Happy Hour Concert Series
Mahuron Event House
Advanced reservations required due to limited seating.
(Address will be given upon registration)
Tickets $70 (Include wines and hors d’oeuvres)
www.musicatmsj.org
