Virtual Concert: The International Artist Series presents Avi Avital, mandolin & Sérgio and Odair Assad

Join us for a Virtual encore performance of an unforgettable International Artist Series performance from 2018: Avi Avital, mandolin, & Sérgio and Odair Assad, guitar. This performance took place in February during a snowstorm, and as a result many of our subscribers were unable to attend. We hope that whether you experienced it in 2018 or are listening for the first time, you’ll be as excited as we are for the opportunity to re-live this recital.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc5o4g7QWvA&feature=youtu.be

About the Musicians:

Avi Avital is an Israeli mandolinist, composer, and performer best known for his renditions of well-known Baroque and folk music, much of which was originally written for other instruments. Acknowledged by The New York Times for his “exquisitely sensitive playing” and “stunning agility,” Avi Avital is the first mandolin player to receive a GRAMMY nomination in the category “Best Instrumental Soloist.” In addition to his International Artist Series performance, Avital also performed a wildly successful concert with Schubert Club Mix in 2016 (view the video highlights here).

Sérgio and Odair Assad are Brazilian-born brothers who have taken the classical guitar world by storm. Their exceptional artistry and uncanny ensemble playing come from both a family rich in Brazilian musical tradition and from studies with the guitar/lutenist Monina Távora (1921-2011), a disciple of Andrés Segovia. In addition to setting new performance standards, the Assads have played a major role in creating and introducing new music for two guitars. Their virtuosity has inspired a wide range of composers to write for them including Astor Piazzolla, Terry Riley, Radamés Gnattali, Marlos Nobre, and many others. The Assads also performed on the Music in the Park Series to a sold-out audience in May 2015. Hearing the musical talents of all three musicians together, all making their debuts on this series, is truly a magical event.

Special Thanks:

• Audio Recording: Cameron Wiley
• Photography: Fadi Kheir & Harold Hoffman
• Video Production: Galen Higgins
• Media Partner: Classical Minnesota Public Radio
• Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Program:

J. S. Bach—Sonata in E Major, BWV 1016 (Selections)
Joseph Haydn—Sonata No. 50 in D Major, Hob. XVI:37
Claude Debussy—La plus que lente, L. 121
Béla Bartók—Romanian Folk Dances, Sz. 56
Sérgio Assad—Tahhiyya Li Ossoulina
INTERMISSION
Traditional Bulgarian—Bucimis
Astor Piazzolla—Histoire du Tango
Marc Lavry—Three Jewish Dances, Opus 192
Jacob Bittencourt—Santa Morena
“Pixinguinha”—Glória
Bittencourt—Assanhado
ENCORE: Aaron Copland—Hoe-down from “Rodeo”

Read the full program notes HERE >>