WASHINGTON -- It’s a new concert season, and chamber music is back! Coordinated by musicians of “The President’s Own,” the Chamber Music Series features a variety of ensembles performing challenging and unique works in the intimate setting of John Philip Sousa Band Hall, and livestreaming online. From string quartets and brass ensembles to percussion and woodwind ensembles, the diverse musical groups always offer familiar and eclectic chamber music.
On Sunday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. (ET), the first chamber concert of the season is coordinated by Principal Clarinetist Gunnery Sgt. Patrick Morgan. He shared the following on the three pieces he selected for this performance:
“In choosing repertoire for this program, I wanted to balance the early romantic language of Carl Maria von Weber’s Clarinet Quintet with some modern selections. I immediately thought of Jennifer Higdon’s Zaka. It has been on my radar for several years as a piece I wanted to introduce to our audience. Its hard-hitting, aggressive sections are rhythmically driven, and I think this is a great contrast to the relatively simple melodies in the Weber. Also, I am from the same part of the country (Eastern Tennessee) as Jennifer Higdon, so I’ve always felt a personal connection to her music.”
“Lecolian Loops was a piece that Clarinetist Staff Sergeant Lewis Gilmore introduced to me, and I thought it was a perfect transition between the aforementioned pieces. The way Daniel Bernard Roumain slowly introduces the theme in a series of ever-changing snippets is in some ways evocative of Higdon’s use of short bursts of chromatic scales, though in a completely different mood. I also hope the audience enjoys the journey from music written in the 2000s back to 1815 for the second half.”
The concert is free and open to the public; no tickets required. The Marine Barracks Annex is located at 1053 7th Street SE in Washington, DC, and free parking is available in the gated lot beneath the bridge on 7th Street. Please allow extra time for ID checks and security at the gate.
Program & Notes
Livestream
Directions