1 March 2016 -- The Marine Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Assistant Director 1st Lt. Ryan J. Nowlin, will perform the works of Clara and Robert Schumann and their close friend, Johannes Brahms, at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 6, at Northern Virginia Community College’s Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria. The concert is free and no tickets are required. Free parking is available in the adjacent garage.
The concert, titled “Romantics,” will feature three works by the influential Romantic composers: Clara’s Konzertsatz in F minor, featuring piano soloist Staff Sgt. Christopher Schmitt; Robert’s Konzertstück in F for Four Horns and Orchestra, Opus 86, featuring horn soloists Master Gunnery Sgt. Max Cripe, Gunnery Sgt. Douglas Quinzi, and Staff Sgts. Cecilia Kozlowski and Timothy Huizenga; and Brahms’ Serenade No. 1 in D, Opus 11.
The lives of the Schumanns and Brahms were inextricably intertwined and from the very first meeting, an intimate friendship blossomed. Upon hearing the relatively unknown Brahms play for the first time, Robert was so amazed that he ran to get his wife Clara. She later penned in her diary, “Here is one who comes as if sent from God.” From that point, Robert became Brahms’ mentor, advocate, and close friend.
Tragedy later struck the Schumanns as Robert suffered from a mental illness and attempted suicide and was later committed to an asylum, where he stayed until his death. During this dark period, Brahms moved into the Schumann household to help Clara and the eight Schumann children for more than two years. His relationship with Clara was complex and meaningful, moving from passionate but unconsummated love to an intimate friendship which spanned the rest of their lives. Upon Clara’s death in 1896, Brahms was so stricken with grief that he followed her to the grave less than a year later.
A trumpet quartet will provide pre-concert music beginning at 1:15 p.m. in the lobby and 1st Lt. Nowlin and the soloists will be in the lobby following the performance to chat with patrons. Doors to the concert hall will open at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Complete Program and Notes