Yo-Yo Ma, perhaps the best known classical cellist in the world, once said of his instrument, “There are limits to how much sound a cello can make. That’s part of the framing of acoustical instruments. Finding what those limits might be, and then try to suggest even perhaps the illusion of going beyond is part of that kind of effort.” The limits of the cello will be on display Tuesday night at Walt Disney Concert Hall as composer/conductor John Adams leads the Green Umbrella New Music Group with guests Jay Campbell on cello and Eric Wubbels on piano in a concert focused on the cello.
There are two world premieres as part of this concert. Partite Requiem, composed by Marc Sabat is the first of the two new works being performed. The second work having its first public performance is Swarm Collecting by Sky Macklay. Both works were commissioned by the LA Philharmonic.
Also on the program is Gabriella Smith’s Carrot Revolution for string quartet; pianist Eric Wubbells’ gretchen am spinnrade and Tristan Perich’s Formations for solo cello and electronics.
The program was curated by Adams and cellist Jay Campbell. In a 2015 review of a recital Campbell gave in New York, Anthony Tommasini wrote in the New York Times, “For such a slight-framed young man, Mr. Campbell has a robust sound, though the delicacy in his playing was just as captivating.”
Campbell is very passionate about new music. According to his bio he has premiered close to 100 works.
Adams, of course, needs no introduction.
The Green Umbrella program that the LA Philharmonic offers gives audiences a chance to experience new and exciting work that doesn’t find its way into traditional repertoire. This is music for the adventurous. The results are quite often stunning.
For tickets go here.
Photo of Jay Campbell by Beowulf Sheehan courtesy of Schmidt Artists International