Ébène and Belcea Quartets perform Octets by Mendelssohn and Enescu on November 12th

Chamber Music Pittsburgh (CMP) unites two of Europe’s leading string quartets for a joyful evening of octets at the newly remodeled Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. Rarely presented in the US, the Ébène and Belcea Quartets will perform Felix Mendelssohn’s famed Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20, and George Enescu’s seldom-heard Octet in C Major, Op. 7. Each written early in their composer’s careers, these octets embody the exuberance of youth while representing the artistry that makes them enduring masterpieces.

“Mendelssohn’s 1825 octet, a classic of the chamber music repertoire, and Enescu’s 1900 work, influenced by his Romanian roots, offer a fascinating contrast,” says Martha Bonta, CMP’s Executive and Artistic Director. “Separated by 75 years, these compositions showcase a unique dialogue between two artistic visions and eras. This vibrant interplay is magnified by the spirited collaboration and wonderful chemistry of these two celebrated quartets.”

This one-night-only performance invites Pittsburgh audiences to enjoy two of Europe’s leading string quartets. Quatuor Ébène, based in France and touring globally, has been celebrated for presenting “a mix of soft elegance, joie de vivre and exquisite tuning — as gorgeous as any ensemble in recent memory” (The Strad). Of forming an octet with the Belcea Quartet, Marie Chilemme, the violist of Quatuor Ébène, says, “It is a huge party to play all together! We love and respect each other very much and we feel lucky to have the chance to dig together into the music.” 

Known for its passion, precision, and emotive musicality, the Belcea Quartet has been lauded in The New York Times for the “intelligence and honesty of the playing […] as impressive as its energy and vehemence.” Of the Enescu piece they are playing, Corina Belcea says, “As a Romanian musician… it brings me back to my roots and it stirs my childhood memories to a point where I can really feel who I am when performing this music.”

This concert will be performed in the freshly remodeled Carnegie Music Hall of Oakland, a historic rose-and-gilt theater built in 1895.

About the Artists

Belcea Quartet – Passion, coupled with precision, unheard-of expressivity, and pure emotion characterize the concerts of the Belcea Quartet. With the Romanian violinist Corina Belcea, the Korean-Australian Suyeon Kang on second violin, the Polish violist Krzysztof Chorzelski, and the French cellist Antoine Lederlin, four different artistic provenances meet and unite to create unique excellence.

Quatuor Ébène – The Quatuor Ébène features Pierre Colombet on violin, Gabriel Le Magadure on violin, Marie Chilemme on viola, and Yuya Okamoto on cello. In the past two decades, the quartet has set new standards by making familiar repertoire accessible in new ways beyond perfection and by constantly seeking exchange with the audience.

Program

• Felix Mendelssohn Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20
• George Enescu Octet in C Major, Op. 7

TICKETS AND DETAILS

Chamber Music Pittsburgh presents Ébène and Belcea Quartets: An Evening of Octets, November 12, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland. Tickets range from $43-$64 (student tickets are $16.75) and can be purchased online.

Categories: Arts and Ideas, Show Previews

Tags: Ébène and Belcea Quartets: An Evening of Octets, Carnegie Music Hall Oakland, Chamber Music Pittsburgh, Corina Belcea, Felix Mendelssohn, George Enescu, Marie Chelemme, Martha Bonta