As part of AmiciMusic‘s Winter Chamber Music Festival, Weiser and a string trio perform piano quartets by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Gabriel Fauré. Dubbed “The Power of Four,” this installment is the third of five programs in the winter series. It begins Friday, Jan. 20 at 7:30 p.m., at the First Congregational Church in downtown Asheville, and continues through Thursday, Jan. 26, when the ensemble performs at White Horse Black Mountain — less pious, perhaps, but the sound is just as strong in the casual setting.
Weiser first performed at the First Congregational Church on Jan. 6 with violinist Rachel Patrick as part of the “Really Romantic” program that opened the series. “It’s a great acoustical space,” Wesier said of the venue.
“The Power of Four” ensemble includes three musicians who double as orchestra and chamber players; all three play in the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and the Opal String Quartet. Violinist Amy Lovinger is second principal in the orchestra. Kara Poorbaugh is the principal violist. Franklin Keel, cello, serves as associate principal. (Perhaps the series should be called “The Power of Principals”?)
Weiser and company will play Mozart’s Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor (K. 478) and Faure’s Piano Quartet No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 15. “Both works are absolute masterpieces filled with great melodies, lyrical slow movements, virtuosic fast movements and truly powerful climaxes,” Wesier said in an email.
The Power of Four
Friday, Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m. First Congregational Church 20 Oak St., Asheville $20 suggested donation for adults and free for children.
Sunday, Jan. 22, 4 p.m. First Baptist Church 63 N. Main St., Weaverville. $15 suggested donation for adults and free for children.
Thursday, Jan. 26, 7 p.m. White Horse Black Mountain 105 Montreat Road, Black Mountain. $15 for adults, $5 for children/students.
Friday, Jan. 27 7:30 p.m. Trinity Presbyterian 900 Blythe Street, Hendersonville. $15 for adults. Free for children.
For more information, and for other programs in the Winter Chamber Music Festival, visit http://avl.mx/98.
