The Isles Ensemble

Whether you know us or are new to us, we invite you to our exciting 2024-25 season. For more information about us, visit our website at www.islesensemble.org

November 2nd, 2 pm

MUSIC AT THE MOVIES 

Experience an afternoon of cinematic chamber music performed by the Isles Ensemble, including works by compositional giants of the silver screen -- as well as a few surprises along the way. Guest artist Maria Jette narrates the delightfully autumnal tale of "The Open Window," with accompanying music by Beethoven, Haydn, Bartók, and more. Korngold's exquisite String Quartet No. 2 anchors the second half of the concert, featuring the lush textures and beautiful melodies that would characterize his evocative film scores of the 1930s and 40s.

  February 1, 2pm

FEBRUARY IS SUMMER IN BRAZIL

February is SUMMER in Brazil!! Warm up with great music from Brazil and be dazzled by superstar Brazilian recorder virtuoso Clea Galhano.The concert will also include a special musical tribute to our beloved colleague Ken Freed who died suddenly on June 29th.And…the post-concert reception will feature treats form Brazil!

March 8th, 2pm

LETTERS FROM THE PAST

Join us for a unique concert experience blending chamber music and spoken word, as we journey through themes of love, memory, and the echoes of forgotten voices. Through the lens of historical letters and evocative music, the program offers intimate insights into the relationships and artistry of celebrated composers, Robert & Clara Schumann, and Bohuslav Martinu & Vitêzslava Kaprálová.

Composer, David Evan Thomas, will read excerpts of letters between the two couples for context.

May 3rd 2pm

CELEBRATING THREE CENTURIES OF WOMEN COMPOSERS

Works by Fanny Mendelssohn and Amy Beach will be interspersed with a couple of surprising new discoveries, including a newly unearthed suite from 1932 for unaccompanied viola by British composer, Imogen Holst, and a charming string quartet by the little-known 19th century Swedish composer, Laura Valborg Aulin. The centerpiece of the program will be Libby Larsen’s Sorrow Song Jubilee for string quartet, a work that is based on African-American spirituals and heavily influenced by Dvorak’s iconic “American” quartet. Please join us as we pay homage to the immense talent and creativity of female composers, including one of Minnesota’s true cultural treasures, Libby Larsen, during her 75th birthday season. 

A personal connection between audience and performers is a hallmark of the Isles Ensemble.

 

·       Comments from the stage about the music by Isles Ensemble members enhance the concert experience.

·       Get to know the members of the Isles Ensemble at the post-concert reception featuring tasty home-made treats.

·       An intimate atmosphere is created by the beautiful Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church. Built in 1925, it provides the perfect ambience, size and acoustics.

 

Your attendance at the concerts is the most meaningful way you can support us!