Summer Chamber Music Festival

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The Gualala Arts Center is set to host the Summer Chamber Music Festival on July 13 and 14, 2024, featuring the Hiraga, Wyrick, Merks Quintet with Markus Pawlik, piano.  

Peter Wyrick’s distinguished career as a cellist is marked by his long-standing association with the San Francisco Symphony, where he has served as Associate Principal Cello since 1999, and a rich history of performances and collaborations. His early start at the age of eight at the Juilliard School set the stage for a life dedicated to music, leading to solo appearances with numerous orchestras and partnerships with celebrated musicians. His recordings and chamber music endeavors have garnered critical acclaim, further solidifying his reputation in the classical music world.

Cellist Mariko Hiraga Wyrick is currently a member of the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra and the American Ballet Theater Orchestra. She frequently performs with the Metropolitan Opera. An avid chamber musician, Mariko has participated in numerous prestigious music festivals. Mariko studied at the Juilliard School where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Mayumi Hiraga Wyrick’s musical history is marked by prestigious collaborations and educational milestones. As a violinist, her talent has secured her a position with the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra, and her performances extend to renowned groups such as the San Francisco Opera and Symphony. Her academic achievements are impressive, having studied under notable figures at the New England Conservatory and the Conservatory of Amsterdam. Mayumi’s career is a testament to her dedication and skill, resonating through each ensemble she graces with her music.

Amy Hiraga’s illustrious career as a violinist is marked by her tenure with prestigious orchestras and ensembles. Her journey from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra to the San Francisco Symphony showcases her versatility and dedication to her craft. With performances across a spectrum of renowned chamber music festivals and collaborations with eminent ensembles, Hiraga has established herself as a prominent figure in the classical music scene. Her education under distinguished mentors further underscores her deep-rooted passion for music, which continues to resonate in her performances and recordings.

Cordula Merks, violin, has served as concertmaster with the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra since 2015. Previously she was assistant concertmaster of the Seattle Symphony, and concertmaster of Germany’s Essen Philharmonic, Bochum Symphony, and Bergisch Symphony Orchestra.

Marcus Pawlik, piano, is characterized as an artist who combines expressiveness with a phenomenal virtuoso technique. Born in Bremen in 1966, his talent was recognized early as the three-time winner of the German National Young Musician’s Competition.  He has appeared with orchestras throughout Europe, Asia and North America

These artists, with their impressive backgrounds and dedication to their craft, promise to deliver performances that resonate with passion and precision, making the festival a highlight of the summer’s calendar.  Attendees can look forward to a selection of pieces by illustrious composers such as Janáček, Britten, Dvořák, Schubert and others.

July 13, 2024 Program

Leoš Janáček Pohádka
(1854 – 1928) I. Con moto
II. Con moto
III. Allegro
Mariko Wyrick, cello
Markus Pawlik, piano
Henryk Wieniawski Étude-caprice Op. 18, No. 4 in A minor
(1835 – 1880)
Arr. Fritz Kreisler
Cordula Merks, violin
Markus Pawlik, piano
Antonio Bazzini La ronde des Lutins, Scherzo fantastique, Op. 25
(1818 – 1897)
Cordula Merks, violin
Markus Pawlik, piano
Benjamin Britten String Quartet No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25
(1913 – 1976) I. Andante sostenuto – Allegro vivo
II. Allegro con slancio
III. Andante calmo
IV. Molto vivace
Cordula Merks, Mayumi Wyrick, violins
Amy Hiraga, viola
Peter Wyrick, cello
~ Intermission ~

Antonín Dvořák Piano Quintet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 81
(1841 – 1904) I. Allegro ma non tanto
II. Dumka. Andante con moto
III. Scherzo (Furiant). Molto vivace – Poco tranquillo
IV. Finale. Allegro
Cordula Merks, Mayumi Wyrick, violins
Amy Hiraga, viola
Mariko Wyrick, cello
Markus Pawlik, piano

July 14, 2024 Program

Francesco Geminiani Sonata II
(1687 – 1762) Andante
Presto
Adagio. Allegro
Mariko Wyrick, Peter Wyrick, cellos
Caroline Shaw Entr’acte
(b. 1982)
Cordula Merks, Mayumi Wyrick, violins
Amy Hiraga, viola
Mariko Wyrick, cello
~ Intermission ~
Franz Schubert String Quintet in C Major, D. 956
(1797 – 1828) I. Allegro ma non troppo
II. Adagio

III. Scherzo : Presto
IV. Allegretto
Cordula Merks, Mayumi Wyrick, violins
Amy Hiraga, viola
Mariko Wyrick, Peter Wyrick, cellos