The Shedd Institute welcomes a unique collaboration featuring three distinguished figures in American concert music: seven-time Grammy winning bassist and composer Edgar Meyer, violinist Tessa Lark, and cellist and composer Joshua Roman. On tour in preparation for their recording of Meyer’s just-completed 4th string trio along with his three string trios from the late 1980s, the group presents a program that offers in addition Meyer’s trio arrangement of J.S. Bach’s Sonata for Viola de Gamba in G Major.
Meyer writes of the concert:
"In 1986 - 1988 I wrote a series of 3 string trios that I premiered with Daniel Phillips and Carter Brey at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. These were the first longer pieces that I had conceived as such, and they set the tone for my next 4 decades. Only one was partially recorded. After meeting Tessa and Joshua a few years ago, I realized that they were perfect for helping me document this personal milestone. I also have set out to write a new trio for us to “complete the thought”. Following the tour, we will record the old trios and the new one as a set. We will be performing the 1986 and 1988 trios, the new trio, and we will open with the Bach gamba sonata BWV 1027 (Bach also wrote a version of this piece for 2 flutes and continuo). We typically do a Bach encore."
Meyer, celebrated as one of the finest bassists of our time and a frequent performer here at The Shedd, has built a remarkable career, performing as a soloist with leading orchestras and collaborated with luminaries such as Yo-Yo Ma, Béla Fleck, and Chris Thile. Joining Meyer are Tessa Lark, a Kentucky-born violinist known for her genre-crossing artistry, and Joshua Roman, an eclectic cellist recognized for his adventurous spirit.
Commissioning support provided by:
– Aspen Music Festival and School, Robert Spano, Music Director
– Big Ears Festival
– Cal Performances
– Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center at Auburn University
– The Lied Center of Kansas – University of Kansas