Post 11: World Premier by Nashville’s very own Roger Wiesmeyer!

ALIAS has developed a reputation for championing new music. In its first 10 seasons, ALIAS Chamber Ensemble has performed over a dozen World Premieres. On its Winter Concert (February 16, 2013 – 8:00 PM – Turner Hall, Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University), the ensemble unveils another new work, this one by composer John Marvin.

The Sonata for oboe and piano will be premiered by oboist Roger Wiesmeyer, a much–loved figure in Nashville’s music scene.

Also on the program are two string quartets, by Johannes Brahms and John Zorn, written over 100 years apart. The Brahms quartet, his first, stands as one of the great monuments in the genre. The Zorn, titled “Cat o’ Nine Tails”, is an energetic, ever-changing romp. “Putting these two string quartets on the same program shows the versatility of this combination of instruments, ALIAS Artistic Director Zeneba Bowers says. “Brahms’ music is lush and romantic; the Zorn is schizophrenic, very reminiscent of Carl Stalling’s cartoon music. The range of character on display in both pieces is astounding.”