Masterworks for Strings Concert Scheduled for Feb. 6

NEW BRITAIN, CT - The Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra will present “Best of the True Romantics: Masterworks for Strings” at SS Cyril and Methodius Church in Hartford, Connecticut, on Saturday, February 6, at 7:30 p.m. EST. The concert will include works from three composers known for their deeply personal, expressive romantic touch: Tomaso Albinoni, Edvard Grieg, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Limited on-location tickets are available for the concert, which will also be streamed live on Facebook.

“Our program will explore the romantic nature of great music. The ‘true romantic’ composers wrote music that captivates our hearts and imagination with colors and depth of musical and human emotions,” said Adrian Sylveen, Artistic Director of the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra. “I think that, particularly at the present moment, we need the deeply personal and expressive. We must keep looking for ways to remedy the unintended consequences of ‘social distancing.’ This music is perhaps a great way to achieve that.”

The concert will include Grieg’s “Suite in Olden Style”, Op. 40; Tchaikovsky’s “Serenade for Strings in C Major”, Op. 48; and Albinoni’s “Oboe Concerto in C Major”, Op.9 No.5 - which will feature a solo performed by Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra Principal Oboist Johanna Lamb.

Lamb received her Bachelor’s of Arts degree Cum Laude from UCLA and her Masters of Music in Oboe Performance from The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. She performs as the principal oboist of the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra. In addition, she has performed throughout Connecticut with the Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra, the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, The Blackledge Woodwind Quintet, and the Con Brio Choral Society.

“Best of the True Romantics: Masterworks for Strings” will be performed at SS Cyril and Methodius Church at 55 Charter Oak Avenue in Hartford, Connecticut. Limited on-location tickets can be purchased online for a requested donation of $25. The concert can also be viewed live on the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra Facebook page. People with or without a Facebook account will be able to enjoy the concert.

Support for the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra’s live Facebook broadcasts has been provided by a generous Catalyst Grant from the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain.

The Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2017. The state’s premier professional chamber orchestra is dedicated to presenting both traditional and contemporary classical chamber works to the public. The Orchestra, led by Founder and Artistic Director Adrian Sylveen, continues to grow in size and repertoire, presenting approximately 35 times a year in many major performing arts centers throughout Connecticut and New York. The organization consists of 27 professional musicians and an administrative staff of four.

The mission of the Orchestra is to preserve and perpetuate the great traditions of orchestral music through the expansion of its public performance season, its education series, and by showcasing the excellence of regional and international talent. In its choice of repertoire, special attention is given to music from Eastern Europe.

The Orchestra collaborates on many projects with the New Britain Chorale, Central Connecticut State University, Middletown Concert Association, New York’s Chopin Foundation, and others. The Orchestra co-produces fully-staged opera productions with Connecticut Lyric Opera. In addition to performances, the Orchestra enriches the community by providing free tickets to local schools and hosting lectures on orchestral music. A frequent guest at the Kosciusko Foundation’s Chamber Music Series, in 2003 the Orchestra was invited to perform at the Gala Concert celebrating the 25th anniversary of John Paul II’s papacy.