Music
South Beach Chamber Ensemble Finds ‘Music in Beautiful Spaces’
Karen Powell, Sheena Gutiérrez, Michael Andrews, and Angela Kratchmer of the South Beach Chamber Ensemble during a performance at The Betsy Hotel. The ensemble plays two concerts in its “Music in Beautiful Spaces” series in Miami Beach and Coral Gables on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6. (Photo courtesy of Paul Seligman)
The South Beach Chamber Ensemble has been presenting its “Music in Beautiful Spaces” series for the past 26 years.
“The Music in Beautiful Spaces series has always been our signature set of chamber concerts,” says Michael Andrews, cellist, founder, and executive artistic director of the South Beach Chamber Ensemble, which was founded in 1997.
“The main purpose of our flagship series is to fulfill our vision of a world where music inspires and motivates audiences, creating peace, harmony, joy, and the unprecedented satisfaction of being alive,” says Andrews. “It’s the perfect match between the (architecturally significant) spaces and the spirit of music.”
For its latest “Music in Beautiful Spaces,” the ensemble will pay tribute to two composers whose works Andrews says deserve greater exposure: Fanny Mendelssohn and Rebecca Clarke.
Performances are at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5 at All Souls’ Episcopal Church, Miami Beach, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 6 at St. Philips Episcopal Church, Coral Gables. The repertoire for both performances includes Fanny Mendelssohn’s “Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 11” (1846-47) and Rebecca Clarke’s “Piano Trio in E-flat major” (1951).
Karen Powell, Sheena Gutiérrez, Michael Andrews, and Angela Kratchmer at All Souls’ Episcopal Church, Miami Beach, where the South Beach Chamber Ensemble (SBCE) will perform one of its tribute concerts to Fanny Mendelssohn and Rebecca Clarke. (Photo courtesy of Linda Kolko)
Mendelssohn (1805-1847) was a talented German composer and pianist of the early Romantic period. Her works include a piano trio, a piano quartet, an orchestral overture, four cantatas, more than 125 piano pieces, and more than 250 lieders, many of which were published after her death. Despite her mastery of the instrument, she rarely performed in public concerts. Due to the social status of her time, several of her works were published under the name of her younger brother, the more well-known Felix Mendelssohn.
“Our purpose is to present composers who have been overlooked, sometimes because of their gender, nationality, ethnic background, or sexual orientation. Despite their musical repertoire and accomplishments are evident,” explains Andrews. “Fanny Mendelssohn’s work has always been overshadowed by the work of her famous brother. However, her piano trio is a compelling masterpiece.”
Rebecca Clarke (1886-1979) was an English American classical composer and violinist known for her chamber pieces featuring the viola. She is considered one of the most important British composers of the period between the two World Wars and the most distinguished composer of her generation. Born in England to a German mother and an American father, she always retained her U.S. citizenship and settled permanently in the United States after World War II.
“A few years ago, SBCE performed Rebecca Clarke’s ‘Two Movements for String Quartet.’ Its harmonies and style sparked the interest of our musicians and the audience,” recalls Andrews. “Working with her piano trio, we discovered a much more complex and masterful piece, full of more modern harmonies and special effects like ‘sul ponticello’ [playing the bow near the bridge of the stringed instrument to emphasize the higher harmonics] and natural harmonies in the strings, creating an ethereal and spiritual sound.”
Michael Andrews, cellist, founder, and artistic executive director of South Beach Chamber Ensemble (SBCE), at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden. (Photo courtesy of Stephan Rudenko)
When asked about SBCE’s motivation for choosing two piano trios, each performed by Karen Lord Powell (violin), Michael Andrews (cello), and Michael Linville (piano), the ensemble’s executive artistic director responded by referring to the ensemble’s history.
“In our 27-year history, we have presented piano trio concerts, alternating with string quartets. There is so much chamber music composed for these two ensemble forms that we will always have something to delight our audiences. We are honored to have Michael Linville, Dean of Instrumental Performance at the New World Symphony, on piano.”
South Beach Chamber Ensemble: Price String Quartet #2 in A minor, 1st movt., excerpt
South Beach Chamber Ensemble also performs outside of the region including its “Music in Motion” series of collaborations with musicians worldwide.
“We have performed in Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico,” says Andrews.
The ensemble heads to the Midwest for its summer concert series, “South Beach Up North,” which celebrates its 19th anniversary this year in Andrews’ hometown of Wausau, Wisc.
“(We) have a full calendar of activities and work that wouldn’t exist without the support of numerous organizations and friends who inspire and motivate us,” says Andrews.
WHAT: South Beach Chamber Ensemble “Music in Beautiful Spaces”
WHERE: All Souls’ Episcopal Church, 4025 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach, and St. Philips Episcopal Church, 1121 Andalusia Avenue, Coral Gables.
WHEN: 2 p.m., Saturday, April 5 (All Souls’ Episcopal Church); 2 p.m. Sunday, April 6 (St. Philips Episcopal Church).
COST: $30; $20, senior citizens; students admitted free with ID. Tickets can be purchased online and at the door.
INFORMATION: 305-673-2183 or sobechamberensemble.org.
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