An Italian Journey: Tesla Quartet Performs Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence (GVSU Fall Arts Celebration)

Inspired by numerous pleasurable escapes from harsh Russian winters, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s love of Italy is reflected in his much-loved String Sextet in D Minor, Op. 70 Souvenir de Florence. Cherished as a master composer of symphonies and ballets, Tchaikovsky crafted a work that is richly developed and colorfully infused with well-known Italian street songs and melodies. It is a musical triumph and a perennial chamber music favorite. Featuring the internationally acclaimed Tesla Quartet, winners of the Gold Medal at the 2012 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and the Second Prize, Haydn Prize, and Canadian Commission Prize at the 12th Banff International String Quartet Competition, our program will open with the virtuosic and hauntingly beautiful Quartet in B minor, Op. 33, No. 1 by Franz Joseph Haydn. Grand Valley music faculty members, Paul Swantek, viola, and Pablo Mahave-Veglia, cello, will join the ensemble for Souvenir de Florence.