Fortepianist Yi-heng Yang, Twelfth Night Ensemble, and Aquila Theatre are collaborating on a special performance for this Thanksgiving Weekend at the Doctorow Center for the Arts featuring the double concerti of Mozart with spoken word dramatizations of the life of Mozart performed by actors from the renowned Aquila Theatre.

Based in NYC, Twelfth Night is an ensemble of historical performance specialists led by David Belkovski and Rachell Ellen Wong, formed with the firm belief that art is best explored as a meeting place of the past, present, and future.

Pianist and fortepianist Yi-heng Yang has been described as an “exquisite collaborator” (Opera News), “superbly adept (Gramophone) and noted for her “remarkable expressivity and technique (Early Music Magazine). Ms. Yang is a co-founder of the Academy of Fortepiano Performance and co-founder of the International Fortepiano Virtual Salon Series.

Aquila Theatre is one of the foremost producers of classical theatre in the United States and has been bringing audiences world-class actors, captivating designs, innovative adaptations, and impactful direction since 1991.

RUCKUS featuring Emi Ferguson, flute and Rachell Ellen Wong, violin

Strawberry Fields: A joyous feast of rustic dances from the 18th century

RUCKUS featuring Emi Ferguson, flute and Rachell Ellen Wong, violin

Strawberry Fields: A joyous feast of rustic dances from the 18th century

Ruckus is a shapeshifting, collaborative baroque ensemble with a visceral and playful approach to early music. Described as “the world’s only period-instrument rock band” (San Francisco Classical Voice), Ruckus’ core is a continuo group, the baroque equivalent of a jazz rhythm section: guitars, keyboards, cello, bassoon and bass. The NYC-based ensemble aims to fuse the early-music movement’s questing, creative spirit with the grit, groove and jangle of American roots music, creating a unique sound of “rough-edged intensity” (New Yorker) that’s “achingly delicate one moment, incisive and punchy the next” (New York Times). The group’s members are among the most creative and virtuosic performers in North American early music. 

Ruckus is a shapeshifting, collaborative baroque ensemble with a visceral and playful approach to early music. Described as “the world’s only period-instrument rock band” (San Francisco Classical Voice), Ruckus’ core is a continuo group, the baroque equivalent of a jazz rhythm section: guitars, keyboards, cello, bassoon and bass. The NYC-based ensemble aims to fuse the early-music movement’s questing, creative spirit with the grit, groove and jangle of American roots music, creating a unique sound of “rough-edged intensity” (New Yorker) that’s “achingly delicate one moment, incisive and punchy the next” (New York Times). The group’s members are among the most creative and virtuosic performers in North American early music. 

RUCKUS featuring Emi Ferguson, flute and Rachell Ellen Wong, violin

Strawberry Fields: A joyous feast of rustic dances from the 18th century

“Love and Laurels”

Nola Richardson, soprano
Roderick Williams OBE, baritone

George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759): Overture from Partenope, HWV 27
HANDEL: Rigaudon from Radamisto, HWV 12
Johann Friedrich FASCH (1688-1758): Sonata à 4 in D minor
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George Frideric HANDEL (1685-1759): Cantata Apollo e Dafne, HWV 122

Twelfth Night presents a night of unforgettable music in a spectacular venue. Divided by an ocean and living more than a century apart, Pedro Ximenez and George Frideric Handel represent the two vibrant cultures of Peru and Italy. In spite of any differences, they eagerly drew on the artistic traditions buzzing around them. Ximenez’ music deftly weaves folk song around classical structures while Handel derived his inspiration from ancient Roman stories. Join Twelfth Night at the United Palace for this special night! 

“Love and Laurels”

Led by virtuoso violinist Rachell Ellen Wong and harpsichordist David Belkovski, the dynamic ensemble Twelfth Night returns to Pittsburgh with a program featuring British baritone Roderick Williams OBE and American soprano Nola Richardson centered around George Frideric Handel’s fabulous cantata Apollo e Dafne. Based on the mythological tale of vain, amorous pursuit, Apollo e Dafne showcases the operatic flair of a very young Handel, where we see his incredible talent for drama, orchestration, and heartrendingly beautiful melody.

ARTISTS

Twelfth Night Ensemble
Roderick Williams baritone
Nola Richardson soprano

FEATURED CONCERT

The Twelfth Night Ensemble

NORDSTROM RECITAL HALL AT BENAROYA

The English Orpheus
Rachell Ellen Wong & David Belkovski, directors

Based in New York City, Twelfth Night is an ensemble of historical performance specialists led by David Belkovski and Rachell Ellen Wong, formed with the firm belief that art is best explored as a meeting place of the past, present, and future. Twelfth Night projects and engagements range from small chamber music to larger orchestral and operatic productions.

The English Orpheus features a program of works by Purcell, Locke, Handel, Neil Gow, Porpora, and more.

Saturday, September 28, 2024

28.09.2024, 10:30

Mützenhalle Filzmoos

Ilumina at Kronberg Festival

• Thursday, September 26, 2024

• 7:45 PM 10:00 PM

Guest artists Rachell Ellen Wong and Guido Sant’Anna

Thu 26.9.19:45 - 22:00

Großer Saal, Casals Forum

Linda Chesis (flute), Rachell Ellen Wong (violin), Glimmerglass Festival Young Artist Winona Martin (mezzo-soprano), Wolfram Koessel (cello), and Bradley Brookshire (harpsichord) join forces for an evening of instrumental and vocal masterworks by JS Bach.

Manuel M. Ponce  – Sonata a Duo for Violin and Viola (1938)

Piazzolla – Primavera Porteña (1969)

Ponce  – Estrellita (arr. for violin and piano by Jascha Heifetz)

From pleasing to provocative, intellectual to insouciant, this program sheds light on the many facets of 20th-century Mexican and Argentinian classical compositions. Feel the passion and intensity of the tango in Piazzola’s renowned “Seasons”, juxtaposed with the exhilarating and profound string quartet “Música de Feria” by Revueltas. The program also features the graceful compositions of Manuel Ponce, offering a glimpse into the elegant charm of his musical creations. Works by 20th-century composers Alberto Ginastera (Argentina) and Mario Lavista (Mexico) top off an exciting and varied program.

All are invited to join the musicians for a closing celebration after the concert.

William Grant Still – Danzas de Panama for String Quartet (1948) | II & IV

Aaron Copland made four highly publicized government-sponsored trips to Latin America between 1941 and 1963. During these visits, he shared contemporary American concert music with Latin American audiences, including his own violin sonata, heard on tonight’s program. Back home, he drew US attention to the composers and musicians he met in Latin America, such as Heitor Villa-Lobos of Brazil and Silvestre Revueltas and Manuel Ponce of Mexico, all whom Copland knew personally and whose works are also featured. Another contemporary of Copland was the Black American composer William Grant Still, whose Panamanian Dances were inspired by a collection of Latin American folk songs. The history of Pan-American musical exchange predates Copland. This program also includes music by pianist-composer Edward MacDowell, an American student of the Venezuelan pianist and composer Teresa Carreño, and composer-pianist Louis Moreau Gottschalk, who traveled extensively throughout Latin America. UC Davis musicology professor Carol Hess will speak before the concert about musical diplomacy and cultural exchange in the Americas.

Pablo de Sarasate, Carmen Fantasy (arr. for string ensemble)

Discover a harmonious fusion of serenity and exuberance come together at Buena Vista Winery. Our stage will be the enchanting Fountain Courtyard, framed by the historic backdrop of the 1864 Champagne Cellar. Savor the exquisite selection of Buena Vista’s wines as they complement the sultry notes of Villa-Lobos’ ‘Bachianas Brasileiras No.5’ and the fiery passion of Pablo de Sarasate’s ‘Carmen Fantasy’. Immerse yourself in the grand finale of our Alfresco series, where the blend of music, high-quality wines, and the breathtaking sunset creates an unforgettable evening.  

Maurice Ravel: Piano Trio M. 67

Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of Brazil as we bring to life the musical genius of GRAMMY-award winning Brazilian guitarist, composer, and arranger Sergio Assad (b. 1953). Renowned for his captivating duo performances with his brother Odair Assad and frequent collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma and other luminaries, Assad stands as one of today’s most prolific composers for the guitar. The program presents Assad’s music alongside that of his Brazilian forebears, Antonio Carlos Gomes and Heitor Villa-Lobos, as well as his European influences, Darius Milhaud and Maurice Ravel. Bay Area guitarist—and friend of Assad’s—Marc Teicholz makes his Festival debut for this Brazilian panorama. 

Pedro Ximenez Abrill Tirado – Quartetto Concertante no.1 Op. 55  (Early 19th century)

The centerpiece of this program is the Quartetto Concertante, op 55, by Pedro Ximenez Abrill Tirado (1784-1856), the most prolific South American composer of the first half of the 19th century. Ximenez, born in Peru during the independence movement that led to the country’s founding, hosted a famous salon at his home that was celebrated by artists and revolutionaries alike. At the invitation of the Bolivian president in 1833, Ximenez became Maestro de Capilla in Sucre, the Bolivian capital, a post he held until his death. The first half of the program includes favorites from Ximenez’s European contemporaries, Boccherini, Haydn, and Mozart.

Immerse yourself in an hour-long program curated by violinist Rachell Ellen Wong, a trailblazer in historical performance and recipient of the coveted Avery Fisher Career Grant. Experience her magic as she artfully weaves together musical selections with engaging discussions and conversations. Wine and hors d’oeuvres, as well as cabaret-style seating, compliment the proceedings. Don’t miss out on this up-close encounter, it’s a festival highlight you won’t want to pass up!

In this program entitled “Snapshots,” we bring the audience on a journey through space and time, stopping to capture vivid moments along the way.  We invite you to travel back four centuries with us; bask in the sounds of French Impressionism and fiery Romanticism; take a walk through the streets of 18th century Madrid; and finally, dance the night away with a rousing Fandango!

​The Salmagundi Club, New York's oldest arts club, is opening the doors of their beautiful Gilded Age brownstone for Groupmusers. Spend the evening surrounded by venerable architecture and floor-to-ceiling curated art.

Carnegie Hall Presents

Twelfth Night

Elemental

Rachell Ellen Wong, Artistic Director and Violin
David Belkovski, Artistic Director, Harpsichord, and Organ
Julie Roset, Soprano
Xenia Puskarz Thomas, Mezzo-Soprano

Early-music ensemble Twelfth Night reimagines operatic and instrumental masterpieces from the Baroque era in its Carnegie Hall debut, led by Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient Rachell Ellen Wong and David Belkovski. Influenced by the sounds of today, and with a vision for the future, this New York–based ensemble was formed “with the firm belief that art is best explored as a meeting place of the past, present, and future.” Timeless works by Handel, Vivaldi, Marais, J. S. Bach, and Destouches offer an illuminating vantage point and thoroughly rewarding musical experience in this unique exploration of humanity’s relationship to nature.

The Heifetz Institute presents Hear & Now – a chamber music concert series at Mary Baldwin University’s Francis Auditorium in Staunton, Virginia. This concert features award-winning violinist and Heifetz Institute alum Rachell Ellen Wong performing alongside the Heifetz Ensemble in Residence (artists to be announced).

2PM Pre-concert Conversation | 3PM Concert
Complimentary coffee served at intermission courtesy of Crucible Coffee
Artist Meet & Greet Reception immediately following the performance – Light seasonal refreshments sponsored by Accordia

We are delighted to close our 2023-24 with the debut of Twelfth Night Ensemble, led by David Belkovski and Rachell Ellen Wong.

The San Diego audience will remember Rachell Wong as the wonderful concertmaster of Ensemble Jupiter during their last tour, so we are thrilled to present her again with her own exciting ensemble. Co-founded by Wong and harpsichordist David Belkovski, Twelfth Night will present "The British Orpheus," a program of music by Purcell and Handel.

For this performance, we'll have access to an atmospheric artist's loft within a lovingly renovated post-industrial space. Guests are encouraged to bring their own drawing or painting materials and capture the musicians as they perform. Some easels and easel lights will be available on a first come, first serve basis.

​Celebrate the arrival of spring with the Arcadian beauty of Mozart and Brahms clarinet quintets in NIGHTINGALE, presented by Twelfth Night & Megan Euell, Fine Artist.

​This will be an intimate concert in an artist's loft situated within bustling Industry City. Sketching during the event is heartily encouraged! Drawing boards available on a first come first serve basis; please bring your own paper and materials.

​BYOB! There are wine and beer shops within Industry City. And join us for the after party at local distillery Standard Wormwood.

Violinist Rachell Ellen Wong, winner of the 2020 Avery Fisher Career Grant, leads this program of baroque works that speaks to the human condition, evoking the feelings of hope, loss, exuberance, anger and joy.

Violinist Rachell Ellen Wong, winner of the 2020 Avery Fisher Career Grant, leads this program of baroque works that speaks to the human condition, evoking the feelings of hope, loss, exuberance, anger and joy.