Autumn Classics in a Nutshell

Pam Hahn (Q) with Vanja Gjumar Nikolovski (A)

I recently asked Vanja to share some insights into the upcoming concert. Here are some good responses and great reasons for coming to hear it on October 9. ~ Pam

Q:  The concert on October 9th is titled "Autumn Classics." What made you decide on the programming for this concert?

A:  First of all, I always try to make contrasting programming. We opened the season with some "heavier" Romantic music, so now the audience can relax with three pure Classical composers of their time. Schubert, as a contrast to Mozart's precise and very "clean" music, with the master of the piano - Chopin - in between.

Q:  Which piece in the concert is your favorite? Why?

A:  I must admit that despite the piano concerto I really love, my favorite piece is Mozart's G minor symphony. The simple reason is that I've known this music since I was five years old. I was always impressed with Mozart's clarity, wonderful sense of leading voices, counterpoint and gorgeous orchestration.

Q:  If you could sit down to dinner with either Schubert, Chopin or Mozart, which one would you choose? What would you talk about?

A:  I would like to have dinner with Mozart so we can mess around, show each other our childish ideas and discuss which cookies are the best on the table. After we get tired, we might talk some music as well.

Q:  Is there anything else you'd want our audience to know about in advance of the concert to help them appreciate this style of music?

A:  I would ask the audience to relax, to forget their problems for the moment, and to enjoy beautiful music!