Musicians to perform world-premiere by Eastman alum

composer Daniel Pesca

While you can’t catch an RPO concert this week, several RPO musicians will perform a world-premiere by composer and Eastman alumni Daniel Pesca on Sunday night as part of the First Muse concert series. Piano Trio will feature the RPO’s Liana Koteva Kirvan (violin), Lars Kirvan (cello), and Eastman staff pianist Chiao-Wen Chang.

"I wanted to write a piece that both reflected on the year 1967--the musical and cultural currents of that era--and also something that has something to say about what it means to be alive in 2017," said Pesca, who holds a doctorate in composition from the Eastman School of Music and has written new works for the University of Michigan Symphony Band and Eastman School among others.

Founded in 2007 by RPO Principal Violist Melissa Matson, First Muse performs chamber works ranging from the familiar to fresh at First Unitarian Church. Concerts feature RPO musicians as well as other talented musicians from the Rochester area. Piano Trio is the third work that Pesca has written for First Muse, and commissions are underwritten by generous donors.

To compose his work, Pesca drew poetic inspiration from the late songwriter Leonard Cohen, "the great exponant of the lament," according to Pesca. "As I watched the [political] events of late 2016 unfold, I decided my piece would consist of two large elegies, separated by a shorter interlude that would provide some relief. Both elegies have titles that reference Cohen--whose first album was released in 1967."

The concert also features chamber works by Schubert, Debussy, and Henri Duparc. 25 percent of ticket proceeds will benefit RAIHN (Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network), a nonprofit that offers assistance to homeless families.

If you go
First Muse Chamber Music presents
Argos Trio: Music of Sevens
Sunday, February 26 at 7:30 PM
First Unitarian Church (220 Winton Road South, Rochester, 14610)
Tickets available online or at the door: $10 general/$5 student/ $20 family max