Members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Perform a Program of Works by Ravel, Brahms and Mendelssohn

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2009, AT 8 PM

The Los Angeles Philharmonic presents its fourth Chamber Music Society series concert of the 2008/09 season, Tuesday, February 24, 2009, at 8 p.m., at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The program features Ravel's sober Sonata for Violin and Cello, Brahms' expressive Trio in E-flat for Violin, Horn, and Piano, Op. 40, and Mendelssohn's impassioned Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66.

The first movement of Ravel's Sonata for Violin and Cello was written as a contribution to a special Debussy commemorative supplement for La Revue musicale in 1920. Two years later, he completed the entire Sonata which demonstrates the influence of Debussy's later works through its lean and linear qualities. The piece is performed by LA Phil musicians Robert Vijay Gupta, violin, and Ben Hong, cello.

While Johannes Brahms had a special fondness for the horn, as a review of his orchestral works reveals, he incorporated it into only one chamber music work - the Trio for Violin, Horn, and Piano. The piece was written for the valve-less horn, instead of the more sophisticated valve-horn, and this choice reveals Brahms' decision to focus on a horn part for nobility rather than virtuosity. Performing the piece this evening are LA Phil musicians Camille Avellano, violin, and William Lane, horn, as well as Norman Krieger, piano.

When Mendelssohn composed his Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66, in 1845, he was one of the leading figures in European music. Totally dedicated to his work, he took the early part of 1845 off from his performing activities, sequestering himself in Frankfurt with his family to focus on a series of compositions including tonight's Trio, which finds the composer at his impassioned, rhapsodic best. The piece is performed by LA Phil musicians Johnny Lee, violin, and Brent Samuel, cello, as well as Chris Weldon, piano. Krieger and Weldon, both accomplished pianists, collaborate frequently with members of the LA Phil.

The LA Phil Chamber Music Society's 2008/09 season presentations at Walt Disney Concert Hall include two series of four concerts performed by members of the orchestra, several with distinguished guest artists. Remaining programs for the season are March 17 (with Kate Royal, soprano); March 31; April 28; and May 26 (with Christoph Eschenbach, piano).

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable places anywhere to experience music - Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association's involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational programs, community concerts and children's programming, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2009, AT 8 PM

WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL

111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles



CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY



MEMBERS OF THE LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC



RAVEL Duo for Violin and Cello

Robert Vijay Gupta, violin

Ben Hong, cello



BRAHMS Trio for Violin, Horn, and Piano

Camille Avellano, violin

William Lane, horn

Norman Krieger, piano



MENDELSSOHN Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66

Johnny Lee, violin

Brent Samuel, cello

Chris Weldon, piano

Tickets ($24 - $49) are on sale now at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office, online at LAPhil.com, or via credit card by phone at 323.850.2000. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for seniors and full time students may be available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required; one ticket per person; cash only. Groups of 12 or more may be eligible for special discounts for selected concerts and seating areas. For information, please call 323.850.2000.

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