September 17, 2024

[Vancouver, WA. September 17, 2024] –The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA’s Chamber Music Series begins the 2024-2025 season with the VSO Chamber Ensemble: String Quartet with Clarinet and Horn performance on October 20, 2024 at 2 PM. Held at First Presbyterian Church, this performance will feature VSO principal clarinet Igor Shakhman, principal horn Dan Partridge, and string quartet consisting of VSO musicians, Rosie Jeong Kim, violin, Elizabeth Doty, violin, Jeremy Waterman, viola, and Dieter Ratzlaf, cello.

Presented by Oregon Public Broadcasting, this program includes one of W.A. Mozart’s most beloved chamber pieces, Clarinet Quintet, K. 581, which was written for Mozart’s friend, clarinetist Anton Stadler. At the 1789 premiere, Stadler’s playing inspired Mozart to create other pieces for the instrument including the Kegelstatt Trio, K.498 and Clarinet Concerto in A Major, K.622.

The VSO Chamber Ensemble’s October performance will also include Emil Kruez’s Quintet for Horn and Strings, "Prize Quintet," Op.49. This piece is described in a 1901 review for The Musical Times as “a solidly written, but melodious work, German in feeling, but not unoriginal. Its expressive Romance is perhaps its most satisfactory movement, while there is much freshness in the last Allegro molto moderato, which is remarkably restrained throughout, and ends in an unexpectedly subdued way.”

What: VSO Chamber Ensemble: String Quartet with Clarinet and Horn
When: October 20, 2024 at 3 PM
Where: First Presbyterian, Church 4300 Main St., Vancouver, WA, 98663
Tickets: Tickets available at vancouversymphony.org

About Igor Shakhman
Igor Shakhman is the Principal Clarinet and Chief Executive Officer of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and has been heard in recitals, chamber music concerts, and orchestra appearances throughout Europe and the US. As an orchestral clarinetist, he has performed with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Oregon Symphony Orchestra, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Colorado Opera Orchestra, Russian State Symphony Orchestra and others. He has participated in two critically acclaimed Broadway tours including as an on-stage soloist in the North American tour of “Fiddler on the Roof”.

Dr. Shakhman received his Bachelor of Music degree from Kharkov Music College, his Master’s from the Moscow Conservatory and his Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado.

About Daniel Partridge
Daniel Partridge is the principal horn of both the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and Symphony Tacoma. An active performer, educator, and clinician, he is the horn instructor at Portland State University and plays regularly with other regional groups, including the Oregon Symphony, Eugene Symphony, Portland Opera, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Big Horn Brass, Sunriver Music Festival, and his chamber groups, Chameleon Winds and the Rose City Brass Quintet. He earned a PhD in music theory from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY) and master’s degree in music theory and French horn performance from the Mannes College of Music. In addition to his performing and educational pursuits, Daniel has an actual full-time job as the Manager of the Editorial Department at Oregon Catholic Press (OCP), and is experiencing the rollercoaster of being the parent of two teenagers with his wife, Katie.

About The VSO Chamber Music Series
The VSO Chamber Music Series is presented by Oregon Public Broadcasting. The series was co-created by Dr. Michael C. Liu, VSO pianist and board member, and Dr. Igor Shakhman, VSO CEO and Principal Clarinet. The VSO Chamber Music Series is proud to provide enchanting chamber music in an intimate setting. Originally intended to be played in a small chamber, hall, or house, chamber music showcases musician virtuosity in melodies that are quite exposed in a typical ensemble of three to six musicians. Listeners enjoy an entirely new concert experience meant to speak to every individual in a comfortable space. The content of each VSO concert is unique, ranging from musical accompaniment for silent films and operatic soloists, to traditional string quartets and trios. Now in its eleventh season, the VSO Chamber Music Series continues to provide this matchless art form to the Vancouver community.

About The VSO
The VSO, now in its 46th season, has been a cornerstone of Southwest Washington's arts community, providing symphonic music of the highest caliber in live performances and through music education in schools, concert halls, and throughout the community. For more information, please visit vancouversymphony.org.

About our Sponsors
The VSO is generously supported by individual donors, The M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Realvest Foundation, Oregon Public Broadcasting, AC Hotel by Marriott, United Grain Corporation, Columbia Credit Union, All Classical Radio, Gravitate, Dick Hannah Dealerships, The Columbian, Michelle’s Piano Co., Pacific Office Automation, Steinway & Sons Portland, and The VIC.

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THE VANCOUVER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
PO BOX 525 VANCOUVER, WA 98666 PHONE 360-735-7278 FAX 360-906-0355
www.vancouversymphony.org