Fresh May air and the pastoral charm of Europe will fill an intimate chamber-music stage in Daegu. The Daegu Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra opens the second concert in its Chamber Series, "Pastoral Europe," on May 6 at 7:30 p.m. in the Chamber Hall of the Daegu Concert House.
The program features works by Gioachino Rossini, Heinrich Baermann and John Rutter, offering bucolic moods and the concentrated, expressive textures of chamber music. Performers include Seo Mi-eun, Lee So-young, Park Hyun-joo and Na Han-na; violist Lee Song-ji; Kim Sae-rom; cellist Seong So-hee (associate principal); Kim Geun-woo; double bassist Lee Sang-ah; and clarinetist Lee Seong-gyu. The ensemble centers on strings, with the clarinet adding color and contrast.
The concert opens with Rossini's Sonata No. 2 for Strings. The three-movement fast–slow–fast structure features bright, sprightly melodies that reflect Rossini's youth—he composed the piece at age 12. Unusually, the ensemble substitutes double bass for the viola in the traditional string-quartet texture, producing a distinct sonic color.
Next comes Baermann's Clarinet Quintet No. 3. The clarinet's warm, mellow tone is gently supported by the strings, creating a steady, flowing arc. The second movement, an Adagio, brings out a deep lyricism and a pronounced romantic feeling.
After the intermission, the orchestra performs Rossini's Sonata No. 3 for Strings. Composed around the same time as the second sonata, this work is more dynamic and spirited, maintaining lively momentum through brisk developments.
The program closes with John Rutter's Suite for Strings, four short pieces based on traditional English folk melodies that convey a simple, warm mood. It opens with the jaunty rhythm of "A-Roving," moves into the bright "I Have a Bonnet Trimmed with Blue," and delivers a calm, resonant depth in "O Waly, Waly."
Baek Jin-hyun, the principal conductor, said, "I designed the program to focus on the string ensemble and on how changes in instrumentation shape the sound and flow. We begin with Rossini, move through Baermann's measured resonance, and arrive at John Rutter's warm, familiar melodies to evoke a pastoral atmosphere."
The suite ends on an upbeat note with "Dashing Away with the Smoothing Iron," a lively work song. Admission is free. The performance is suitable for elementary-school children and older. Inquiries: 053-430-7765.
