Main Concerts
Landscapes
July 13th at 7:00pm at Norwich Congregational Church, VT
One of the masterpieces of the chamber music repertoire, Schubert’s Trout Quintet was written while the young composer was on vacation in the countryside. The quintet’s sunny and carefree atmosphere reflects Schubert’s joyful summer full of outings, parties, and music surrounded by the streams and forests of beautiful Austrian countryside. In contrast Valerie Coleman’s Rubispheres for wind trio depicts the bustling and soulful New York cityscapes of the Lower East Side and Washington Heights. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/905065544407.
The Romantic Virtuoso
July 12th at 7:00pm at First Congregational Church of Lebanon, NH
The nineteenth century saw the rise of the musical superstar, a trend reflected in the dazzling music written by and for these virtuosos. The Piano Trio in Eb major is from the height of Beethoven’s heroic middle period. As the composer, our archetypal Romantic artist-hero, wrote of himself: “There are many princes and there will continue to be thousands more, but there is only one Beethoven.” Halvorsen’s flamboyant Passacaglia, based on a theme by Handel, puts both violin and viola through their paces. Brahm’s stunning clarinet quintet was written to feature both clarinet and violin, in a part originally written for Joseph Joachim, one of the 19th century’s most influential violinists. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/905047721097.
Folk Music
July 10th at 7:00pm at First Congregational Church of Lebanon, NH
Journey around the world through folk music — done classical style! Some of Dvorak’s most iconic works were inspired by the music he heard on his visit to the United States, including his “American” String Quartet (as well as the famous New World Symphony). Stacy Garrop’s Silver Dagger draws from an Appalachian folk song about star-crossed lovers, while William Grant Still’s Miniatures arrange cowboy music, Spirituals, and other tunes. Carl Nielsen’s colorful and evocative woodwind quintet reflects his influences of the Danish folk music he heard growing up and his love for Mozart and Bach. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/904832116217.
Free Children's Concert with UVMC
July 16th at 2:00pm at the Kilton Public Library in West Lebanon, NH
In collaboration with Upper Valley Music Center, Oak Hill Music Festival presents a free children’s concert at the Kilton Public Library with storytelling and excerpts from our festival concerts. This concert is free, casual, and wiggle-friendly, with interactive engagement. UVMC’s early childhood music specialist Joni Cushman will guide the youngest members of the audience with hands-on and movement-based activities to engage their minds and bodies with the music. Activities are geared for ages 3-7, but fun for the whole family. Almost all of our stellar musicians will be featured on this program so it is an opportunity to see and hear most of the string and wind instruments up close.
Chemistry
July 15th at 7:00pm at Norwich Congregational Church, VT
Enjoy music celebrating the chemistry between individuals, between instruments, and even some music by and for actual chemists. Alexander Borodin’s vivid and lyrical Second Quartet is one of the most beloved pieces in the string quartet repertoire—but in his day, the composer was also a prominent scientist who made important contributions to organic chemistry. Engaging solo, duo, and trio music by Rachmaninov, Ibert, and Rebecca Clarke round out the program. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/644558380467.
Music of Exile
July 14th at 7:00pm at First Congregational Church of Lebanon, NH
A celebration of life with music born from exile and diaspora. Vignettes, by pre-eminent 20th century African-American composer William Grant Still, is a vibrant collection of folk songs from the Americas. Hear music by pioneering Brazilian composer Chiquinha Gonzaga, alongside Mahler’s lovely Piano Quartet, the only surviving chamber work from a composer who famously described himself as “thrice homeless”. Walter Kaufmann’s String Quartet is a fusion of traditions written during his sojourn in Mumbai in the 1930s and ‘40s, while he worked as director of music at All India Radio after fleeing Nazi persecution. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/644556555007.
Four Seasons
July 12th at 7:00pm at First Congregational Church of Lebanon, NH
Join us on our opening night for a captivating musical journey through the changing seasons. Experience the rebirth of spring with Piazzolla’s Primavera Porteña (Bueños Aires Spring) and music for violin and piano by Lili Boulanger, the oppressive heat of summer with Gershwin’s Summertime and Samuel Barber’s Summer Music for Woodwind Quintet, and the revelry of autumn and bite of winter from Antonio Vivaldi’s iconic Four Seasons. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/644543666457.
Breath
July 16th at 7:30pm at First Congregational Church of Lebanon, NH
Music inspired by breath and song. We feature Mozart’s quintet for piano and winds, as well as Schubert’s famous “Death and the Maiden” string quartet. The titular piece, “Saans” (”Breath” in Hindi), is a gorgeous piano trio by Indian-American composer Reena Esmail, whose work brings together the idioms of Western and Hindustani classical music. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/347589759327.
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Paris 1880-1947
July 15th at 7:30pm at Norwich Congregational Church, VT
A snapshot of Paris during a time of historic changes. Franck’s famous piano quintet, obsessive and romantic, bridges the gap between eras. Bubbly, accessible, and sarcastic French woodwind music by Poulenc and Bozza is paired with a quartet by Szymon Laks premiered in Paris in 1945, six months after the composer was liberated from Auschwitz and became a naturalized French citizen. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/347571173737.
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From The New Hampshire Woods
July 13th at 7:30pm at First Congregational Church of Lebanon, NH
Our opening night introduces our nine resident musicians in a delightful tasting menu of mixed duos, trios, and a wind quartet, ranging from jazzy to romantic. The program includes a world premiere by acclaimed film composer Amotz Plessner, written in honor of OHMF’s inaugural season, the trio version of the iconic Suite from L’Histoire du soldat (The Soldier’s Tale) by Igor Stravinsky, and arranged arias from Mozart's opera The Marriage of Figaro. The title of the program comes from a suite for solo piano written in 1923 by composer, writer, and critic Marion Bauer; you’ll hear the first movement of this work, entitled “White Birches.” Purchase tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/347551635297.