Western Slope Chamber Music Series


2008-2009 Concert Season

Yo-Yo Ma’s
“Silk Road” pianist
NOVEMBER 2008

The Nutcracker

November 2008

Viola, Harp, & Flute Dreams

JANUARY 2009

Joel Fan, piano

Grand Junction:
American Lutheran Church
Friday, November 7, 7:30 PM

Paonia: Blue Sage Center
Saturday, November 8, 7:30 PM

What a season opener to inaugurate the new Steinway piano! World-famous pianist Joel Fan is a member of Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble and has appeared in numerous performances with the ensemble at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Symphony Center in Chicago, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, as well as on the television shows Good Morning America and David Letterman. Acclaimed as a "versatile and sensitive pianist" (The Washington Post), Joel Fan combines virtuosity with a gift for lyricism. Mr. Fan began his performing career with the New York Philharmonic at age 11, and has since appeared in recital and with orchestras throughout the world.

with the
Institute of Dancing Arts

Grand Junction: Avalon Theater
Friday, Nov. 28, 7 PM
Saturday, Nov. 29, 2 PM& 7 PM

Montrose Pavilion:
Sunday, Nov. 30, 2 PM

This Christmas season, the magic starts early with this exciting full production of The Nutcracker Ballet with 80 dancers and a 40-piece live orchestra! Artistic director Diane Revie’s exquisite choreography will showcase 90 talented dancers in an array of dazzling costumes to enhance this magical Christmastime Ballet. A 40-piece orchestra of young
virtuosos and seasoned professionals will perform
Tchaikovsky’s great masterpiece, conducted by Tyme Mientka. Begin your Holiday Season by joining us for The Nutcracker!!

You may purchase Nutcracker
tickets, for the Grand Junction
performances, with a credit card!
Click here:
Institute of Dancing Arts
Then, click on “Buy Tickets” on the menu.

Erika Ecert, viola
Elise Hemke, harp,
Jane Kuenzel, flute
Tyme Mientka, cello,
Kathryn Mientka, piano

Grand Junction:
American Lutheran Church
Friday, January 9, 7:30 PM

Paonia: Blue Sage Center
Saturday, January 10, 7:30 PM

The viola - a unique instrument with the richest, throatiest tone in the string family! One of the foremost violists in the country, Erika Eckert’s passionate solo playing takes her frequently across the USA. As cofounder and former violist of the Cavani String Quartet, Ms. Eckert performed in major concert series worldwide, and garnered an impressive list of awards and prizes. She has appeared on NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, and NPR. Brilliant flutist Jane Kuenzel and the enchanting concert harpist Elise Helmke will join Ms. Eckert on a program of lush romantic and fascinating contem-porary music for viola, harp, flute, cello, and piano.

Special Event

Celtica Sinfonia!

MARCH 2009

Born in France!

MARCH 2009

Cello & Piano Delight

APRIL 2009

FEAST

Audrey Solomon, violin
Alisha Bean, violin
Stephanie Mientka, viola,
Tyme Mientka, cello, Gabe Mientka, bass, Elise Helmke, harp,
Kathryn Mientka, piano
David Alderdice, percussion
Tod Gregoire, bagpipes
Laurie Marble, dancer
and Dancers from the Institute of Dancing Arts

Paonia: Paradise Theater
Friday, March 13, 7:30 PM

Grand Junction: Avalon TheaterSaturday, March 14, 7:30 PM

Montrose Pavilion
Sunday, March 15, 3:00 PM

Monday, March 16
Vilar Center of the Arts
Beaver Creek

This instrumental Celtic ensemble is pushing the frontiers of excitement in Irish and Classical music. With the unusual combination of violin, cello, piano and drum set, they deliver a rocking show that deeply connects to audiences. Virtuoso temperaments and symphonic texture characterizes the awesome sound of FEAST. This March, FEAST is offering a very special St. Patrick’s Day celebration: an astonishing array of guest performers on violin, viola, harp, bass, percussion, bagpipes, and dance. A virtual wall of gorgeous string sound, sensuous harp sonorities, the Great Highland Bagpipes and dazzling costumes and dances will make this an incredible evening to remember for the whole family!

Quatuor Cornichons

Hanna Hurwitz & Erin Brust, violin
Stephanie Mientka, viola
Gabe Mientka, cello

Grand Junction:
American Lutheran Church
Friday, March 27, 7:30 PM

Paonia: Blue Sage Center
Saturday, March 28, 7:30 PM

Four brilliant young artists from three different states and who first met in France equals an eclectic and dynamic blend of musical personalities! Hometown boy Gabe Mientka, presently Living in Frankfurt, and sister/violist Stephanie bring their new ensemble to the Western Slope, featuring violinists Erin Brust and Hanna Ness from New York. All four are first-prize winners in numerous competitions, and have performed internationally. Their program, culled from the great classical and romantic quartet repertoire, will demonstrate their youthful vitality and passion for music. Featured works will be Dvorak’s masterpiece, the “American” string quartet, and an intriguing composition by Shostakovich.

Mientka Duo

Kathryn Mientka, piano
Tyme Mientka, cello

Grand Junction:
American Lutheran Church
Friday, April 24, 7:30 PM

Paonia: Blue Sage Center
Saturday, April 25, 7:30 PM

The Mientka Duo returns to the Western Slope Chamber Music Series! Founders of the series, they lived and performed for eight years in Germany. They garnered rave reviews from top European critics, and performed for princes, princesses, and a five star American General during their European adventure. After they returned to the USA, a documentary about the Duo was
filmed by an independent film company. The hour-long film was shown nationwide and nominated for an Emmy. The Duo’s program will begin with a number of lushly romantic, virtuoso piano solos - to show off the new Steinway piano! The second half will feature the unusual and highly entertaining cello-piano works for which the Duo is famous.