1.00pm on Tuesday 2nd of Sep
Live and Free at Scots’ Church
Host: Simon Ralton
Victorian College of The Arts Secondary School
LARKSPUR QUARTET
Violin Ji Hun Hwang Viola Tom Protat Cello Remy Grunden Piano Megan Tang
NOCTURNAL NINE
Voice Lucas Calzado-Yubero, Sophie Cowall, Ji Hun Hwang, David Jones-Lerdprakun,
Angelique Narita-Johnson, Lucy Nieuwesteeg, Evan O'Connor, Tom Protat, Neeharika Shyju
PROGRAM
NOCTURNAL NINE
Butterfly arr. Jussi Chydenius (Rajaton)
Loch Lomond Trad., arr. Jonathan Quick
Denn er hat seinen Engeln befohlen über dir, Op. 70, No. 1 Felix Mendelssohn
You Could Drive a Person Crazy from Company Stephen Sondheim
LARKSPUR QUARTET
Piano Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 47 III. Andante cantabile Robert Schumann
NOCTURNAL NINE
The Longest Time Billy Joel
Kyrie, Gloria from Mass for Double Choir Felix Mendelssohn
Sleep Eric Whitacre
LARKSPUR QUARTET
Piano Quartet (2001) VI. Postludio, adagio Pēteris Vasks
Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25 IV. Rondo alla zingarese. Presto - Meno presto - Molto presto Johannes Brahms
LARKSPUR QUARTET is a piano quartet founded in September 2024, consisting of four exceptional musicians completing their final year at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. Larkspur Quartet consists of violinist Ji Hun Hwang, violist Tom Protat, cellist Remy Grunden, and pianist Megan Tang. Driven by passion and with an exciting spirit, Larkspur Quartet explores a variety of works from the 19th century to living composers, including members of Larkspur who are currently composing for the quartet. Under the expert guidance of Josephine Vains, Larkspur is delighted to present this concert; other performances in 2025 will include a live recital for 3MBS radio and participation in various competitions.
NOCTURNAL NINE is a vocal ensemble comprising nine senior students from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. Performing a diverse and engaging repertoire, the group brings together a mix of contemporary arrangements, classical works, and choral favourites. Nocturnal Nine were recent joint winners of the VCASS Chamber Music Award and have been tutored by Carrie Barr. Their program for this concert reflects a love of ensemble singing and a flair for expressive performance.
Program notes
Butterfly – arr. Jussi Chydenius (Rajaton)
This contemporary a cappella work by Finnish composer Jussi Chydenius evokes the delicate movement and fleeting beauty of a butterfly, with shimmering vocal textures and close harmonies typical of the vocal group Rajaton.
Loch Lomond – Traditional, arr. Jonathan Quick
A beloved Scottish folk tune, Loch Lomond is reimagined in this rich choral arrangement by Jonathan Quick, blending emotional warmth with expressive dynamics and a strong sense of tradition.
Denn er hat seinen Engeln befohlen über dir, Op. 70, No. 1 – Felix Mendelssohn,
This sacred motet, composed in 1844, is a serene setting of Psalm 91. Mendelssohn’s gentle and flowing choral writing reflects the text’s message of divine protection.
You Could Drive a Person Crazy – Stephen Sondheim
From the musical Company (1970), this energetic trio blends sharp wit, complex rhythms, and jazzy vocal writing to deliver a playful critique of romantic relationships.
Piano Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 47 III. Andante cantabile – Robert Schumann
Written in 1842, Schumann’s “Chamber Music Year,” this Piano Quartet is a key work of the Romantic era. The Andante cantabile movement showcases his gift for lyrical warmth and emotional depth, reflecting his lasting impact on 19th-century music.
The Longest Time – Billy Joel
Originally written in the style of 1950s doo-wop, this nostalgic and charming piece showcases Joel’s vocal writing in an a cappella format, offering a lighter moment in the program.
Kyrie, Gloria from Mass for Double Choir – Felix Mendelssohn
Written for two SATB choirs, these movements combine serene lyricism with jubilant energy. The Kyrie offers a gentle plea for mercy, while the Gloria bursts with rhythmic vitality and rich antiphonal textures, reflecting Mendelssohn’s blend of Classical clarity and Romantic warmth.
Sleep – Eric Whitacre
One of the most performed contemporary choral works, Sleep is noted for its lush harmonies, slow-moving textures, and emotional resonance. The text by Charles Anthony Silvestri evokes the peaceful transition into sleep.
Piano Quartet (2001) VI. Postludio, adagio – Pēteris Vasks
Pēteris Vasks (b. 1946) is a Latvian composer who originally trained as a violinist and double bassist before studying composition between 1973 and 1978.
Vasks draws significant inspiration from nature and spirituality. In a 2023 interview from his home in Latvia, he described music as a “sacred substance” and expressed his hope that his music can be appreciated by anyone—“even someone who doesn’t know anything”—because it is “simple, but also hot, engaging, and honest.”
Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25 IV. Rondo alla zingarese – Johannes Brahms
The final movement of Brahms’ Piano Quartet No. 1 is a high-octane Rondo alla Zingarese, inspired by the vibrant rhythms and flair of Hungarian and Romani folk music. Bursting with energy, the movement features rapid tempo shifts, fiery syncopations, and dazzling virtuosity from all players. Its infectious spirit and dramatic contrasts make it one of Brahms’ most thrilling and crowd-pleasing finales.
