Schedule:
11:00 a.m: Free Composer Talk with Cris Derksen
Join internationally celebrated Indigenous cellist and composer Cris Derksen for a compelling conversation prior to the world premiere performance of her new work commissioned for Newport Classical First Light. Moderated by Charles Roberts, Executive Director of the RI Slave Medallions, and joined by Dancing Star Tracy Brown of the Pokanoket Nation, Derksen will share her creative vision and historical research. The powerful new work that reimagines the story of John Anthony, a young boy of Indigenous and African descent who escaped bondage in 18th-century Rhode Island. The piece is commissioned as part of Newport Classical’s Annual Commissioning Initiative and will be performed at The Breakers later that evening. This discussion will explore themes of identity and resilience, as well as Derksen’s artistic process and her commitment to telling Indigenous stories through music.
Location: Newport Classical Recital Hall
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3:00 p.m: Ziggy and Miles Australian Guitar Duo
This concert is made possible through the generous support of Karen and Rich Calo.
Australian brothers, guitarists Ziggy and Miles are two of their country’s finest artists, forging an international career. Their performances are known for their deeply considered musicianship, immaculate care, and superlative technique. Set in the intimate and historic surroundings of the Redwood Library and Athenaeum, this concert offers a unique opportunity to experience world-class music in one of Newport’s most iconic venues. Featuring works by French composers Franck and Debussy, this concert promises an afternoon of vibrant and innovative guitar repertoire that will captivate and inspire.
Ziggy and Miles Johnston, guitars
Program:
Franck Prelude, Fugue Et Variation, Op.18
Nigel Westlake Mosstrooper Peak
Debussy Suite Bergamasque
Gnattali Suite Retratos
Location: Redwood Library & Athenæum
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8:00 p.m: Galvin Cello Quartet performs Beethoven and a World Premiere
This concert is made possible through the generous support of Ken Scigulinsky in memory of Tia Scigulinsky - Classical music was her special joy.
Following a sold-out performance at the Newport Classical Recital Hall in 2024, we are thrilled to welcome the Galvin Cello Quartet back to Newport for an exceptional concert at The Breakers. Fresh off their Silver Medal at the 2021 Fischoff Competition and their win at the 2022 Concert Artists Guild Victor Elmaleh Competition, the quartet has quickly become a force in the classical music world. Known for their innovative approach to new music, this concert will feature the world premiere of a piece commissioned by Newport Classical from Canadian Indigenous cellist and composer Cris Derksen, alongside works by Beethoven, Mozart, Mussorgsky, and Tchaikovsky, blending beloved classics with exciting new compositions.
Arrive early for a Pre-concert talk
11:00 a.m: Newport Classical Recital Hall- Join internationally celebrated Indigenous cellist and composer Cris Derksen for a free pre-concert conversation discussing the themes of identity and resilience ahead of her world premiere of First Light, as well as Derksen’s artistic process and her commitment to telling Indigenous stories through music. Moderated by Charles Roberts, Executive Director of the RI Slave Medallions, and joined by Dancing Star Tracy Brown of the Pokanoket Nation, Derksen will share her creative vision and historical research for her powerful new work which reimagines the story of John Anthony, a young boy of Indigenous and African descent who escaped bondage in 18th-century Rhode Island.
James Baik, Sydney Lee, Luiz Fernando Venturelli, and Haddon Kay, cellos
Program
Vivaldi Presto From The Four Seasons (Arr. James Barralet)
Mozart Sonata In D Major, K. 381 (Arr. Valter Despalj)
Debussy Reverie (Arr. Blaise Dejardin)
Beethoven 12 Variations On A Theme From Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus (Arr. Ka-Wai Yu)
Tchaikovsky Andante Cantabile
Paganini Variations On A Theme By Rossini (Arr. Galvin Cello Quartet)
Carlos Gardel Por Una Cabeza (Arr. James Barralet)
Mussorgsky Selections From Pictures At An Exhibition (Arr. Blaise Dejardin)
Cris Derksen First Light (World Premiere, Newport Classical Commission) André Mehmari Forrobodo
Location: The Breakers
Additional Dates:
