Vancouver's Vetta Chamber Music explores profound connections between Bach and Mendelssohn
The group’s December concerts feature an all-woman ensemble made up of established and emerging artists
Jae-Wong Bang.
Joan Blackman.
Katrina Chitty.
Vetta Chamber Music presents Bach & Mendelssohn on December 2 at 2 pm at West Point Grey United Church; December 3 at 7:30 pm at Kay Meek Arts Centre - Grosvenor Theatre (with 100 percent of ticket proceeds going to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank); December 4 at 2 pm at Pyatt Hall; and December 5 at 7:30pm at ArtSpring on Salt Spring Island
“BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND”: the catchphrase sums up the back story to Vetta Chamber Music’s upcoming concert. Bach & Mendelssohn is the second iteration of the ensemble’s mentorship program, which launched in 2021 and featured an all-woman ensemble made up of veteran musicians alongside four emerging artists who were just launching their careers.
“The audience responded favourably to the youthful energy enthusiasm of the group as well as the high level of ensemble playing,” explains Vetta artistic director and violinist Joan Blackman. “I resolved to expand the idea of mentorship of young, women emerging artists with another concert this season at the time of year when people appreciate a bit of cheer and fun.”
Among the up-and-coming talents that Vetta has invited for the 2022 edition include violinist Yiyi Hsu, a graduate student at UBC School of Music, and two artists who debuted with Vetta last season, violinist Jae-Won Bang (who plays with Vancouver Symphony Orchestra) and harpsichordist Christina Hutten (Early Music Vancouver).
“One of the most junior players last season, Rebecca Ruthven, has since won the Principal 2nd audition for the VOA [Vancouver Opera Association], so we thought she could debut with Vetta on viola instead of violin to keep her hopping!” Blackman says. “The whole idea behind mentorship is very two-sided. I am finding that working with young people inspires me at least as much as it gives them a valuable experience they might not otherwise have. I feel very lucky.”
Rounding out the ensemble along with Blackman are Molly MacKinnon (violin), Katrina Chitty (viola), cellists Amy Laing and Min Jee Yoon, and bass player Meaghan Williams.
The concert program explores the deep connections between Bach and Mendelssohn. Selections include Mendelssohn’s String Sinfonia No. 1, “Sinfoniesatz” in C major and Octet in E-flat major, Op. 20 and Bach’sHarpsichord Concerto in D minor and Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068. (Full proceeds from ticket sales for the December 3 performance will go to Greater Vancouver Food Bank.)
“Mendelssohn admired Bach greatly, and his family was instrumental in bringing the works of Bach back into the collective consciousness of the 19th century,” Blackman explains. “By the time he was a mere 12 years old, Mendelssohn was writing fugues and counterpoint works that demonstrate his apprenticeship with the master J.S. By the time he wrote the Mendelssohn Octet at the ripe old age of 16, he had become a master himself.
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