Émigrés & Exiles in Hollywood

 

A Memorable Recital

Attending the Ensemble for These Times’ (E4TT) “Émigrés & Exiles in Hollywood” recital on Saturday, June 15 was both enjoyable and memorable. The performance highlighted the cultural contributions of émigré and exile composers in Hollywood, providing a fascinating glimpse into their musical legacies.

The program featured works by composers who fled Europe during the early 20th century and settled in Hollywood. E4TT’s selection of pieces was both thoughtful and engaging, offering the audience a mix of well-known and lesser-known compositions.

Chelsea Hollow (coloratura soprano), Margaret Halbig (piano), and Abigail Monroe (cello) delivered solid performances. Hollow’s vocal delivery was expressive, Halbig’s piano accompaniment was precise and supportive, and Monroe’s cello playing added a rich, resonant layer to the ensemble, enhancing the overall texture and emotional depth of the performance.

 

Chelsea is known for her “soaring high range” and versatile voice, having premiered new works including Jake Heggie’s “Here/After” and pieces by other contemporary composers. Her dynamic performances have captivated audiences, earning her recognition and accolades in multiple languages and genres​ (SFCV)​.

 

 

 

 

Margaret is a highly sought-after collaborative pianist and coach. She is a faculty member at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and has performed extensively in chamber music and contemporary classical settings. Halbig’s refined technique and interpretive skills make her a valuable asset to E4TT​ (SFCV)​.

 

 

 

 

Abigail is an accomplished cellist and Social Media Assistant for Ensemble for These Times. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and has performed extensively as a soloist, chamber musician, and with large ensembles. As winner of the Jackie McGehee Young Artists Competition in 2019, she was also featured as a cello soloist performing Elgar’s Cello Concerto with the New Mexico Philharmonic​ (SFCV)​​(Ensemble for These Times)​.

 

The evening program included:

• Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957)
  • Serenade (1910) (Cello/Piano)
  • Tanzlied des Pierrot (1919)
• Kurt Weill (1950-59)
  • Nanna’s Lied (1939) (Soprano/Piano)
  • Youkali (1935) (Soprano/Piano)
• Miklós Rózsa (1907-1995)
  • Kaleidoscope (1946)
    1. March
    2. Hirten Melodie (Piano)
• Eric Zeisl (1905-1959)
  • November (1937-38)
• Eugene Zádor (1894-1977)
  • Romance (1921) (Cello/Piano)
  • Bagatellen en Jazz (1933) (Piano)
• Arnold Schoenberg (1871-1951)
  • Brettl Lieder (1901) (Soprano/Piano)
    1. Galathea
    2. Gigerlette
    3. Der genügsame Liebhaber
    4. Einfältiges Lied
    5. Mahnung
    6. Jedem das Seine
    7. Langsamer Walzer

Notable pieces included those by Erich Wolfgang Korngold and Arnold Schoenberg. Korngold’s rich harmonies and Schoenberg’s distinctive atonal style were performed with sensitivity and attention to detail, highlighting the unique contributions of each composer.

The performance also included brief commentary that provided context for the music, enhancing the audience’s understanding and appreciation of the works. This added a valuable educational dimension to the recital.

For those who missed the live performance, a recording of the concert is available on YouTube, providing an opportunity to experience the exceptional artistry and historical significance of the program.

Overall, the Ensemble for These Times’ “Émigrés & Exiles in Hollywood” recital was a fitting tribute to the resilience and creativity of these composers. It was an evening of noteworthy music that honored their artistic contributions and offered a compelling musical experience. E4TT’s dedication to preserving and performing these works is commendable, and I look forward to their future programs.

For more details and to view the ensemble’s upcoming events, visit their official website​ (Ensemble for These Times)​​(Ensemble for These Times)​​ (Ensemble for These Times)​.