Department of Music

The McIntire Department of Music is pleased to present the 2016-2017 University of Virginia Chamber Music Series. This annual series, which presents innovative performances by the University of Virginia's world-class faculty and celebrated guest artists, is comprised of six professional performances for the University and the central Virginia community. These intimate afternoon concerts are programmed to offer both new and traditional works that will delight audiences of all musical tastes.

On February 26, 2017, clarinetist Shawn Earle will present "Canadian Vignettes," a program of twentieth and twenty-first century clarinet works written by Canadian composers.

Joined by special guest Rory Cowal on piano, Earle's program weaves a rich tapestry from the narrative of Canada's musical culture. The duo will perform Oskar Morawetz's Sonata for Clarinet and Piano; written in 1980, this compact sonata has quickly become a staple in the genre. The duo will also perform

Earle will explore the extended range of the clarinet with Elliot Wesgarber's Empty Sky Ko Ku, which conceptualizes the sounds of the Japanese shakuhachi flute, and will join forces with two other clarinetists for Lucio Agostini'sTrio Québecois.

As a classical pianist, Rory Cowal’s repertoire spans the breadth of the American avant-garde. In addition to classic works by composers such as John Cage and Johanna Beyer, he has performed numerous premieres, including pieces by Larry Polansky and Muhal Richard Abrams. As a jazz pianist, he has performed in festivals and concert series across North America and is a member of Slumgum, an award-winning jazz quartet.

Gordon Fitzell's Bliss Point explores the sonorities of clarinet and prepared piano, while Omar Daniel's Three Chambersevokes the mood of several Italian horror films.

Leon Zuckert's Doina Romanian Fantasia and Terre from Denis Gougeon's celestial Six Thèmes Solaires round out this invigoratingly diverse program.

Tickets for all concerts are $15 general admission, $8 for students, and are free for UVA students who reserve in advance and for those under 18.  Tickets can be purchased by calling the Arts Box Office at 434.924.3376, or by visiting

For additional information, please visit http://music.virginia.edu/uvacms.

The University of Virginia Chamber Music Series is supported by the George F. and Marion E. Jones Endowed Lectureship Fund.