ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE
Winners of the 2021 CAG Victor Elmaleh Competition, flutist Adam Sadberry and the Balourdet String Quartet perform a concert of beloved works for flute and string quartet. Singing is basic to human musical expression. This program emphasizes the vocal qualities of the flute and string instruments, from the operatic character of the Wolf to the tender lyricism and warmth in the Mendelssohn, the conversational exchange of the Jet Whistle, and the soaring melodies of the Beach.
PROGRAM
Wolf: Italian Serenade
Mendelssohn: String Quartet No. 4 in E minor, Op. 44, NO. 2
Villa-Lobos: Assobio a Jato (The Jet Whistle)
Amy Beach: Theme and Variations for Flute and Strings, Op. 80
“Adam Sadberry’s flute solo in the third movement’s bucolic interlude was a gem.”
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Balourdet Quartet
Angela Bae, Violin
Justin DeFilippis, Violin
Benjamin Zannoni, Viola
Russell Houston, Cello
The Balourdet Quartet, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is currently in residence at the New England Conservatory’s Professional String Quartet Program. The quartet received the Gold Medal in the 2020 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and the Second Prize in the 2019 Carl Nielsen International Chamber Music Competition, and, most recently, top prize at the Borciani Competition in Italy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Balourdet appeared in numerous virtual performances for institutions such as the Schneider Concert Series, the New England Conservatory’s First Mondays Series, Music For Food, and Massachusetts Peace Action. Highlights of the 2021-2022 season include Accademia Musicale Chigiana, La Jolla Summerfest, an in-person return to the Schneider Concert Series, and a recital in NEC’s Jordan Hall.
Adam Sadberry, flute
Memphis Symphony Orchestra acting principal flutist Adam Sadberry is known for his radiant, lyrical playing, and his commitment to expanding the Black diaspora in the classical music world through promoting equity, representation, music education, and commissioning music that tells stories of the Black diaspora - in other words, creating musical journalism. Adam is extremely motivated to continue the legacy of his late grandfather L. Alex Wilson, an important journalist and unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement.
Adam has performed with orchestras around the country including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Albany Symphony Orchestra, Omaha Symphony, Sphinx Symphony Orchestra, and the New World Symphony. As a concerto soloist, he has performed with the Clear Lake Symphony, Conroe Symphony Orchestra, Cordancia Chamber Orchestra, and the Detroit Chamber Orchestra, and he has also made guest appearances at Oakland University, University of Memphis, University of South Florida, National Flute Association, and the New York Flute Club to give recitals, masterclasses, and presentations. Adam’s presentation Using Your Identity to Create a Relevant Voice in Music lays a foundation for using one’s experiences and perspectives as a catalyst for generating change through music.
Plan Your Visit
Schaver Music Recital Hall - Wayne State University
