The cello is an iconic instrument. It evokes emotion, soars through high to low tones and can keep pace with any style of music. On November 12, join Emerald City Music at downtown Olympia’s newly renovated Washington Center for the Performing Arts to celebrate the next installment in Emerald City Music’s raved-about Evolution Series: The Cello.
Emerald City Music Explores Music Past and Present
Emerald City Music Artistic Director Kristin Lee is excited for this concert because it’s a continuation of their previously successful Evolution series in 2021-22. The idea came to her a few seasons ago but finally launched last year with an exposé on the piano, from harpsichord to synthesizer. “I’m so grateful and excited that the audience is responding to the program idea in a positive way,” she says, “but my initial reason for kickstarting this series is because it embodies what Emerald City Music is all about: capturing diverse and creative music while keeping it under a theme.”
“Many of our audience members loved Evolution of the Keyboard because they could hear different sounds and genres while being educated about the history of the instrument.”
This year’s exploration of the cello will again blend musical genres with historical detail, says Lee. “Listeners can expect to have an immersive experience delving into the history of cello, leaving the hall with so much knowledge and love for this unique instrument,” she adds.
Experience the Magic of Cello Music in Olympia
Cellist Nathan Whittaker – co-curator for the November 12 performance – admits that deciding what to play to fit their narrative was tough. “The challenge for Kristin and I was not what to choose, but what we sadly had to omit as to not have a 47-hour long concert!” he says. “We tried to select works that are emblematic of significant moments in the cello’s evolution, beginning with one of the first solo works ever composed for the instrument by Domenico Gabrieli.” They’ll wind through time until 20th and 21st century pieces by Zorn and Saariaho.
Beyond the shape and sound we know and love, Whittaker will also showcase the viola da gamba and piccolo cello. “It will be just a morsel of what the cello has to offer, but we believe it is a delicious taste indeed,” he adds.
Whittaker started playing cello in the third grade at the suggestion of his mother. He admits there were growing pains, especially bringing the large, unwieldy beast onto the school bus every day, but quickly found himself enamored with the instrument. He is now a lauded concert soloist, chamber musician, recitalist, teacher, and historical cello special
“The cello, being so similar to the human voice, has a special, almost magical, ability to unearth deep stirring emotions whether joyful or woeful,” says Whittaker, “thus allowing all in its orbit to become a little bit more human. To me, this is the superpower of the cello: its ability to put all of us into a place to find a bit more compassion, empathy, and humanity and to make the lives of all around us a little bit better. I feel honored to be a cellist.”
Emerald City Music Focuses on Entertainment and Education
ECM enjoys hosting exploratory concerts that teach as well as inspire. Lee and Whittaker agree that in the current age of information overload, live performances are truly special. “Today’s society often prefers interactive experiences that not only entertain but also enrich and enlighten,” says Whittaker. “I believe this program falls into that category of stealth experiential education. The audience will learn through their own emotional interactions with great art without being aware they are learning. Being up-close to so many instruments utilized in different styles with distinct techniques provides its own education, and we hope to fill in the gaps by answering any questions that may arise.”
“One of the most unique parts of this evening will be that Nathan will give the audience an overview of cello’s history and the audience will have the opportunity to take a close look at the variety of historical instruments as well,” agrees Lee.
Find a complete list of the evening’s pieces and composers as well as bios of the artists involved or head to the Washington Center for tickets. The concert kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 12 with more shows in the Evolution series coming in future seasons. Follow Emerald City Music through their calendar or on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for excerpts, upcoming events and so much more. With performances in both Seattle and Olympia, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
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