A concert this Sunday is blending camaraderie and chamber music to create an experience for all types of listeners.
The White Spruce Chamber Players is a group of musicians aiming to make chamber music more approachable.
Brett Cooper is a pianist for the group. He said although chamber music can often get the label of being “too fancy,” White Spruce’s performances open the door to every listener.
“To me, it’s kind of like our iteration of a garage band is kind of the way that it speaks to us. It’s supposed to be friendly, inviting music between friends in a small space. So that’s kind of our goal and we hope to give off that vibe just when we play that people can tell we are enjoying each other and enjoying the music we’re making," Cooper said. "As far as it being approachable, we always try to be sure that the pieces have artistic merit but then I always want them to be ‘easy on the ears’ for someone who may think it’s not their kind of music that they enjoy. So, we always try to make sure that it’s stuff that’s substantial but approachable at the same time."
Cooper said the Fall concert is no different.
“We’re excited it’s a good variety. So, up to this point, we have done a lot of strings sometimes with piano music. This time we’re gonna break out some wind players to join the mix," Cooper said. "There’s gonna be great variety in just the pure sounds you’re gonna hear. And then we’re gonna do some pieces with wind and piano. One of them in particular has a full kitchen sink of flute, obo, clarinet , horn, bassoon and piano. It’s a sextet for piano and winds by a really delightful French composer named Francis Poulenc. So good variety in genre and just configuration of the instruments you’re gonna be seeing on-stage."
In addition to the work of Poulenc, you can also expect to hear iterations and sounds from St. Saens and Borodin.
The concert is September 8th, beginning at 1 p.m. in Augustana University’s Hamre Recital Hall in Sioux Falls. Admission to the concert is free – but donations will be accepted.
