In a special off-season performance, Sun Valley Summer Symphony concertmaster Jeremy Constant will perform J.S. Bach's "Chaconne,"--the last movement of the Partita in D minor for solo violin. The performance will take place on Thursday, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church with a reception to follow.
Proceeds from the performance will benefit the Sun Valley Summer Symphony School of Music. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Student tickets are $5 and Sun Valley Summer Symphony School of Music students will be admitted free.
Constant has been performing with the symphony for more than 10 years, and as concertmaster he is the first violinist for the orchestra.
"It is a spectacular role, kind of like a liaison between the conductor and the orchestra," Constant said. "I walk out to receive applause on behalf of the orchestra."
Constant said working with the symphony music director Alasdair Neale is an absolute joy because Neale is very clear. The symphony has very little rehearsal time between concerts during the summer, and there is always a new program for the next performance.
Constant usually performs chamber music or a concerto with an orchestra when he does recitals. However, he chose Bach's "Chaconne" because he said it stirs an almost religious passion in people.
"There are such passionate views held by musicians on how the 'Chaconne' is supposed to be played," Constant said. "People are forced to make difficult choices and it tells you about the person and how they perform. It is a polarizing experience, so people are hesitant to play it in public."
What makes the "Chaconne" an unusual piece of music to play is that the movement is 15-minutes long, which is longer than all the four other movements of the Partita in D minor for solo violin combined.
"It is so out-of-proportion with any other piece, which is why it is performed alone," Constant said. "It is in a universe of its own. Almost everyone feels it is meant to be on its own."
Bach was inspired by his religious ideals, and adopted Lutheran beliefs.
"Next to theology, Bach felt that music was the way to open people's hearts to God," Constant said. "He led people toward feelings and emotions, not specific text."
For more details and to reserve seats, call 622-5607 ext. 12.
Concertmaster Jeremy Constant will perform at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.
-Photo by RJ Muna
