String Masters Series presents Christopher Costanza, cellist of the acclaimed St. Lawrence String Quartet and full-time artist in residence at Stanford University, performing the complete solo cello suites of Benjamin Britten.
String Masters Series is artistically directed by Andrew Mark and part of Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s Artistry in Action Series.
Program Information Repertoire
BENJAMIN BRITTEN: The Solo Suites for Solo Cello
BRITTEN: Suite No. 2, opus 80
I. Declamato
II. Fuga
III. Scherzo
IV. Andante Lento
V. Ciacconna
BRITTEN: Suite No. 3, opus 87
I. Introduzione
II. Marcia
III. Canto
IV. Barcarola
V. Dialogo
VI. Fuga
VII. Recitative
VIII. Moto Perpetuo
IX. Passacaglia
X. Three Russian Folk Songs and Requiem Melody
—INTERMISSION—
BRITTEN: Suite No. 1, opus 72
I. Canto Primo
II. Fuga
III. Lamento
IV. Canto Secondo
V. Serenata
VI. Marcia
VII. Canto Terzo
VIII. Bordone
IX. Moto Perpetu
About the Artists
Christopher Costanza, cello, has enjoyed a varied and exciting career as a soloist, chamber musician, and teacher for nearly four decades. A winner of the Young Concert Artists International Auditions and a recipient of a prestigious Solo Recitalists Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, he has performed to wide critical acclaim throughout the US, Canada, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Europe. “Mr. Costanza demonstrated an unaffected, graceful approach to phrasing, a rugged, fearless technique, and, when necessary, an energetic headlong approach,” proclaimed the New York Times. And, from the Cleveland Plain Dealer, he earned praise for a recent performance of Bach’s unaccompanied suites: “Costanza revealed himself to be a thoughtful interpreter as well as a technician of no small skill. Tempos were brisk but never rushed, and dynamics were carefully measured. In the courante, Costanza demonstrated a nice continuity of bowing, while the sarabande became in his hands an introspective but eloquent song. He used the lightest of touches in the subsequent minuets and brought an infectious rhythmic impulse to the concluding gigue.”Costanza, a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, actively toured as the cellist of the St. Lawrence String Quartet (SLSQ) from 2003 to 2023. His current musical activities include solo performances and varied chamber music collaborations, including cycles of the complete Bach unaccompanied cello suites at the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC, as well as at Stanford University and other locations; the complete Britten cello suites presented as a cycle; a collaboration with the Stanford Chamber Chorale on tour in Hawaii; solo and chamber music performances at multiple California Bay Area venues; and a concerto tour of France with the Stanford Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Costanza enjoys giving pre-concert lectures, presenting informal concert/lectures, and writing about music.Costanza is a full-time artist in residence at Stanford University, where he teaches cello and chamber music, serves as the associate director for music in the Stanford Medical Humanities and Arts program, and performs concerts and gives lectures across campus. His recordings are readily available on Apple Music and Spotify, including several with the SLSQ. Costanza’s recording of the six suites for solo cello by J.S. Bach can be streamed on his website, costanzacello.com. In addition to his varied musical interests, Costanza is an avid runner and hiker. A train enthusiast, he enjoys riding and exploring passenger railways while on tour. At home in California, he is passionate about cooking, creating dishes that take advantage of the abundance of organic local produce. About the Series
String Masters Series is artistically directed by Andrew Mark and part of Boston Conservatory at Berklee’s Artistry in Action series. The Artistry in Action series celebrates exceptional artists and initiatives that exemplify Boston Conservatory’s core values of excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Hosted by the Conservatory’s Music Division, Artistry in Action brings together the school’s prestigious and long-standing Piano Masters Series, String Masters Series, and Chamber Series with exciting new programming for winds, faculty recitals, and ensemble in residences. Learn more and view upcoming Artistry in Action events. Concert Services Staff
Senior Manager of Concert Services – Luis Herrera Coordinator, Concert Services – Matthew CareyConcert Production Manager – Kendall FloydPerformance Technology Technicians – Sara Pagiaro, Goran Daskalov
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