Berkeley Choro Ensemble will bring Brazilian rhythms; Tutunov-Augustyn pairing will include Robert and Clara Schumann works
By Jim Flint
Autumn’s arrival means more than falling leaves and cooling nights — it signals the return of Siskiyou Music Project’s fall concert series, a showcase of musicianship that spans continents and genres.
This year’s three-concert lineup, curated by Artistic Director Ed Dunsavage, is already generating excitement among music lovers in Southern Oregon. The first performance — the Hristo Vitchev/Jivko Petrov Duo Project on Oct. 19 at the Old Siskiyou Barn — has sold out, a sign that audiences are eager for the intimate, world-class artistry that defines Siskiyou Music events.
Fans still have two opportunities to enjoy the season’s offerings, both at Grizzly Peak Winery, 1600 E. Nevada St., Ashland. Tickets are $25 and $30.
A night in Brazil
The Berkeley Choro Ensemble, in its first appearance in Ashland, will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 6.
The group will take the audience on journey into the rich musical traditions of Brazil with its infectious rhythms and lyrical melodies. The ensemble — made up of Harvey Wainaple (woodwinds), Jane Lenoir (flute), Brian Rice (percussion), and Ricardo Peixoto (guitar) — was formed in 2010 in the San Francisco Bay Area and has since become one of the most respected groups in the U.S. devoted to the choro (pronounced shoro) tradition.
The choro emerged in the 19th century as a fusion of European dance forms, like the polka and waltz, with African and indigenous Brazilian rhythms. The result is a sound that is simultaneously refined and exuberant, a dance between discipline and joy.
“The Berkeley Choro Ensemble celebrates the music, culture and history of Brazil,” Dunsavage said. “In particular, the choro sound is somewhat akin to a combination of European classical music, ragtime and blues.”
It’s no surprise, then, that the genre inspired Brazil’s most celebrated classical composer, Heitor Villa-Lobos, whose “Bachianas Brasileiras” suites remain among the most hauntingly beautiful works in the classical repertoire.
For the Ashland concert, audiences can expect a wide-ranging program that reflects the ensemble’s versatility.
“Their repertoire also includes samba, bossa nova, jazz, and the music of northeast Brazil,” Dunsavage said.
Classical brilliance
Pianist Alexander Tutunov and violinist Kinga Augustyn will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 13.
The Siskiyou Music Project finishes its fall series with a performance that brings the focus home while maintaining its global reach. Tutunov, one of Southern Oregon’s most esteemed musicians, joins forces with New York-based violinist Augustyn for an evening of music that promises to be elegant and emotionally rich.
“They plan to offer a program that is on the lighter side of the classical spectrum that will include works by Robert and Clara Schumann, among others,” Dunsavage said.
The concert reunites two frequent collaborators who share a natural musical chemistry and deep mutual respect. Tutunov and Augustyn have appeared together in concert series across Northern California and as part of the Tutunov Piano Series at Southern Oregon University. Their performances are known for technical brilliance balanced with warmth and intimacy.
‘One hell of a violinist’
Augustyn was born in Poland and is based in New York. The Juilliard-trained violinist is known for her expressive style and commanding technique. The Strad magazine has praised her as “stylish and vibrant.” Fanfare called her “one hell of a violinist.”
Her international résumé includes solo appearances with orchestras in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Those include the Berlin Chamber Orchestra and Magdeburg Philharmonic, the Queens Symphony and, in Santiago, Chile, the Orquesta Sinfónica.
Tutunov is a cornerstone of Ashland’s musical life. Born in Belarus, he was a prizewinner in both the Belarusian and Russian national piano competitions before embarking on an international career.
Critics have described his playing as “exhilarating and inspired.” His performances have taken him to stages throughout Europe, China, Mexico and the U.S.
In addition to his active concert career, Tutunov is professor of piano and artist in residence at Southern Oregon University, where he mentors students who have gone on to win major awards. He also serves as artistic director of the SOU International Piano Institute and director of the Chinese-American International Piano Institute in Chengdu, China.
The sound of connection
For more than two decades, Siskiyou Music Project has built a reputation for bringing first-rate artists to intimate local venues, nurturing an atmosphere where musicians and audiences share not just performances, but experiences.
“I never imagined when I was asked to be part of Siskiyou Music Project that I’d still be at it 20 years later,” Dunsavage said when the project celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023. “I hope the organization can continue bringing world-class music to Southern Oregon and music into our schools.”
Dunsavage is more than three years into experiencing long COVID, and he is limiting his time performing.
“I still teach guitar and have played a few shows, but I save my energy for my work on the Siskiyou Music Project,” he said.
For tickets and information, visit siskiyoumusicproject.com.
Jim Flint’s Curtain Call column publishes on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Email Jim at jimflint.ashland@yahoo.com.
