Beethoven’s youthful Opus 9 trios for violin, viola and cello are rarely played today but in 1799, 28-year old Ludwig considered them his best works yet. Their energy, originality, and musicality hinted of the genius soon to go public with his early string quartets and symphonies.
Zuill Bailey, virtuoso cellist and audience favorite, returns to Juneau over Labor Day Weekend with violinist Kurt Nikkanen and violist Scott Rawls to perform the three magnificent Op. 9 String Trios by Beethoven. “Each trio is an absolute gem,” said JJ&C’s Artistic and Executive Director Linda Rosenthal. “To hear all three performed in one evening by these extraordinary artists will be a rare and wonderful treat.”
Zuill Bailey, Artistic Director of the Sitka Summer Music Festival, has endeared local audiences since his breathtaking performance of the Bach Suites for solo cello in 2012. A distinguished soloist and teacher, Bailey’s rare combination of celebrated artistry, technical wizardry and engaging personality has secured his place as one of the most sought after and active cellists today.
Violinist Kurt Nikkanen gave his Carnegie Hall debut at age 12 and now receives invitations as soloist from the leading orchestras in the U.S., Europe, and the Far East. Concertmaster of the New York City Ballet Orchestra, Nikkanen is an enthusiastic advocate of contemporary music and maintains a private teaching studio in New York, where he resides with his family.
Violist Scott Rawls has appeared as soloist and chamber musician throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Europe. Also a champion of new music, Rawls serves as Associate Professor of Viola at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is active as clinician, adjudicator, and master class teacher at universities and festivals throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Bailey, Nikkanen, and Rawls perform the Beethoven Trios on Sunday, September 4 at 7 pm at the JACC. Tickets are available now at jazzandclassics.org, the JACC box office, both locations of Hearthside Books, or call the JJ&C office at 463-3378.
“Juneau Jazz & Classics’ proudly continues its 30-year tradition of bringing world-class musicians to Juneau,” said Linda Rosenthal. “This music and these musicians- you will not want to miss them.”
