Based on a new work by composer Shih-Hui Chen, this program breaks down and explores human interaction through games.  Chen writes “…the central idea [of Perpetual Moveable Games 敕桃]…, focuses on the essence of nanguan [music], ‘games, to have fun.’”  The ensemble has the opportunity to play with each other – moving around, speaking, interacting, and fragmenting into various duos and trios throughout the piece. 

This central idea is reflected in the rest of the program.  Based on a children’s clapping game, Down Down Baby was written as a response to the Robert Honstein’s reflections on childhood after becoming a father.  Les Citations (The Citations) literally takes fragments or citations of other pieces and puts them in new contexts, playing with their original meaning and impact.  Lastly, the Telemann Sonata highlights the contrast between the new and the old, taking the same foundation and creating something entirely different.  “Just as a Baroque trio sonata and nanguan music allow musicians to elaborate on a basic structure using ornamentation,” Chen says, “…this piece also encourages musicians to improvise or make additions to the basic, written score.”

On the Program:

Georg Philipp Telemann - Trio Sonata in E minor (c. 1730)

Henri Dutilleux - Les Citations (1985)

Robert Honstein - Down Down Baby (2015/2019)

Shih-hui Chen - Perpetual Moveable Games (2020)

Presented in partnership with Houston Arts Alliance, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and composer Shih-Hui Chen.