Famous Czech ensemble to perform at PSU

The Czech Nonet, one of the longest continuously performing chamber ensembles in the world, will perform in Pittsburg State University's McCray Recital Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 10. The concert, at 7:30 p.m., is part of the 2006-2007 PSU Solo and Chamber Music Series.

The founding members of the Czech Nonet came together in 1923 at the Prague Conservatory. Since that time, the group has survived the rigors of World War II, the communist occupation of the former Czechoslovakia, the Cold War, the aftermath of the "Prague Spring" and the transition back to the democratic Czech Republic.

From the group's founding, the Czech Nonet has been a featured guest of leading international festivals and performances. Throughout its history, the Czech Nonet has been a champion of the music of the time.

In their Pittsburg program, the Czech Nonet will perform Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Divertimento No. 11 "Nannerl;" Robert Ward's Raleigh Divertimento; and Johannes Brahms' Serenade in D Major, Op. 11.

Mozart's Divertimento No. 11 in D major was probably composed in 1776 for either the birthday or 'name day' of his sister Nannerl. Full of humor, the work abounds with instrumental pleasantries including tunes suspiciously akin to Salzburg street songs--whose words have happily been forgotten.

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Robert Ward said he reworked the Raleigh Divertimento with the Czech Nonet in mind. The work, he said, puts the virtuosity of the players "to the test."

Johannes Brahms' Serenade in D Major, Op. 11, is considered the primitive version of his well-known Serenade for Orchestra in D Major, Op. 11, which was his first symphonic work. In its original chamber ensemble form it was first performed in the summer of 1858 in the house of the Grimm brothers in Gottingen.

Tickets for the concert are $10 for the general public and $7 for persons over 65 or under 18. Tickets are available at the door prior to the performance or through the University Ticket Office in the Overman Student Center. Full-time PSU students are entitled to a free ticket.

The PSU Solo and Chamber Music Series is supported by major funding from the PSU Student Government Association.

• For more information on the Czech Nonet, visit their Web site at <http://czech.nonet.cz/>.
• For more information about their Pittsburg concert, call the PSU Department of Music at 620-235-4466.
• For information about other events in the Solo & Chamber Music Series, visit the Department of Music Web site at www.pittstate.edu/music/.
• For ticket information, call the PSU Ticket Office at 620-235-4796.

---Pitt State---