Trailblazers: Mendelssohn & Farrenc

Don’t miss the long-anticipated return of violinist Aisslinn Nosky, who directs a program of large-scale chamber music by trailblazers of the romantic period.

Renowned for performances that “rouse the audience to near frenzy” (WGBH Boston) the “perpetually fabulous” (Boston Globe) violinist Aisslinn Nosky leads an invigorating program of large-scale chamber works from the romantic period. Concertmaster of the Handel and Haydn Society of Boston since 2011, Aisslinn is a former member of Tafelmusik and a perennial fan favourite.

Though he was just 16 when he composed the Octet in E-flat Major, Mendelssohn was very precise in outlining his concept, urging the eight musicians to play “in symphonic orchestral style.” With its youthful vitality and sheer virtuosity, the Octet is regarded as one of the great chamber music works of the 19th century.

Wind instruments take centre stage in our premiere performance of the Nonet, op. 38 for winds and strings by the French composer Louise Farrenc, a trailblazing woman who became the toast of Paris following the work’s triumphant premiere in 1849. Seven years earlier, Farrenc made history as the first female professor at the Paris Conservatory. After more than a century and a half of neglect, her music is enjoying a long overdue resurgence.