Both Sides of the Coin: Cello & Piano Music by Crumb, Chopin, and Prokofiev
Experience Sergei Prokofiev’s Cello Sonata in C (1949), that evaded censorship from the USSR after a decree blocked many composers from publishing works, including Prokofiev’s, in 1948.
The Soviet Union’s Zhdanov Decree of 1948 accused Sergei Prokofiev’s music of formalism: adhering to the conventions of the West, as opposed to paying tribute to native musical culture in the Soviet Union. For the final five years of his life, Prokofiev was monitored from 1948-1953. How then Prokofiev’s Cello Sonata in C (1949) dodged censorship is fascinating. The composition adheres strictly to formalism, comprising of three of the four standard instrumental sonata movements: sonata-allegro, scherzo-trio, and rondo.
Were the nostalgic folk-like melodies enough to fool the Soviet regime? Cellist SUJARI BRITT, a true child prodigy who has now molded an outstanding global reach, is joined by pianist JARED ALAN YOAKEM to explore Prokofiev’s Cello Sonata in C from both sides of the coin by presenting Prokofiev’s sonata alongside avant-garde American composer George Crumb’s Sonata for Solo Cello and a selection of Frédéric Chopin’s works.
Triumphing at the end of the program is the famed Prokofiev Cello Sonata in C. Combining elements of modernism and classicism, we experience together a true genius at play shrouding grief, fear, and anxiety within romantic melodies – so afraid of the USSR, he did not appear at the premiere himself!
By the end of the work, there is an overwhelming sense of Prokofiev’s love for music, and that he deeply understood the grandiosity of music must transcend censorship at the cost of his life.
There will be a reception after the performance, followed by a masterclass with Sujari Britt with exceptional cellists from Rappahannock County and immediate surrounding areas.
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Cellist and composer Sujari Britt is an accomplished performer who has engaged audiences in Asia, EU, UK, and US. According to Britt, “The depth, range and sweetness of the cello seemed to resonate with my own strong voice… I immediately knew that I had encountered my musical voice in the cello, and so began my journey.” Britt delved into composition soon after she began her public performances. Britt describes her compositions as reflective of a “state of mind…I see and feel through music, and composition is another medium for experience, expression, and exposure”. Britt has premiered her original works, and also composes for theater, film (Opus 1, Norway) and dance.
A native New Yorker, Britt began formal study of the cello at age four, following her study on the violin, and piano; and began to compose at age five. Britt earned her Professional Diploma (Cello, Composition) at the Royal Academy of Music (London) in the studio of international soloist, chamber musician and critically acclaimed recording artist Josephine Knight, and pedagogue of composition David Gorton. Britt earned her Master’s of Classical Cello from Sibelius Academy (Finland) with renowned cellist and pedagogue Martti Rousi; and her Bachelor’s of Music in Classical Cello Performance at Manhattan School of Music(NYC) in the studio of distinguished pedagogue, author and cellist Marion Feldman.
Britt counts among her experiences in North America, presentations and performances at C2 Montreal for “Transformative Collisions” and Neopolitan Connection Concert Series (Montreal and Toronto, Canada). Among her exploits in the USA, Britt played with a wide range of artists, including Sting, Kronos Quartet, and others, and served in the NY Philharmonic (substitute). Britt performed with Alisa Weilerstein at the White House for President Obama, the First Lady, and their distinguished guests, and has performed as soloist with West Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra, Queens Symphony Orchestra, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Sinfonietta, Las Cruces Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Symphony Orchestra , New York Chamber Orchestra, among others. Britt is a repeat soloist at Carnegie Hall, and was featured for recurrent performances at the UN for their international HeforShe , and for their annual World Humanitarian Day. Britt was a special guest performer at The MET (NYC), The Gracie Theatre (Maine), the Harman Arts Center (Washington, DC), at Midori and Friends Children’s Music Festival; and was a featured artist for the Shakespeare Company’s annual gala honoring Elizabeth McGovern at the Harman Arts Center. Britt presented at Madison Square Garden during quarter time for the NY Knicks, and made special guest solo performances for Gary Historic and Cultural Society, Sujari was featured at TEDx-Redmond of TED Talks, the Miami Bach Society, among her numerous presentations. Britt also serves in the Arts Leadership Program of From the Top (USA).
Britt has a global reach, including her work with Helsinki Chamber Orchestra (EU), Orchestre de Associacao Cultural Inovarte (EU), and as soloist featured artist at Musiikkitalo, Cellofest Opening Gala, and Taidepiste events (Helsinki). Britt also was featured in Beijing Super Cello Festival (Beijing) and as soloist with Orchestra Romana de Tineret (Bejin).
Outspoken for her interest in sharing the universality of music and supporting music education, Britt conducts master classes at various universities and institutes of music, serves in the Arts Leadership Program of From the Top (USA), and co-founded and serves as Artistic Director for Accademia Filarmonica del Mediterraneo (Italy); where she has taken up residence. In her leadership role for the Accademia, Britt has successfully negotiated interest from Institutes of Culture, and was invited by the Ministry of Culture (Bahrain) to perform in their international music festival. Britt arduously seeks partnerships with musical institutes of higher learning, including Austin State University School of Music and others.
Featured on national and international news stories at an early age, Britt has been spotlighted in Strings and Time magazines, BBC live radio, Strings Magazine, StayThirsty Spotlight Artist towatch, THKR/RadicalMedia PRODIGIES, a TIME for Kids/Time Magazine, Ebony.com, Katie! with Katie Couric, and NBC TheGrio’s “100 History Makers in the Making.
Britt won the National Young Musicians Concerto Competition and is the distinguished recipient of prestigious academic scholarships and awards, and grand prize winner of numerous national and international competitions.
Britt plays a Neuner and Hornsteiner cello made in Mittenwald, Germany circa 1718, generously loaned to her by the Carlsen Cello Foundation.
For student tickets, please use promo code BOTHSIDES at checkout, and bring your student ID with you to the performance. Student tickets are available for Orchestra seats. Thank you!
