Come Hear the Music!
P.O. BOX 1279, MINOCQUA, Wl 54548, [715] 356-5550
Concert Series 2010/2011
Intersection, Monday, November 15, 2010, 7:30 PM
Violinist Laura Frautschi, Cellist Kristina Reiko Cooper, Pianist John Novacek Intersection was formed in 1998 and since then have Formed in 1998 [under the name "Kristina & Laura] , the group's numerous recordings have been best-sellers in Asia and have topped the classical and crossover charts. In Japan alone, CD sales have been well in excess of 100,000. In addition to their best selling CDs, Intersection has released over half a dozen DVDs, and have become a familiar presence in the popular media, through numerous magazine covers, high-profile appearances on television (including CNN International), and even through their much-loved cameos on TV commercials. An essential component of their concert activity has been their guest appearances, often televised, with major orchestras such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra, the Osaka Symphony, the Yomiuri Orchestra, and the Tokyo Philharmonic. Concertante repertoire ranges from the classic multiple-instrument concerti of Beethoven, Brahms and Mendelssohn, to new, approachable works written expressly for the group in conjunction with orchestra, all intermixed with standard solo concerti. In addition to Asia, the group has toured Europe and the U.S. "The quintessential Intersection event is the trio concert, with a varied program of repertoire from all parts of the music world"The quintessential Intersection event is the trio concert, with a varied program of repertoire from all parts of the music world. A typical evening with Intersection may center on a Ravel, Dvorák or Brahms trio, but will veer into previously unexplored byroads. A Hungarian thread present in the Brahms may be further spun into a sequence of Gypsy tunes, Dvorak into slavic dance forms, Ravel into the ethereal world of sensuous French song. American music, crucial to Intersection's repertoire, is presented in musical forms spanning the most avant garde of compositions to lighter fare such as excerpts of film music and popular theater and song. Various solos and duos add to the aural variety. Intersection are reknowned for the new catalog of trio works that they have directly inspired. These works, substantial but immediately accessible, figure prominently in their programs. Energetic young composers such as Patrick Zimmerli, Kenji Bunch, Dan Coleman, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Novacek himself have all contributed to the catalog, and one hallmark common to much of this music is a suggestion of the trio's hometown, New York City, in its vitality, verve, and diversity. Kristina, Laura and John have individually achieved enviable successes as solists and chamber musicians in the world of classical music, but each have effectively ventured beyond circumscribed artistic borders, exploring new music, world music, jazz and pop. The uniqueness of the group is in tapping to the full these highly varied backgrounds, in shows that seamlessly fuse the traditional and the surprising, the premeditated and the improvisatory, and of course their easy verbal interplay with each other and with the audience. An evening with Intersection is a virtual collaboration between artists and audience. (Thanks to Intersection Trio Web Site.) Press Reviews Intersection trio plays with verve at Flagler Museum By Joseph Youngblood Dazzling! is the first word that comes to mind upon experiencing a performance by Intersection. These three young musicians — violinist Laura Frautschi, cellist Kristina Reiko Cooper, and pianist John Novacek — enthralled the audience Tuesday evening at the Flagler Museum . Intersection is a piano trio, but its concerts are unlike any that I have heard by other like ensembles. Accessible appears to be the key word in their program building. Traditional piano trio repertoire is present, but those works are balanced by compositions that are lighter, shorter, and readily understood and enjoyed. Besides trios, the programs also included duos and solo works. The major work on this program was Trio No. 2 in C Minor, Op. 66 by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847). It was preceded by Salut d'Amour by Edward Elgar (1857-1934), and followed by Je te veux by Erik Satie (1866-1925), Introduction et Tarantelle, Op. 43 by Pablo de Sarasate (1844-1908), Grand Valse Brillante, Op. 34, No. 2 by Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849), Requiebros by Gaspar Cassadó (1897-1966), and Carmen Suite by Georges Bizet (1838-1875), arranged by Satoh. The members of Intersection play with exuberance and verve. Their dynamic range is broad, and changes in dynamics are instantaneous yet natural sounding. The overall tone is full and unbridled. There is in their playing drama and excitement, but there is also joy, a love of music and a love of playing together. They are giving a concert, but they are also having fun. Salut d'Amour is a short, very lovely piece. The players phrased it lovingly, and the piano was nicely shaded.
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forqed a powerful connection with audiences world-wide. Their numerous recordinqs have been best-sellers in Asia ... and in Japan alone, CD sales have been well in excess of 100,000. Intersection has also released over half a dozen DVDs and has become a familiar presence in the popular media, through numerous magazine covers, high profile appearances on TV, and through their much loved cameos on television commercials. An evening with Intersection is a virtual collaboration between artists and audience.
