Concordia Chamber Players Presents "Lies You Can Believe In” on Sunday, February 16, 2025

Reported on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Updated February 5, 2025.

Pictured Above: Cellist, Frankie Carr.  Photo Credit: Contributed.

NEWSROOM POST: NEW HOPE, PA

An Afternoon of Masterful String Arrangements and Contemporary Innovation

New Hope, PA – The Concordia Chamber Players, under the artistic direction of Michelle Djokic, will present their February subscription concert on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Trinity Church in Solebury, PA. The concert’s theme draws inspiration from the composer, Missy Mazzoli’s innovative interpretation of “lies” as creative storytelling rather than deception. “Lies are not untruths,” Mazzoli explains, “but instead refer to the old-fashioned word for an improvised and embellished story.” Her composition for string trio, “Lies You Can Believe In” weaves together influences from modern gypsy music, punk, electronica, and traditional Bulgarian and Romanian folk traditions.

Mazzoli’s words suggest that the rest of our program, while not the original masterpieces, are lies you can believe in. Our program explores the deeply moving “Prelude to Tristan and Isolde” by Richard Wagner in a brilliant arrangement by Sebastian Gürtler. “Seldom has a piece touched me as deeply as Wagner’s opera… the ingenious harmonies, and the endless melodies have such an intoxicating effect…,” says Gürtler. Mozart’s beloved “Symphonia Concertante, K. 364” will appear on the program as “Grande Sestetto” in an arrangement in which the treasured melodies are shared amongst the six string players, allowing us all to enjoy the journey. The question remains as to the origins of this arrangement with the name of the composer on the manuscript rearranged to A. W. Mozart. While the mystery remains this is undeniably derived from the original masterpiece by W. A. Mozart. The distinguished ensemble features violinists Siwoo Kim and Rubén Rengel, violists Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt and Ramón Carrero Martinez, and cellists Frankie Carr and Michelle Djokic. Together, they will present this carefully curated program that also includes Richard Strauss’s “String Sextet from Capriccio, Opus 85.”

Pictured Above: Violist, Ramón Carrero Martinez.  Photo Credit: Contributed.

The public is invited to attend a free open rehearsal on Saturday, February 15, at 3:30 PM at the New Hope Arts Center, located at 2 Stockton Avenue, 2nd floor, in New Hope, PA. This unique opportunity allows audiences to witness the collaborative process behind bringing these masterful arrangements to life.

Tickets for the main performance on February 16th at Trinity Church, Solebury are available at concordiaplayers.org/tickets. The open rehearsal on February 15th at New Hope Arts Center is free to attend. Students under 18 years are always welcome to our concerts free of charge. For more information about Concordia Chamber Players and their 2024-25 season, please visit concordiaplayers.org.

About Concordia Chamber Players

Concordia Chamber Players was founded in 1997 in New Hope, Pennsylvania by Artistic Director and cellist Michelle Djokic. Michelle’s gifts for creative programming, her ability to communicate key aspects of the music, and the depth of her multi-faceted collaborations appeal to seasoned and new concertgoers alike.

The concerts include a stellar list of guest artists—including a host of Grammy award nominees and winners—performing in various intimate venues throughout beautiful Bucks County. Concordia showcases a range of talent, from veteran musicians to rising young performers, presenting seasons of treasured masterpieces and unexpected gems.

Students under 18 years are always welcome to our concerts free of charge.