July 19: Night and Day
Our season finale is a program that features works that juxtapose light and darkness that guide both the outer and inner motions of life.
About this program
Til It Was Dark
A work by American composer Chris Rogerson and commission by the La Jolla Music Society, the work is based on the composer’s childhood memories of summers he enjoyed playful with his friends until his parent’s called and the sun had set.
Il Tramonto
Respighi composed Il Tramonto (‘The Sunset’) in 1918, two years afterThe Fountains of Rome. Based on a poem about a young couple and written in the gothic style – the whole work is pure musical poetry, intense in its expressiveness
The Lark Ascending
Based on a poem by the Victorian poet George Meredith, the English describes a skylark in flight. The single-movement work was originally for violin and piano, but is more often heard now with full orchestra. Set against the backdrop of the emerging WWI, the work gives a sense of peace and hope for the coming century.
Verklärte Nacht
Based on a poem by Richard Dehmel, this early work by Schoenberg was scandalous in 19th century Vienna due to its theme. The poem depicts a couple walking through a cold forest, where the woman confesses she is pregnant by another man, only for her partner to accept her and the child, transforming their despair into joy.
Thank you to our 2026 Season Partners and Sponsors
We are grateful for the support of our partners and sponsors who help make the Cedar Valley Chamber Music Festival possible.
