A Wind Quintet’s World Tour

Program

  • Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912); arr. ZaRiah - They Will Not Lend Me a Child (1905) (4’)
  • Eugene Bozza (1905-1991) - Scherzo, Op. 48 (1944) (4’)
  • Valerie Coleman (b. 1970) - Suite: Portraits of Josephine Baker (2006) (15’)
  • 1. Ol’ St. Louis
  • 2. Les Milandes
  • 3. 1925 Paris
  • 4. Thank You Josephine
  • Arturo Márquez (b. 1950) - Danza de Mediodía (1996) (10’)
  • Jeff Scott (b. 1967) - Startin’ Sumthin’ (2012) (5’)
  • Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875-1912); arr. ZaRiah - They Will Not Lend Me a Child (1905) (4’)
  • They Will Not Lend Me a Child is one selection from Coleridge Taylor’s largework, 24 Negro Melodies, Op. 59 for solo piano. Our arrangement for the wind quintet opens up an entirely new sound world to this traditional South East African song, and truly brings the work to life with all of the different colors wind instruments can produce.
  • Eugene Bozza (1905-1991) - Scherzo, Op. 48 (1944) (4’)
  • This quick 3 minute work features a flashy chromatic motif that is passed from instrument to instrument. The ascending and descending chromatic line evokes an image of weightlessness and the supporting whole tone harmonies provide a mystical element to the sound commonly associated with French music. Through his writing Bozza strikes the balance between virtuosity and lyricism, demonstrating that one can remain graceful and elegant despite intensely technical passages. Picture the virtuosity of Rimsky Korosokov’s Flight of the Bumblebee with the light harmonies of Debussy.
  • Valerie Coleman (b. 1970) - Suite: Portraits of Josephine Baker (2006) (15’)
  • Portraits of Josephine Baker is a musical memoir dedicated to the legendary expat entertainer from the Harlem Renaissance who lived in Paris. This version for woodwind quintet features short movements that chronologically describe the significant milestones, high and low, in Josephine Baker's life. The composer herself says the following about the work: "The first movement sets the scene of life in St. Louis, where musicians on a street corner hustle and play in the style of old St. Louis sound. Movement two, Les Milandes, is a short tone-poem that describes Les Milandes, a castle in Southern France that was Josephine's dream home. It is here that we see the famous picture of the evicted Josephine sitting on the steps of her home with nothing but a white robe and shower cap to her name. Movement three, Paris, 1925, marks the arrival of Josephine into Paris, as she happily gets off the boat with luggage in tow. I wanted to create a lively piece that showed the enthusiasm that Josephine had for Paris and the daring life of extravagance that she led. The fourth movement, Thank You, Josephine, is a short arrangement of Josephine's most famous song, J'ai Deux Amours.”
  • Arturo Márquez (b. 1950) - Danza de Mediodía (1996) (10’)
  • Danza de Mediodía (midday dance) was composed in 1997 by Mexican born composer Arturo Marquez. Most famous for his orchestral work Danzón No. 2, Marquez incorporates Mexican musical forms, styles and dances into all of his compositions making his music timeless and so fun to listen to. This work begins with the sounds of morning as we are awakened by a passionate oboe solo with a river-like calmness accompanied by the clarinet and bassoon who are later joined by the horn. We then transition into a vibrant clave rhythm section with syncopated hits and simultaneous melodies from the oboe and flute depicting the lively atmosphere of later morning. The piece continues to go back and forth between our beautiful slow but still rhythmic melody and the fast paced highly conversational texture with every instrument having their moment to shine on the dance floor with everyone receiving a virtuosic and improvisatory like solo passages.
  • Jeff Scott (b. 1967) - Startin’ Sumthin’ (2012) (5’)
  • Startin' Sumthin' is a modern take on 1930's swing jazz, paying homage to the dance music heard in juke joints all across the country. The piece begins with a question from the clarinet, answered by the rest of the ensemble. From there, the music revs up with a virtuosic bassoon solo, a groove led by clarinet and oboe, and an upper wind trio full of dazzling runs–all capturing the energy and exuberance of the era. Jeff Scott is a dear mentor and friend to us, so this work holds a special place in our hearts as an ensemble. Program notes by ZaRiah

A world-class emerging ensemble, ZaRiah is a collaboration of multifaceted artists passionate about creating performances that are both artistically compelling and deeply human. ZaRiah is the Grand Prize winner of the 2026 Fischoff National Chamber Music competition, an honor that has not been won by a wind quintet in decades.

Known for their vibrant energy and genuine connection with audiences, the ensemble brings a fresh and engaging approach to the chamber music world. The ensemble recently earned First Prize at the Frances Walton Chamber Music Competition presented by the Ladies Musical Club of Seattle, marking the first wind quintet to ever win this competition.

ZaRiah is the 2026 Artist-in-Residence with the Friends of Chamber Music Kansas City. In 2025, ZaRiah was in residence at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, where they presented multiple concerts featuring a diverse selection of repertoire. This summer ZaRiah will return as Shouse Artists for the 2027 Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival in Southfield, Michigan.

Members of ZaRiah have performed and toured extensively all over the world to countries such as China, Korea, France, Germany, Austria, England, as well as Prague. In addition, ZaRiah’s members are accomplished orchestral musicians, having performed with ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Artosphere Festival Orchestra, Akron Symphony Orchestra, Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and Charleston Symphony Orchestra, among numerous others.

Formed at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the ensemble is deeply committed to showcasing new music. Through their programming they also continue to critically engage with the traditional canon. At the center of ZaRiah’s work is a belief that chamber music is most powerful when it feels personal. Whether performing masterworks, collaborating with living composers, or introducing music to new audiences, ZaRiah is dedicated to creating experiences that invite listeners in and leave a lasting connection.

ZaRiah’s members have built varied careers, with AJ serving as the Principal Bassoon of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Jamison is in his third season with the Charlotte Symphony as Acting Second Oboe. Braydon is the Assistant Principal/Utility Horn for the Sarasota Orchestra. Katelyn and Ben both serve as Artistic Directors for Queen City Chamber Music.

With the ensemble having members that are first-generation college students, and from the rural south, they are dedicated to increasing music accessibility in underserved communities.

About the Dame Myra Hess Concerts

The concerts are generously sponsored by the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council and by individual donors.

Upcoming Performances

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