The Firm to Welcome Mekhla Kumar

Virtuosic pianist, Mekhla Kumar, joins forces with the Langbein String Quartet (Adelaide Symphony Orchestra players Michael Milton, Emma Perkins, Rosi McGowran and David Sharp) for the third instalment of this year's Brahmsian series presented by The Firm on Monday October 5, 8pm, Elder Hall.

"We're delighted to welcome Mekhla Kumar to our concert series this year and look forward to her performance with the masterful Langbein String Quartet, who first played for us in 2001" says composer Quentin Grant. Mekhla Kumar is a graduate of the Elder Conservatorium of Music and the Hochschule für Music in Frieburg, Germany.

Four pieces will have their world premiere including Raymond Chapman Smith's transcription for piano quintet of five of Brahms' Organ Chorales, O World, now I must leave you, named after the final chorale "O Welt, ich muss dich lassen".

Chapman Smith says: "The chorales, Brahms' final published works, express his religious devotion to music, particularly that of Bach, but as they're written for organ, they are rarely heard. I hope these transcriptions bring this extraordinarily beautiful music to a wider audience."

The spirit of Brahms is also manifest in Chapman Smith's composition, Divertimento No. 6 for String Quartet.

Quentin Grant's latest composition, for piano quintet, Oceans, will return us to the 21st century in its textural but romantic psychological exploration of what lies beneath.

In keeping with The Firm's love of all things old and new, will be the unveiling of an evocative new work, Invocation, for piano quintet by one of Adelaide's most exciting young composers, Jakub Jankowski.

The concert will conclude with the virtuosic and vivacious Gypsy Rondo from Brahms' Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, Op. 25.

The Firm composers and performers warmly welcome patrons to join them for complimentary drinks, tortes and conversation after the concert.

Tickets are a mere $12 and $7 concession available at the door.

Music students receive free entry.

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