For the Sleepwalkers
Sat May 13, 2023
Westminster Presbyterian Church
New work by acclaimed composer brings to life vision of the late Jorja Fleezanis, retired concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra
The Michael Steinberg & Jorja Fleezanis Fund presents the world premiere of its fourth commission, Jungyoon Wie's For the Sleepwalkers, after the poem by Edward Hirsch, featuring Susie Park (violin), Anthony Ross (cello), Yungyoon Wie (piano), and Stephen Yoakam (narrator). Two presentations of the work will bookend a conversation with the composer, poet, and musicians. Park and Ross will be joined by pianist Timothy Lovelace in the second half of the concert for Johannes Brahms’s Piano Trio No. 2 in C major, Op. 87.
Please note: The Orchestra Hall Box Office is pleased to provide ticket services for The Michael Steinberg & Jorja Fleezanis Fund. The Minnesota Orchestra does not perform on this program. All artists, programs, prices, dates and times are subject to change. All sales are final; no refunds. Prices listed include a non-discountable $4 facility fee. There are no service charges for in-person transactions. There is a $5.00 service charge per transaction for all phone and online orders.
A Few Things To Know
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Born in Seoul, South Korea, and currently based in San Francisco, Wie describes the piece: "For the Sleepwalkers is about experiencing a miracle. With your eyes closed, you’re able to step out of the bed, walk out to the world, and come home safely. With my music, I hope to bring this experience to life, which is for anybody who can connect with their unconscious. It is fluid, open, and bold, which reminds me of Jorja Fleezanis."
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"For the Sleepwalkers" is taken from the first collection of poems by American poet, critic, and staunch advocate for poetry, Edward Hirsch. He writes of his collaboration in the commission: "Michael Steinberg and Jorja Fleezanis believed in artistic curiosity, collaboration, and excellence. I am thrilled that the gifted young composer Jungyoon Wie is setting my poetic testament to the unconscious in their honor. The premier will be a true celebration."
- Jorja Fleezanis, who passed away suddenly on September 9, 2022, was concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra from 1989 until 2009, when she was appointed Professor of Violin and Orchestral Studies at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. After retiring, she taught at the Interlochen Center for the Arts and continued to devote herself to a wide range of musical projects, including shepherding this fourth commission towards completion and performance. This was part of her devoted work on behalf of the Jorja Fleezanis & Michael Steinberg Fund, which she founded to honor her late husband, the distinguished musicologist, critic, and author, Michael Steinberg, whose writings have appeared in publications around the world.
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The board of the Fund intends to honor both Jorja and Michael by continuing this legacy. Distinguished pianist and board member Garrick Ohlsson summed it up as follows: "Words and music animated the lives of my friends Michael Steinberg and Jorja Fleezanis. The Steinberg/Fleezanis Fund’s commissioning program continues their dream and passion, and emphasizes their devotion to teaching and performing as a means to deep understanding and sheer pleasure."
- Audience members are invited to stay after the concert for light refreshments and to meet the composer, poet, and musicians.
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