Ariel Concert Series

The Ariel Concert Series is thrilled to present the second concert of its 5th season at Washington University in St. Louis.

We are excited to bring back Shannon Wood’s "Oort Cloud" to the Washington University 560 Music Center. This piece was inspired by the icy bodies in the outer solar system, and made its St. Louis debut at this very venue on September 13, 2015, as part of the symphony’s Community Partnerships Program. In "Oort Cloud" (2011), composer Shannon Wood vividly portrays comets from the Oort Cloud, dislodged by the gravitational pull of the outer planets, as they journey towards the sun and occasionally rebound along hyperbolic trajectories into interstellar space.

The program will also feature performances by musicians from the Ariel Concert Series, including David Horne’s "Phantom Moon" for two percussionists and flute, and Salina Fisher’s "Komorebi" for violin and percussion. The concert will conclude with Brahms’ renowned Clarinet Trio Op. 114.

At 58, Brahms had indicated his intention to retire from composing in his will. However, his plans changed upon hearing clarinetist Richard Mühlfeld during a visit to Meiningen. Mühlfeld’s exceptional playing reignited Brahms' passion for composition, leading him to create the Clarinet Trio, which he sent to his devoted young friend, Eusebius Mandyczewski ("Mandy"), the librarian of the Museum of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde, just two months after drafting his will.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an evening of extraordinary music that promises to inspire and captivate.