Wilson Concert Series presents Akropolis Reed Quintet

 

The Akropolis Reed Quintet will perform music by George Gershwin, Marc Mellits, Nico Muhly and Leonard Bernstein on Sunday, Jan. 28, at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Church, 26 Pleasant St., Newburyport, the second of four concerts in the 2018 Jean C. Wilson Music Series.

Hailed for their “imagination, infallible musicality, and huge vitality” (Fanfare Magazine), the Akropolis Reed Quintet takes listeners on extraordinary musical adventures.

In “Under the Influence,” Akropolis presents classical music bearing a wide array of influences, from rock and electronic music to jazz, chant, and folk songs. Each work absorbs the characteristics of a different genre, style, or era, and then creates fresh, relevant music, reflecting upon the original and looking forward.

Works to be performed on the “Under the Influence” program include: Marc Mellits’ “Splinter” (2014) Nico Muhly’s “Look for Me” (2015), Leonard Bernstein’s “Prelude, Fugue, and Riffs “(1949), David Biedenbender’s “Refraction” (2015), and George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” (1928).

Since its first concert given in 2009, Akropolis remains its founding members: Tim Gocklin on oboe, Kari Landry on clarinet, Matt Landry on saxophone, Andrew Koeppe on bass clarinet, and Ryan Reynolds on bassoon.

With three studio albums, including its 2017 release of “The Space Between Us,” Akropolis has recorded 17 original reed quintet works. Akropolis has commissioned more than 25 works from composers in seven countries and was selected to adjudicate and premiere the 2018 Barlow Prize, the first time the prize will be given for a reed quintet work.

The Jean C. Wilson Music Series is named for one of the founders and the director of the music series for 28 years. Now, under the auspices of the First Religious Society Unitarian Universalist Church, the Music Series typically offers three or four concerts held during the winter months.

Suggested donations are $20, $10 for seniors, children and students free. For more information about the concert go to frsuu.org/jean-wilson-music-series or call 978-465-0602 x401.