Solo Cello Featured in “sfz salon series” at Kentlands Mansion

Gaithersburg’s new “sfz salon” concert series continues with Unaccompanied Nov. 16 at 8 p.m. at Kentlands Mansion, 320 Kent Square Road. The concert will contrast the preludes from Bach’s Cello Suites and contemporary pieces of Golijob, Henze and Sheng performed by cellist Kristen Wojcik. Admission is $25, $23 for city of Gaithersburg residents. Wine will be available for an additional cost. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 301.258.6394, online at www.gaithersburgmd.gov/RecXpress, or at the adjacent Arts Barn Ticket Office, 311 Kent Square Road.

American cellist Kristen Wojcik, originally from Amherst, Massachusetts, began studying the cello at the age of eight. After continuing her studies at The Juilliard School in 2006, Wojcik began to establish herself as an up and coming cellist of note. She has collaborated with members of the New York Philharmonic on a benefit concert featuring Brandenburg’s Concerto No. 3 as well as Juilliard’s annual chamber music series, ChamberFest, where she was hailed by the New York Times for her “fluidity, warmth and sparkle.” Wojcik has also worked closely with musicians from the Orpheus Chamber Ensemble and the Paris-based baroque ensemble, Les Arts Florissants, led by renowned conductor William Christie. She has toured to China with The Juilliard School Orchestra and was part of the first two William Christie baroque residencies at the school, which were a catalyst for the current Historical Performance program. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in the spring of 2010, Wojcik continued her graduate studies at Juilliard with Darrett Adkins and was chosen to be one of the first students to spend a semester at the Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris, studying with renowned cellists Roland Pidoux and Xavier Phillips. Wojcik recently joined the Washington National Opera and Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra.

A fusion of classical, contemporary and experimental chamber music in an intimate setting, the “sfz salon series” is named after the “Sforzando,” represented as “sfz” on sheet music, which indicates a strong, sudden accent on a note or chord. This new series is designed to provide an energetic, inspirational and creative sanctuary for both artists and the audience, encouraging great music and lively discussion during four distinct programs. Each program will also feature two highlighted wines, with a California red and German Riesling during this performance.

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