The First Light - Cascadia Strings

Event Description

As winter settles in and the days grow shorter, The First Light explores music that moves between
darkness and brightness, intimacy and expansiveness, stillness and motion.
The program opens with Tchaikovsky’s December from The Seasons, a graceful and nostalgic portrait of
winter. From there, Brahms’ String Quartet No. 2 in A minor brings together warmth, lyricism, intensity,
and intricate conversation between four voices. This is interwoven with the deeply expressive Sostenuto
from Arthur Bliss’ String Quartet No. 1. Music by the Danish String Quartet offers a different perspective,
drawing on Scandinavian folk traditions and the expressive possibilities of traditional melody. Old
Rheinländer, Now Found is the Fairest of Roses, and Mary Louise / The Chat / Gale Warning each bring
their own character and colour to the program.
Together, these works form a portrait of winter that is not simply quiet or dark, but full of colour,
movement, memory, and the gradual return of light.

PROGRAM

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
December from The Seasons

Johannes Brahms
String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 51 No. 2

Arthur Bliss
String Quartet No. 1 in B-flat major
III. Sostenuto

Danish String Quartet
Old Reinlender from Sonndala
Now Found is the Fairest of Roses
Mary Louise / The Chat / Gale Warning

ABOUT CASCADIA STRINGS
Formed in 2015 Cascadia Strings, is a Victoria-based string ensemble committed to bringing the intimacy
and immediacy of chamber music to a wide range of audiences. Through thoughtfully curated programs
and engaging performances, the ensemble explores the breadth of the string repertoire, from beloved
classics to contemporary works and music rooted in folk traditions.
This concert features Tyson Doknjas & Kathryn Wiebe (Violins), Jessica Pickersgill (Violas), and Erin
Tinney (Cello). These are graduates of conservatories and schools, such as University of Victoria, the
New England Conservatory of Music, The University of Michigan, and The University of Toronto. You may
recognize this talented bunch from orchestras and ensembles such as Victoria Symphony, Victoria
Baroque Players, Candlelight Concerts, and more.

Website Link: https://www.instagram.com/cascadiastrings/