Is there “balance” in the universe, and if so, what might it sound like?
Perhaps, like this:
Allison Kiger ensemble performs the Singularity Theme by Darryl Kubian[audio:https://morristowngreen.com/files/2010/10/allison-kiger-ensemble-Singularity-Theme.mp3|titles=Allison Kiger ensemble Singularity Theme]
Flutist Allison Kiger returned last week to Morristown’s Presbyterian Church on the Green, where the hand bell choir and a performance of Handel’s Messiah inspired her as a little girl.
“It was so powerful and amazing to me when I was small,” the Morristown native said. “It’s really nice to be back.”
Allison brought an all-star ensemble with her, and together they produced a lyrical rendition of the Singularity Theme, from the 3-2-1 Concerto for Violin and Orchestra by New Jersey Symphony violinist Darryl Kubian.
That 2008 composition explores the “energy of the expanding universe,” and this movement uses the solo violin and flute to probe the concept of balance between opposing forces in nature.
Assisting Allison in this musical quest are Ming-Feng Hsin and Funda Cizmecioglu on violins, Denise Stillwell on viola and Gwendolyn Smith Nguyen on cello.
Allison holds degrees from the Royal Academy of Music in London, McGill University in Montreal and Indiana University. She has performed with numerous orchestras, and has appeared with jazz legend Dave Brubeck and pianist Christopher Johnson.
Ming-Feng has been a first violinist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and has served as musical director of the South Shore Symphony.
Funda is active in many chamber orchestras and also plays with the Albany Symphony. Denise is a New Jersey native who holds degrees from the Juilliard School. Gwendolyn is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music who has performed around the world with conductors Charles Dutoit, Kurt Masur and Sir Neville Marriner.
But all you really need to know about this crew is contained in the superb performance included here. Adjust your headphones, get comfortable, and enjoy!
The free lunchtime series resumes on Friday with a concert of Romantic masterworks by organist/pianist Sandor Szabo, director of music at Central Presbyterian Church in Summit.
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For anyone who is interested in hearing more of Darryl Kubian’s music, please visit https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kubian.