A Musical Journey Through Pre-WWI Europe

Lately, it has been hard to ignore the slew of popular books, television programs, and films reexamining the time period leading up to and during World War II. From the popular British TV series Downton Abbey to blockbuster films like War Horse, the recent fascination with this era is clear, and it inspired Walnut Hill School for the Arts Director of Chamber Music Laura Thielke to think about how to tie together aspects of prewar European culture through music. She explained, “Since we’re playing music from the past, we have the unique privilege of bringing to light these artifacts that give insights into cultures of the World War II nations, before things fell apart.”  

The selections that music students will perform at their first chamber concert of the semester on November 15 will take audience members and musicians alike on a journey to three of the major cultural factions of the 19th century—Eastern Europe (Germany, Austria, and Hungary), England, and France. While each of these geographic areas was home to a distinct set of musical sensibilities during the years before and during the war, there are also clear connections and common influences at play. Thielke took a break between coaching sessions and rehearsals to give us some insights into the program, visit this link (http://walnuthillarts.org/alumniblog/history-chamber-music/) for the full story. 

The Music Department’s Fall Chamber Concert, taking place on Friday, November 15, will begin at 7:00pm in Boswell Hall on Walnut Hill’s Natick campus.  The concert is free and open to the public, no tickets are required and we hope to see many in attendance. 

Walnut Hill School for the Arts is an international leader in the education of young artists. The school combines renowned training in five core disciplines - creative writing, dance, music, theater, and visual art - with an innovative and rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Learn more at walnuthillarts.org.