For cellist and music teacher Oshagan Merjanian, the allure of performing chamber music is the magic that happens when colleagues collaborate.
“Part of what I love about being a musician is meeting others with the same passions,” Merjanian said. “I wanted to perform chamber music because I love playing with and learning from my colleagues. There are so many amazing artists, soloists, and musicians at CSMA.”
CSMA’s next community concert, “Chamber Music Dreams,” is set for 7:30 PM on Oct. 3 in Tateuchi Hall. Performers include Merjanian and CSMA faculty Sonja Vasic, flute; Isabella Goze, voice; Yoorhi Choi, violin; Theresa Ronan, piano; and Libby Kardontchik, piano.
Chamber music is performed by a small number of musicians, with one performer to a part (in contrast to orchestral music, in which several performers may play each part). Because of its intimate nature, chamber music has been described as “the music of friends.” Playing chamber music requires special skills, both musical and social, that differ from the skills needed for playing solo or symphonic works.
As a music teacher and a performer, Merjanian’s advice to students as they approach chamber music is simple: Be prepared; know your part and everyone else’s as well.
“From a musical perspective, the most important thing in addition to being able to play your part well is to know how all the parts fit together, “ he said. “When you’re playing, your job is to support your colleagues.”
“Chamber Music Dreams” explores themes of dreaming, longing, and spiritual introspection through a diverse repertoire, including compositions from Debussy, Mendelssohn, Amy Beach, Leonard Bernstein, and others.
Merjanian recalls how a professor during his university studies would remind him regularly that musicians are able to connect people to the divine. This is a lesson he carries with him and is something he wants the audience to experience.
“Music, fundamentally, is a spiritual art. Music is a language of emotion,” he said. ““My hope for the audience as they sit, listen and enjoy the program is that they feel the freedom to connect with the divine in their spirits and let their hearts and minds wander in a way that is led by the divine.”
But more than anything, he encourages music students to fall in love with chamber music, continually seek opportunities to collaborate with other musicians, and always strive to give their musical comrades and audiences the gift of their best, most heartfelt effort in music making.
By TaLeiza Calloway-Appleton
