This is clearly not the standard fare for chamber music audiences. Nor is it standard for the musicians, according to Gold Coast’s artistic director, Pamela Freund-Striplen. “None of the group had played them before,” she notes. “I don’t know why; they’re really magical.”
Apart from the Loeffler (a German violinist who in his 20s came to America to work and compose), the program is definitely English in character, but Freund-Striplen feels there’s almost a French quality to it, “especially the Bridge piece.” The featured performers are Robin Sharp and Julie Kim on violin, violists Freund-Striplen and Jenny Douglas, cellist Amos Yang, pianist Roxanne Michaelian, and oboist Russ DeLuna. It’s the first performance for the Gold Coast Chamber Players since June 2008, and serves as a preview for its upcoming season.
The group’s distinctive name comes from its beginnings in 1987 in Alameda, in the heart of what was called the “Old Gold Coast,” though it has called Lafayette home since 1999. Among Bay Area chamber groups it has become known for what Freund-Striplen calls its “flexible core,” meaning that programs call for a mix of instruments and performers. It also works with local schools to introduce classical music to students and parents, and to make it a comfortable and welcoming experience for all ages.
Says Freund-Striplen, “We tend to put together people and programs that work well and work in a variety of venues. No matter where we are playing, it’s like we’re in your living room.”