Monday, March 18, 2024

12 PM

Duo Decorus is a virtuoso ensemble comprised of violinist Päivikki Nykter and cellist Cecilia Kim. They are friends on and off stage, which is apparent in their seamless and graceful ensemble playing. This duo has delighted audiences with their performances since 2009. Recent appearances include Palomar College, San Diego State University, Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego Mesa College and University of San Diego.

A versatile recitalist and chamber musician, violinist Päivikki Nykter, is equally at home with standard repertoire as well as contemporary music. A native of Finland, she is a graduate of the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. Ms. Nykter served as an Artist-in-Residence at the University of California San Diego Music Department from 1994 to 2006. She is now a freelance violinist maintaining a busy concert schedule as well as teaching the Alexander Technique both in the US and Europe. Ms. Nykter is an artistic director of a Chamber Music Concert Series in Lappeenranta, Finland. She has recorded on Neuma, Aucourant Records, CRI, Old King Cole, Omega Editions and mode labels.

Cecilia Kim, cellist and a native of South Korea, received bachelor and master’s degrees at Daegu Catholic University before earning a faculty position. After making highly acclaimed solo appearances with numerous symphonies and orchestras, she moved to the US and received another master's degree from San Diego State University as well as acquiring a faculty position at the University of San Diego. Specializing as a chamber musician, she has emphasized her career in performances near the Southern California region.

Program

Luigi Boccherini (1743–1805)

Sonata in D Major

Allegretto spiritoso
Vivace
Grave
Allegro assai

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)

Duo in F Major (1791)

Allegro affettuoso
Aria. Larghetto
Rondo. Allegretto moderato

György Ligeti (1923–2006)

Hommage à Hilding Rosenberg (1982)

Béla Bartók (1881–1945)

Hungarian Folk Melodies

Allegro ironico
Allegretto
Moderato
Choral: Andante
Allegretto
Con moto
Vivace

Reinhold Glière (1875–1956)

Eight Duets Op. 39 (1909)

Prelude
Gavotte
Cradle Song
Canzonetta
Intermezzo
Impromptu
Etude
Scherzo

Free concerts at noon every Monday from fall through spring . . . no wonder the Mini-Concerts are the longest-running and one of the most popular classical music series at the library! This series was founded by Glenna Hazleton in 1970 at the Athenaeum, and has been going strong ever since. The concerts feature both local and touring musicians, prize-winning students, university music faculty members, local chamber ensembles. . . and the repertoire also includes jazz, folk and world music. There are no reservations, no tickets . . . just line up at the side door of the Athenaeum before noon. (Donations are always welcome!) Mini-Concerts take place every Monday at noon and last about an hour.

The concerts will be in person at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. There are no physical tickets for these events. Doors open at 11:50 a.m. Seating is first-come; first-served. These events will be presented in compliance with State of California and County of San Diego health regulations as applicable at the time of each concert.

Masks optional. If you have a fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms, please stay home.