The Red Lodge Chamber Players will present an all Beethoven string quartet performance on Sunday, January 9, at 3:00 pm at Saint John’s Episcopal Church.

The concert will benefit Heart Mountain Volunteer Medical Clinic.

The quartet is led by violinist Randy Tracy, the Concert Master for the Billings Symphony and includes the symphony’s first chair cellist, David Heinzen, Lisa Bollman on violin, and Amy Letson on viola. Beethoven completed his final symphony the Ninth or “Choral” in 1822. He then turned his attention to six string quartets, the last major works he completed before his death in 1827.  The first three quartets were a commission from Prince Galitzen of Russia.

These quartets stunned the musical world when first presented, many critics uncomfortable with his use of varied meters and keys. When criticized for composing a piece so foreign to his audience and its times, he is said to have replied that he wrote it for future generations. Schubert was so taken that he asked: “After this, what is left for us to write?”

These six pieces are now considered amongst the greatest compositions of all time.  Because Beethoven’s deafness had become so profound these pieces were composed in his head. He himself never heard a single note of any of these quartets.

Randy Tracy, Violin, has performed as a soloist, chamber musician, symphony orchestra violinist and conductor.   For a number of years he has served on the faculty of the Red Lodge Music Festival and is currently Concertmaster for the Billings Symphony.  His musical training was in Colorado and New York and he has played in Europe and the United States under such luminaries as Seiji Ozawa and Leonard Bernstein.  His band “Glynfiddle” is known widely for their spirited rendition of traditional Celtic music.

Lisa Bollman, Violin, currently Principal Second Violin of the Billings Symphony, plays violin and viola in symphonies throughout Montana. Having recently quit her day jobs (8 years as orchestra director for the Billings Catholic Schools and founding music director of the Billings Youth Orchestra), Lisa now focuses on her private string studio, virtually expanding its walls via the internet to bring string music to remote Montana.

Amy Letson, Viola, originally from Buffalo, NY, studied viola and violin with members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. A pupil of Georges Janzer, she earned a bachelor of Music degree in viola performance from Indiana University.  Amy served as principal violist in the Bloomington Symphony and was a member of the Anderson and Muncie Symphonies and the Marion Philharmonic.  She is Principal Violist and Librarian of the Billings Symphony, a member of the String Orchestra of the Rockies and the Yellowstone Chamber Players.  She maintains a private studio in Billings.

David Heinzen, Cello, began his cello studies in Louisville, Kentucky at age 11.  At Boston University he was fortunate to study under George Neikrug.  He has performed across the United States and Europe.  He has been heard in concert with orchestras in Louisville, Casper, Boston, Missoula, and Bozeman.  David is currently the Principal Cellist with the Billings Symphony.  His musical adventures include sneaking backstage for one of Vladimir Horowitz’ last concerts – and being caught!

The Heart Mountain Volunteer Medical Clinic was formed in 2008 to meet the medical needs of indigent people in Powell and the Big Horn Basin.  People from all walks of life have come together to provide services and goods to help those unable to provide for their health care without assistance.  The Clinic’s challenge is ongoing and contributions are always welcome.  A portion of the proceeds from today’s concert will help further the Clinic’s work. Donations may be sent to:  Heart Mountain Volunteer Medical Clinic, P.O. Box 1155, Powell, Wyoming  82435.

Tickets are $20 per person; seating is limited. Make reservations by contacting Larry Dirksen at dirksenlawrence@yahoo.com. Call 623-363-5040 for additional information. Members of the Congregation welcome everyone to a reception for the artists immediately following the concert.

Please join us for our next concert on Sunday, February 27 at 3:00 pm.