Nanjala will be performing alongside the Zuri Quartet at Kenton College in Nairobi on Saturday, 8th June 2024 from 6:00pm-8:00pm.
The Zuri Quartet is celebrated for its artistic excellence, adventurous spirit, and dedication to great music. Formed by musicians from four continents, they bring diverse backgrounds and extensive musical training. The Quartet balances performing music from different eras and collaborating with living composers, viewing chamber music as a metaphor for global communication and inspiring Kenya's next generation through their concerts.
David Ralak (Violinist): David Ralak, a leading Kenyan violinist, excels in both performance and teaching. He earned distinction in his ABRSM Grade 8 and has extensive orchestral experience. Ralak teaches at the Art of Music Foundation and the Safaricom Youth Orchestra and is a founding member of the Nairobi String Quartet and the Zuri Quartet.
Ginger Neff (2nd Violinist): Ginger Neff began playing violin at age 3, debuting professionally at 16. She holds degrees in Violin Performance from the University of North Carolina and Rice University. Neff has played with numerous orchestras and taught extensively. Currently, she performs with the Nairobi Orchestra and local ensembles.
Rovel Royce Adil Salibio (Violinist): Rovel Royce Adil Salibio has 15 years of experience and has performed across four continents. He studied at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music and New England Conservatory on full scholarships, earning degrees in Violin Performance and Pedagogy. Salibio is a certified Suzuki Violin Teacher and has taught at Interlochen Music Camp and Maxwell Academy in Nairobi.
Sally Davis (Cellist): Sally Davis began playing the cello at age six and has performed with various youth orchestras and ensembles. She studied Classics at University College London while continuing her musical pursuits. Since moving to Kenya in 2016, she has been the principal cellist of the Nairobi Orchestra.
Performance Program:
- Mozart's Sonata in C minor, K. 457: Composed during a difficult period in Mozart's life, this sonata reflects his inner turmoil with dramatic intensity and emotional depth. Despite its compact structure, it is one of Mozart's most profound solo piano works.
- Mendelssohn's "Rondo Capriccioso": Written at age 16, this piece showcases Mendelssohn's prodigious talent. Initially intended for a violin concerto, it was rearranged for solo piano, blending virtuosity with heartfelt expression.
- Mozart's "D Major Divertimento": This delightful work, admired since its creation, is a vibrant example of Mozart's skill, featuring traditional sonata allegro form, a stately andante, and a finale with skillful counterpoint.
- Chloe Flower's "Tamie": Combining classical virtuosity with contemporary influences, this piece reflects Flower's eclectic musical style, inviting listeners on a thrilling musical journey.
- Ravel's "Jeux d'eau": An impressionistic masterpiece, this piece evokes the sound and motion of flowing water with groundbreaking piano techniques, creating a vivid sonic landscape.
- Borodin's Second String Quartet: Dedicated to his wife as an anniversary gift, this work features Borodin's lyrical style, with themes that became widely recognized through various adaptations, including in the musical "Kismet."
- Florence Price's "Fantasie Negre": Drawing inspiration from African-American spirituals and folk music, this piece blends these elements with classical forms, highlighting Price's pioneering contributions to classical music.
- Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488: Completed in 1786, this concerto was likely performed by Mozart himself during one of his subscription concerts, showcasing his brilliance in blending piano and orchestral elements.
