Susie Park is set to return and perform with ProMusica Minnesota in a couple of piano quintets recognized as part of the “Big 3” in classical music repertoire, according to ProMusica Executive Director Bethel Balge. As she discussed the rehearsal process for the selections to be performed on Sunday at the Chapel of the Christ at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Park expressed her excitement for the performance.
An encore is scheduled for November 24 at the St. Cloud Chamber Music Society. Park, the first associate concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra and a founding member of the East Coast Chamber Orchestra, highlighted the joy of playing with diverse instrument combinations. “As a musician, I find it so fun to play with music and play with these instrument combinations,” she noted, referring to the solo pianist and string quartet that comprise a piano quintet. “It’s really fun because it’s like, the more the merrier.”
The program for the “Take Five” concert features Dvořák’s “Piano Quintet in A Major, No. 2, Op. 81” and Schumann’s “Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major, Op. 44.” Park explained that the pairing draws listeners in various ways. “The Dvořák has many elements of folk music, just in terms of the simple lyricism and quirky rhythms,” she said, making it accessible and resonant for many.
Although Dvořák was Czech, Park noted that he was well-traveled and reportedly spent time in Minnesota. Regarding the Schumann piece, she appreciates how each instrument gets a chance to shine. “What I think is great about this piece is that the viola has a lot of beautiful moments,” she remarked, adding that the cello is prominently featured with a significant solo right at the beginning.
Balge shares Park’s enthusiasm about the inclusion of more musicians for this program. “The experience of hearing these masterpieces performed with this particular group of musicians will be powerful, not unlike hearing a full orchestra but in an intimate setting,” she said, noting her role as the pianist in the quintet.
While Schumann’s work is beloved, Park emphasizes that it is not without challenges. She finds his voice unique and recognizable, but sometimes difficult to navigate. “If I’m trying to learn a piece by Schumann, I really have to find where the pillars are, structurally and rhythmically,” she explained. “Sometimes it can be quite difficult to figure out where you are all the time.”
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