78TH SEASON OF

CONCERTS

national gallery of art | december 21, 2019
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PROGRAM

East of the River 

Nina Stern and Daphna Mor, directors

Daphna Mor, voice, recorders 

Nina Stern, recorders, chalumeau 

Ara Dinkjian, oud 

Tamer Pinarbasi, kanun 

Jesse Kotansky, violin 

Tal Mashiach, bass 

Shane Shanahan, percussion

Solstice: Darkness Is Your Candle

December 21, 2019 | 3:30 p.m.

West Building, West Garden Court

Komitas Vardapet (1865 – 1935)

“Groong” 

Gusan Sheram (1901 – 1973) 

“Bardezum” 

Traditional Moroccan 

Text by R. Abraham Haza Girundi (Spain, 13th century)

“Achot Ktana”

Traditional Andalusian

“Lama bada”

Traditional Sephardic

“Adío Querida”

Traditional Bulgarian

Sandansko Horo

Shane Shanahan

Solstice 

East of the River, photo by Ran Biran
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English, 14th century 

(London, British Library, Add. MS 28850, Robertsbridge Codex)

Petrone

Traditional Macedonian 

Makedonsko Sedenka (Kopanica)

Traditional Bulgarian

Belasicko Horo

Bučimiš

Ara Dinkjian 

“Slide Dance” 

Traditional Sephardic Song 

Instrumental interlude by Kane Mathis

“Hija Mia” 

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THE ENSEMBLE

East of the River was founded by internationally renowned recorder players Nina Stern 

and Daphna Mor. The project explores gems of the European classical repertory together 

with haunting melodies and virtuosic dances of traditions to the East, arranged and 

interpreted by musicians whose backgrounds include classical, jazz, and world music. 

Together the music and musicians create the unique blend that is East of the River.

Stern and Mor have appeared as a duo with such varied groups as the New York 

Philharmonic, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and world music ensemble Pharaoh’s Daughter. 

They have performed at the Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the Music before 1800 

concert series, as well as at Bargemusic, Joe’s Pub, and (Le) Poisson Rouge. They have 

appeared on concert series that include Early Music Now (Milwaukee), San Francisco 

Early Music Festival Concert Series, the Academy of Early Music (Ann Arbor), and the 

Five Boroughs Music Festival (New York). Their festival appearances include Connecticut 

Early Music, Madison Early Music, Seattle Early Music, Indianapolis Early Music, and the 

Chautauqua Institute. Known for their innovative programming, East of the River was 

invited for three consecutive years to perform for WQXR/WNYC’s Live at the Greene 

Space. The ensemble has released two albums: East of the River and Levantera. 
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PROGRAM NOTES

Solstice: Darkness Is Your Candle

Inspired by ancient communal gatherings celebrating the winter solstice, East of the 

River explores music of the Mediterranean, the Balkans, Armenia, and the Middle East, 

presenting the earliest songs and traditional instrumental repertory of these extraordinary cultures. The musicians take the audience on a spiritual journey from the darkest 

of darks back to light. We begin in a contemplative lunar mood and gradually shift, 

giving way to daylight and rebirth and highlighting the yearning for new beginnings at 

the time of the winter solstice. “Darkness is your Candle . . . you must have shadow and 

light source both.” Rumi 

Program note by East of the River 

Upcoming Events of the SeventyEighth Season of The William Nelson 

Cromwell and F. Lammot Belin Concerts

Unless otherwise noted, concerts 

are held in the West Building, West 

Garden Court.

Inscape Chamber Orchestra 

DC Youth Orchestra

Music by Beethoven, Respighi, and 

Stravinsky. 

December 22, 3:30 p.m.

Eunice Kim, violin

Xavier Foley, bass 

Program includes baroque, Irish, Latin, 

and contemporary music.

This concert is part of a series of performances by female violinists, showcasing 

the brilliance and stylistic versatility of 

the instrument. 

January 5, 2020, 3:30 p.m.

Imani Winds 

Catalyst Quartet

(im)migration

Featuring a new work by Jessie 

Montgomery inspired by the Great 

Migration of African Americans.

January 12, 3:30 p.m.

Concerto Italiano

Venezia Roma Napoli

Works by Corelli, Vivaldi, Handel, 

Scarlatti, and others.

January 19, 3:30 p.m.

General Information

Admission to the National Gallery of Art 

and all of its programs is free of charge, 

except as noted.

The use of cameras or recording 

equipment during the performance 

is not allowed.

Please be sure that all portable electronic 

devices are turned off.

—

Concerts are made possible in part 

through the generosity of donors to the 

National Gallery of Art through The Circle. 

Reserved seating is available in recognition 

of their support. Please contact the 

development office at (202) 842-6450 or 

circle@nga.gov for more information.

—

The department of music produced 

these program notes. Copyright © 2019 

Board of Trustees, National Gallery of Art, 

Washington

cover Mildred E. Bent, Design from Gray, 

Maine 1800 (no. 1): From Proposed 

Portfolio “Maine Wall Stencils,” 1935/1942, 

National Gallery of Art, Washington, 

Index of American Design, 1943.8.18116
NGA.GOV/MUSIC