Queen Elisabeth was something else. No, not Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. The Belgian one, as in, the prestigious Queen Elisabeth competition. Belgian Queen Elisabeth was not only a great patron of the arts whose impact extends to this very Festival (frequent WWCMF Artist, Henry Kramer, is a competition laureate), but also a humanitarian who pursued the cause of social welfare with unparalleled zeal. She also made time to practice the violin, which is where her tale intersects with WWCMF’s Tasting Music III.
In 1915, Queen Elisabeth commissioned Belgian violin virtuoso Eugène Ysaÿe for a sonata for two violins. She was to learn and perform the new piece with Ysaÿe himself. Ysaÿe was a musician who approached composition through the lens of his own prodigious violin technique. His Six Sonatas for Solo Violin rank among the most technically difficult pieces in existence for the instrument. His intimate knowledge of the violin opened up new possibilities and pathways for both devilish technical display and deep emotional expression.
The question is, did he temper his tendency toward violinistic fireworks to give the Queen a fair shake at playing it? The answer is, no, he did not. Both violinists are tested with the same dizzying array of challenges as any of the Six Solo Sonatas, only more difficult due to the demands of intricate coordination between two players. Queen Elisabeth was content to bear the work’s dedication, and there was no evidence she bore any resentment toward Ysaÿe’s audacity. She wasn’t that kind of Queen. That is to say, his head remained attached to his shoulders. In truth, Ysaÿe was Elizabeth’s violin teacher. After his passing in 1931, his widow Jeanette Dincin Ysaÿe continued to teach the Queen.
Which brings us to tonight. Prepare to be wowed. From a single trembling line to a veritable wall of sound, the Sonata for Two Violins in A minor is certainly fit for royalty. Solo becomes Duo. Duo becomes Trio. Trio becomes Quartet. Such is the complexity and the sheer labor of love embodied in this music. WWCMF Royalty, violinists Christina McGann and Stephen Miahky, make a triumphant entrance to the production facility and barrel room of Seven Hills Winery.
6/19/26, 6 PM — Seven Hills Winery
WWCMF will add your name and the number of tickets you purchase to the concert guest list. We will NOT send physical tickets.
Doors open one hour before the performance.
Doors open one hour before the performance.
Eugène Ysaÿe (1858–1931)
Sonata for Two Violins in A minor (1915), Op. post.
I. Poco lento, maestoso - Allegro fermo
II. Allegretto poco lento
III. Finale. Allegro vivo e con fuoco
Artists: Timothy Christie, moderator; Christina McGann, violin; Stephen Miahky, violin