World-acclaimed cello octet to play Fallbrook

FALLBROOK — Fallbrook Music Society’s Virtuoso Series continues with a return engagement by the internationally acclaimed Amsterdam Cello Octet, the only full-time cello octet in the world.

The concert will be held Sunday, March 8, at 3 p.m. in the Bob Burton Center for Performing Arts.

Dr. Brenda Montiel, president of Fallbrook Music Society, says, “This ensemble is a treasure whose music is brimming with Mediterranean passion. We are delighted to bring this remarkable group back to Fallbrook to celebrate the beautiful, emotional sounds of the cello.”

The ensemble combines the perfection of a string quartet with the volume of a chamber orchestra.

The octet will be joined by Spanish mezzo-soprano Elena Gragera, who enchants audiences with her flair and rhythmic élan. Gragera is considered by many to be one of the most serious and interesting talents on the Spanish musical scene today.

The program is both eclectic and captivating, leaning on Spanish and Latin American music.

Composer Phillip Glass has arranged several of his works for the Cello Octet, two of which will be performed at this concert. One of the best-known works on the program will be excerpts from “El Tango” by Piazzolla.

The concert also features works by Manuel de Falla, Alberto Ginastera and Joaquin.

This performance is supported, in part, with funds provided the Western States Art Federation and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Concert tickets are $38 for adults and $10 for students and are available at (760) 451-8644 and http://www.fallbrookmusicsociety.org.