Música Latína

The Isles Ensemble’s philosophy is to bring chamber music back to its origins as social rather than concert music. Now in its third year, the group of friends, who also play for the Minnesota Orchestra and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, simply wants to perform music for the enjoyment of the audience. “The music we choose is interesting and yet accessible,” says Joanne Opgenorth, an Isles violinist. “We’re doing these concerts for our own pleasure, but we want people to be able to go and just have a good time.”

Isles Ensemble members include violinists Opgenorth and Helen Chang and violist Megan Tam, all from from the Minnesota Orchestra, and violinist Leslie Shank and cellist Joshua Koestenbaum from the SPCO. This month, they are joined by guitarist Joseph Hagedorn for an engaging evening of Latin-American chamber music.

Hagedorn introduces the music of Afro-Cuban guitarist and composer Leo Brouwer, with Quintet for Guitar and String Quartet, which resonates with the vital rhythmic energy of Havana. Also on the program is Argentine composer Alberto Ginastera’s String Quartet no. 1, which borrows musical ideas from the cowboy music of the Pampas.

“Chamber music was originally written for people to sit around and enjoy—not for formal concerts,” says Opgenorth. “So we perform in a small church, which is a very open and friendly environment.” The musicians talk about each piece of music before it’s played and welcome questions from the audience. They also have a reception following each performance to have conversations with the audience.

“We want to promote chamber music and make it inviting,” says Opgenorth. “You just have to try it.” May 20. Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church, 2020 Lake of the Isles Pkwy., Mpls., 612-203-2406

Reach Lani Willis at laniwillis@aol.com.