E4TT perform Moto perpetuo from Cello Sonata, Op 65 by Benjamin Britten

Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)

Moto perpetuo from Cello Sonata, Op. 65 (1961)

E4TT - Ensemble for These Times
Megan Chartier, cello
Margaret Halbig, piano

Composer Benjamin Britten was one of the most well-known English composers of the 20th century. He composed for many genres, including chamber music, symphonic music, religious works, and vocal music, but is probably best known for his operas. Although many of his works involve mature themes, he also developed a more accessible style that audiences appreciated by writing children's music. Characterised by their emotional depth and innovative use of texture, Britten's works were often inspired by both current events of the time —world wars, as a major example—and English folk traditions, the latter of which reflects his deep love for his homeland. A key figure in promoting the works of contemporary composers, Britten co-founded the Aldeburgh Festival in 1948. His legacy endures through his timeless compositions and dedication to music education.

Cellist Megan Chartier is "unafraid to display gutsy abandon," as described by the South Florida Classical Review. She has performed throughout North America and Europe as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral cellist. She currently holds positions as principal cellist of Opera San Luis Obispo and section cello in the Vallejo Symphony, following her positions as core cellist of the Astralis Chamber Ensemble, principal cellist of the Miami Symphony Orchestra, and extra cello of San Antonio Symphony. Chartier holds a Bachelor of Music degree in performance from Eastern Michigan University, and a Master of Music in performance from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She teaches cello at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.

E4TT Pianist Margaret Halbig is in high demand as a collaborative artist in both the instrumental and vocal fields. She is currently associate chair of the Voice Department and principal vocal coach at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she also frequently collaborates with faculty and student singers and instrumentalists. In 2023, Halbig was appointed collaborative piano coordinator of Interlochen Arts Camp and has been the pianist for Young Women's Chorus of San Francisco since 2014. An advocate of new and contemporary music, she is the pianist and a board member of San Francisco-based new music collective Ninth Planet. Halbig earned her DMA from the University of California Santa Barbara and performance degrees from the University of Missouri, Kansas City Conservatory and University of Evansville, Indiana.

Recorded live November 8th 2024 at Old First Concerts, 1751 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94109. For more upcoming concerts please visit oldfirstconcerts.org