Amber concert - Ensemble Obiora

Under the direction of Principal Guest Conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, Ensemble Obiora opens its 2026 season with AMBER, a vibrant program bringing together classical elegance, modernity, and contemporary creation.

At the heart of the evening is the world premiere of Then the sky was amber by composer Saman Shahi, an exclusive commission from Ensemble Obiora. This concerto for viola and orchestra will be performed by internationally acclaimed Canadian violist Sharon Wei, celebrated for her expressiveness and magnetic stage presence.

The program also embraces the colors and contrasts of the repertoire with Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 1, Jacques Ibert’s Trois Pièces brèves for wind quintet, the hypnotic Entr’acte by Caroline Shaw, and the sparkling Pulcinella Suite by Igor Stravinsky.

An evening where tradition and innovation meet, driven by the energy and artistic vision of Ensemble Obiora.

Program

Joseph Haydn – Symphony No. 1 (20 min 35)

Jacques Ibert – Trois Pièces brèves for wind quintet (6 min 50)

Saman Shahi – Then the sky was amber for viola and orchestra
World premiere featuring Canadian violist Sharon Wei (12 min 50)

Intermission

Caroline Shaw – Entr’acte (12 min)

Igor Stravinsky – Pulcinella Suite (25 min)

Duration: 75 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.