“What’s Past is Prologue” at the Delaware Art Museum
On April 29, Pyxis Piano Quartet, Delaware Art Museum’s resident classical ensemble, returns “home” to the galleries where they played their very first concert over a decade ago. “What’s Past is Prologue,” premiering in a ticketed virtual concert, will feature the group playing amid the Museum’s renowned collection British Pre-Raphaelite Art.
Founded as the Museum’s resident ensemble and the anchor of Concerts on Kentmere, Pyxis programs its offerings in conversation with the art on view. In the Pre-Raphaelite galleries, they play British works – Two Intermezzi for String Trio by C.H.H. Parry and Gordon Jacob’s Six Shakespearian Sketches – along with Richard Strauss’ blazingly virtuosic Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 13.
Jacob’s 1946 suite is a musical exploration of Shakespeare’s works, also an inspiration for artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Parry and Strauss wrote their pieces in 1884, during the era encompassing the creation of The Council Chamber by Edward Burne-Jones, the monumental painting framing the ensemble as they play this concert.
This 12th-season concert is especially meaningful – it is the final time the ensemble will play in the galleries where their artistic journey began. On June 21, the Museum’s renowned collection will close as the Museum reimagines the stories it tells with art. Radical Beauty, new permanent galleries of Pre-Raphaelite art, will open on July 31.
The concert’s title, “What’s Past is Prologue,” is taken from The Tempest, a Shakespeare play cited in the Jacob work. Chosen to epitomize the ensemble’s arc allowing the past to shape their future, it also honors these 19th century artists who looked back to the time of Raphael for the impetus that propelled them forward.
“There are no words to describe how inspiring it is to perform the Museum’s galleries,” says ensemble pianist Hiroko Yamazaki. “We are so grateful that this has been our home since 2009. It’s such an intimate and exquisite setting, perfect for our chamber music!”
Pyxis Piano Quartet includes Luigi Mazzocchi (violin); founding members Jennifer Jie Jin (cello) and Hiroko Yamazaki (piano); and for this concert, guest artist Hannah Rose Nicholas (viola). Tickets, priced at $20 per household for Museum Members and $25 for Non-Members, are now available. Ticket holders for the virtual online premiere (Thursday, April 29 at 7 pm) can join the event via an exclusive link that includes a post-performance “meet the artists” discussion and unlimited viewing through May 5.
Sponsors: This organization is supported, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on www.DelawareScene.com.
About the Delaware Art Museum
For over 100 years, the Museum has served as a primary arts and cultural institution in Delaware. It is alive with experiences, discoveries, and activities to connect people with art and with each other. Originally created in 1912 to honor the renowned illustrator and Wilmington-native, Howard Pyle, the Museum’s collection has grown to over 12,000 works of art in our building and sculpture garden. Also recognized for British Pre-Raphaelite art, the Museum is home to the most comprehensive Pre-Raphaelite collection on display outside of the United Kingdom, and a growing collection of significant contemporary art.
Under the leadership of our Board of Trustees, the Delaware Art Museum is implementing a comprehensive approach to community and civic engagement. This exciting new strategic direction requires that we increase our value and relevance to all audiences. Visit delart.org to for the latest exhibitions, programs, and performances or connect with us via social media.