A Mixolydian what??
SAN ANSELMO — Echo Chamber Orchestra takes its inspiration from nature on June 13 with a composition about animals by Brian S. Wilson; CM von Weber's first clarinet concerto; and the Sixth "Pastoral" Symphony of Beethoven. Kyle Beard will be the clarinet soloist in von Weber.
Conceived as a set of etudes for young piano players, "A MODAL MENAGERIE - 7 Animals from 7 Continents in 7 Modes" features one animal from each continent set in one of the seven musical modes, giving each movement a unique soundscape. We have an African zebra in Dorian mode, for example, a panda from Asia in Mixolydian, and so on. Composed and orchestrated for ECHO Chamber Orchestra by Brian S. Wilson, A MODAL MENAGERIE received its premiere in 2025 by pianist Marilyn Thompson.
Clarinetist Kyle Beard performs with many ensembles including Echo Chamber Orchestra, North State Symphony and the Luke Doughty Quartet. When not teaching or performing, he is the owner and technician for RBK Winds, a repair shop in Oakland, CA, performing instrument repairs for professionals in the Bay Area and the public schools in San Francisco and Oakland. Kyle received his training at the Peabody Conservatory, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and UMass Amherst.
The concert closes with one of Beethoven's most enduring works, "The Pastoral" symphony –painting pictures of countryside and thunderstorms since 1808.
The concert begins at 7:30 PM on June 13 at First Presbyterian Church, 72 Kensington Road, San Anselmo, followed by a wine and cheese reception. Admission is $30. Tickets are available online and at the door after 7:00 PM.
PROGRAM
In Nature
Brian S. Wilson - A Musical Menagerie, orchestral premiere (2026)
Weber - Clarinet Concerto No. 1 in F Minor, Kyle Beard clarinet soloist
Beethoven - Symphony No. 6 in F Major, The Pastoral
Echo Chamber Orchestra celebrates its tenth season in San Anselmo, CA as a professional level, musician-led chamber orchestra. It performs 3-4 concerts annually under the baton of founder and music director Daniel Canosa. For information visit https://www.echorchestra.com/