The Musical Mountaineers–Pianist Rose Freeman and violinist Anastasia Allison–will include Oliver’s Krummholz Variations in a rare public performance on November 18.

Freeman and Allison typically carry their instruments deep into the mountains to play unannounced serenades for no audience, except an occasional marmot and the Cascade Mountains. The duo never announces their wilderness concerts in order to respect Leave No Trace principals and to maintain the purity of their mission – ‘to remind people of the infinite good and beauty in this world… and to inspire others to follow their heart and blaze their own trail.’ This special concert appearance in Seattle will benefit the Adopt a Stream Foundation.

Oliver’s Krummholz Variations is a tone poem that recalls aspects of life in the alpine zone, expressed through a set of short, connected variations: Dawn, Marmots, Alpine Meadow, Ptarmigan, The Summit, Headwaters, Cloudburst and Dusk. Krummholz, German for “crooked wood,” are twisted trees that serve as gateways to the alpine zone and mountaintop sentinels. These stunted trees are shaped through constant exposure to severe weather and treasured for their unique deformities. “High altitude landscapes are a paradigm for beauty in the face of harshness, filled with moments of joy and serenity that blossom amidst extremes,” shares Oliver.

Krummholz Variations was originally scored for flute, clarinet, 2 bassoons, 2 trumpets and 2 trombones. In this performance, Freeman and Allison will present a special violin-piano version that they have arranged for the occassion.

The Musical Mountaineers Benefit Concert
Saturday, November 18, 1:30pm
Northwest Stream Center
600 128th Street Southeast
Everett, Washington
Info