Richard STRAUSS | Serenade in Eb, Op. 7

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART | Serenade in B flat "Gran Partita" K. 361/370a 

The Gateway Chamber Orchestra is joined by the Grammy–winning team from Soundmirror for two exemplary performances of milestone chamber works penned 100 years apart, including some of Mozart’s most mature and famous craftsmanship. Enjoy the virtuosic playing and incredible recorded sound quality of these majestic wind serenades.

George ENESCU | Chamber Symphony for 12 Instruments, Op. 33

Franz SCHREKER | Chamber Symphony for 23 Players

Arnold SCHOENBERG | Chamber Symphony for 15 soloists, Op. 9

Once again collaborating with the Gateway Chamber Orchestra, Soundmirror masterfully recorded and mastered this album featuring chamber symphonies by George Enescu and Franz Schreker, as well as Arnold Schoenburg's milestone composition Chamber Symphony, Op. 9, a signature work for Gateway Chamber Orchestra. This album was included in the portfolio for producer Blanton Alspaugh's 2013 Grammy win for Classical Producer of the Year.

Carl REINECKE | Cello Concerto in D Minor, Op. 82

John TAVENER | Thrinos

Robert SCHUMANN | Adagio & Allegro, Op. 70 (Arr. for Cello and Orchestra by Ernest Ansermet)

Ernest BLOCH | Cello Suite No. 1

Osvaldo GOLIJOV | Mariel (Version for Cello and Marimba)

When award-winning cellist Urielle Samis discovered the neglected Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in D Minor, Op. 82, by Carl Heinrich Reinecke (1795-1883), its “soaring melodies and brilliant virtuosity” immediately inspired her to learn it. Of this brilliant and prolific Romantic-era composer’s nearly 300 works, the vast majority are rarely included in today’s performing repertoire and are largely unknown to the musical public.

Along with the premiere of the Reinecke Cello Concerto, this album recorded in collaboration with Delos Records also offers a varied assortment of remarkable shorter works by Sir John Tavener, Ernest Bloch (for solo cello), Robert Schumann (with orchestra), and Osvaldo Golijov (with marimba). Samis' smooth and sonorous cello is beautifully complemented by the Gateway Chamber Orchestra under the assured baton of conductor Gregory Wolynec (Reinecke, Schumann) and accomplished marimbist Eric Willie (Golijov).

Osvaldo GOLIJOV | La Pasión según San Marcos 

[Special Two-CD Set]

Osvaldo Golijov’s massive La Pasión según San Marcos represents a glimpse into a world of possibilities for the future of great music with a masterful blending of musical worlds. It was originally staged in 2000 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of J.S. Bach’s passing. 

As the Gateway Chamber Orchestra prepared for its post-pandemic return to live performance, Artistic Director Gregory Wolynec proposed tackling Golijov’s monumental work. Bringing La Pasión to life required assembling an extraordinary group of performers. Penelope Shumate joined as the classical soprano, while Reynaldo González Fernández, who had originated an almost entirely improvised role, was persuaded to reprise his part. Venezuelan-born Luisana Rivas stepped into the role of the Brazilian Alto, bringing her unique voice and energy to the production. Capoeira dancer Paciencia was discovered in a Tennessee dance studio. The orchestral demands of La Pasión presented their own challenges. The score called for a mix of conventional strings and an eclectic array of instruments, including accordion, guitars, and a staggering 40-piece collection of percussion instruments.

This project is not just a tribute to Golijov’s genius but a testament to the power of collaboration, cultural exchange, and the enduring relevance of classical music in the 21st century.  La Pasión según San Marcos is more than a masterpiece—it is a movement, a bridge between worlds, and a beacon of what the future of music can be.