Quiet, Slow, Boring

On June 1, 2025, the Kensington Sinfonia presents Quiet, Slow, Boring, a concert celebrating calmness and introspection. The program features two exciting new commissions, each exploring this theme in unique ways. Mark Limacher’s Variations for Piano and Chamber Orchestra, performed by Canadian pianist Chloe Weston, reflects on the nature of memory through a series of musical variations that reinterpret and transform an original theme, mirroring how our memories evolve over time.

Roydon Tse’s Wok Hei adds a playful and innovative dimension to the program, performed as a collaborative effort between the Kensington Sinfonia and the Gai Lan Ensemble. Inspired by Ma Po Tofu, a signature dish, this piece captures the steps of the recipe through music. From the sizzling sounds of ingredients in a wok to the aromatic climax of the dish, Tse uses creative effects and textures to bring the cooking process to life. The composition serves as a sensory journey through culinary art, intertwining food and music in a vibrant celebration of memory and creativity.

The concert culminates with Mendelssohn’s String Octet, a groundbreaking work written when the composer was just sixteen. While its virtuosic brilliance is undeniable, the Octet also offers moments of calm introspection, wistful reflection, and playful whimsy—all facets that connect it beautifully to the concert’s theme. From the poignant Andante to the lively scherzo and the expansive finale, the Octet mirrors the idea of embracing quietness and contemplation while finding creativity and meaning in stillness.

Despite its tongue-in-cheek title, Quiet, Slow, Boring promises an afternoon of reflection, creativity, and musical brilliance—a perfect retreat from the hustle and challenges of daily life.

Free admission for students up to 18!

Presented by: Kensington Sinfonia

Genre: Chamber Ensembles