Arts Alive San Antonio

              Q&A with VIOLINIST, ERTAN TORGUL, SOLI Chamber Music Ensemble

                                       Interview by JASMINA WELLINGHOFF

• How and why was the SOLI Ensemble created?

SOLI Chamber Ensemble was formed in 1994 by our clarinetist Stephanie Key and cellist David Mollenauer, originally to perform Olivier Messiaen’s iconic work Quartet for the End of Time for the instrumentation of clarinet, violin, cello, and piano. The Ensemble, 31 years later, still supports the same instrumentation.

• How did you build an audience?

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly how it all began, but I do remember there was a clear need for a contemporary chamber music ensemble in San Antonio. SOLI stepped in to fill that gap, dedicated to promoting the newest, most unique, and best works from composers at all stages of their careers. This commitment has kept audiences coming back for more.

We specialize in creating concerts and projects that offer fresh perspectives, promoting collaboration not only with composers we bring to San Antonio but also with other arts organizations and individuals from both our local community and across the country. While our programming primarily focuses on contemporary works, we’ve occasionally featured classical composers over the years—always with a distinct SOLI twist.

What makes our performances unique is our approach to making the music of today feel accessible. We create a welcoming atmosphere, making sure everyone can enjoy and connect with the experience. Since then, how many new works have you incorporated into your repertoire?

SOLI has commissioned well over 100 new works from composers of all stages of their careers, ages, and backgrounds, but we have presented many hundreds more during our 31 years, for our San Antonio audiences. It is really hard to count as both commissioned and already existing works are added every season. We are finding new and compelling compositional voices everyday so for us it is an ongoing discovery of new works to perform.

• Are you a composer? And, if so, tell us a bit about your compositions.

No, we are not composers; we are highly trained performers who take great joy in bringing new works to life. While we don’t write the music, we collaborate closely with composers on performance and interpretation-related aspects. As professional performers, we offer a unique perspective on these new pieces, and it’s our responsibility to ensure each work is heard exactly as the composer intended.

One of the most important roles we play is helping early-career composers by offering our “performer’s point of view.” SOLI conducts workshops both nationally and internationally, working closely with young composers on their new works. For many of these composers, it’s incredibly difficult to have their pieces performed regularly by professional ensembles. Any insights we can provide to help them shape their work for success is an investment in their future—and in ours as well.

• Was it difficult to compete with the old stars of classical music, like Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, etc.

Not at all, because it’s not really a competition. I believe that if you truly commit to your mission and work tirelessly to present each piece in the best possible way, the audience will recognize that. And that recognition is the reward for both the performer and the listener. None of us can predict which of the hundreds of works we perform will stand the test of time, so our job is to perform them as beautifully as possible, ensuring they get their moment to shine. That way, we give them the best chance to be heard in the most impactful way. While the works of the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras are familiar and beloved, every “classic” was once new, and many were not well received when first performed. Only time will reveal which pieces endure, and being part of that ongoing story is truly exhilarating.

• Tell us about your 30x30x30. How did you go about it? What part was the most challenging?

30x30x30 is an exciting new music initiative supporting emerging composers of all ages and backgrounds. Celebrating the Ensemble’s 30th anniversary, the 30x30x30 Project received an impressive 293 applications from across the country, resulting in the selection of 30 exceptional chamber works. These works represent some of the best and most diverse compositional voices of the next generation.

With SHOWCASE I (February 15-16, 2025), we’re bringing eight of these unique voices to San Antonio for an engaging experience that allows the composers to connect with our audience in meaningful ways. The Showcase will offer several opportunities for interaction, including:

• Posting questions online during the event for live Q&A sessions. Connecting with the artists in a relaxed setting over coffee between sessions and during the wine reception. Flexibility to attend all or select portions of the Showcase throughout the day. Experiencing the creative process firsthand as composers and performers work together in preparation for the recording and the final performance at 5:30 pm.

This innovative format will create a lasting bond between the artists and the audience, making the events a must-attend for music lovers and anyone curious to explore new music. SHOWCASE I will also foster a stronger connection within the San Antonio music community, as SOLI will collaborate with The Pearl Trio, percussionist Peter Flamm, and UT San Antonio’s Rachel Woolf on flute. Best of all, SOLI is offering this project free of charge to the public.

• How many women composers participated?

16 of the 30 composers selected are exceptional female composers.

• Which of the selected composers, do you think, will have a successful career?

I believe each of these composers has the potential for a highly successful career. The mission of the 30x30x30 Project is to support them by providing opportunities to collaborate with professional ensembles and have their works performed at various locations across the country. With the culminating 30x30x30 Anthology recording project, it is likely their music will be heard internationally as well.

• Any San Antonio composers?

Yes, we have two composers with ties to San Antonio. Edna Longoria and Yeonsuk Jung. The cool thing is we did not know either of them were selected until after the process was finalized! The selection process was anonymous, we didn’t know the identity of any of the composers so when the results were in we were extremely proud that San Antonio was represented with two extremely talented composers.

• Many classical music fans frown at new, “contemporary” music and stick with Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and company. Please comment.

I think I’ve touched on this above, but let me try to demystify it a bit further. If the word “contemporary” feels intimidating, let’s think of it differently. Contemporary music is simply the music of today—it’s the sound of the world we live in, composed by imaginative people who share in our collective experiences: our hopes, dreams, anxieties, and more. While easy and familiar entertainment can be fulfilling and comforting, there’s nothing wrong with challenging ourselves intellectually, exploring our emotional depths, and engaging with what it truly means to live in the present moment.

• There is a lot to be gained from stepping outside of our comfort zones, and audiences often discover things about themselves that familiar, traditional sounds may not always reveal. I hope that makes sense.
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• How would you describe the “contemporary” chamber music?

You can experience the answer to this question in-person when you attend the SHOWCASE I (February 15-16, 2025), at Trinity University’s Ruth Taylor Recital Hall.  Information link below
https://solichamberensemble.com/showcase/
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