Our splendid classical music presenters’ seasons are about to begin. The Monterey Peninsula not only boasts a top-notch symphony, several choruses and an internationally famed Bach Festival, it has long been a performance destination for many of the world’s finest chamber ensembles through the agencies of the Carmel Music Society and Chamber Music Monterey Bay.
This week we’ll take a look at the 51st season of Chamber Music Monterey Bay (CMMB), which opens with the award-winning Miró String Quartet on Oct. 7 at Sunset Center in Carmel. Works by Dvorák and Beethoven will be featured along with a special reprise of noted American composer Kevin Puts’s “Credo,” in honor of the 10th anniversary of this first commissioned work by CMMB. It will be a pleasure to hear this exceptional piece again, which earned high praise in Carmel and has since been performed all over the world.
On Nov. 10, the Morgenstern Trio returns for its fourth appearance in Carmel. Winners of the prestigious Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson International Trio Award, Morgenstern has been an audience favorite here since their first concert with CMMB. They will play works by Ravel, Frank Martin, and Schubert.
Jan. 13 brings the Claremont Trio, also winners of the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson award, returning for their second engagement with CMMB. Their program will include works by Smetana and Beethoven as well as a work written especially for them by Gabriella Lena Frank.
On Feb. 24, the innovative ensemble Decoda makes their first appearance in Carmel. Decoda is a New York-based chamber collective dedicated to bringing meaningful musical experiences to any and all audiences. They have been named as the first Affiliate Ensemble of Carnegie Hall, exploring creativity, community, and identity through live performances and thoughtful methods of engagement.
Clive Gillinson, executive and artistic director of Carnegie Hall, says of this group, “Our appointment of Decoda as the first ever affiliate ensemble of Carnegie Hall recognizes the quality of its work, which reflects so many of the values held by Carnegie Hall, including exceptional performances and a strong commitment to education and community programs … it’s been inspiring for all of us to watch what they continue to accomplish as an independent ensemble and as great ambassadors for music.” Their program will include works by Schubert and Brahms, and a deeply moving new work by David Bruce.
The Enso String Quartet returns to Carmel for their second engagement April 7. Enso has been called “thrilling” by STRAD magazine. Winners of the prestigious Banff International String Quartet Competition, the ensemble will play works by Mendelssohn, Paul Moravec, and Beethoven.
All concerts start at 8 p.m. at Carmel’s Sunset Center. CMMB offers great pre-concert talks by popular San Francisco musicologist Kai Christiansen. His talks, which start at 7:15 in the concert hall, are free.
For tickets and more information see www.chambermusicmontereybay.org or call 625-2212. Call the office to reserve tickets for CMMB’s popular Kids Up Front & Free! program for students grades 3 through 12 and their adult companions.
Change at CMMB
Amy Anderson, who has served as the organization’s president, artistic director and education director during her 17-year tenure, is turning the reins over to Erica Horn, another talented and dedicated artistic administrator, who has been serving music in our community for many years. She was the music director of Youth Music Monterey County’s YMMC Chamber Players. She has a Bachelor of Music degree in clarinet performance and studied at the Aspen Music Festival and Philadelphia Orchestra Summer Woodwind Chamber Music Festival. Horn has performed with symphonies up and down the California coast and serves as principal clarinet for Ensemble Monterey chamber Orchestra. And she has collaborated with Anderson and CMMB to provide opportunities for young musicians to work with visiting professionals on tour to Carmel.
Horn is excited about her new position and says she has big shoes to fill. Anderson says she is thrilled for the organization to have such an ideal artistic administrator as Horn taking charge of the next chapter in CMMB’s long history. The two women are working diligently on the transition and preparing for the new 2017-18 season.
Organ at St. Dunstan’s
On Saturday, Sept. 23, Diane Keller, Palo Alto organist and teacher, kicks off the fall schedule of organ concerts at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church in Carmel Valley. Keller focuses on contrasting pieces from the Italian and French Romantic periods, along with contemporary composers from Norway and England. She “pulls out all the stops” with quirky scherzos and dramatic toccatas to New Age music and even the Beatles.
Keller served as a guest organist at the Salt Lake City Mormon Tabernacle for 18 years and is currently organist at First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto and sub-dean of the American Guild of Organists San Jose Chapter.
Tickets for the 3 p.m. concert are available at the door for $20. Students and those under 18 attend free. A wine and cheese reception with the artist will follow the concert. For more information see call 624-6646.
Gordon at Pebble Beach
Here’s an October treat! David Gordon, distinguished artistic staff member of the Carmel Bach Festival, returns to the area to perform his popular “Pioneer History in Story and Song.” Gordon will present tunes sung on the Oregon Trail, songs from the Gold Rush, and a bouquet of ballads by American songwriter Stephen Foster. He will also share fascinating historical background about these American gems. Gordon’s history concerts have been playing to sold-out houses in Oregon, where he makes his home now. The concert takes place Oct. 1 at the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach at 5 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door.
