The final concert of the season will be a festival of true chamber music gems that touch on the themes of dreams, passions, and memories and that draw inspiration from one’s longing for and/or reflections on a loved one or a special place in their life. Centered around Tchaikovsky’s most cherished and celebrated Sextet for Strings, “Souvenir de Florence,” this concert will be full of rich and sonorous Italian lyricism, charm, and wit that remind us of “The Nutcracker” — a passionate performance by Central Chamber Series’ leading artists!

Artists:

Min-Young Kim, violin

Doori Na, violin

Misha Amory, viola

Jessica Thompson, viola

Jia Kim, cello

Michael Katz, cello

Rupert Boyd, guitar

Program to include:

Boccherini Guitar Quintet No. 4 “Fandango” G.448

Tchaikovsky Souvenir de Florence

The program can be found here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

The extraordinary musicians of the NY Phil return to Central!  

This time we have invited the “Corland String Quartet,” which is comprised of four musicians from the NY Phil, including Sheryl Staples and Cong Wu, who hold principal chairs in violin and viola at the NY Phil and performed at Central two seasons ago. The quartet will perform Mendelssohn Quartet Op. 13, which was written after Mendelssohn heard and studied Beethoven’s ground-breaking, genre-breaking work, his quartet Op. 132 with the famous slow movement which he titled “Thanksgiving to God” after surviving an illness that almost took his life. Paired with the Mendelssohn will be Brahms’ G Major String Sextet for which we will invite another principal violist, Tal First, from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

Artists:

Sheryl Staples, violin

Yulia Ziskel, violin

Cong Wu, viola

Tal First, viola

Eric Bartlett, cello

Jia Kim, cello

Program to include:

Mendelssohn String Quartet No.2 Op. 13 in A minor

Brahms String Sextet No. 2 in G Major

The program can be found here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

The Christian Community played a crucial role in Johann Sebastian Bach’s life. Bach suffered many tragedies. He was orphaned as a child, returned from a trip to find his beloved wife not only dead but buried, and twelve of his children died in childhood. When Bach’s music touches on sorrow, we know he’s been there. Bach’s world was shaped by the theology of Martin Luther, a man who saw music as a gift of God. It was Bach’s faith that drove much of his work. In some ways Bach can be seen as a theologian and preacher who communicated through music. He wrote that “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” The pieces that are programmed in this concert are no exception. Bach’s intention to praise God and encourage his hearers is there throughout the music.

Artists:

Avi Stein, harpsichord

Michelle Ross, violin

Max Tan, violin

Doori Na, violin

Catherine Cho, viola

Eric Wong, viola

William Frampton, viola

Jia Kim, cello

Michael Katz, cello

Mihai Marica, cello

Marguerite Cox, bass

Program to include:

Bach Viola da Gamba Sonata No. 2 in D Major

Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major

Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B-flat Major

The program can be found here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

We welcome the award-winning Aeolus Quartet with the extraordinary pianist Anna Petrova! They will join forces to bring forth an exquisite performance of Amy Beach’s Piano Quintet, a deep, late Romantic work of mastery, paired with Mendelssohn’s fiery and passionate String Quartet in F minor which he wrote after his dear sister Fanny Mendelssohn’s death.

Much like Clara Schumann, Amy Beach could not have a performance career due to the fact that she was a female. Although she made her concert debut at age 16 as a gifted pianist, her career did not flourish as deserved. She got married at a very young age and started to write music as an outlet for her artistry; the music was published under her husband’s name, as “Mrs.M.M.A. Beach.” Her music is highly romantic, reminding us of middle period Brahms. Her piano quintet, which she wrote to display her piano skills (the piano part is known to be extremely challenging), is an outstanding piece of work that has been a staple of the piano quintet repertoire along with those by Brahms, Schumann, and Dvorak.

This program explores music written from the depths of the composers’ souls, ready to enrich, captivate, and move us beyond words.

Artists:

Aeolus Quartet

Anna Petrova, piano

Program to include:

Mendelssohn String Quartet Op. 80

I. Allegro vivace assai (323 bars)

II. Allegro assai (301 bars)

III. Adagio (120 bars)

IV. Finale: Allegro molto

Amy Beach Piano Quintet 

I. Adagio - Allegro moderato 

II. Adagio espressivo 

III.Allegro agitato - Adagio come prima - Presto

The program can be found here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

In this opening concert, we will feature two powerful works by Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms. The “Three Romances” by Clara Schumann truly capture the essence of beautiful, rhapsodic melodies, and there is something tremendously moving about Schumann’s harmonies. 

The ever so passionate and ground-breaking Piano Quartet in G minor, known for its final movement “Rondo Allia Zingarese,” draws from “Gypsy Rondo,” a dance similar to the Hungarian Dances by Brahms. This piece was premiered with Clara Schumann on the piano. It is known to be a true masterwork displaying technical ability and emotional profundity.

Artists:

Doori Na, violin

Tanner Menees, viola

Jia Kim, cello

Jun Cho, piano 

Program to include:

Clara Schumann Three Romances for Violin and Piano 

Johannes Brahms Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor 

I. Allegro

II. Intermezzo: Allegro ma non troppo — Trio: Animato

III. Andante con moto 

IV. Rondo alla Zingarese: Presto

The program can be found here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

Join us for the final concert of the season featuring works by Dmitri Dmitriyevich Shostakovich and Felix Mendelssohn. You can purchase tickets here!

Artists:

Rachel Lee Priday, violin

Kobi Malkin, violin

Rachel Shapiro, violin

Doori Na, violin

Ayane Kozasa, viola

Dana Kelley, viola

Jia Kim, cello

Mihai Marica, cello

Program to include:

Shostakovich - 2 Pieces for String Octet, Op. 11

I. Prelude. Adagio

II. Scherzo. Allegro molto

Mendelssohn Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20

I. Allegro moderato ma con fuoco 

II. Andante

III. Scherzo

IV. Presto

The program can be found here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

Join us Tuesday, March 5 for an all Bach program including the great Brandenburg Concerto No.3 and Art of Fugue for String Quartet. Tickets can be purchased here.

Artists:

Alex Fortes, violin

Doori Na, violin

Caitlin Lynch, viola

Jia Kim, cello

Program to include:

Bach Art of Fugue No. 1-4

Bach Double Violin Concerto 

Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 3

The program can be found here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

Join us for a wonderful evening featuring works by Franz Joseph Haydn and Robert Schumann. You can purchase tickets here.

Artists:

Rebecca Fischer, violin

Michelle Ross, violin

Leah Ferguson, viola

Jia Kim, cello

David Kaplan, piano

Program to include:

Haydn String Quartet op. 76 no. 3 “Emperor”

I. Allegro

II. Poco adagio

III. Menuett 

IV. Finale

Schumann Piano Quintet 

I. Allegro brillante

II. In Modo d'una Marcia. Un poco largamente

III. Scherzo. Molto vivace — Trio I— Trio II

IV. Allegro ma non troppo

The program can be found here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

Join is Tuesday, November 14 to hear some of Mozart’s finest works performed by world class artists. Purchase tickets here.

Artists:

Michelle Ross, violin

Max Tan, violin

Tanner Menees, viola

Andrew Gonzalez, viola

Jia Kim, cello

Program to include:

Mozart Viola Quintet No. 2 in C minor 

I. Allegro

II. Andante

III. Menuetto 

IV. Allegro

Mozart Viola Quintet No. 4 in G minor

I. Allegro

II. Menuetto: Allegretto 

III. Adagio ma non troppo 

IV. Adagio - Allegro

The program can be found here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

Join us for the opening night of Central Chamber Series where we will present an evening of Romantic beauty and two stunning masterworks in the chamber music repertoire. Focusing on the music and friendship of Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms, this concert will be a night not to be missed.  Purchase tickets here.

Artists:

Doori Na, violin 

Jia Kim, cello

Peter Dugan, piano 

Program to include:

Clara Schumann - Three Romances for Violin and Piano 

I. Andante molto
II. Allegretto
III. Leidenschaftlich schnell

Johannes Brahms - Piano Trio No. 2 in C Major

I. Allegro moderato
II. Andante con moto
III. Scherzo
IV. Allegro giocoso 

The program can be found here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

Members of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra will join Central Chamber Series artists on a beautiful evening of music.

Artists:

Sheryl Staples, violin

Doori Na, violin

Cong Wu, viola

Leah Ferguson, viola

Nathan Vickery, cello

Jia Kim, cello

Program to include:

Strauss Sextet from Capriccio, Op. 85

Brahms Sextet No. 1 in B-flat Major

I. Allegro ma non troppo

II. Andante ma moderato

III. Scherzo. Allegro Molto

IV. Rondo. Poco Allegretto e grazioso

The program can be found here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

As part of Women’s Month in March, come celebrate with Central Chamber Series featuring all female artists performing three living female composers’ works!  Purchase tickets for Joyful Noise here.

Artists:

Michelle Ross, violin

Molly Carr, viola

Jia Kim, cello

Anna Petrova, piano

Program to include:

Andrea Casarruvios “Magnitude”

Vivian Fung “Prayer”

Michelle Ross “Where Things Weigh Nothing At All”

Schumann Piano Quartet in E-flat Major Op. 47

I. Sostenuto assai – Allegro ma non troppo

II. Scherzo: Molto vivace – Trio I – Trio II

III. Andante cantabile

IV. Finale: Vivace

The program can be viewed here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

Written in a prisoner-of-war camp during WWII, Messaien wrote this masterpiece rooted in his deeply Christian faith, inspired by the Book of Revelation. You can purchase tickets here.

Artists:

Yoonah Kim, clarinet

Michelle Ross, violin

Michael Katz, cello

Euntaek Kim, piano

Program to include:

Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time

I."Liturgie de cristal" (Crystal liturgy)

II. "Vocalise, pour l'Ange qui annonce la fin du Temps" (Vocalise, for the Angel who announces the end of time)

III. "Abîme des oiseaux" (Abyss of birds)

IV. "Intermède" (Interlude)

V. "Louange à l'Éternité de Jésus" (Praise to the eternity of Jesus)

VI. "Danse de la fureur, pour les sept trompettes" (Dance of fury, for the seven trumpets)

VII. "Fouillis d'arcs-en-ciel, pour l'Ange qui annonce la fin du Temps" (Tangle of rainbows, for the Angel who announces the end of time)

VIII. "Louange à l'Immortalité de Jésus" (Praise to the immortality of Jesus)

The program for this event can be found here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

Praised by the Strad for its "incredible ensemble, passionate playing, articulate and imaginative ideas and wide palette of colours", the Lysander Trio will take the stage for the first time this season at Central Chamber Series. You can purchase your tickets here.

Artists:

Itamar Zorman, violin

Liza Stepanova, piano

Michael Katz, cello

Program to include:

Turina - Circulo Op. 91

I. Amanecer 

II. Mediodía

III. Crepúsculo

Udi Perlman - Nostos for Piano Trio (World Premiere)

Schumann - Piano Trio in D minor Op. 63

I. Mit Energie und Leidenschaft

II. Lebhaft, doch nicht zu rasch

III. Langsam, mit inniger Empfindung - Bewegter - Tempo I - attacca

IV. Mit Feuer - Nach und nach schneller

The program for the event can be viewed here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

The season opener will feature arrangements from Felix Mendelssohn performed by world-class artists. Purchase your ticket here.

Artists:

Doori Na, violin

Sean Kennard, piano

Jia Kim, cello

Program to include:

Mendelssohn Songs without Words

No. 7 arr. Hermann

No. 30 arr. Hermann

No. 5 arr. Hermann

No. 25 arr. Kreisler

Mendelssohn Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor

I. Allegro energico e con fuoco

II. Andante espressivo

III. Scherzo: Molto allegro quasi presto

IV. Finale: Allegro appassionato

The program is available here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

The program will feature works by Czech composer Antonín Dvořák and American composer Jessie Montgomery.

Artists:

Jennifer Frautschi, violin

Doori Na, violin

Melissa Reardon, viola

Mario Gotoh, viola

Paul Wiancko, cello

Program to include:

Jessie Montgomery’s Strum and Source Code

Antonín Dvořák’s String Sextet in A Major Op. 48

I. Allegro moderato

II. Dumka. Poco allegretto

III. Furiant. Presto

IV. Finale. Tema con variazioni. Allegretto grazioso, quasi andantino

Livestream will be available here starting 7:30 pm on Tuesday, May 17. Program is available here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

An exhilarating evening featuring Legendary American Composers performed by the truly magnificent next generation of American Legend Artists!

Artists:

Charles Yang, violin

Mark Dover, clarinet

Peter Dugan, piano

Jia Kim, cello

Program to include:

Gershwin Three Preludes

I. Allegro ben ritmato e deciso

II. Andante con moto e poco rubato

III. Agitato

Bloch Three Nocturnes for Piano Trio

I. Andante

II. Andante quieto

III. Tempestoso

Amy Beach Romance for Violin and Piano

Paul Schoenfield Trio for Clarinet, Violin and Piano

I. Freklakh
II. March
III. Niggun
IV. Kozatzke

Improv/Arrangements by the three American Legends to be announced on stage

Livestream will be available here starting 7:30 pm on Tuesday, November 16. Program is available here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.

Artists:

Henry Kramer, piano

Melissa Reardon, viola

Rachel Kitagawa Shapiro, violin

Qianqian Li, violin

Jia Kim, cello

Program to include:

Caroline Shaw “Valencia”

Johannes Brahms Piano Quintet

I. Allegro non troppo

II. Andante, un poco Adagio

III. Scherzo: Allegro

IV. Finale: Poco sostenuto - Allegro non troppo - Preso, non troppo

Livestream will be available here starting 7:30 pm on Tuesday, October 5. Program is available here.

We are grateful to our individual contributors who share our passion for music and the arts. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Central's program operating fund which makes programming such as this possible.