Sherman Chamber Ensemble Announces 2001 Summer Series

SHERMAN — From the avant-garde artistry of contemporary composer George Crumb to the thrill of 18th Century masterpieces played on period instruments, Sherman Chamber Ensemble has something special in store for chamber music fans of all persuasions in its 2001 summer concert season.

Ensemble regulars Eliot Bailen (cello), Susan Rotholz (flute), Jill Levy (violin) and Sarah Adams (viola) will be joined by a world-class roster of musicians in three programs to be presented this summer.

Accomplished pianist Margaret Kampmeier will open the season on July 6 and 7 with a mostly French program just in time for Bastille Day. The centerpiece of the evening will be the magnificent Ravel Trio in A minor for violin, cello and piano. A Faure Piano Quartet and “Ballade” for Flute and Piano by Frank Martin round out the French connection, and the program will conclude with “Poem” for Flute and Piano — a wave of Old Glory from the early 20th Century American composer Charles Tomlinson Griffes.

August 10 and 11 will see the return of the renowned keyboardist and scholar Kenneth Cooper, a frequent and popular guest artist with the ensemble. This time, Mr Cooper will introduce audiences to the delights of the forte-piano, an 18th Century predecessor to the modern instrument.

The program will include the Mozart Piano Quartet in E Flat Major, Bach Sonata for Flute and Forte-Piano and Quartet for Flute and String Trio by Czech émigré composer Anton Reiche (1770-1836).

The Labor Day finale to the season, August 31 and September 1, promises a rare treat for chamber music audiences anywhere, with George Crumb’s famous Madrigals for Soprano, Flute, Harp, Percussion and Double Bass. More traditional chamber music fare from Spohr, Ravel and Saint-Saens completes a program that will take good advantage of an unusual roster of guest artists, including Mary Westbrook-Geha (soprano), James Baker (percussion), and Stacey Shames (harp).

Sherman Chamber Ensemble concerts are performed Friday evenings in the intimate and acoustically excellent St Andrew’s Church on Main Street in Kent. Saturday evening performances take place in the rustic charm of the lakeside Mauweechoo Clubhouse in Sherman.

All performances start at 8 pm and are followed by a reception offering light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the performers.

Individual concert tickets, as available, are $20 for adults or $15 for students and seniors, at the door. Advance reservations are strongly recommended and may be made by calling 860-355-6155.

For Sherman concerts only, lawn tickets may be purchased the night of the concert for $10. There is no charge for lawn tickets for children under 12, so bring your blankets and beach chairs and enjoy an evening of music under the stars for the entire family.