On May 22, some of Charleston’s own classical musicians will become New York City big shots. Chamber Music Charleston, a group of highly talented musicians dedicated to the performance of chamber music, will make their NYC debut at the prestigious Carnegie Hall.
“About two years ago we were looking towards our future goals, and we decided to look outside of Charleston,” says Sandra Nikolajevs, President and Artistic Director at Chamber Music Charleston. “I tend to think big, and I immediately thought it would be amazing to showcase them at such a renowned stage as Carnegie Hall.”
The group of artists making the trek up north includes Frances Hsieh (violin), Nonoko Okada (violin), Ben Weiss (viola), Timothy O’Malley (cello), Regina Helcher (flute), and Sandra Nikolajevs (bassoon). New York-based pianist Andrew Armstrong, who frequently plays with CMC, will also join them for the show.
CMC has chosen a program that will “show the rich musical history of Charleston,” Nikolajevs says.
They will perform an original set as well, entitled “Charleston Episodes” by Terry Vosbien. “I think the most exciting part of this opportunity is the chance to show the audiences of New York that there is exceptional quality, vibrant classical music being made in Charleston year-round,” Nikolajevs says.
To celebrate their return from the Big Apple, Chamber Music Charleston will perform a Homecoming Concert at the Cathedral of St. Luke and St. Paul on May 26 as part of Piccolo Spoleto.
For more information about Chamber Music Charleston, or to purchase tickets to the Homecoming concert, visit chambermusiccharleston.org.
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