Dear Friends,
Season Fifteen! It would be unfathomable for me to imagine fifteen years ago that a simple idea of “bringing great friends together to make great music” would blossom into a much cherished series that is thriving fifteen years later. This beautiful idea is still at the core of String Theory as we continue to bring marvelous friends from around the world to share unforgettable musical evenings together.
Our opening concert is the embodiment of that musical friendship as I surround myself with the most congenial group of musicians - violinists Arnaud Sussmann and Helen Kim, violist Nicholas Cords, cellist Edward Arron, and bassist Tom Van Dyck - in Mozart’s Piano Concerto in A Major, K.414, followed by Schubert’s effervescent “Trout” Quintet.
Sensational cello-wunderkind, Zlatomir Fung, returns to join me in performing a duo concert featuring Sibelius’s Malinconia and the Rachmaninoff Cello Sonata. Audiences may remember Zlatomir’s extraordinary performance last March, we are thrilled to welcome him back again this season!
Based in Munich, the Goldmund Quartet is one of the most-sought-after young quartets in the world, actively touring Europe, North America, and Japan - where they were awarded a full set of Stradivari instruments by The Nippon Foundation. We are eager to welcome the Goldmunds to Chattanooga for their String Theory debut with the music of Borodin and Beethoven.
Our Valentine’s Concert opens with virtuosic duos showcasing Violinist Arnuad Sussmann, violist Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, cellist Nicholas Canellakis, and pianist Gloria Chien. The four artists unite in Schumann's blissful Piano Quartet to conclude this romantic evening.
Our dear friend, clarinetist Anthony McGill returns with the stunning mezzo-soprano, Fleur Barron. They will join me for an evening of duos and trios arranged for this unique combination. Besides being the first African American principal player at the New York Philharmonic, Anthony has been an ardent advocate for music education reaching underserved communities and addressing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in classical music. Equally passionate, Fleur’s programming is often thought-provoking and boundary-breaking. Her most recent recital explored the idea of HOME(land) where she sang in seven languages. It will be a memorable evening sharing music with these illuminating musical minds. For more Anthony and Fleur, join us for a different program on Monday evening at Lee University’s beautiful Chapel in Cleveland, TN!
Our season finale culminates in a tour-de-force program of Mendelssohn and Grieg Sonatas by the dynamic duo, cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han. Their dedication to chamber music and commitment to young talent have changed the lives of countless young musicians, including mine. They have guided String Theory in so many ways and we are thrilled to conclude our fifteenth season with the triumphant return of David Finckel and Wu Han!
As always, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support in making String Theory the Chattanooga’s “must-see” musical event. I am filled with endless gratitude and amazed at God’s grace. I look forward to celebrating our fifteenth season with you at String Theory!
With warmest regards,
String Theory is a chamber music series bringing inspiring evenings of the best chamber music to the Hunter Museum of American Art. Offering superb musical performances in an artistically satisfying setting, this series will feature some of the world’s most sought after musicians....
String Theory is a chamber music series bringing inspiring evenings of the best chamber music to the Hunter Museum of American Art. Offering superb musical performances in an artistically satisfying setting, this series will feature some of the world’s most sought after musicians.
String Theory is a chamber music series bringing inspiring evenings of the best chamber music to the Hunter Museum of American Art. Offering superb musical performances in an artistically satisfying setting, this series will feature some of the world’s most sought after musicians....
