For 35 years, the Sherman Chamber Ensemble has brought beautiful music to the area. Since 1982, the Ensemble, under the artistic direction of Eliot Bailen, has inspired audiences with creative programming and brilliant performances. “The Sherman Chamber Ensemble has really added significantly to the quality of life here in our corner of Connecticut and Pawling. They provide top quality music,“ said SCE Executive Director Liba Furhman, “ The first time I heard them play, it was a whole new experience here. There is wonderful programming from traditional classics like Bach and Beethoven all the way to current compositions. They always receive a standing ovation.” Artistic Director, Eliot Bailen stated, “This has been a lifelong project for me. My wife and I started the SCE together in 1982 and it has been a very important part of our lives. I’m grateful to the Town of Sherman for being such great music lovers over the years.”
On Saturday, July 8, at 8 p.m., its Signature Summer Concert Series kicks off as the Ensemble and friends celebrate 35 years with Summer Serenade, a special concert at RT Facts Gallery at the Kent Barns.
The program features the Schumann Phantasy Quintet (Vaughn-Williams), Serenade in D Major, Op. 25 for flute, violin and viola (Beethoven) and String Quintet in E flat major, Op. 97 (Dvorak). Joining the Ensemble that evening are special guests Elisabeth Perry, Concertmaster Netherlands Radio Chamber Orchestra and Richard Wolfe, Principal viola Netherlands Chamber Orchestra.
Executive Director Liba Furhman said, “The Board of Directors wanted to do something special this year to mark the occasion. The space at the RT Facts is exceptional. We will be surrounded by classical antiques and bold custom furniture in an elegant surrounding that will make for a magical evening of fine music.” Furhman said the concert is dedicated to the memory of Linda Haberman, long-time Sherman Chamber Ensemble board member and a lover of music, friends, and family.
A pre-concert Champagne and Hor’s D’oeuvres’ Reception will be begin at 6:30 p.m. at James Barron Art across the way. On display is an exhibition of works by Dawn Clements, Tables and Pills and Things. A celebratory “Meet and Greet” the artists reception will follow the performance. Admission to the concert is $40, and to the reception and concert $100. Reservations are strongly recommended and may be made by calling 860-355-5930. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.shermanchamberensemble.org.
On Saturday, July 8 at 2 p.m. The Sherman Library and Sherman Chamber Ensemble also present “Famous Children’s Stories in a Musical Setting” in a free concert for families and kids of all ages at the Sherman Public Library Barn, 1 Sherman Center, Sherman, CT. Christine Ranno, Library Coordinator of Children’s Services, said, “How many times in a child’s life will they have the chance to be this close to a cello or violin and such expert musicians? It is truly going to be a life experience for them.”
A Meet and Greet Reception with the artists will follow. Admission is free to the public. The program is sponsored by the Kemp Mandeville Children’s Educational Fund of the Sherman Chamber Ensemble. To reserve free tickets email info@shermanchamberensemble.org or call (860) 355-5930. Subject to seating availability, walk-ins will be welcome.
The Chamber Ensemble’s schedule continues on August 11 and 12 with Masterworks of the Piano Trio. Internationally acclaimed concert pianist Thomas Sauer performs trio masterpieces of the 19th and 20th centuries with Jill Levy (violin), Susan Rotholz (flute), and Eliot Bailen (cello). On the program are Three American Pieces for flute and piano (Lukas Foss), Piano Trio in E Minor, Op. 67 (Dmitri Shostakovich) and Trio No.1 in B-flat, Op. 99 (Franz Schubert).
The season culminates with the luminous sound and creative vitality of Eddie Barbash, saxophonist. He is a founding member of Jon Batiste and Stay Human, house band for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. With Susan Rotholz (flute), Jill Levy, (violin), Paul Woodiel (violin), Sarah Adams (viola), Eliot Bailen (cello), Gabe Schnider (guitar), Daniel Bailen (double bass), and David Bailen, (percussion). Featured are master works of Italian chamber music Concerto for Strings, Op. 7 No. 4 in G major, (Tomaso Giovanni Albinoni) and String Quartet in E Minor, Op. 99, (Giuseppe Verdi).
The August and September Sherman Chamber Ensemble concerts are performed Friday evenings in the intimate and acoustically excellent St. Andrew’s Church on Main Street in Kent, CT.
This year the Saturday evening performances will take place at the Sherman Playhouse, Route 39 in the center of Sherman, CT. All performances start at 8 p.m. and are followed by a reception offering light refreshments and an opportunity to meet the performers. General admission is $30 and $25 for students and seniors. Children 15 and under are free when accompanied by an adult purchasing admission ticket. Reservations are strongly recommended and may be made by calling 860-355-5930. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.shermanchamberensemble.org. Discounted subscription tickets are now available for the full summer concert series. For a season brochure or more information, contact the Sherman Chamber Ensemble at 860-355-5930 or info@shermanchamberensemble.org.
Support for this season comes from the Kent Barns, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts, private foundations, local businesses and many generous individual donors. Ms. Furhman stated, “It is vitally important we have the support and provocation to support us. Ticket sales only cover about 50% of the cost of each concert. We rely on the generous support of our local investors to keep the music playing for everyone to enjoy.”
Founded in 1982 by cellist Eliot Bailen, Artistic Director, and flutist Susan Rotholz, the Sherman Chamber Ensemble offers a year-round schedule of performances for all ages at venues in Connecticut and New York. Guided by its mission to bring world class musicians to our communities and schools to perform a diverse range of music with an approach that is intimate and inclusive, The New York Times described SCE as “about as close as it gets to the Platonic ideal of a chamber music concert.” SCE offers Baroque programs, a summer chamber music series, educational activities and a year-round slate of musical events showcasing the best of live musical performance, from classical to bluegrass to jazz – plus children’s and family concerts, school residencies and pop/rock coffeehouses. In addition to concert subscription and ticket sales, support for the 2017 season comes from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development/ Connecticut Office of the Arts, private foundations, local businesses and many generous individual donors.
By Kate Mattiace