SHERMAN – Since 1982, the Sherman Chamber Ensemble, under the artistic direction of Eliot Bailen, has inspired audiences with creative programming and brilliant performances.

On Friday, July 13 and Saturday, July 14 its Signature Summer Concert Series kicks off as the Ensemble and friends celebrate with The Great Sch
ubert Quintet, featuring a trio of musicians from Holland.

The program includes: Variations on “Là ci darem la mano” flute, violin, viola (Beethoven); Voyage for Flute and Strings (Corigliano); Impresiones de la Puna (Ginastera) and Quintet in C Major (Schubert).

Retuning to the Ensemble that evening are special guests Elisabeth Perry (violin), Concertmaster Netherlands Radio Chamber Orchestra, Richard Wolfe (viola), Principal Netherlands Chamber Orchestra and Matthias Naegele (cello) , International Soloist and Chamber Musician. All are members of The Rietveld Ensemble based in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Executive Director Liba Furhman said, “This year we are adding new venues and programs to our Summer Series.”

The 7:30pm Friday evening concert will take place in Amenia, NY at the historic Smithfield Church. The Greek-revival building dates to 1847. On Saturday the Ensemble will perform at 8pm at RT Facts Gallery in the Kent Barns complex in Kent, CT – surrounded by classical antiques and bold custom furniture . Both venues will make for magical evenings of fine music.

A “Meet and Greet” the artists reception will follow the performances.

Concerts venues are Friday, July 13, 7:30pm at The Smithfield Church, 656 Smithfield Valley Road, Route 83, Amenia, NY and Saturday, July 14, 8pm – RT Facts Gallery, 8 Old Barn Road, Kent Barns, corner of Main Street (Route 7) and Maple Street, (Route 341), Kent, CT,

General Admission to the concerts is $30. Senior and Student admission is $25. Children 15 and under receive free admission when accompanied by an adult purchasing a regular admission ticket. Tickets may be purchased at ShermanChamberEnsemble.org or by calling 860-355-5930. Tickets may also be purchased at the door subject to availability.

The Chamber Ensemble’s concert schedule continues on August 10 and 11 with The Heart and Soul of Beethoven, Op. 132. Susan Rotholz (flute), Jill Levy (violin), Doori Na (violin), Michael Roth (viola) and Eliot Bailen (cello) perform.

The program includes: Eyeglass duo for viola and cello (Beethoven), East Wind – flute solo (Ran),
Quartet arr. for flute and strings, Op. 77, No. 1 (Haydn) and String Quartet, Op. 132 (Beethoven.)

Saturday’s concert is dedicated to the memory of Mary Rindfleisch, long-time Sherman Chamber Ensemble volunteer and executive director, and a lover of music, family and friends.

The season culminates with Israeli-born pianist Benjamin Hochman. Described by the New York Times as a “gifted, fast-rising artist” his eloquent and virtuosic performance
s blend colorful artistry with poetic interpretation exciting audiences and critics alike. The Kansas City Star said of him, “Such breathless perfection that time seemed to stand still.” He’ll be joined by Susan Rotholz (flute), Jill Levy (violin), Doori Na (violin), Michael Roth (viola) and Eliot Bailen (cello).

The program includes: Piano Trio (Bernstein), Duo for Flute and Piano (Copland), West Side Story Medley Arr. Moss (Bernstein) and Piano Quartet No. 2 in Eb Major, Op. 87, (Dvořák).

The August and September Friday evening concerts will be at the intimate and acoustically excellent St. Andrew’s Church on Main Street in Kent, CT and the August and September Saturday evening performances will take place at the Lake Mauweehoo Clubhouse, Leach Hollow Road in 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.

The Sherman Chamber Ensemble was founded in 1982 to bring world-class live classical music performance to Western Connecticut and nearby New York State. Its summer chamber music series has been described in The New York Times as “about as close as it gets to the Platonic ideal of a chamber music concert.” Additional events coming later this year include Labor Day weekend bluegrass jamborees; the annual “Live at the Lake” coffeehouse; and Thanksgiving weekend classical-jazz matinee performances.

By Li
ba Furhman