Chamber Music Amici offers summer fest at Mt. Pisgah Sept. 3-4

Chamber Music Amici is excited to announce the launch of its 2024-2025 concert season with the Summer Mini Festival, featuring two evenings of enchanting chamber music at the picturesque Mt. Pisgah’s Arboretum’s White Oak Pavilion. These special performances combine the beauty of nature and the magic of chamber music in a fun and family-friendly environment.

Tuesday, Sept. 3, 6:45 p.m.: Schumann and Brahms

Enjoy an idyllic evening at Mount Pisgah with beloved Romantic masterpieces by Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms. Experience the lesser-known yet remarkable Piano Trio in G Minor by Clara Schumann, featuring a dramatic opening, delicate Scherzo, lush Andante, and passionate finale. Then, be captivated by Brahms’ renowned Horn Trio in E-flat Major, blending serene melodies with lively themes and a haunting Adagio that serves as an elegy to his mother. Cherished by both the community and musicians, these timeless works will be beautifully performed as the sun sets over the White Oak Pavilion.

Program:

• Clara Schumann, Piano Trio in G Minor, Op. 17
• Johannes Brahms, Horn Trio in E-flat Major, Op. 40

Musicians:

• Eunhye Grace Choi, piano
• Sunmi Chang, violin
• Joseph Berger, horn
• Jason Duckles, cello

Wednesday, Sept. 4, 6:45 p.m.: Piazzolla and Martinů

This vibrant and unique concert offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a highly original combination of instruments and talented guest musicians with an enchanting blend of humor, virtuosity, and rich cultural rhythms.

You’ll be transported to Buenos Aires with the tango-inspired “Four Seasons” by Astor Piazzolla, a masterful blend of tango, jazz, and modern classical music that evokes the dynamic spirit of Argentina’s capital across the changing seasons.

Program:

• Astor Piazzolla, The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
• Kenji Bunch, Tango Morendo
• Felix Mendelssohn, Concert Piece No. 1 in F Minor, Op. 113
• Bohuslav Martinů, La Revue de Cuisine, H. 161

Musicians:

• Eunhye Grace Choi, piano
• Tomás Cotik, violin
• Benjamin Greanya, bassoon
• Joseph Klause, trumpet
• Wonkak Kim, clarinet
• Steven Pologe, cello

Ticket Information:

• Pavilion Seating: $40 for adults; $5 for students or adults accompanying students
• Lawn Seating: Free with registration

Chamber Music Amici invites you to enjoy these exceptional performances in the serene and beautiful setting of Mt. Pisgah Arboretum’s White Oak Pavilion. Whether you choose pavilion seating or the relaxed atmosphere of the lawn, these family-friendly concerts promise to be a highlight of your summer.

The beautiful artwork for the concerts was created by Alisha B. Whitman.

We send our enormous thanks to Loi Heldt for her 16 years of leadership, and we welcome Troy DeShazer to the Amici family, as we embark on our best season ever.

Founding Executive Director Loi Heldt has helped shape the ensemble as the first resident company of the Wildish Community Theater, collaborating with its five core musicians and a wide array of musical guests. By managing day-to-day operations, she has helped establish Amici as one of the most successful chamber music ensembles in our community. Her leadership, generosity and approachability will be greatly missed.

Interim Executive Director Troy DeShazer assumed management responsibilities in mid-August. Troy brings with him a breadth of experience in nonprofit operations and arts leadership, and fresh perspective, having served the vital role of Director of Operations at Eugene Concert Choir over the past four years, here in our community. He is a professional tuba player and educator with an advanced degree in performance from University of Redlands, California.

The Amici family looks forward very much to working with Troy to produce our concerts, starting at 6:45 pm, September 3 and 4, 2024, with our Two-day Summer Festival under the White Oak Pavilion of Mt. Pisgah Arboretum. This mini-festival, free to families out on the lawn, presents a different program each night, one featuring the beloved Brahms Horn Trio, the other featuring Astor Piazzolla’s “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.”

Information for these concerts and the complete 2024–2025 Amici season, as well as tickets, are at chambermusicamici.org and 541-953-9204.

Chamber Music Amici is committed to fostering community through the joy of music. Our mission is to make great chamber music accessible to all, offering exceptional performances and educational programs that enrich the cultural fabric of our community. For more information, to purchase tickets or register for free lawn seating, visit chambermusicamici.org.