Summer of Concerts: Week of August 12

August 12: Appalachian Chamber Music Festival - Poetic Voices

Special outdoor event with 868 Estate Vineyards in Loudoun County, VA.

Imagine yourself nestled amongst the rolling vineyards of 868 Estate Vineyards in Loudoun County, Virginia. As the sun dips below the horizon, prepare to be swept away by an unforgettable evening of music, poetry, and wine.

The Appalachian Chamber Music Festival (ACMF) is thrilled to partner with 868 Estate Vineyards for the very first time, presenting "Poetic Voices." This unique event promises a tranquil and uplifting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding relaxation and reflection. This event offers an opportunity to simply be present and enjoy the beauty of a summer’s sunset.

Curated by the talented husband-and-wife duo of ACMF violist Danielle Wiebe-Burke and poet Jordan Burke, the program promises an enchanting interplay of words and music. Imagine the soulful melodies of the viola and more, intertwining with the evocative power of poetry, creating a tapestry of beauty that will resonate with your soul.

Your ticket includes more than just a captivating performance. Enjoy a glass of 868 Estate Vineyard's award-winning wine as you immerse yourself in the artistry of the evening (“designated-driver”-priced tickets also available). Plus, take advantage of a special 10% discount on all bottle purchases, making it a perfect opportunity to stock up on your favorites.

Don't miss this one-of-a-kind experience. Let "Poetic Voices" transport you to a world of inspiration and beauty under the setting sun (rain venue on site).

Musicians:

Special Guest Artist | Jordan Burke
Violin | Chris Jusell
Viola | Danielle Wiebe-Burke
Cello | Katie Tertell

August 13: Appalachian Chamber Music Festival - Revolutionary Voices

Join us at the beautifully restored Shepherdstown Opera House for an event featuring music and art. Don't miss this revolutionary experience as music and visual art intertwine to celebrate the powerful tapestry of "Our Different Voices." This is chamber music redefined, a canvas painted with sound and light. Immerse yourself in the revolution of artistic expression.

This year's Appalachian Chamber Music Festival embraces the theme of "Our Different Voices" with a groundbreaking concert titled "Revolutionary Voices." Held at the Shepherdstown Opera House, this program transcends the boundaries of a traditional string quartet performance. Prepare to be captivated by a mesmerizing tapestry of sound and sight, where the virtuosity of the string quartet intertwines with stunning visuals and great art projected onto a grand canvas.

Building upon the success of last year's performance, the festival continues its artistic partnership with acclaimed Chickasaw composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate. His work, "Pisachi," takes center stage. The evocative title, meaning “Reveal”, derived from the Chickasaw language, hints at the program's exploration of the power and diversity of musical expression.

Imagine the soaring melodies of Beethoven's Harp Quartet imbued with a new dimension as captivating artworks curated by Jordan Burke illuminate the stage and contextualize the work. Witness the playful energy of Wiancko's "Toy Bricks" come alive with dynamic imagery. Tate's "Pisachi" promises a deeply personal exploration, where music and visuals intertwine to illuminate the intersection of cultural heritage and artistic expression. These visuals will not simply accompany the music; they will act as a vital narrative thread, enriching your understanding and appreciation for the diverse voices that resonate within the compositions.

Don't miss this revolutionary experience as music and visual art intertwine to celebrate the powerful tapestry of "Our Different Voices." This is chamber music redefined, a canvas painted with sound and light. Immerse yourself in the revolution of artistic expression.

Musicians

Violin | Martin Gwilym-Jones, Rachelle Hunt, Chris Jusell, Minju Kim, Audrey Pride
Viola | Sam Kelder, Danielle Wiebe Burke
Cello | Katie Tertell, Schuyler Slack
Bass | Sam Suggs

Program

Paul Wiancko: Toy Bricks (2012)

Ludwig van Beethoven: String Quartet No. 10 in E-flat Major, Op. 74 “Harp”

Poco adagio - Allegro
Adagio ma non troppo
Presto - Più presto quasi prestissimo
Allegretto con variazioni

-intermission-

Jerrod Tate: Pisachi (Reveal) in six epitomes for String Quartet (2013)

Dmitri Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 110 (1960)

In memory of the victims of fascism and war

Largo
Allegro molto
Allegretto
Largo
Largo

August 14: Appalachian Chamber Music Festival - The Human Voice: A Celebration of Song

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of vocal chamber music at the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival. Join us at and be captivated by the diverse voices that resonate within these compositions.

Experience the captivating power of the human voice at the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival's first full-length vocal concert. Held at the historic Zion Episcopal Church in Charles Town, this program promises a captivating exploration of vocal expression in all its richness.

Featuring baritone Thomas Coltman and pianist Lana Bode, the evening unfolds with a diverse selection of works by renowned composers. From the introspective beauty of Strauss's "Morgen" to the evocative longing of Vaughan-Williams' "Songs of Travel," each piece unveils a unique voice and perspective that highlight the range and scope of vocal chamber music.

Prepare to be moved by the powerful contemporary piece "Pray" by James Pecore, a testament to the enduring human spirit. Cellist Schuyler Slack joins the forces for Lori Laitman's "Seed of Dream," a captivating exploration of hope and aspiration.

The program concludes with the deeply personal journey of Samuel Barber's "Hermit Songs," a collection of poems set to music. These contrasting voices, both historical and contemporary, weave together to create a tapestry of human emotions, reminding us of the power of music to connect us all.

Musicians

Featuring Thomas Coltman, voice, and Lana Bode, piano
Violin | Martin Gwilym-Jones, Rachelle Hunt, Audrey Pride
Viola | Sam Kelder
Cello | Katie Tertell, Schuyler Slack
Bass | Sam Suggs

Program

Richard Strauss: Aus Vier Lieder, Op. 27

Morgen! (Tomorrow!)
Heimliche Aufforderung (Secret Invitation)

David Teie: Music for Angelo

Ralph Vaughan Williams: Songs of Travel for Baritone, String Quartet and Piano (1901-1904)

The Vagabond
Let Beauty Awake
The Roadside Fire
Youth and Love
In Dreams
The Infinite Shining Heavens
Whither Must I Wander
Bright Is the Ring of Words
I Have Trod the Upward and the Downward Slope

-intermission-

Lori Laitman: Seed of Dream for Voice, Violoncello and Piano (2004)

I Lie in this Coffin
A Load of Shoes
To My Child
Beneath the Whiteness of your Stars
No Sad Songs, Please

John Musto: Litany from Shadow of the Blues for Voice and Piano

Samuel Barber: Hermit Songs for Voice and Piano (1953)

At St Patrick’s Purgatory
Church Bell at Night
St. Ita’s Vision
The Heavenly Banquet
The Crucifixion
Sea Snatch
Promiscuity
The Monk and his Cat
The Praises of God
The Desire for Hermitage

August 15: Appalachian Chamber Music Festival - Voices for all Seasons (of life)

Embark on a captivating journey through time with the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival's "Voices for all Seaons (of life)" concert. Held in the beautiful Presbyterian Church of Shepherdstown, this program promises a vibrant tapestry of music that reflects on the seasons of life, from youthful vibrancy to nostalgia of greater age.

The evening opens with the playful energy of Strauss's "Capriccio," a piece shimmering with a youthful vibrancy. The delicate intimacy of "Morgen", “Zueignung” and “Allerseelen" also by Strauss, whisper with a touch of longing and represent some of the different seasons in life.

Prepare to be swept away by the powerful emotions of Max Bruch's Octet. This monumental work explores a kaleidoscope of human experience, just as the changing seasons bring a rich harvest of emotions. The virtuosic ensemble of eight musicians will bring this masterpiece to life, with a performance of breathtaking intensity.

Following intermission, we experience Vivaldi's iconic "Four Seasons", with an ACMF twist. This timeless masterpiece vividly paints a musical portrait with its vibrant melodies and dynamic energy, a testament to the enduring power of nature's artistry.

Join us at the Presbyterian Church in Shepherdstown and celebrate the beauty of nature's diverse expressions, captured in the timeless language of music.

Musicians

Violin | Martin Gwilym-Jones, Rachelle Hunt, Chris Jusell, Audrey Gray
Viola | Sam Kelder, Danielle Wiebe Burke
Cello | Katie Tertell
Bass | Sam Suggs

Program

Richard Strauss: Selections from the Vocal Repertoire

Zueignung (Dedication), Op. 10, No. 1
Allerseelen (All Souls’ Day), Op. 10, No. 8
String Sextet from the Opera Capriccio, Op. 85
Morgen! (Tomorrow!), Op. 27, No. 4

Max Bruch: String Octet in B-flat Major, Op. posth. (1920)

Allegro moderato
Adagio
Allegro molto

-intermission-

Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Op. 8

Spring. Allegro - Largo e pianissimo sempre - Allegro pastorale
Summer. Allegro non molto - Adagio e piano. Presto e forte - Presto
Autumn. Allegro - Adagio molto - Allegro
Winter. Allegro non molto - Largo - Allegro

August 15: Wolf Trap Opera - Silent Night

Composer Kevin Puts and librettist Mark Campbell's Pulitzer Prize-winning opera—based on a surprising Christmas truce during World War I—can stand on its own anytime of the year. Evoking different national styles from simple folk tunes to magnificently orchestrated solo and choral pieces, the score captures the energy of battle-hardened soldiers and the vivid experience of peace.

Join Fight Director Casey Kaleba an hour before each performance in his preshow talk, "Sopranos, Swords, and Snipers: Staging Violence at The Barns." Kaleba will give a quick historical introduction to the piece and share the process of transforming tiny stage directions into battles, brawls, and bravos.

August 16: Appalachian Chamber Music Festival - Seasonal Voices

Get ready for a fresh take on Vivaldi's beloved Four Seasons! The Appalachian Chamber Music Festival presents the Four Seasons reimagined at the historic St. John the Evangelist Church in Frederick, Maryland. This innovative program features Vivaldi's iconic masterpiece interwoven with the passionate tango-infused compositions of Astor Piazzolla, also known for his own Four Seasons. Poetry readings will be interwoven throughout the performance, adding another layer of depth to the exploration of the seasonal cycle.

Get ready for a fresh take on Vivaldi's beloved Four Seasons! The Appalachian Chamber Music Festival presents the Four Seasons reimagined in “Seasonal voices" a unique concert experience at the historic St. John the Evangelist Church in Frederick, Maryland.

This innovative program features Vivaldi's iconic masterpiece interwoven with the passionate tango-infused compositions of Astor Piazzolla, also known for his own Four Seasons. Hear these familiar pieces reimagined in a captivating chamber music setting.

The talented artists of ACMF will present an intimate portrayal of these beloved ensemble pieces. Prepare to be surprised by the unexpected connections that emerge as we experience these two iconic composers' visions of the seasons side-by-side.

Poetry elevates the music in this unique program. Acclaimed poet Jordan Burke has curated a selection of poems that resonate with the emotional landscapes explored in the music. These poems will include Vivaldi's own writings about the seasons, alongside other carefully chosen selections. The poetry will be interwoven throughout the performance, adding another layer of depth to the exploration of the seasonal cycle.

"The Four Seasons Reimagined: A Season of Voices" is more than just a concert; it's a chance to rediscover familiar masterpieces in a whole new light. Experience the virtuosity of our chamber musicians, the emotional power of Vivaldi and Piazzolla, and the beauty of poetry, all woven together into a truly unique event.

Join us and celebrate the seasons in a way you never have before!

Musicians

Program

Antonio Vivaldi: Spring
Allegro - Largo e pianissimo sempre - Allegro pastorale

Astor Piazzolla, arr. Leonid Desyatnikov: Otoño porteño (Autumn in Buenos Aires)

Antonio Vivaldi: Summer
Allegro non molto - Adagio e piano. Presto e forte - Presto

Astor Piazzolla, arr. Leonid Desyatnikov: Invierno porteño (Winter in Buenos Aires)

-intermission-

Astor Piazzolla, arr. Leonid Desyatnikov: Primavera porteña (Spring in Buenos Aires)

Antonio Vivaldi: Autumn
Allegro - Adagio molto - Allegro

Astor Piazzolla, arr. Leonid Desyatnikov: Verano porteño (Summer in Buenos Aires)

Antonio Vivaldi: Winter
Allegro non molto - Largo - Allegro

August 16: Staunton Music Festival - Handel Extravaganza: Arcadia to the Academy

The 2024 Summer Festival opens with a rousing all-Handel celebration. Vocal soloists and chorus join the period-instrument SMF Baroque Orchestra for music from Dixit Dominus, Ode for Queen Anne, Alexander’s Feast, Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno, and Water Music, all capped off with the familiar “Hallelujah” chorus from Messiah.

August 17: Appalachian Chamber Music Festival - Voices Intimate, Voices Powerful

A continuation of this year’s theme, “Voices Intimate, Voices Powerful” will provide a wonderful sample of beautiful and powerful chamber music works. Held at Camp Hill Methodist Church in Harpers Ferry, this program promises a vibrant selection of chamber music featuring the virtuosity of our ACMF artists.

The concert opens with a powerful vocal work. Samuel Barber's "Dover Beach" sets the scene with its dramatic exploration of faith and doubt, featuring the voice of Thomas Coltman accompanied by string quartet.

Prepare to be swept away by the monumental beauty of Max Bruch's Octet. This virtuosic masterpiece showcases the talents of eight exceptional musicians. This performance also features the second performance of Rufus Reid’s commissioned work celebrating the Niagara movement, a pivotal group in the fight for African American civil rights which held its meetings in Harpers Ferry.

Highlighting the ensemble's versatility and expressivity, we’ll hear Astor Piazzolla's captivating "Four Seasons"; a passionate reimagining of Vivaldi's classic masterpiece through the lens of tango.

Allow yourself to be captivated by the diverse voices of chamber music, both vocal and instrumental, as they celebrate the beauty and ever-changing nature of the seasons, and musical voices powerful and intimate.

Musicians

Program

Samuel Barber: Dover Beach for Medium Voice and String Quartet

Max Bruch: String Octet in B-flat Major, Op. posth. (1920)

Allegro moderato
Adagio
Allegro molto

-intermission-

Rufus Reid: World Premiere (2024) (second performance)

Astor Piazzolla, arr. Leonid Desyatnikov: Las cuatro estaciones porteñas (The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires)

Otoño (Autumn)
Invierno (Winter)
Primavera (Spring)
Verano (Summer)

August 17: Appalachian Chamber Music Festival - Duo Delights Coffee Concert

Small room, big sound! This one-hour concert features a line up of duo pairings for this fun and unique ACMF tradition.

Back by popular demand! Come join us for a one-hour late morning concert filled with delectable miniature works for two players. This concert will feature the coming together of our talented musicians performing a variety of works.

August 17: Staunton Music Festival - Poets and Puppets

Haydn | Overture to Il Ritorno di Tobia, for orchestra
Poulenc | Three Apollinaire Chansons, for chorus
Guinivan | Jiya Learns to Dance, for chamber ensemble
Philippe de Vitry | Two Motets
Sierra | Songs from the Diaspora, for voice, string quartet and piano
Stravinsky, arr. Smith/White | Petrushka, for two pianos and percussion (world premiere)

August 17: Staunton Music Festival - Baroque the Bank

Historic National Valley Bank is an iconic building in downtown Staunton. With cathedral-like acoustics & massive stained-glass skylight, it makes an ideal setting for a midday concert of concertos by Telemann, Biber, Vivaldi and others.

Telemann | Concerto for Three Violins in F Major
Handel | "Va tacito e nascosto," from Giulio Cesare
Biber | Sonata I from the Sonatae tam aris quam aulis servientes (for 2 Trumpets, Strings, and Continuo)
Telemann | Concerto for Recorder, Horn, and Continuo
Vivaldi | Concerto for Four Violins in B Minor

August 17: Staunton Music Festival - Tales of the Night

The qualities of night - darkness, mystery, romance - when our ears pick up where our eyes can no longer serve, all have served to make powerful themes for music, art, and poetry. This noon concert, despite the sunlight streaming in from inside, explores night through four diverse works, composed over a period of 200 years.

Beethoven | Sonata in C-Sharp Minor ("Moonlight"), for fortepiano
Caplet | Conte fantastique, for harp and strings
Sierra | Piano Sonata No. 14 (“Moonlight”)
Mancini/Wadsworth | "Moon River," arr. for voice and chamber ensemble

August 17: Garth Newel Music Center - Keyboard Weekend: Suite Dreams

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Suite No.1, Op.5 Fantaisie-Tableaux

Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)
Barcarolle
La nuit… L’amour… (The night…the love…)
Les Larmes (The Tears)
Pâques (Easter)

Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) arr. for arranged for two pianos, eight hands Vyacheslav Gryaznov
Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2, arranged for two pianos
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) arr. Franz Bader
Orchestral Suite No.3 in D major, BWV 1068

Jeannette Fang, piano
Genevieve Fei-wen Lee, piano
Qing Jiang, piano
Ingrid Keller, piano

M E N U

Pan Seared Polenta Cake with Cherry Tomato, Mozzarella, Basil, Balsamic Vinaigrette and Parsley and Spinach Pesto

Grilled Artichoke and Chickpea Salad with Arugula and Shaved Red Onions, Pecorino Cheese, Roasted Mini Peppers and Oregano Vinaigrette

Peppercorn Crusted Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Shallot Whipped Potatoes, Sautéed Portobellos, Red Wine Butter, Demi Glace and Parsnip Chips

Orange Poppyseed Cake with Cranberry Buttercream, Rhubarb Jelly and Pomegranate Coulis

August 18: Appalachian Music Festival - Festival Finale: Voices of Celebration

Spread out your picnic blankets, grab your lawn chairs, and get ready for an afternoon filled with uplifting music! The program is a joyful culmination of the ACMF season, featuring a diverse mix of tunes that will have everyone tapping their toes and swaying along.

Unwind and celebrate the magic of music together at ACMF's vibrant outdoor finale in a stunning historic setting! This fun-for-all-ages event takes place at 3pm on August 18 at Happy Retreat in Charles Town, WV

Expect playful melodies, heartwarming classics, and everything in between! It's the perfect opportunity to relax under the sun with your loved ones and experience the beauty of music in a relaxed, outdoor setting.

Don't miss this fantastic chance to:

Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon outdoors with friends and family.
Celebrate the closing of the ACMF season in a festive atmosphere.
Create lasting memories with the people you love.

Mark your calendars for the Festival Finale: Voices of Celebration!

Musicians

Program

Danish String Quartet: Sekstur from Vendsyssel - The Peat Dance

Richard Strauss: Morgen! (Tomorrow!), Op. 27, No. 4

Antonio Vivaldi: Summer from The Four Seasons, Op. 8

Allegro non molto
Adagio e piano - Presto e forte
Presto

Paul Wiancko: Toy Bricks (2012)

Rufus Reid: World Premiere (2024) (encore performance)

Aaron Copland, arr. Craig West: Selections from Old American Songs (1950/52)

Simple Gifts
I Bought Me a Cat
Shall We Gather by the River

Astor Piazzolla, arr. Leonid Desyatnikov: Invierno porteño (Winter in Buenos Aires)

August 18: Staunton Music Festival - Summer Sounds

This one hour program in Blackfriars Playhouse spans nearly 800 years, from a famous 13th-century song to recent music by composer-in-residence Roberto Sierra. In between two delightful chamber works by Vincent D'Indy and Louis Spohr, including the latter's first Double String Quartet (i.e., String Octet) change the mood.

D’Indy | Suite dans le style ancien, for two flutes, trumpet, and strings
Anonymous | Sumer is icumen in, for voices
Sierra | Octeto en cuatro tiempos, for clarinet, bassoon, horn, and string quintet
Spohr | Double String Quartet No. 1

August 18: Garth Newel Music Center - Keyboard Weekend: Variations on 88 keys

3pm concert followed by optional picnic

Variations on a Theme of Beethoven, Op.35 Camille – Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)

Variations on a Theme by Haydn for 2 Pianos, Op.56b – Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)

-intermission-

Variations on a Theme by Mozart for Two Pianos Op.42 – Lowell Liebermann (b.1961)

“Summer” from the “Four Seasons” – Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) arr. Margarita Zelenaia
for Two Pianos-Eight Hands

Jeannette Fang, piano
Genevieve Fei-wen Lee, piano
Qing Jiang, piano
Ingrid Keller, piano

M E N U

Barbecued Pork Ribs with Honey Barbeque Sauce

Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad with Feta

Potato Au Gratin

Various Sides, Salads and Desserts

August 18: Staunton Music Festival - Meet the New Graf!

After a successful fundraising campaign, SMF unveils the newest member of the family - a stunning replica of Conrad Graf's 1830 Viennese fortepiano made by Rod Regier. This instrument is the ideal vehicle for historically-informed performance of music from middle Beethoven (circa 1805) through the birth of Brahms. Beethoven's beloved Choral Fantasy caps a program of solo, vocal, and chamber works.

Schubert | March Militaire in D major, D733, for piano four hands
Hensel | Serenade: "June," from Das Jahr, for piano solo
Mendelssohn | Menuetto and Allegro Vivace, from Piano Sextet in D, Op. 110
Schumann | Liederkreis Op. 39, for voices and piano (staged by Timothy Nelson)
Beethoven, arr. Hummel | Allegro ma non troppo, from Symphony No. 6, for flute, violin, cello, and piano
Beethoven | Choral Fantasy, Op. 80, for piano, chorus and orchestra

Filed under: Summer, Summer Music Festivals

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