New chiefs at Virginia Opera

Russell P. Allen, who served as the administrative chief of Virginia Opera from 1994 to 2000, will return to the company as its chief executive officer, succeeding Paul A. “Gus” Stuhlreyer III in the post as of Sept. 19.

Allen has managed a number of arts organizations, including Atlanta Opera, the Phoenix Symphony and the ballet companies of Orlando and Washington. He also has served as an independent arts consultant and with programs of the National Endowment for the Arts and OPERA America.

“When Russell last served as our chief executive, we reached unprecedented heights in subscription and ticket sales and contributed revenues,” Alan D. Albert, president of the Virginia Opera board, said in a prepared statement, adding that under Allen’s leadership the company “seek[s] to repeat those successes.”

Virginia Opera also announced that John Kennelly, the company’s producing director since 2000, will become its interim artistic director. Kennelly has held production management posts with Michigan Opera Theatre, Central City Opera in Colorado, Pennsylvania Opera Theatre of Philadelphia and other entities.

Robin Thompson, named artistic advisor of Virginia Opera last year after the dismissal of longtime artistic chief Peter Mark, will continue in that post as the company runs an international search for an artistic director and music director.

Albert said the search will be conducted over the next year, with appointments expected to be made in time for the 2013-14 season.

Stuhlreyer will maintain an affiliation with Virginia Opera as a consultant on its endowment-fund campaign, Teresa Annas reports in The Virginian-Pilot:

http://hamptonroads.com/2011/09/virginia-opera-hires-new-chief-executive

'Concepts, not just concerts'

Eleven musicians from the Richmond area have launched a new chamber-music cooperative, the Atlantic Chamber Ensemble. ACE will give its first concert on Sept. 26 at Virginia Commonwealth University. The group has also been tapped as ensemble-in-residence at WCVE (88.9 FM), Richmond’s public-radio station.

Members of the ensemble are violinists Susanna Klein and Ross Monroe Winter, violist Kimberly Sparr, cellist Jason McComb, double-bassist Fred Dole, flutist Ann Choomack, oboist Shawn Welk, bassoonist Martin Gordon, clarinetist Ralph Skiano, French horn player Deb Fialek and pianist Maria Yefimova.

“Members of ACE don’t plan on presenting the old ‘been-there-done-that’ format of chamber music concerts,” according to a news release announcing the formation of the group. Its programs will include audience participation and “talk-backs,” and will feature untraditional mixtures of music in “atypical venues” – “presenting concepts, not just concerts.”

“The idea of a chamber music co-op affords us the opportunity to create art outside of the typical format,” says Klein, who heads the string program of the VCU music department. “[W]e are all leaders and we all take ownership for our product. It’s more of an umbrella, allowing us to change and adapt freely to what we want to play, rather than having to fit into a model.”

“Richmond is rich in music and culture, but this is one niche we find lacking here,” violinist Winter says. “The face of classical music is changing so rapidly and we are happy to ride on the front of the wave.

A less formal, more interactive “approach to chamber music as an experience for musicians and audiences alike makes ACE the exact kind of ensemble with which I have longed to partner,” says WCVE’s Bobbie Barajas. The group’s musicianship and the radio station’s “ability to share the experience with our listeners means new and great things for chamber music and broadcasting in Central Virginia.”

Among their collaborative plans are “Behind the Scenes: a backstage pass,” a series of “webisodes,” or productions on the Internet, “documenting the efforts that go into preparing the concerts: planning, meeting, rehearsal, etc., right up to the finished product.”

Winter and Skiano will join Barajas between 2 and 3 p.m. Sept. 8 on a broadcast to formally announce the ACE-WCVE partnership and discuss the ensemble and its plans.

ACE’s inaugural concert will feature three works written within seven years of the mid-20th century: Dmitri Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 8 (1960), Samuel Barber’s “Summer Music” for winds (1953) and the Nonet of Bohuslav Martinů (1959). Flutist Jen Lawson will be a guest performer in this program.

For more information on the group, visit its website: http://www.acensemble.org/

The Atlantic Chamber Ensemble performs at 8 p.m. Sept. 26 in Vlahcevic Concert Hall of VCU’s Singleton Arts Center, Park Avenue at Harrison Street. Tickets: $5. Details: (804) 828-6776; http://www.pubinfo.vcu.edu/calendar/detailEvent.asp?ID=52212

2011-12 season overview

Time once again to post an overview of the coming classical-music season in Richmond and environs. Some groups and presenters have yet to announce their offerings; when they do, I’ll add their events to an already lengthy list.

There are some conflicting dates (notably between the Richmond Symphony and the Rennolds Chamber Concerts at Virginia Commonwealth University), and clusterings of events on weekends, which have become the norm in the performing arts, here and elsewhere.

Only dates, locations and artists are listed here. Programming and ticket details can be found in the monthly calendars, in season announcements previously posted, and on the websites of organizations and presenters at the end of this list.

Sept. 5 (Rockett’s Landing) – Richmond Symphony.
Sept. 11 (Henricus Historical Park) – Richmond Symphony 9/11 memorial concert.
Sept. 13-15 (UR Modlin Center) – “Rappahannock County.”
Sept. 16/18 (Steward School) – Lyric Opera Virginia: “La Traviata.”
Sept. 17 (VCU Singleton Center) – Vladimir Feltsman (piano).
Sept. 17-18 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony/Steven Smith/Elena Urioste (violin).
Sept. 18 (VCU Singleton Center) – Tim Olbrych (guitar) & Judy Olbrych (soprano).
Sept. 19 (River Road Presbyterian Church) – Larry Schipull (organ).
Sept. 25 (Randolph-Macon College) – Richmond Symphony/Erin R. Freeman/Richmond Symphony Chamber Chorus.
Sept. 26 (VCU Singleton Center) – Atlantic Chamber Ensemble.
Sept. 27 (VCU Singleton Center) – Russell Wilson (piano).
Sept. 29 (VCU Singleton Center) – Ayman Fanous (guitar & bouzouki), Matt Maneri (violin & viola) & Lori Freedman (clarinet & bass clarinet).
Oct. 1 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony Pops/Erin R. Freeman (“Casablanca”).
Oct. 1 (VCU Singleton Center) – Quux Collective.
Oct. 1 (VCU Singleton Center) – Tabatha Easley (flute).
Oct. 3 (UR Modlin Center) – Christopher O’Riley (piano)/Matt Haimovitz (cello).
Oct. 5 (UR Modlin Center) – eighth blackbird.
Oct. 8 (VCU Singleton Center) – Brooklyn Rider Quartet.
Oct. 9 (VCU Singleton Center) – Sonia Vlahcevic (piano).
Oct. 14-16 (First English Lutheran Church) – Alexander Paley Music Festival.
Oct. 15-16 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony/Steven Smith/Carter Brey (cello).
Oct. 17 (UR Modlin Center) – UR Music Department Liszt Bicentennial Gala.
Oct. 21/23 (Richmond CenterStage) – Virginia Opera: “Aïda.”
Oct. 23 (Randolph-Macon College) – Richmond Symphony/Steven Smith/Robert Johnson (French horn).
Oct. 23 (VCU Singleton Center) – Richmond Philharmonic/Robert Mirakian/Michael Sheppard (piano).
Oct. 25 (St. Christopher's School) – Oberon Quartet/Kimberly Sparr (viola)/Ryan Lannan (cello).
Oct. 29 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony LolliPops/Erin R. Freeman (“Mozart’s Magnificent Voyage”).
Nov. 1 (St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church) – Nathan Laube (organ).
Nov. 4 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony, Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra & Youth Concert Orchestra (“Side by Side” concert).
Nov. 4-5 (UR Modlin Center) – Third Practice Electroacoustic Music Festival.
Nov. 5 (VCU Singleton Center) – Fry Street Quartet/Robert McDonald (piano).
Nov. 6 (VCU Siegel Center) – Richmond Symphony & community musicians (“Come and Play” concert). 
Nov. 12-13 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony/Steven Smith/Anton Nel (piano)/Richmond Symphony Chorus.
Nov. 13 (Bon Air Presbyterian Church) – Marjorie Wharton (soprano) & Russell Wilson (piano).
Nov. 14 (UR Modlin Center) – Takács Quartet.
Nov. 19-20 (VCU Singleton Center) – VCU Opera: scenes from operas.
Nov. 19 (River Road Church, Baptist), Nov. 20 (Holy Comforter Episcopal Church) – James River Singers.
Nov. 25/27 (Richmond CenterStage) – Virginia Opera: “Hansel and Gretel.”
Dec. 3-4 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony Pops/Erin R. Freeman/Richmond Symphony Chorus (“Let It Snow!”).
Dec. 4 (UR Cannon Memorial Chapel) – UR Christmas Candlelight Service.
Dec. 5 (James Center Atrium) – Richmond Philharmonic/Robert Mirakian (“Home for the Holidays”).
Dec. 9 (VCU Singleton Center) – VCU Music Department Holiday Gala.
Dec. 10 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony/Erin R. Freeman/soloists TBA/Richmond Symphony Chorus (“Messiah”).
Dec. 11 (Bon Air Presbyterian Church) – “Messiah” sing-along.
Dec. 14 (UR Modlin Center) – Stile Antico vocal ensemble.
Jan. 14-15 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony/Steven Smith/Jason Vieaux (guitar).
Jan. 18 (UR Modlin Center) – Garrick Ohlsson (piano).
Jan. 20/22 (Landmark Theater) – Lyric Opera Virginia: “The King and I.”
Jan. 21 (VCU Singleton Center) – Ensemble Appassionata/Daniel Myssyk/Richard Raymond (piano).
Jan. 21 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony Pops/Erin R. Freeman/Patti Austin (vocalist).
Jan. 28 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra program (50th anniversary concert).
Jan. 29 (Randolph-Macon College) – Richmond Symphony/Steven Smith/Mary Boodell (flute)/Shawn Welk (oboe)/Rolla Durham (trumpet).
Jan. 29 (VCU Singleton Center) – Richmond Guitar Quartet.
Jan. 30 (UR Modlin Center) – Lisa Terry (viola da gamba)/Joanne Kong (harpsichord).
Feb. 4-5 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony/Danail Rachev/Katherine Chi (piano).
Feb. 5 (UR Modlin Center) – Richard Becker (piano).
Feb. 15 (UR Modlin Center) – Shanghai Quartet/Stephen Prutsman (piano-composer).
Feb. 17/19 (Richmond CenterStage) – Virginia Opera: “Orphée.”
Feb. 21 (St. Catherine's School) – Oberon Quartet/Shawn Welk (oboe).
Feb. 25-26 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony/Steven Smith/Richmond Symphony Chorus.
March 3 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony LolliPops/Erin R. Freeman/Sara Valentine & Michael Boudewyns (actors) (“Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra”).
March 11 (Bon Air Presbyterian Church) – Richmond Symphony Youth Camerata Strings.
March 11 (VCU Singleton Center) – Richmond Philharmonic/Robert Mirakian/Molly Sharp (viola).
March 14 (UR Modlin Center) – eighth blackbird.
March 16 (UR Cannon Memorial Chapel) – Boyd Jones (organ).
March 22 (UR Modlin Center) – Leslie Tung (fortepiano).
March 25 (UR Modlin Center) – Richard Becker & Doris Wylee-Becker (pianos).
March 30-April 1 (Richmond CenterStage) – Virginia Opera: “The Mikado.”
April 14 (VCU Singleton Center) – Trio Solisti.
April 14-15 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony/Steven Smith/Brendon Elliott (violin).
April 15 (Bon Air Presbyterian Church) – Steve Henley (organ).
April 17 (Richmond CenterStage) – Australian Chamber Orchestra/Dawn Upshaw (soprano).
April 21 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony LolliPops/Erin R. Freeman/Grey Seal Puppets (“Emperor’s New Clothes”).
April 21 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra.
April 22 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony Youth Concert Orchestra, Camerata Strings & String Sinfonietta.
April 27-28 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony Pops/Steven Smith/Richmond Ballet (“Wild Wild West”).
May 5 (VCU Singleton Center) – Emerson String Quartet.
May 6 (Randolph-Macon College) – Richmond Symphony/Erin R. Freeman/narrator & actors TBA (“The Soldier’s Tale”).
May 6 (VCU Singleton Center) – Richmond Philharmonic/Robert Mirakian/Mary Bowden (trumpet).
May 12-13 (Richmond CenterStage) – Richmond Symphony/Steven Smith.
May 19/20 (Steward School) – Lyric Opera Virginia: “Carmen” (abridged).
June 2 (Pocahontas State Park) – Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program.

LINKS
Richmond CenterStage: http://www.richmondcenterstage.com/
Richmond Symphony: http://www.richmondsymphony.com/
Virginia Opera: http://www.vaopera.org/
Lyric Opera Virginia: http://www.lyricoperavirginia.org/
UR Modlin Center: http://www.modlin.richmond.edu/
VCU Music Department: http://www.vcu.edu/arts/music/dept/events/index.html
Alexander Paley Music Festival: http://www.paleyfestival.info/
Richmond chapter, American Guild of Organists: http://www.richmondago.org/
James River Singers: http://www.jamesriversingers.org/
Bon Air Presbyterian Church: http://www.bonairpc.org/

September calendar

Classical performances in and around Richmond, with selected events elsewhere in Virginia and the Washington area. Program information, provided by presenters, is updated as details become available. Adult single-ticket prices are listed; senior, student/youth, group and other discounts may be offered.

* In and around Richmond: The Richmond Symphony’s new season begins with outdoor concerts on Sept. 5 at Rockett’s Landing and Sept. 11 at Henricus Historical Park; a Masterworks program featuring violinist Elena Urioste in Brahms’ Violin Concerto and Steven Smith conducting Bartók’s “The Miraculous Mandarin” Suite, Sept. 17-18 at Richmond CenterStage; and the first of the season’s Metro Collection series, in which Erin R. Freeman conducts the orchestra and Richmond Symphony Chamber Chorus in Bach, Mendelssohn and more, Sept. 25 at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland. . . . The University of Richmond’s Modlin Arts Center opens its classical season with “Rappahannock County,” a Civil War-themed operatic song cycle by Ricky Ian Gordon and Mark Campbell, Sept. 13-15 in UR’s Jepson Theatre.
. . . Lyric Opera Virginia, the new company led by Peter Mark, launches its first season with Verdi’s “La Traviata,” staged Sept. 16 and 18 at Richmond’s Steward School, and other dates at venues in Virginia Beach, Newport News and Charlottesville. . . . Pianist Vladimir Feltsman plays Bach, Beethoven and Chopin on Sept. 17 in the opening program of this season’s Rennolds Chamber Concerts at Virginia Commonwealth University. . . . Organist Larry Schipull launches the Repertoire Recital Series of the Richmond chapter of the American Guild of Organists with a program on Sept. 19 at River Road Presbyterian Church. . . . The Atlantic Chamber Ensemble, a new group of Virginia-based string, wind and keyboard artists, makes its debut in a program of Shostakovich, Barber and Martinů on Sept. 26 at VCU.


Sept. 4 (8 p.m.)
West Lawn U.S. Capitol, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra
Steven Reineke conducting
Mercedes Ellington, vocalist
Chuck Brown and His Band
“Labor Day Capitol Concert”
free
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Sept. 5 (7:30 p.m.)
Rockett’s Landing, 5000 Old Osborne Turnpike, Richmond
Richmond Symphony
conductor TBA
program TBA
free
(rain date: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6)
(800) 514-3849 (Etix.com)
http://www.richmondsymphony.com/

Sept. 9 (8 p.m.)
Sept. 11 (2:30 p.m.)
Sandler Arts Center, 201 S. Market St., Virginia
Lyric Opera Virginia
Peter Mark conducting
Verdi: “La Traviata”
Manon Strauss Evrard (Violetta)
Cody Austin (Alfredo)
Zachary Nelson (Germont)
Michael Shell, stage director
in Italian, English captions
$20-$85
(757) 446-6666
http://www.lyricoperavirginia.org/

Sept. 10 (7:30 p.m.)
Terrace Theater, Kennedy Center, Washington
Vocal Arts DC:
Eric Owens, bass-baritone
Craig Rutenberg, piano
works by Wolf, Schumann, Schubert, Debussy, Duparc, Ravel, Wagner
$45
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Sept. 10 (7 p.m.)
Sept. 12 (7 p.m.)
Sept. 14 (7:30 p.m.)
Sept. 16 (7:30 p.m.)
Sept. 18 (2 p.m.)
Sept. 20 (7:30 p.m.)
Sept. 22 (7:30 p.m.)
Sept. 23 (7:30 p.m.)
Sept. 24 (7 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Opera House, Washington
Washington National Opera
Plácido Domingo/Israel Gursky conducting
Puccini: “Tosca”
Patricia Racette/Natalia Ushakova (Tosca)
Frank Poretta/Gwyn Hughes Jones (Cavaradossi)
Alan Held/Scott Henricks (Scarpia)
David Kneuss, stage director
in Italian, English captions
$25-$300
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Sept. 11 (5 p.m.)
Henricus Historical Park, 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester
Richmond Symphony
Steven Smith conducting
commemorative concert for 9/11
works by Beethoven Dvořák, Gershwin, Copland, Bernstein
(rain date: 6 p.m. Sept. 12)
(800) 514-3849 (Etix.com)
http://www.richmondsymphony.com/

Sept. 11 (7:30 p.m.)
Town Point Park, Norfolk
Virginia Symphony
conductor TBA
“America the Beautiful: 9/11 Memorial Concert”
program TBA
free
(757) 892-6366
http://www.virginiasymphony.org/

Sept. 11 (3 p.m.)
Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival:
Annette zu Castell, Stephen Copes, Jonathan Gandelsman, Jesse Mills, Sharon Roffman & Aki Saulière, violins
Timothy Summers, violin & viola
Nicholas Cords, David Quiggle & Melissa Reardon, violas
Raphael Bell, Edward Aaron, Raman Ramakrishnan & James Wilson, cellos
Sooyun Kim, flute
Emma Schied, oboe & English horn
Matthew Hunt, clarinet
Reiko Aizawa & Alasdair Beatson, pianos
Byron Schenkman, harpsichord
Roberta Alexander, soprano
Haydn: String Quartet in C major, Op. 20, No. 2
David Boots: “Gumboots” for clarinet and string quartet
Bruch: String Octet in B flat major, Op. posth.
$16-$22
(434) 295-5395
http://www.cvillechambermusic.org/

Sept. 11 (3:30 p.m.)
First Presbyterian Church, 500 Park St., Charlottesville
Oratorio Society of Virginia
Michael Slon conducting
“A Service of Remembrance”
Mozart: Requiem
soloists TBA
Free
(434) 295-4385
http://www.oratoriosociety.org/

Sept. 13 (7:30 p.m.)
Sept. 14 (7:30 p.m.)
Sept. 15 (7:30 p.m.)
Jepson Theatre, Modlin Arts Center, University of Richmond
Ricky Ian Gordon & Mark Campbell: “Rappahannock County”
cast TBA
Kevin Newbury, stage director
in English
$45
(804) 289-8980
http://www.modlin.richmond.edu/

Sept. 15 (8 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival:
Annette zu Castell, Stephen Copes, Jonathan Gandelsman, Jesse Mills, Sharon Roffman & Aki Saulière, violins
Timothy Summers, violin & viola
Nicholas Cords, David Quiggle & Melissa Reardon, violas
Raphael Bell, Edward Aaron, Raman Ramakrishnan & James Wilson, cellos
Sooyun Kim, flute
Emma Schied, oboe & English horn
Matthew Hunt, clarinet
Reiko Aizawa & Alasdair Beatson, pianos
Byron Schenkman, harpsichord
Roberta Alexander, soprano
Weber: “Grand Duo concertant” for clarinet and piano, Op. 48
Peteris Vasks: Piano Trio (“Episodi di Canto perpetuo”)
Brahms: Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115
$16-$22
(434) 295-5395
http://www.cvillechambermusic.org/

Sept. 16 (7 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
Jesus Silva Guitar Scholarship Concert:
performers TBA
program TBA
Free
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcu.edu/arts/music/dept/events/index.html

Sept. 16 (8 p.m.)
Sept. 18 (2:30 p.m.)
Cramer Arts Center, The Steward School, Gayton and Ryandale roads, Richmond
Lyric Opera Virginia
Peter Mark conducting
Verdi: “La Traviata”
Manon Strauss Evrard (Violetta)
Cody Austin (Alfredo)
Zachary Nelson (Germont)
Michael Shell, stage director
in Italian, English captions
$20-$85
(757) 446-6666
http://www.lyricoperavirginia.org/

Sept. 16 (8 p.m.)
Ferguson Arts Center, Christopher Newport University, Newport News
Sept. 17 (8 p.m.)
Chrysler Hall, 201 Brambleton Ave., Norfolk
Sept. 18 (2:30 p.m.)
Sandler Arts Center, 201 S. Market St., Virginia Beach
Virginia Symphony
JoAnn Falletta conducting
Franz Schmidt: Intermezzo from “Notre Dame”
Brahms: Symphony No. 3
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3
Philippe Bianconi, piano
$20-$67
(757) 892-6366
http://www.virginiasymphony.org/

Sept. 17 (8 p.m.)
Sept. 18 (3 p.m.)
Carpenter Theatre, Richmond CenterStage, Sixth and Grace streets
Richmond Symphony
Steven Smith conducting
Beethoven: “Leonore” Overture No. 3
Brahms: Violin Concerto
Elena Urioste, violin
Steven Stucky: “Dreamwaltzes”
Bartók: “The Miraculous Mandarin” Suite
$18-$73
(800) 514-3849 (Etix.com)
http://www.richmondsymphony.com/

Sept. 17 (8 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
Rennolds Chamber Concerts:
Vladimir Feltsman, piano
Bach: Partita No. 1 in B flat major, BWV 825
Beethoven: Sonata in C minor, Op. 13 (“Pathétique”)
Chopin: four ballades
$32
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcu.edu/arts/music/dept/events/index.html

Sept. 17 (8 p.m.)
Center for the Arts, George Mason University, Fairfax
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
William Boughton conducting
John Corigliano: “Three Hallucinations”
Chausson: “Poème”
Saint-Saëns: Introduction and Rondo capriccioso
Karina Cancellakis, violin
Berlioz: “Symphonie fantastique”
$25-$55
(888) 945-2468 (Tickets.com)
http://www.fairfaxsymphony.org/

Sept. 18 (4 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
VCU Guitar Series:
Tim Olbrych, classical guitar
Judy Olbrych, soprano
program TBA
$15
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcu.edu/arts/music/dept/events/index.html

Sept. 18 (3 p.m.)
Old Call Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival:
Annette zu Castell, Stephen Copes, Jonathan Gandelsman, Jesse Mills, Sharon Roffman & Aki Saulière, violins
Timothy Summers, violin & viola
Nicholas Cords, David Quiggle & Melissa Reardon, violas
Raphael Bell, Edward Aaron, Raman Ramakrishnan & James Wilson, cellos
Sooyun Kim, flute
Emma Schied, oboe & English horn
Matthew Hunt, clarinet
Reiko Aizawa & Alasdair Beatson, pianos
Byron Schenkman, harpsichord
Roberta Alexander, soprano
Mozart: String Duo in G major, K. 423
Shostakovich: Piano Quintet
Mendelssohn: Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor, Op. 66
$16-$22
(434) 295-5395
http://www.cvillechambermusic.org/

Sept. 18 (7 p.m.)
Center for the Arts, George Mason University, Fairfax
Jeffrey Siegel, piano
“Keyboard Conversations: a Beethoven Bonanza”
$19-$38
(888) 945-2468 (Tickets.com)
http://cfa.gmu.edu/calendar/month/2011/9/

Sept. 19 (7:30 p.m.)
River Road Presbyterian Church, 8960 River Road, Richmond
American Guild of Organists:
Larry Schipull, organ
J.S. Bach: Concerto in D minor (after Vivaldi), BWV 596
Vincent Persichetti: Organ Sonata, Op. 86
Sweelinck: "Five Variations on Psalm 140"
Alain: "Second Fantasie"
Alain: "Deux Danses à Agni Yavishta"
Liszt: "Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H"
donation requested
(804) 740-7083
http://www.richmondago.org/

Sept. 19 (7 p.m.)
Old Call Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival:
Roberta Alexander, soprano
master class
free
(434) 295-5395
http://www.cvillechambermusic.org/

Sept. 20 (7:30 p.m.)
The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Lyric Opera Virginia
Peter Mark conducting
Verdi: “La Traviata”
Manon Strauss Evrard (Violetta)
Cody Austin (Alfredo)
Zachary Nelson (Germont)
Michael Shell, stage director
in Italian, English captions
$20-$85
(757) 446-6666
http://www.lyricoperavirginia.org/

Sept. 22 (8 p.m.)
Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Charlottesville
Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival:
Annette zu Castell, Stephen Copes, Jonathan Gandelsman, Jesse Mills, Sharon Roffman & Aki Saulière, violins
Timothy Summers, violin & viola
Nicholas Cords, David Quiggle & Melissa Reardon, violas
Raphael Bell, Edward Aaron, Raman Ramakrishnan & James Wilson, cellos
Sooyun Kim, flute
Emma Schied, oboe & English horn
Matthew Hunt, clarinet
Reiko Aizawa & Alasdair Beatson, pianos
Byron Schenkman, harpsichord
Roberta Alexander, soprano
Joan Tower: “Island Prelude” for oboe and string quartet
Chausson: “Chanson perpetuelle”
Satie-Abrahamsen: “Trois gymnopédies”
Fauré: Piano Quartet No. 1 in C minor, Op. 15
songs by Barber, Ives, Bernstein, André Previn
$16-$22
(434) 295-5395
http://www.cvillechambermusic.org/

Sept. 23 (7:30 p.m.)
Camp Concert Hall, Modlin Arts Center, University of Richmond
UR Wind Ensemble
UR Jazz Ensemble
UR Symphony Orchestra
UR Women’s Chorale & Schola Cantorum
Family Weekend Concert
program TBA
free
(804) 289-8980
http://www.modlin.richmond.edu/

Sept. 23 (8 p.m.)
Sept. 25 (2:30 p.m.)
Ferguson Arts Center, Christopher Newport University, Newport News
Lyric Opera Virginia
Peter Mark conducting
Verdi: “La Traviata”
Manon Strauss Evrard (Violetta)
Cody Austin (Alfredo)
Zachary Nelson (Germont)
Michael Shell, stage director
in Italian, English captions
$20-$85
(757) 446-6666
http://www.lyricoperavirginia.org/

Sept. 25 (3 p.m.)
Blackwell Auditorium, Randolph-Macon College, 205 Henry St., Ashland
Richmond Symphony
Erin R. Freeman conducting
Aaron Jay Kernis: “Musica Celestis”
J.S. Bach: Mass in F major
Richmond Symphony Chamber Chorus
Erin R. Freeman directing
Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 (“Italian”)
$20
(800) 514-3849 (Etix.com)
http://www.richmondsymphony.com/

Sept. 25 (3 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival:
Annette zu Castell, Stephen Copes, Jonathan Gandelsman, Jesse Mills, Sharon Roffman & Aki Saulière, violins
Timothy Summers, violin & viola
Nicholas Cords, David Quiggle & Melissa Reardon, violas
Raphael Bell, Edward Aaron, Raman Ramakrishnan & James Wilson, cellos
Sooyun Kim, flute
Emma Schied, oboe & English horn
Matthew Hunt, clarinet
Reiko Aizawa & Alasdair Beatson, pianos
Byron Schenkman, harpsichord
Roberta Alexander, soprano
Telemann: Trio Sonata in in F minor
Elliott Carter: Sonata for flute, oboe, cello and harpsichord
Copland: Movement for string quartet
Mozart: Adagio in C major for English horn and strings, K. 580a
J.S. Bach: Cantata 202, “Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten”
$16-$22
(434) 295-5395
http://www.cvillechambermusic.org/

Sept. 25 (7 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra
Christoph Eschenbach conducting
season-opening ball concert
Dvořák: “Carnival” Overture
Bruch: Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor
Joshua Bell, violin
Copland: “Old American Songs”
Thomas Hampson, baritone
Ravel: “Boléro”
$20-$125
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Sept. 26 (8 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
Atlantic Chamber Ensemble
Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 8
Barber: “Summer Music”
Martinů: Nonet
$5
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcu.edu/arts/music/dept/events/index.html

Sept. 27 (7 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
Russell Wilson, piano
Brahms: Rhapsody in B minor, Op. 79, No. 1
J.S. Bach: Partita No. 6 in E minor
Albeniz: “El Albaicin”
Prokofiev: Sonata No. 4
$5
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcu.edu/arts/music/dept/events/index.html

Sept. 28 (7 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
VCU Symphonic Wind Ensemble
Terry Austin directing
Copland: “Fanfare for the Common Man”
Philip Sparke: “Sunrise at Angel’s Gate”
Michael Burritt: Duo concertante
Charles West, clarinet
Peter Martin, percussion
$5
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcu.edu/arts/music/dept/events/index.html

Sept. 29 (8 p.m.)
Vlahcevic Concert Hall, Singleton Arts Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Park Avenue at Harrison Street, Richmond
Ayman Fanous, guitar & bouzouki
Matt Maneri, violin & viola
Lori Freedman, clarinet & bass clarinet
improvisational and other works TBA
$15
(804) 828-6776
http://www.vcu.edu/arts/music/dept/events/index.html

Sept. 29 (7 p.m.)
Sept. 30 (8 p.m.)
Kennedy Center Concert Hall, Washington
National Symphony Orchestra
Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos conducting
Beethoven: Symphony No. 8
Orff: “Carmina Burana”
Laura Claycomb, soprano
Nicholas Phan, tenor
Hugh Russell, baritone
Choral Arts Society of Washington
Robert Shafer directing
Children’s Chorus of Washington
Joan Gregoryk directing
$20-$85
(800) 444-1324
http://www.kennedy-center.org/

Sept. 30 (8 p.m.)
Old Cabell Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra
Kate Tamarkin conducting
Dvořák: “Carnival” Overture
Brahms: Double Concerto
David Colwell, violin
Adam Carter, cello
Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 (“Eroica”)
$10-$38
(434) 924-3376
http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/music/concertsevents/index.html

Where's he been?

I’ve been having health issues in recent months; thus the few-and-far-between postings and absence of reviews over the summer. I’m especially sorry to have missed the Richmond Chamber Players’ Interlude concerts this month, which I’m told were experiences to savor.

I hope to be up and running – or at least reasonably mobile – in time for the new season.

Symphony taps new concertmaster

Diana Cohen, concertmaster of the Kalamazoo (MI) Symphony and one of several violinists sharing the concertmaster’s post in the Iris Orchestra of Memphis, will join the Richmond Symphony as its new concertmaster when its 2011-12 season commences in September.

Cohen also has served as concertmaster of the Charleston (SC) Symphony, American Repertory Orchestra and Red (an orchestra), and as principal second violin of the New York String Orchestra. She has performed with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and International Sejong Soloists.

She is a member of the piano trio Trio Terzetto, and has played at a number of chamber-music festivals, including the Marlboro, Aspen and Taos festivals.

The violinist is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music. Her father, Franklin Cohen, is principal clarinetist of the Cleveland Orchestra. Her late mother, Lynette Diers Cohen, was a noted bassoonist, and her brother, Alexander, is a timpanist.

Cohen’s stand-mate also will be a new face in Richmond. The symphony appointed violinist Jeanine Wynton, a Yale University alumna most recently playing in the Grant Park Orchestra in Chicago, as its assistant concertmaster earlier in the summer.

Chamber Players' Interlude 2011

The Richmond Chamber Players’ Interlude 2011, this year’s edition of the popular and long-running late-summer chamber-music series, opens on Aug. 7 with a program of Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven.

On the following three Sundays in August, the soundscape shifts mostly onto less familiar terrain, with works by Bela Bartók, Louis Spohr, Jean Françaix, Leo Smit, Erwin Schulhoff, William Grant Still, Gareth Farr and the Richmond-based Allan Blank. (Schubert’s “Trout” Quintet, to be played on Aug. 21, is the sole 19th-century warhorse on the program schedule.)

The Chamber Players, directed by pianist John Walter, are composed of present and former members of the Richmond Symphony: violinists Catherine Cary and Susy Yim, violist Stephen Schmidt, cellist Neal Cary, flutist Mary Boodell, oboist Gustav Highstein, clarinetist David Niethamer, bassoonist Jonathan Friedman, French horn player Rachel Velvikis and a harpist to be announced.

Performances will begin at 3 p.m. at Bon Air Presbyterian Church, 9201 W. Huguenot Road.

Series tickets are $64 for adults and $56 for seniors and students. Single tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for seniors and students. Admission is free for those 18 and younger.

For more information or to reserve tickets, call (804) 272-7514, ext. 312.

Interlude 2011 dates and programs:

* Aug. 7 – Haydn: String Quartet in E flat major, Op. 76, No. 6; Mozart: Oboe Quartet in F major, K. 370; Mozart: Adagio and Fugue, K. 546, for string quartet; Beethoven: Piano Trio in C minor, Op. 1, No. 3.

* Aug. 14 – Leo Smit: Trio for flute, viola and harp; Allan Blank: Trio for clarinet, cello and piano; Bartók: String Quartet No. 1.

* Aug. 21 – Schubert: String Trio in B flat major, D. 471; Spohr: Quintet in C minor, Op. 52, for piano and winds; Schubert: Piano Quintet in A major, D. 667 (“Trout”).

* Aug. 28 – Still: “Miniatures” for flute, oboe and piano; Farr: “Kembang Suling, three musical snapshots of Asia;” Schulhoff: “Five Pieces for String Quartet;” Françaix: “L’Heure du Berger.”