
Dear Friends,
Historically, the arts have been a means to address social and community issues. With the sociopolitical events and discussions that have occurred in our country over the past few years, artists and arts organizations have felt a responsibility to augment their recognition of these issues and address them. February has been recognized as Black History Month since 1976 (America’s Bicentennial) when President Gerald Ford expanded the celebration from a week to a month in tribute to African American men and women who have made significant contributions. President Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
This presents The Chamber with an ideal opportunity to highlight the works of a number of Black composers, some of whom have not been in the mainstream of concert performances. The music to be performed on Monday’s concert “Suites, Spirituals and Dances” is not there just because it was written by Black composers…….it is on the program because it is music that I think you will enjoy hearing. In my remarks to the audience at our Valentine’s Day concert a couple of weeks ago, I mentioned Duke Ellington’s quote ““There are simply two kinds of music…. good music and the other kind”. The repertoire on Monday is the in The Duke’s former category.
To perform all the composers and pieces available would have amounted to an endless concert. We hope you walk out of our concerts wishing there was more. So, for some works we will perform a single movement so that we can include more composers.
We are grateful to Concert Sponsor Dorsey and Sondra Ellis for their support of this celebration and hope you will join us Monday for “Suites, Spirituals and Dances” to hear CMSSL musicians Patti Wolf, Megan Stout, Jennifer Nitchman, Angie Smart, Adrian Walker, Susan Gordon, Alvin McCall and Tzuying Huang perform music by some very familiar and some less familiar composers.
Best regards,
Marc
The concert was just thrilling. Loved the pianist. Adored the Dvorak. Happy to see Leonard in such an intimate setting. Terrific evening! Thanks.
We deeply appreciate Chamber Music Society and the exquisite music they perform. Thank you for all the lovely music you have brought us over the years. We look forward to many more.
We are grateful to your beautiful, awe-inspiring CMSSL in our lives. As threadbare as our nation has become in so many ways, it is the regenerative power of music ant the arts that enthuses me. Keep on weaving! Thank you.
These concerts have been even better than I imagined. My hat off to your engineer- the sound quality exceeded that of most CDs I own of this repertoire. I also applaud Peter Henderson for tackling the Liszt this week. Thank you all so much for bringing so much light in these trying times.
Many thanks… for a very professionally presented performance of endearing music with the very best musicians.
Last night’s performance was, as usual, wonderful. We are looking forward to the next Chamber concert.
I just wanted to express to you and the board what an exceptional job you each have done during these very trying times. I regularly attend many venues during the course of the year. The Chamber Music Society has by far created the best experience.
CMSSL has been doing all it can in the way of creative, highly successful efforts to compensate for the agony of 2020. That’s been very much appreciated.
Thank you for a fantastic evening.
I really enjoyed the concert Monday. Nice camera work and sound.
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