As the Magic of Music Unfolds

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: September 2024

Rose Quartet

Thanks to the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, Highlands is a town with remarkable chamber music, and a history of transforming local landmarks into vibrant venues, setting multiples stages for a wealth of string quartets and ensembles.

And like so much else in Highlands, our chamber music festival exceeds expectations, performing in places where its least expected.

In October those places happen to be at our local schools, the Fidelia Eckerd Living Center and at the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands. They all have one thing in common. They are the locales for the Fall 2024 HCCMF Residency Program – a community focused initiative, whose mission is to bridge the gap between communities and generations, to forge meaningful connections between chamber music and everyday life.

This fall, together with the acclaimed Rose Quartet, the residency program promises to bring communities closer together through the power of music.

Between October 24 and 27, the Rose Quartet will present three school programs at Highlands, Blue Ridge and Summit Schools, providing students with a deeper understanding of music, instruments, and the art of ensemble playing. A live performance at the Fidelia Eckerd Living Center is certain to bring joy, and an opportunity for residents to engage with the musicians while reflecting on their own musical memories. Highly anticipated is the free concert at the First Presbyterian Church of Highlands on Saturday, October 26, at 5:00 P.M.

As an advocate for the transformative influence of both chamber music and the Residency Program, Director Ransom expressed that, “It brings me great joy to witness the magic of music unfolding in the classrooms. Bringing these exceptional musicians to the schools is to plant the seeds of inspiration in the minds of young students.”

Formed in 2022, the Rose Quartet has shared the stage with world renowned artists including Time for Three, the Harlem Quartet, Rhiannon Giddens and others. Deeply committed to community outreach, they regularly collaborate with the non-profit organization Music for All Seasons, presenting programs in various community settings including senior centers, veterans’ homes, halfway houses, schools, and correctional facilities. Their mission includes providing inclusive and accessible music education, which is reflected in their frequent masterclasses and teaching engagements.

The Residency Program is made possible through the generous support of a grant from Cullasaja Women’s Outreach.

For tickets and more information visit h-cmusicfestival.org.