Chamber Music Festival

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: 2015/05 - May

Even though the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival’s performances are staged at the Highlands Performing Arts Center and the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library, there’s such a depth of talent on hand that events can’t help but spill out into the twin communities.

Everyone is invited to attend a free concert by The Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet at the Cashiers Village Green (next to the Post Office) at 5:30 P.M. Wednesday, June 24. This event is an annual high point on the summer calendar and its new location at the Village Green makes it perfect for a picnic. You’re invited to bring something good to eat, your favorite beverage, and, of course, a blanket.

Since its founding in 1993, the Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet has performed throughout the world – in locations as varied as Russia, the United Kingdom, China, Germany, Jamaica, the Czech Republic, and Cashiers.

Their June 24 repertoire will range from Classical to Jazz, and Patriotic to Pop.

The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival launches its 34^th season with “Sublime Beauty: The American Landscape” a pair of performances by the Serafin String Quartet at 6:00 P.M. Sunday and Monday, June 28 and 29, at The Bascom in Highlands.

An international sensation, the Serafin String Quartet has won critical acclaim for its precise technique and undiluted musicianship. New York Concert Review has lauded the Quartet’s live performances for “ensemble and intonation … above reproach,” and described their Debussy as “a shapely, finely conceived account” and their Haydn as having “rhythmic vitality and taut ensemble…”

The Bascom concerts will be freighted with an additional layer of meaning as the quartet performs amidst the gallery’s masterpieces, including pieces from its Hudson River School collection.

The Sunday, June 28, performance will be preceded by a champagne reception, with a gourmet wine dinner at The Bascom at its conclusion. Cost is $213 per person.

The Monday, June 29, concert is bookended by a champagne reception and art exhibition. Cost is $107 per person.

Seating at both performances is extremely limited, so it’s wise to get your tickets as soon as possible. Call (828) 526-9020 for reservations and information.

Throughout the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival’s 34th season, which stretches from July 5 to August 9, concerts will be held at 6:00 P.M. Fridays at the Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center in Highlands and repeated at 5:00 PM. Saturdays at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library in Cashiers. Sunday concerts will be staged at 5:00 P.M. at the Performing Arts Center in Highlands and repeated at 5:00 P.M. Mondays at the Cashiers Community Library.

For tickets or information about the 2015 season, call (828) 526-9060 or visit h-cmusicfestival.org.