Feasts of the Festival

Written By: Luke Osteen | Issue: 2016/06 - June

The music of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival is sublime in itself. World-renowned musicians perform the works of civilization’s
greatest composers.

How could the experience be made transcendent?

Well, the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival folks have an answer: Sumptuous meals with fascinating people in some of the region’s most spectacular homes.

“These annual feasts provide important and vital financial support to the Festival, which allows us to bring world-class chamber music to the mountains each year,” says Festival Artistic Director William Ransom.

The 2016 lineup begins with the exquisite “Valencian Banquete” hosted by Kay and Frank Cohen at 6:00 P.M. Saturday, June 4. Guests will be treated to lobster paella, watermelon gazpacho, poached pears and more. Cost is $125 and the celebration is limited to 14.

Caroline Gilham and Lane Cook will host “Stars and Bars” at 7:15 P.M. Saturday, July 2. This gala features a cocktail buffet with beef tenderloin and all the tantalizing accompaniments. Guests will be joined by festival favorites David Coucheron and Edward Arron. Cost is $125 and it’s limited to 14 places.

“A Rustic Italian Dinner at Casa Callina,” hosted by Jack and Jolane Edwards, is slated for 7:00 P.M. Saturday, July 16. It’ll offer a traditional Italian feast with lasagna, caprese salad, roasted vegetables and all the trimmings. The Eroica Trio will join the celebration and guests can converse with Trio members Sara Parkins, Erika Nickrenz and Sara Sant’Ambrogio. Cost is $100 and there is space for 15 guests.

‘“Rach” with the Waldos,” hosted by Kathy and Mark Whitehead, is set for 6:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 19. Pianist Alyona Aksyonova and cellist James Waldo, The A.W. Duo, will perform Rachmaninoff’s “Sonata in G Minor,” a celebration of wonderful music, cuisine and fellowship. The evening is limited to eight places and costs $125 per person.

“Dine with the Fine Emerson Quartet!” at the home of Judy and Louis Freeman is set for 7:15 P.M. Saturday, July 23. This will be a sumptuous post-concert supper with a spectacular view. It’s limited to eight guests and cost is $125 per person. 

“An Evening with Roman and Will,” hosted by Olivia and Bob Holt, is an exciting fusion of Italian, Greek, and Spanish cuisines, set for 7:15 P.M. Sunday, July 24. Special Music Guests are internationally-recognized violinist and festival artist Roman Kim and Dr. Ransom. Space is limited to 12 persons and cost is $125.

“The Vega Cooks – Round II” is set for 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 27, at the home of Martha and Al Pearson. It’ll feature Yinzi Kong, Jessica Shuang Wu and Guang Wang of the Vega String Quartet performing in a venue that’s a little different from their normal stage – the kitchen. The trio will cook up a Chinese Hot Pot Party for 20 guests. Cost is $125.

The Festival of Feasts closes out the 2016 season with “A Louisiana Creole Feast” at 7:15 P.M. Monday, August 1, hosted by Dick and Beck Crowell. Guests will be treated to crawfish etoufee, boudin and other Louisiana treats, with special musical guests The Canterbury Quartet. Cost is $125 per person and the celebration is limited to 13 places.

For reservations or more information about the Feasts of the Festival, call (828) 526-9060.