Pre-Season Events

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: March 2025

Julie Coucheron and William Ransom

The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival returns this spring and summer, offering audiences a deep dive into the world of chamber music with performances that bring each note, phrase, and composition into sharp focus.

The 44th regular season, July 5 – August 10, invites listeners to experience the artistry of musicians who challenge, explore, and celebrate the power of small ensembles.

The 2025 season debuts with three June events, each offering a unique perspective on what’s ahead.

On June 17, a new Steinway piano will take its place as a centerpiece for performances at the Village Green in Cashiers.

A free community concert at Lewis Hall, followed by a reception, will introduce the instrument to the Plateau with a program that showcases its expressive range and potential.

June 25 brings the Mountain Music Soirée, a one-of-a-kind evening at the home of Greg and Mary Thompson. Pianists Julie Coucheron and William Ransom will perform a program of works for four hands, with a special surprise guest adding an element of intrigue. This intimate concert, paired with a gourmet dinner, exemplifies the festival’s ability to connect audiences and artists in meaningful, memorable ways.

On June 29, Winds at the Bascom highlights the color and texture of wind ensemble repertoire. Featuring James Zellers on flute, Alexandra Prior on oboe, Ryan Little on French horn, and other accomplished musicians, the program promises to reveal the precision and interplay that define great chamber music.

The festival’s opening concerts on July 5 in Highlands and July 6 in Cashiers will set the tone for a dynamic regular season. Titled The Old and the New, the program features the North Carolina premiere of Paul Coletti’s Viola Quintet, performed by the Viano Quartet with Coletti himself on viola. The concert also includes Haydn’s String Quartet and Mendelssohn’s Viola Quintet.

A major highlight of the season is the Gala Concert, CelloBration, on August 10, which closes the regular season with Grammy-award winning cellist Zuill Bailey. Leading an ensemble of eight cellos, Bailey promises a dynamic and unforgettable performance that celebrates the depth and versatility of the instrument.

From the nuanced interplay of strings to the bold statements of winds and piano, this season demonstrates the timelessness and innovation of the genre.