The Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, celebrating its 35th season, has earned a national reputation for innovative programming. That tradition continues this year with a pair of performances before the season even starts.
The festival will host “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged and Revised” with a preview of Musical Chairs at 5:00 P.M. Sunday, June 19, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center.
The family-friendly “Complete Works” is a madcap recap of The Bard with comically-shortened pieces, Festival-specific and pop culture references, and occasional bouts of audience participation. The works will be performed by members of the Western Carolina Theater Department.
The audience will also be treated to a preview of eight Musical Chairs that’ll be auctioned off throughout the Festival season. Eight local and regional artists have generously donated their talents by painting a collection of original chairs. Artists participating are Richard Bordeaux, Karen and Tim Chambers, Barbara Grossman, Sally Johannessen, Penny Mawyer, Susan Robert, Rosemary Stiefel, and Ann Strub. Chairs have been donated by Lynne Browne, CK Swan, Dovetail Antiques, and Vivianne Metzger Antiques.
A fish n’ chips with beer dinner will be served at the PAC after the performance. Tickets are $20 for the performance and $50 for the performance and dinner. Call (828) 526-9060 for tickets.
The festival will combine two of life’s greatest pleasures – Champagne and the music of Frederic Chopin – at 5:00 P.M. Sunday, June 26, with a special performance featuring a pair of pianos played by Elena Cholakova and Dr. William Ransom. They’ll also perform the compositions of Liszt and Ravel. The celebration continues with a reception featuring Champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, and a chance to mingle with the musicians. It’ll be held at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $54 and are available by contacting HCCMF at (828) 526-9060 or hccmf@frontier.com.
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