Salons and Feasts

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: June 2023

Chee Yun

The 42nd season proper of the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival launches on July 1.

In the five weeks that follow, renowned musicians will take the stage twice weekly in Highlands on Saturdays and Mondays and in Cashiers on Sundays and Tuesdays. On August 6, the regular series concludes with the spectacular Gershon/Cohn Final Gala Concert and Dinner, “Festival of All Stars,” bringing together an amazing group of musicians to perform Schuman and Tchaikovsky.

Alice Hong

But there’s much more to come. Because at the Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival, they do things differently. One might even reasonably describe it as chamber music that thinks outside the chamber.

If your concept of a chamber music performance is a dull concert, held in a staid hall, before an audience bound to a worshipful silence, then you might want to think again. Instead, imagine grabbing a glass of wine, some food, and settling down in a private home while engaging with the world’s best musicians. This is the Feasts and Salon series – programs for novices and musicologists alike, designed to create a unique and original musical experience for the participants.

Zuill Bailey

Feasts are extraordinary dinner parties or cocktail buffets held in local residences, attended by festival artists, following a chamber music performance. Four feasts are scheduled, and except for the initial feast, guests join the artists in conversation rather than at a concert.

On June 29, acclaimed tenor and legendary Atlanta Braves opera singer soloist Timothy Miller will perform with pianist and artistic director William Ransom.

Julie Coucheron

July 16: “Meet and Greet” with enchanting and gifted pianist Julie Coucheron, whose recent collaborations have included performances with Elton John and The Steve Miller Band.

July 23: “Satulah welcomes pianist, composer, and arranger Matt Herskowitz,” known for “Uniquely combining the superlative technique of a classical virtuoso with his prowess in jazz.”

July 29: Award-winning virtuoso concert by “Pianist Extraordinaire, Michael Gurt Charms.”
Salons include short performances by festival artists, followed by light hors d’oeuvres and drinks. The two-hour events begin at 5:00 P.M.

Charae Kruege

Featured are:
July 12: “Returning Gryphon Will Delight Again,” the Canadian classical music ensemble that has been nominated for and won several Juno awards.

Matt Herskowitz

July 14: “Festival Favorites,” international award-winning violinist Alice Hong and principal cellist for the Atlanta Opera Orchestra and Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, Charae Krueger.
July 27: “Dynamic Duo,” the dazzling and flawless violinist, Chee-Yun, performs with pianist and artistic director William Ransom.
August 2: “Grammy(s) Winner Mr. Bailey!” featuring one of the world’s premiere Cellists, Zuill Bailey.