A Very Special Allure

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: July 2023

Timothy Miller

As multitudes of devotees can agree, chamber music has a very special allure, the power to communicate music in a deep and emotive way. It is the intimacy of the smaller venue that makes this possible and it is why in fact it is called chamber music.

The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber Music Festival – one of the oldest and most prestigious summer music festivals in the United States – overflows with the enthusiastic musicianship and camaraderie that is the hallmark of chamber music. During this year’s 42nd regular season, July 1 through August 6, 11 programs feature a showstopping mix of renown artists and masterful music compositions.

During the festival’s six-week run, revered players will be welcomed back, and new artists applauded at performances in Highlands and Cashiers.

And still, there’s more. Each year the festival team and artistic director of 23 years William Ransom develop a host of events to engage audiences on multiple levels, both beyond the traditional concert hall and the conventional format. One of the more engaging ways to experience the unique phenomena of chamber music is the Feasts and Salons series; opportunities to engage with festival artists in private homes.

Michael Gurt

Four feasts are scheduled and except for the initial feast, guests join the artists in conversation rather than at concert:

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

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 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.

Matt Herskowitz

Featured are:

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

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!” one of the world’s premier Cellists, Zuill Bailey.

For tickets and more information, call the festival at (828) 526-9060.