Announcing the 2023 Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival July 25 - August 18, 2023

Emerson String Quartet’s Final Massachusetts Concert

Commissioned Premiere by Composer Vivian Fung

Special Guest Host Adam Gopnik of The New Yorker 

Performances by Imani Winds, Danish String Quartet, Borromeo String Quartet, and more

Cape Cod, MA (For Release 6.12.23) – Hailed by The New York Times as “a triumph of quality,” the Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival (CCCMF) today announced its 2023 summer concert series, running from July 25-August 18, 2023. For its 44th season, the Festival presents 10 classical performances over 25 days in venues across Cape Cod. This year’s program includes: a commissioned world premiere by JUNO Award-winning composer Vivian Fung, the Emerson String Quartet performing in Massachusetts for the last time as part of its Final Farewell tour, a special performance of The Brahms Clarinet Sonatas hosted by The New Yorker writer Adam Gopnik, and more. The complete schedule is below and available at www.capecodchambermusic.org. 

Osterville, MA, resident Ray Salva, who was recently appointed CCCMF’s new Executive Director, is thrilled to be celebrating his inaugural Festival. “This is one of the largest cultural events in the region, which has had the participation of thousands of artists from all around the world, attracting hundreds of concertgoers each year. Whether you are a longtime neighbor or a newcomer to Cape Cod, we encourage everyone to join us in welcoming some of the world’s greatest classical musicians to our idyllic corner of New England.” 

According to CCCMF’s Artistic Directors, Jon Manasse and Jon Nakamatsu, this year’s Festival is unprecedented. “As excited as we are to present this year’s Festival, we are also saddened to be saying goodbye to the Emerson String Quartet as it performs its final Massachusetts concert. For the past 10 season, the Emerson String Quartet has wowed sold-out crowds and become synonymous with summers on the Cape. We will all miss them both on and off stage!” 

The CCCMF has grown to become an established year-round presenter of chamber music and a major contributor to the cultural life of Cape Cod since its inception in 1979. Hoping to ignite the interest of a younger demographic, CCCMF welcomes all individuals 18 years or younger to attend any regular concert, free of charge. In addition to appearances by established artists, the CCCMF has made a special commitment to presenting young emerging artists early in their careers, including Yo-Yo Ma, Emmanuel Ax, Joshua Bell, Dawn Upshaw, Peter Serkin, Paul Neubauer, and the Lark, Colorado, Borromeo, Parker and Jupiter Quartets, among others. 

About Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival     
The Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival (CCCMF) has been a presenter of chamber music and a major contributor to the cultural life of Cape Cod since its founding in 1979 by late pianist Samuel Sanders, a longtime collaborator with Itzhak Perlman. The Festival’s current Artistic Directors Jon Manasse (clarinet) and Jon Nakamatsu (piano) represent the top ranks of American chamber music. In addition to its annual summer season of concerts, outreach programs and an annual benefit concert in New York, CCCMF partners with local cultural organizations.

 

Program Details Ticketing Info:

Tickets: General: Free-$55. Students: $15. Children 18 and Under: Free. Advance registration is encouraged. For tickets and more information, visit CapeCodChamberMusic.org or call 508.247.9400.

 

SINTA QUARTET festival debut

Tuesday, July 25 at 7:00 p.m.

Cape Cod National Seashore Visitor’s Center, 50 Nauset Road, Eastham, MA

Tickets: FREE. First come, first served.

Dan Graser – soprano saxophone
Zach Stern – alto saxophone

Joe Girard – tenor saxophone

Danny Hawthorne-Foss – baritone saxophone

CHRIS HAAS: Volcanic Ash (2017)

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: String Quartet in A minor, Op. 132 (1825)
MARC MELLITS: Ex Machina (2017)
MARK O’CONNOR: Appalachia Waltz (1993)

TRAD GRASER: Reel Set

J.S. BACH: Contrapunctus IX from Die Kunst der Fuge BWV 1080

“Virtuosic to the core” (Textura) and hailed as “a tight-knit ensemble exploding with power and virtuosity” (Boston Musical Intelligencer), the Sinta Quartet is on a mission to bring the versatility, homogeneity, and excitement of the saxophone to audiences everywhere. Strengthening an already palpable connection with its audience by performing entirely from memory, the quartet provides a fresh take on chamber music that is at once beautiful, virtuosic, and a completely interactive experience. Inspired by the writings of composer Marc Mellits of the saxophone quartet functioning as one machine powered by four individuals, this program highlights works inspired by funk, folk, soul, and post-minimalism.

 

THE LEE TRIO festival debut

Tuesday, August 1 at 5:30 p.m.

Cotuit Center for the Arts, 4404 Falmouth Road, Cotuit, MA

Tickets: General $40.

Lisa Lee – violin
Angela Lee – cello

Melinda Lee Masur – piano

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: Allegretto in B-flat Major, WoO 39

ULJAS PULKKIS: Fern Flowers (2015)

ROBERT SCHUMANN: Piano Trio No. 2 in F Major, Opus 80

Making its CCCMF debut, the critically acclaimed Lee Piano Trio—comprised of three virtuosic performers, educators and sisters from San Francisco who have inspired and moved audiences worldwide—has established itself as one of the premier chamber ensembles on the international stage. "A unique phenomenon when Angela, Lisa and Melinda Lee combine their talents. All three sisters are dazzling musicians." (The Oakland Tribune) According to The Strad, the Trio plays with a “…gripping immediacy and freshness” and a “rich palette of tone colours.”

 

BORROMEO STRING QUARTET

Wednesday, August 2 at 5:30 p.m.

Chatham First Congregational Church, 650 Main Street, Chatham, MA

Tickets: General $40.

Nicholas Kitchen – violin

Kristopher Tong – violin

Melissa Reardon – viola

Yeesun Kim – cello

BÉLA BARTÓK: String Quartet No. 5, Sz. 102, BB 110

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: String Quartet in E-flat Major, Opus 127

Returning to the festival by popular demand, the Borromeo String Quartet continues to strengthen and deepen its reputation as one of the most important ensembles of our time.  The Quartet is admired and sought after for both its fresh interpretations of the classical music canon and its championing of works by 20th and 21st century composers. The BSQ has been ensemble-in-residence at the New England Conservatory and Taos School of Music, both for 25 years, and has, for over two decades, enjoyed a long-term relationship with the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum where it continues to regularly appear. "The Borromeo's playing was restless and insistent, from the piece's edgy opening to the coda, played with a thrilling sense of abandon…simply the best.” (The Boston Globe)

 

DANISH STRING QUARTET

Thursday, August 3 at 5:30 p.m.

Wellfleet First Congregational Church, 200 Main Street, Wellfleet, MA

Tickets: General $55.

Frederik Øland – violin 
Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen – violin
Asbjørn Nørgaard – viola
Fredrik Schøyen Sjo¨lin - cello

FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN: String Quartet in G Minor, Opus 30 No. 3 (Hob. III.33)

DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH: String Quartet No. 7 in F-sharp Minor, Opus 108

VARIOUS COMPOSERS: A selection of folk songs arranged by the Danish String Quartet

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this season, the Danish String Quartet returns to Cape Cod from Copenhagen for this special performance as part of the group’s nationwide summer tour. This GRAMMY-nominated ensemble continues to assert its preeminence among the world’s finest string quartets. “The Danish are remarkable, as ever – capable of intense blend, extreme dynamic variation (in which they seem glued together), perfect intonation even on harmonics, and constant vitality and flow. (Gramophone)

 

ISIDORE QUARTET with special guest pianist Jon Nakamatsu festival debut

Tuesday, August 8 at 5:30 p.m. @ Cotuit Center for the Arts, 4404 Falmouth Road, Cotuit, MA

Wednesday, August 9 at 5:30 p.m. @ Chatham First Congregational Church, 650 Main Street, Chatham, MA

Tickets: General $40.

Adrian Steele – violin

Phoenix Avalon – violin

Devin Moore – viola

Joshua McClendon – cello

Jon Nakamatsu – piano

August 8^th Program:

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART: String Quartet No. 19 in C Major, K. 465 “Dissonance”

ANTONÍN DVORÁK Quintet in A Major for Piano and Strings, Opus 81

August 9^th Program:

FELIX MENDELSSOHN: String Quartet No. 5 in E-flat Major, Opus 44 No. 3

ROBERT SCHUMANN: Quintet in E-flat Major for Piano and Strings, Opus 44

CCCMF’s Artistic Director Jon Nakamatsu (piano) will join the Isidore String Quartet for an evening of Mozart and Dvorák. This New York City-based quartet was formed in 2019 with a vision to revisit, rediscover and reinvigorate the repertory. Recently awarded the 2023 Avery Fisher Career Grant and first prize at the 14th Banff International String Quartet Competition, the Isidore is heavily influenced by the Juilliard String Quartet and its idea of “approaching the established as if it were new, and the new as if it were firmly established.” According to The Violin Channel, Isidore Quartet is a “powerhouse new ensemble. Invigorating. Intoxicating. The new face of outstanding chamber music." This marks Isidore String Quartet’s CCCMF debut.

 

VIVIAN FUNG WORLD PREMIERE A RISING STAR

Friday, August 11 at 5:30 p.m.

Wellfleet Congregational Church, 200 Main Street, Wellfleet, MA

Tickets: General $40.

Jon Manasse – clarinet

Jon Nakamatsu – piano

Parker Van Ostrand – piano

JOHN WILLIAMS: Victor’s Tale from the motion picture THE TERMINAL (for solo clarinet and piano reduction)

VIVIAN FUNG: CCCMF-commissioned work in five-movements for Piano and Clarinet world premiere

FRANZ LISZT: Sonata in B Minor, S. 178 (1853)

CCCMF’s Artistic Directors Jon Manasse (clarinet) and Jon Nakamatsu (piano) will perform the world premiere of a new CCCMF-commissioned work for clarinet and piano by “one of today’s most eclectic composers (NPR),” Vivian Fung. Joining them will be young piano virtuoso Parker Van Ostrand, recent winner of the 71st Wideman International Piano Competition Gold Medal and the 1st Prize in the 2023 San Francisco Conservatory of Music Concerto Competition. Ostrand studies under Nakamatsu at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

 

THE BRAHMS CLARINET SONATAS

Monday, August 14 at 5:30 p.m.

Falmouth Academy Simon Center for the Arts, 7 Highfield Drive, Falmouth, MA

Tickets: General $40.

Jon Manasse – clarinet

Jon Nakamatsu – piano

Adam Gopnik - commentator

JOHANNES BRAHMS: Sonata in E-flat Major for Clarinet and Piano, Opus 120 No. 2

JOHANNES BRAHMS: Sonata in F Minor for Clarinet and Piano, Opus 120 No. 1 

CCCMF’s Artistic Directors Jon Manasse (clarinet) and Jon Nakamatsu (piano) present a special performance of Brahms’ Sonata in E-flat Major and Sonata in F Minor for Clarinet and Piano. Celebrated American essayist and staff writer for The New Yorker, Adam Gopnik, will serve as host and commentator for this much-anticipated program.

 

IMANI WINDS

Wednesday, August 16 at 5:30 p.m.

Dennis Union Church, 713 Main Street, Dennis, MA

Tickets: General $40.

Brandon Patrick George – flute

Toyin Spellman-Diaz – oboe

Mark Dover – clarinet

Kevin Newton – horn

Monica Ellis – bassoon 

PIXINGUINHA: Um a Zero (arranged for wind quintet by Jeff Scott)

PAQUITO D’RIVERA: Aires Tropicales

WAYNE SHORTER: Terra Incognita

ASTOR PIAZZOLLA: Vayamos al Diabl 

Celebrating over a quarter century of music making, the twice GRAMMY nominated Imani Winds has led both a revolution and evolution of the wind quintet through their dynamic playing, adventurous programming, imaginative collaborations and outreach endeavors that have inspired audiences of all ages and backgrounds. In 2021, Imani Winds released their ninth studio album, “Bruits” on Bright Shiny Things Records, which received a 2022 GRAMMY nomination for “Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance.” Gramophone states, “the ensemble’s hot rapport churns with conviction throughout.” Imani Winds travels through the jazz world too. According to jazz composer/pianist Edward Simon Imani Winds is “not just a classical repertory group – they’re interested in exploring all sorts of genres and ethnic traditions. Imani Winds also has a distinctive sound, with dynamic ensemble playing and an ability to dive into improvisation, which is rare among classical musicians.”

 

EMERSON STRING QUARTET

Friday, August 18 at 5:30 p.m.

Wellfleet First Congregational Church, 200 Main Street, Wellfleet, MA

Tickets: General $55. 

Eugene Drucker – violin

Philip Setzer – violin

Lawrence Dutton – viola

GEORGE THEOPHILUS WALKER: Lyric for Strings (1946)

DMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH: String Quartet No. 12 in D-flat Major, Opus 133

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN: String Quartet in E Minor, Opus 59 No. 2

After 47 years comprising thousands of concerts on multiple continents, dozens of recordings, and definitive performances of the greatest works in the literature, the Emerson String Quartet is saying goodbye to its listeners on its Final Farewell international tour. This CCCMF concert marks the last time it will perform in Massachusetts. “America’s greatest quartet (TIME Magazine) has maintained its status as one of the world’s premier chamber music ensembles for more than four decades. The Quartet has made more than 30 acclaimed recordings, and has been honored with nine GRAMMYs (including two for Best Classical Album), three Gramophone Awards, the Avery Fisher Prize, and Musical America’s “Ensemble of the Year” award. They have worked with some of today’s most esteemed composers to premiere new works, and have partnered with soloists such as Renée Fleming, Barbara Hannigan, Evgeny Kissin, Emanuel Ax, and Yefim Bronfman, to name a few.

 

 

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