Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach to launch 2023-24 season with lush music from Rachmaninoff & Smetana

November 15 season opener features cello, violin, piano trio

PALM BEACH, FL – September 27, 2023 – The Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach (CMSPB) opens its 2023-2024 season on November 15 at 7pm at the Norton Museum of Art with a passionate program featuring works from Rachmaninoff and Smetana. CMSPB Artistic Director and violinist Arnaud Sussmann (who recently relocated to Boca Raton) teams up with cellist Gary Hoffman and pianist Jon Kimura Parker, continuing the CMSPB’s priority of delivering world-class artistry while forging meaningful connections with audiences. 

“I’m thrilled to be performing with Gary Hoffman and Jon Kimura Parker for this program,” said Mr. Sussmann. “Both of these consummate musicians bring incredible energy, but also poignant thoughtfulness, to their performances. I’m excited to share this kind of music-making with our audiences,” he said. 

The CMSPB’s 2023-2024 season, the organization’s eleventh, promises to build on the remarkable successes of the previous concert season. The tenth anniversary season saw a doubling in single ticket sales, a sold-out anniversary gala celebration, sharply increased revenue, tripling of educational reach, and a broadening of key partnerships. The CMSPB seeks to further its mission to provide extraordinary performances that connect, transform, and inspire.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Cellist Gary Hoffman embarked on an international career at a remarkably young age, which has brought him to concert halls around the world, as well as the lecture halls and practice studios of America’s most renowned music schools. His performances prioritize the expressions of beauty and of self. Pianist Jon Kimura Parker is known for his charisma, enthusiasm, and dynamic performances. He collaborates and performs across a wide variety of musical styles. In addition to his role as CMSPB Artistic Director, violinist Arnaud Sussmann performs regularly in orchestra and chamber music halls around the world. His musical sound has been compared to such legends as Jascha Heifetz and Fritz Kreisler. 

ABOUT THE MUSIC

Rachmaninoff’s Sonata in G minor for Cello and Piano  is, at its heart, a demonstration of friendship. The work was dedicated to the composer’s best man and frequent performance collaborator, and the two of them performed the premiere together. It turned out to be Rachmaninoff’s last chamber work, and is indicative of his romantic style.

Smetana’s Trio No. 1 in G minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello is somber and emotional, though not without energy and hope. It captures the folklore and romanticism that makes Smetana such a beloved composer. 

ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE

CMSPB audience members can expect  an approachable and interactive experience at this and all concerts, particularly as the artists personally introduce the music from stage prior to the performances and are often available for casual meet and greets afterwards. This kind of engagement with artists is available for all audience members, and is a level of accessibility that the organization prides itself on as a unique experience one can find at CMSPB.

Season subscriptions, single tickets, and memberships are on sale now. All subscriptions and tickets are available by visiting cmspb.org. 

ABOUT CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY OF PALM BEACH

The Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach (CMSPB) has brought extraordinary chamber music performances and educational programming to Palm Beach County and the wider South Florida region since 2013. 

Over 10 seasons CMSPB has presented over 120 artists including the Emerson and Harlem string quartets, violinist James Ehnes, pianist Inon Barnatan, and members of the New York Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Philadelphia Orchestra, among many others. In 2019 CMSPB introduced frequent guest artist and acclaimed violinist Arnaud Sussmann as its Artistic Director. In his first season Sussmann led CMSPB in launching virtual programming to make CMSPB available to audiences around the globe.

The Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach reaches nearly 1,000  students and young musicians each season with hands on access to some of the finest artists and music educators in the world.  Through masterclasses, in-school performances, and open rehearsals, CMSPB aims to fuel the creativity and curiosity of young people and nurture the artists of tomorrow. With support from the Goldner Educational Initiative Fund and the Kovner Foundation, the Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach frequently partners with area schools including the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, U. B. Kinsey/Palmview Elementary School of the Arts, the Conservatory School, Bak Middle School of the Arts, the Lynn Conservatory, and the UM Frost School of Music to provide access to high quality coaching and performances by CMSPB artists.

In 2022 CMSPB launched the Boscobel Chamber Music Festival in partnership with the Boscobel House and Gardens, a historic house museum located at a scenic site on the Hudson River, just one hour north of New York City. The festival programming features school and community outreach, open rehearsals, and lectures in addition to main stage concerts. The annual event has reached over 1,500 audience members in its first two years.

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