Left to right: Sandy Wilson, cello; David Samuel, viola; Yuna Lee, violin; Sandy Wilson, cello. Photo credit: Martyn Selman
Chamber Music Marin continues its 2023-24 Chamber Music Concert Series this month, which will run through May 19, 2024 at Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church in Mill Valley, with the Alexander String Quartet, which formed in New York in 1981 and has performed in the major music capitals of five continents and has an extensive discography. They have been directors of the Morrison Chamber Music Center at San Francisco State University since 1989.
As the Alexander String Quartet celebrates its 43rd Season, it welcomes a new member: violinist Yuna Lee who succeeds Fred Lifsitz, who retired from the group in early 2023.
Yuna Lee has made San Francisco her home since 2010, performing and touring with the San Francisco Symphony as well as presenting chamber music concerts all over the Bay Area. Prior to her move to California, Ms. Lee played with the Saint Louis Symphony and served as Concertmaster at the New World Symphony in Miami Beach, FL where she also appeared as a soloist. In addition, she has performed as a member of The Knights Chamber Orchestra in New York City. Learn more about Yuna Lee.
The season will continue the celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary of presenting world-renowned classical musicians in intimate concerts at affordable prices.
Program:
Haydn: String Quartet Op. 33 No. 3 “The Bird”
Prokofiev: String Quartet No. 1 in B minor Op. 50
Shostakovich: String Quartet No. 2 in A Major, Op. 68
Since its inception in 1973, the all-volunteer nonprofit has presented hundreds of nationally and internationally recognized touring musicians to audiences totalling over 50,000 guests. Many of these musicians are rising stars, with notable musicians such as Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell and world renowned pianist Angela Hewitt having performed in past concert series.
The new season will continue the celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary of presenting world-renowned classical musicians in intimate concerts at affordable prices. A dedicated board of directors actively runs the Chamber Music Marin concert series, presenting five concerts each year.
Artistic Director Bill Horne, who celebrates his 26th year with the organization, has once again put together an impressive and diverse season of national and international touring musicians, including Bay Area native Jon Nakamatsu.
“We are incredibly excited to present this season of fine classical musicians,” Horne says. “Chamber music concerts are one of the more intimate ways you can experience music and we can’t wait for our audience to connect with each performance, and experience how the musicians work to weave their harmonies together.”
Ticket prices are $48 GA, $130 for a 3 concert subscription (any 3 concerts plus a free ticket to the Marin Music Chest Youth Finalist concert), or $190 for the entire season subscription (5 concerts, receive an additional any concert ticket to give to a friend, and free ticket to the Marin Music Chest Youth Finalist concert). Youths 18 and under are free. BUY TIX HERE.
The rest of the 2023 – 2024 Chamber Music Marin Concert Series Line-Up:
Black Oak Ensemble – Sunday, January 28, 2024 | 5:00 PM
The Black Oak Ensemble consists of violinist Desirée Ruhstadt, cellist David Cunliffe, and violist Aurélien Fort Pederzoli. Currently in residence at the New Music School in Chicago, they concertize throughout Europe and North America. The concert will include selections from their concert and recording project, “Silenced Voices,” string trios created by Jewish composers silenced by the Holocaust.
Manasse, Frautschi & Nakamatsu Trio – February 25, 2024 | 5 PM
Grammy Award-nominated violinist Jennifer Frautschi joins forces with the Manasse/Nakamatsu Duo (clarinet and piano) for a series of concerts featuring the three instruments in various combinations. We welcome back Bay Area native John Nakamatsu, winner of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.
Viano Quartet – May 5, 2024 | 5PM
This exciting young string quartet is in residence at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia when not touring. Their program will include a Haydn string quartet, Smetana’s “From My Life” Quartet, and Beethoven’s great “Rasumovsky Quartet” Opus 59 No. 2.
Marin Music Chest’s Young Artists Concert – May 19, 2024 | 5pm
Subscribers receive a free ticket to the Young Artists’ Concert of the Marin Music Chest with their subscription. The Mill Valley Chamber Music Society supports the goals of the Marin Music Chest and hopes that subscribers will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to hear talented young musicians. Each year the quality of the winners is very impressive making this concert an inspiring event for all who attend. We encourage you to bring your friends and family, the concert is free to all comers.