Sakura Cello Quintet: Stella Cho, Michael Kaufman, Benjamin Lash, Yoshika Masuda, Peter Myers. 

Chamber Music Marin (formerly the Mill Valley Chamber Music Society) continues its 2022-23 season filled with momentum and fueled by a fantastic lineup up performances for its 50th anniversary celebration. Artistic Director and classical music enthusiast Bill Horne has put together an impressive season of diverse ensembles to mark the momentous occasion.

The latest to take the stage at the Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church at 5pm is the Sakura Cello Quintet, featuring Stella Cho Michael Kaufman, Benjamin Lash, Yoshika Masuda and Petter Myers under the auspices of the Bay Area Music Consortium.

Now in its fourth season, BAMC is a partnership between three distinct organizations dedicated to presenting the finest in chamber music experiences: Berkeley Chamber Performances, Gold Coast Chamber Players (Lafayette), and Chamber Music Marin. BAMC members all bring their own unique presence to provide invigorating concert experiences to a wider audience. With the synergy of combined resources, collective planning and a shared artistic vision, the Bay Area Music Consortium is uniquely positioned to present outstanding performing ensembles, enriching the Bay Area’s cultural life.

The Sakura Cello Quintet’s name honors the great Ralph Kirshbaum, with whom all five members studied: sakura (桜) (Japanese) and Kirschbaum (German) have the same meaning: “cherry tree”, an organism whose flowers have five petals. Playing by memory, this group has a very expressive sonority and an eclectic mix of repertoire from classical to modern, from Dowland and Boccherini to Brahms to Bernstein and Star Wars.

Program: Britten; Dvorak; Faurė; Schubert; de Falla; Myers; Debussy

“Chamber music is about one musician playing one part so you really hear every instrument,” says Horne, who was recently the subject of a piece in the Marin Independent Journal. “It’s much different than with an orchestra where there are multiple musicians to a part. Performers have an immediate personal connection with the audience and it’s a thrilling experience for both. Our mission has always been about providing quality classical music to the public at an affordable price, and the way we accomplish this is with the help of our incredible volunteers and supporters who all share a common interest in our mission.” 

 The 2022-23 series consists of six shows spanning eight months – Sundays through May 15th, all at 5pm – and features local and internationally known classical musicians. Each group performs without a conductor, which Horne says makes MVCMS different from other chamber music organizations.

Ticket prices are $40 GA, $105 for 3 concert subscription (any 3 concerts), or $145 for the entire season subscription ( 5 concerts at $29 each). Youths 18 and under are always free. Subscribers receive a free ticket to any concert and another to the Young Artists’ Concert of the Marin Music Chest. To purchase tickets, visit www.chambermusicmarin.org

Here’s the rest of the 2022-23 lineup:

TELEGRAPH QUARTET AND SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC GRADUATE STUDENTS – April 2 | 5PM

For the finale of our Golden Anniversary Season, the Telegraph Quartet will play two string quartets and will then be joined by advanced students from the SF Conservatory of Music in Mendelssohn’s glorious String Octet in Eb. The group features violinists Eric Chin and Joseph Maile, Pei-Ling Lin, viola and Jeremiah Shaw on violoncello.

MARIN MUSIC CHEST YOUNG ARTISTS’ CONCERT – MAY 21 | 5PM

Subscribers receive a free ticket to the Young Artists’ Concert of the Marin Music Chest with their subscription. Chamber Music Marin 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.

All performances are set for Sundays, November 14th through May 15th at 5pm at Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore Ave. Tickets are $40 general admission, $105 for three-concert subscription (any 3 concerts), or $145 for the entire season subscription (five concerts). Youths 18 and under are free. Subscribers receive a free ticket to the Young Artists’ Concert of the Marin Music Chest.

GO HERE to buy tickets or email mvchambermusicsociety@gmail.com. NOTE: MVCMS policy requires ticketholders to wear masks during the entire concert and to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Patrons will be asked for proof of vaccination to enter the church.  Unvaccinated adults and unvaccinated children 12 and under will not be admitted at this time. Visit the Covid updates page on the MVCMS website for full details.

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Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church.