Ridgecrest Chamber Music Society 2022-2023 musical programs

The Ridgecrest Chamber Music Society is happy to announce its offerings for the upcoming six concert 2022-2023 Season. This year, as last, all concerts are planned to be in-person experiences, but RCMS will continue to comply with all CDC guidelines. RCMS is always looking to present delightful musical programs, and this year is no exception. The 2022-2023 Season contains a mix of new to Ridgecrest artists, as well as several groups which are always received with enthusiasm.

On Sunday, Oct. 2 at 4 p.m. Ensemble Schumann will present a diverse program of selections by American composers Arthur Foote and Michael White, Ludwig van Beethoven and Charles Martin Loeffler representing the Classical, Romantic and 20th Century periods.

As many may remember, Aubree Oliverson and Vijay Venkatesh were enthusiastically received last year. On Sunday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. Aubree and Vijay are returning with Artis LA featuring Aubree Oliverson with Vijay Venkatesh and others. This season they will offer selections by Ludwig van Beethoven (Piano Trio in D major, Op. 70 No.1 “Ghost”), Franz Schubert (Fantasie in F Minor D.940) and Johannes Brahms (Hungarian Dances and Violin Concerto in D Major Op. 77) featuring violin, two pianos, and a cello. RCMS is happy to welcome Aubree and Vijay back and looking forward to meeting the rest of the Artis LA ensemble.

On Sunday, Dec. 11 at 4 p.m., Carbe and Durand return with an exciting program consisting of Latin music inspired originals and arrangements of rock, pop and blues together with some Christmas classics. RCMS is pleased to present this wonderful program full of variety, harmony and brio. A lovely offering to end the year and begin the holiday season.

On Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023 at 4 p.m. the ever popular Neave Piano Trio will start the 2023 year off with a varied program featuring Four Folk Songs by Gabriela Lena Frank, Five Melodies for Piano Trio, Op. 59 No.1 by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Piano Trio on Irish Folk Songs by Frank Martin and the Piano Trio in G minor, Op. 15 by Smetana. It has been said that Neave embodies so well the musical values of RCMS patrons.

In a departure from the usual venue utilized by RCMS, on Saturday, March 18, 2023, Seraph Brass Quintet, drawing from the ranks of America’s top female brass players, will perform at the Ridgecrest United Methodist Church. This venue was chosen to ensure participants get the full acoustical benefit of each selection. Seraph will delight the audience with selections from Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, Monti, Clara Schumann and more. The beauty of their playing as well as their choice of selections is a real treat.

Closing out the 2022-2023 Season on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. is the Felici Piano Trio. RCMS is so happy to welcome them back as they present Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Piano Trio in G-Major K. 564, Paul Schoenfield’s Café Music and Franz Schubert’s Piano Trio in E-Flat Major, D.929. Their beautiful and heartfelt playing speaks to Ridgecrest’s music lovers. They are to be a perfect ending to another wonderful concert season.

The Ridgecrest Chamber Music Society is fortunate to bring musicians and programs of this caliber to the Ridgecrest community and is particularly grateful to the artists who, as before, will present shortened education programs to the local student population at no cost to the students. In addition, in coordination with the High Desert Music Teachers Association, the Felici Trio will conduct a student performance adjudication on Saturday, April 22, 2023. All involved are pleased to provide this enriching experience to the youth of our community.

Particular note should be taken that, with the exception of Seraph Brass Quintet, all other concerts will be presented at the Ridgecrest Presbyterian Church, 633 Los Flores Ave. in Ridgecrest. The Ridgecrest United Methodist Church at 639 North Norma, Ridgecrest will be the location of the Seraph Brass Quintet concert.

As we look forward to the coming season with anticipation, the Ridgecrest Chamber Music Society wishes to extend it thanks to the many dedicated patrons who continue to support the mission of bringing beautiful and inspiring music to the Ridgecrest area. Visit us online for more information, http://www.rcchambermusic.org.