Renowned Musicians Take the Stage at the Kingston Chamber Music Festival

Every year, the Kingston Chamber Music Festival (KCMF) breathes new life into the genre of classical music with fresh, lively ensembles that surprise and enchant, and the 36th season is no exception. Internationally acclaimed artists assemble from July 24 through August 4 with six concerts performed in Edwards Hall at the University of Rhode Island, where KCMF presents a repertoire spanning the 1700s to the 2000s.

“We challenge musicians,” says artistic director Natalie Zhu. “Not only are many of them playing together for the first time, they are learning repertoire they have never played before. They thrive on the energy and excitement of the environment.” Rather than featuring established touring ensembles, some musicians are performing together for the first time, or those from larger orchestras stretch their legs in a more intimate setting.

“With music by composers from Greece, Israel, Italy, France, and Turkey, you can travel around the Mediterranean in one night without leaving Kingston!" says Zhu of the July 28 concert. You can also expect novel pairings, such as classical guitarist Adam Levin with mandolinist Jacob Reuven performing as Duo Mantar. And while compositions from the likes of Bach, Mozart, and Schubert will be showcased, the works of living composers, including Valerie Colman and Jessie Montgomery, will also be celebrated. Performed by flutist Jennifer Grim and pianist Kramer, “Valerie Coleman's Wish: Sonatine for Flute and Piano,” is an impactful piece remembering the Middle Passage.

A highlight of the festival is on August 2 when the GRAMMY-nominated Dover Quartet performs the world premiere of commissioned work from classical composer and Chickasaw Nation citizen Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate: “Woodland Songs.” The five-movement piece is a “very dramatic orchestration of the woodland animals that represent the Eastern Woodland People’s clan system,” notes Tate.

Audience members will also be invited to experience open rehearsals on July 27 and August 3, along with a Meet the Artist series, giving the community a chance to engage with the performers in a meaningful way. Says Zhu, “These musicians play on some of the biggest, most prestigious stages around the world, but they tell us: there’s no place like Kingston!” 

Find tickets and concert details at KingstonChamberMusic.org, with free admission for students and anyone under the age of 25. Individual concert tickets or discounted subscription packages are available.