Composer

EPSG:4326

String Unleashed

Shepherd of The Valley Lutheran Church

LSO welcomes the Lincoln Youth Symphony to the stage for a side-by-side performance of Kenji Bunch’s Supermaximum, a work inspired by the rich tradition of chain gang songs. Next, LSO is joined by rising star pianist Tony Siqi Yun to perform Dmitry Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The program closes with Johannes Brahms’ deeply emotional Symphony No. 3.

Powerful Perseverance

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Story Time

St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Aurora

University of Alabama

The 2025 concert season kicks off with a program of music for strings intersperses Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, one of the most iconic musical descriptions of nature from 18th century Italy, interspersed with recorded sounds of nature and music by Angélica Negrón and Kenji Bunch, two of the most creative composers working today.

Benjamin Beilman, violin; Isabelle Ai Durrenberger, violin; Melissa White, violin; Emma Wernig, viola; Bryan Cheng, cello; Lizzie Burns, bass; Pedja Mužijević, harpsichord

Tippet Rise Art Center

Inspired by autobiographical accounts of the incarceration of Japanese-American citizens in World War II, Lost Freedom: A Memory weaves together music and spoken word in a profound exploration of a chilling time in American history. Actor, author, and activist, George Takei (Star Trek), narrates his own story as one of the citizens forced from their homes and made to live in desolate camps thousands of miles away. Set to music by Oregon composer Kenji Bunch, this poignant program will also include music by Oregon’s Japanese-American composer/percussionist Andy Akiho.

“Lost Freedom: A Memory” with George Takei

traditions and powerful storytelling. The evening culminates in Stravinsky’s “The Firebird,” a fairytale ballet based on Russian folklore, featuring the remarkable young dancers of San Antonio Youth Ballet. Energetic dance compositions by Gustav Holst and American contemporary composer Kenji Bunch build to the excitement of the grand finale, along with a soloist performance by the talented 2024/25 YOSA Concerto Competition winner. YOSA Prelude Strings, the youngest YOSA musicians, will open this musical evening of dance and fantasy you won’t want to miss.

Firebird Dance

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts

Syracuse favorite Jon Nakamatsu returns to the stage to perform the colossal Piano Concerto No. 2 by Brahms, who described the 4-movement work as a “very small piano concerto.” The Syracuse Orchestra will be joined in the first half of the concert by the Youth Orchestra for Kenji Bunch’s Groovebox Fantasy, a tribute to producer/musician Quincy Jones. Mendelssohn’s “Scottish Symphony” was inspired by his first trip to Britain and rounds out the first half of the concert.

Jon Nakamatsu Plays Brahms

The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater

Portland loves collaboration, especially when our tastebuds are involved! This concert is an intimate partnership with local mixologists to provide a cross-sensory experience between taste and sound. Featuring the incredible flutist and vocalist Zach Galatis who showcases talents across genres and disciplines.

New Year’s Music Mixology Party!

Patricia Reser Center for the Arts

Watch the performance on this page at the scheduled date and time. This performance won’t be available to stream afterward on demand.

Ensemble Connect

The Juilliard School

For the 2024 season, we are preparing a surprise for our viewers. Our new Christmas ballet “The Snow Queen” is based on the world famous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. This fascinating kind romantic story set to the music of Edvard Grieg, Jules Massenet, Mozart and Vivaldi, will give unforgettable bright emotions of happiness for adults and children.

The Snow Queen

Ellen Eccles Theatre

Fiesta 41!

Angel Fire Community Center

Concert 4: “Chiaroscuro: Terror to Tranquility”

United Church of Angel Fire

Concert 1: “Virtuosic Rhapsodies”

Kit Carson Park

Opening Night of CMNW’s 54th Summer Festival will be a not-to-be missed event celebrating Beethoven’s influence on the last two centuries of chamber music! Our first concert of the summer features many of our favorite CMNW artists, including violist Paul Neubauer and renowned pianist Alessio Bax performing an exquisite Brahms Viola Sonata. We will “replay” the delightful Ralph’s Old Records by Portland’s own Kenji Bunch. A new arrangement for chamber ensemble of Beethoven’s stunning Second Symphony will conclude the evening. A truly epic start to the summer!

OPENING NIGHT: Beethoven, Brahms & Bunch!

Reed College

With repertoire spanning the canon to contemporary works, this beloved series is unparalleled in ambition and depth. Under the inspired curation of new Director of Chamber Music Paul Wiancko, globally renowned chamber musicians present 11 ingenious programs rich in revelry and fellowship. Paul’s inaugural season welcomes composer-in-residence Reena Esmail, along with an array of talented first-timers and Festival favorites ready to rock the Dock.

Bank of America Chamber Music

Dock Street Theatre

Join the Aurora Symphony Orchestra for an enchanting evening of music and storytelling at the "Dancing in the Shadows 2024 Arts for a Better Tomorrow" concert. This captivating event will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the Overland High School Auditorium, located at 12400 E Jewell Ave, Aurora, CO 80012.

"Dancing in the Shadows" brings to life a program filled with intrigue and inspiration, featuring compositions that celebrate spies, tricksters, and forgotten heroes. The evening's repertoire includes works by J. Strauss Jr., Amanda Aldridge, Kenji Bunch, Prokofiev, and arrangements of iconic 007 themes, promising a diverse and thrilling musical journey.

Highlights of the concert include the lively "Die Fledermaus The Bat Overture" by Johann Strauss Jr., Kenji Bunch's "Supermaximum" inspired by the resilience of those affected by slavery and Jim Crow laws, and Prokofiev's "Lieutenant Kijé Suite," a whimsical tale of an imaginary Russian lieutenant. The concert will conclude with a selection of the most memorable James Bond scores, ensuring an evening of excitement and nostalgia.

Under the baton of Artistic Director Jeremy Cuebas, attendees are also invited to a free 20-minute pre-concert lecture 30 minutes before the performance, offering deeper insights into the evening's music.

Tickets are available for purchase with general admission priced at $20 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+) and military (former and active), and free admission for students 18 and under. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of the Aurora Symphony Orchestra and the stories of characters that have shaped our world, hidden in the shadows of history.

Dancing in the Shadows

Overland High School

LSO’s season finale begins with Kenji Bunch’s driving Groovebox Fantasy, then LSO presents the Nebraska premiere of James Lee III’s Courageous Lights, a concerto based on three outstanding women activists who strive to achieve positive change in their respective spheres of influence. Lee’s piece features LSO’s own English Horn, American Prize finalist, Darci Gamerl. The season closes with Ravel’s arrangement of Mussorgsky’s expansive and dramatic Pictures at an Exhibition.

Pictures at an Exhibition

Student Recital: Erin Higgins

Carnegie Mellon University

Student Recital: Jason Wang

Music with winds and piano....and a little viola. Featuring flutist Les Roettges, oboist Eric Olson, clarinetist Giovanni Bertoni, bassoonist Anthony Anurca, French hornist Kevin Reid, and pianist Scott Watkins.

Winds and Piano

St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church

Join us for our an afternoon of strings in the second concert of our 2023-2024 Chamber Music Series. This program will feature two of Mozart’s great string quintets, No. 3 in C Major K. 515 and No. 4 in g minor K. 516, along with String Circle by Kenji Bunch and Jessie Montgomery’s Strum.

Strings in the Afternoon: Quintets of Mozart, Bunch, and Montgomery | Chamber Music Series

First Baptist Church of Tarrytown

Lauren Oeser (B.M. '25) presents a violin recital.

Student Recital: Lauren Oeser, Violin

Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Pre-College Faculty Recital

Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 7:30 PM, as we present "Between Boundaries: An Evening with Paul Huang." This exceptional performance features the Taiwanese-American violinist Paul Huang, celebrated for his profound musicality and distinctive performances. Accompanied by the talented Helen Huang on piano and the world-renowned Percussion Collective—comprising Ji Hye Jung, Jeff Stern, Matt Keown, and Michael Compitello—this event promises a unique blend of sonic colors and musical exploration.

The evening's program explores the theme of duality, showcasing the collaborative spirit of music through an intriguing mix of compositions. Highlighting the event are two world premieres co-commissioned by Washington Performing Arts and the Taiwan Philharmonic: Kenji Bunch's "Transcontinental" and Ke-Chia Chen's "Witness Tree." Additionally, the program features Lou Harrison’s "Varied Trio" for Violin, Piano, and Percussion, drawing inspiration from traditional Indonesian Gamelan music, and Maurice Ravel’s Sonata No. 2 for Violin and Piano in G Major, op. 77, adding to the evening's diverse musical landscape.

This performance is part of Washington Performing Arts's The World in Our City initiative, promoting cross-cultural understanding and cultural diplomacy through the presentation of international visiting artists and globally inspired local programming. It is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, among other generous donors.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the artistry of Paul Huang and The Percussion Collective in a program that bridges genres, cultures, and communities. For accessibility information and tickets, please visit the Kennedy Center's website or contact Washington Performing Arts directly.

An Evening with Paul Huang

Kennedy Center

Nature and movement inspire the program featuring this quartet named for Festival violinist Steven Laven’s piece, Angry Water, which conveys to the listener an eventful trip down the Snake River. Music by Kenji Bunch is inspired by baroque dances while movements from Caroline Shaw’s Plan and Elevation take us through both the order and chaos of a lush garden.

On the Road: Angry Water String Quartet at Jackson Library

Teton County Library

Opening our season is the iconic Johnny Cash favorite followed by a new favorite, "String Circle", by Kenji Bunch. The work explores the great history of American fiddle playing, flirting with ragtime, blues, and country music.

The 2nd half of the program is the epic Brahms Sextet #2 , scored for 2 violins, 2 violas, cello and bass.

This work will take you on an emotional roller coaster ride.

Pickin on the Front Porch

Journey Museum and Learning Center

CYSO’s Accelerando Strings and Philharmonic Orchestra present their Spring concert at Vernon Hills High School Auditorium!

Accelerando Strings and Philharmonic Orchestra Spring Concert 2023

Vernon Hills High School

Strings Division Recital

560 Music Center

Lynn Chang directs Boston Conservatory Hemenway Strings in a performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, featuring Svens Scriveris, Kristin Barrett, Celeste di Meo, and Isabella Yee; Vivaldi’s concerto for viola and cello featuring Jayna Leach and Jean Taglia; William Grant Still’s Ennanga featuring Charles Overton (harp); and works by Jessie Montgomery and Kenji Bunch.

Boston Conservatory Hemenway Strings

Chamber Music Department • TEA TIME CONCERT • Music by Kenji Bunch

Longy School of Music of Bard College

Inspired by the irresistible fun of I prefer living in color, Sarah Gibson’s 2019 Left Coast Composition Competition winning work for percussion and ensemble, this program celebrates composers particularly adept at exploiting instruments’ timbral possibilities—from Errolyn Waller’s stormy characters in Dervish and Gabriel Fauré’s dreamy landscapes in the Op. 120 Piano Trio, to the evocative sounds of myths conjured by Karol Szymanowski.

Composer

Kenji Bunch

Events

Upcoming events

May 9, 2026

Jimin Lee, Viola · The Juilliard School

May 14, 2026

Audrey Wang, Viola · The Juilliard School

Past events

Apr 26, 2026

String Unleashed · Missouri Valley Chamber Orchestra

Apr 10, 2026

Powerful Perseverance · Lincoln's Symphony Orchestra

About

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