In 2026, the Carmel Music Society presents an array of unforgettable musical events featuring some of the world's most renowned artists. From the enchanting voice of coloratura soprano Marielle Murphy to the historic final performances of the Assad Brothers, music enthusiasts will be treated to a series of enthralling performances. Join us as we embark on a musical journey that promises to captivate, inspire, and leave lasting memories for audiences at venues like the Sunset Center and SandBox in California.

Captivating Performances: A Year of Musical Mastery at Carmel Music Society

Sérgio Assad

Odair Assad

Carmel Music Society

Carmel Music and SandBox invite you to witness a historic moment as we welcome the legendary Assad Brothers in one of their final performances together — closing out a remarkable 60-year chapter as the most storied classical guitar duo of our time. With unparalleled artistry and an unmistakable musical bond, Sérgio and Odair Assad take the stage to mark the culmination of a career that has shaped the world of guitar music for generations.

Brazilian-born brothers Sérgio and Odair Assad have created a new standard of guitar innovation, ingenuity and expression. Their exceptional artistry and uncanny ensemble-playing come from a family rich in Brazilian musical tradition and studies under guitarist/lutenist Monina Távora, a disciple of Andrés Segovia. Their virtuosity has inspired a wide range of composers to write for them including Astor Piazzolla, Terry Riley, Radamés Gnattali, Marlos Nobre, Nikita Koshkin, Roland Dyens, Jorge Morel, Edino Krieger, and Francisco Mignone. Sérgio Assad has added to their repertoire by composing music for the duo and for various musical partners both with symphony orchestra and in recitals. They have worked extensively with such renowned artists as Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Gidon Kremer and Dawn Upshaw. Odair is based in Brussels where he teaches at Ecole Supérieure des Arts, while Sérgio resides in Chicago.

Asad Duo @ SandBox 2

SandBox

Russian pianist Ilya Yakushev, with prestigious awards and honors to his credit, continues to mesmerize audiences in major venues on three continents with his fiery technique and magnetic stage presence. He can be hard to pin down to one style or sound, and the press and audiences praise his artistry and versatility. American Record Guide wrote "Yakushev is one of the very best young pianists before the public today, and it doesn't seem to matter what repertoire he plays – it is all of the highest caliber". He has appeared with leading orchestras across the U.S. and internationally, bringing his captivating energy and virtuosic brilliance to every performance.

Ilya Yakushev

Sunset Center

Eight celebrated musicians ignite the stage where tango-fueled fire meets soaring Romantic imagination. Two masterpieces. Eight voices. One unforgettable night.

This evenings' program brings together two electrifying masterworks that redefine the power of chamber music. Osvaldo Golijov’s Last Round pulses with tango-inspired intensity, weaving raw emotion, rhythmic drive, and moments of haunting stillness into a gripping contemporary lament. Felix Mendelssohn’s Octet in E flat Major, composed when the composer was just sixteen, follows as a dazzling celebration of youthful genius—brimming with lyrical beauty, precision, and exuberant energy. Together, these works offer a striking contrast of passion and brilliance, uniting tradition and innovation in an unforgettable evening of chamber music.

Asad Duo @ SandBox 2

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