Join us in Baltimore for three exquisite concerts featuring the timeless music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. From the Escher Quartet’s enchanting performance at Shriver Hall on October 27, 2024, to the UMD Symphony Orchestra's vibrant rendition of Stravinsky’s Petrushka on December 8, 2024, and culminating with the masterful piano of Richard Goode on June 1, 2025, these events promise to captivate classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Experience Mozart and More in Baltimore: Unforgettable Concerts at Shriver Hall and UMD

Join us for an unforgettable evening of classical music with the Escher Quartet, featuring the prodigious violist Jordan Bak, at the Shriver Hall Concert Series. This special performance, part of The Howard Family Concert and supported by The Reiko T. and Yuan C. Lee Fund for Outstanding String Performers, is scheduled for Sunday, October 27, 2024, at 5:30 pm in the prestigious Shriver Hall.

The evening promises to be a showcase of exceptional talent and musical insight, starting with a Pre-Concert Talk at 4:30 pm, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the pieces to be performed. The concert itself will span approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including an intermission, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive musical experience.

The program opens with Mozart’s bright Prussian Quartet, lauded by Haydn, setting the stage for a night of eloquent and full-blooded playing by the Escher String Quartet. This Avery Fisher Career Grant-winning ensemble is celebrated for its profound musical insight and rare tonal beauty. Adding to the evening’s allure, Jordan Bak, noted for his lyrical grace and powerful musicianship, will join the quartet to explore the warmth and expressivity of cherished quintets by Dvořák and Brahms.

The Escher Quartet, comprising Adam Barnett-Hart and Brendan Speltz on violins, Pierre LaPointe on viola, and Brook Speltz on cello, has received acclaim worldwide for its insightful performances and tonal beauty. Their 2023-2024 season is marked by ambitious projects, including performances of the complete cycle of quartets by Bela Bartok.

Jordan Bak, an award-winning Jamaican-American violist, brings his radiant stage presence and dynamic interpretations to the stage, promising an evening of captivating performances. His recent achievements and contributions to the classical music landscape make this event a must-see for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

This concert not only celebrates the legacy of Dr. J. Woodford Howard, Jr. and his family's dedication to chamber music but also highlights the contributions of Barbara and the late David Kornblatt to the arts and SHCS. Their passion for contemporary art and music has enabled SHCS to commission and premiere new works, enriching the cultural tapestry of our community.

Don't miss this exceptional evening of classical music at Shriver Hall. Purchase your tickets now and be part of a tradition of excellence in music and community engagement. For more information, visit our website or contact us at infoshriverconcerts.org.

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Escher Quartet

Johns Hopkins University

Isata Kanneh-Mason opens the season with a powerful solo debut following two sold-out chamber music performances at Shriver Hall Concert Series. “A profound and greatly gifted artist who radiates warmth, joy, and much-needed musical sunshine” (Gramophone), the chart-topping British pianist performs an inventive program featuring a bravura Haydn work and Chopin’s masterful final sonata, a thrilling journey of virtuosity and emotional depth.

Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano

Artistic powerhouses cellist Johannes Moser, "radiant playing" (The Baltimore Sun), and pianist Marc-André Hamelin, praised for his "Near superhuman technical prowess" (New York Times), join forces for a memorable and illuminating duo recital. They perform works by Hamelin himself and Nadia Boulanger, a paragon of 20th century classical music, plus sonatas by Debussy and Franck, two of the great masterworks of the cello-piano repertoire.  

Johannes Moser, cello Marc-André Hamelin, piano

Critics have written of Quatuor Ébène performances that it's hard to imagine "playing at once more diverse and more brilliant than this… the possibilities of a string quartet were shown to be boundless" (Bachtrack). "The superb and intensely focused" (New York Times) French ensemble makes its Baltimore Debut with Mozart and Schnittke, and Grief's only complete quartet, one of this most expressive and richly textured works.  

Quatuor Ébène, (Baltimore Debut)

Following its momentous win at the 2022 Banff International String Quartet Competition, the Isidore String Quartet impresses with its “focus and command beyond its years…[and its] sweeping coherence and blazing virtuosity” (Violinist.com). The Quartet performs beloved works by Mozart and Mendelssohn, and a 2012 quartet by Billy Childs, one of music’s most versatile composers at home in both the jazz and Classical genres.

Isidore Quartet (Baltimore Debut)

“It’s difficult to avoid superlatives when writing about Mitsuko Uchida and Mark Padmore. Especially when it comes to Schubert” (New York Times). Leading experts in this music with a renowned partnership, these two superstars perform Schubert’s stirring song cycle Winterreise, a wintery journey of existential discovery. “Their rapport here seemed profound, a rare meeting of two great musical minds” (The Guardian).

Mark Padmore, tenor (Baltimore Debut) Mitsuko Uchida, piano (Baltimore Debut)

Ohlsson is a pianist of magisterial interpretive and technical prowess. Renowned as a leading exponent of the music of Frédéric Chopin, he commands an enormous repertoire and is known for "incredible technique with razor-sharp accuracy, producing a sound so lush it almost glistens" (Seattle Times). He performs an unforgettable program of Beethoven, Chopin, and Mamlok, plus Schubert's "Wanderer" fantasy, and energetic tour-de-force that soars with symphonic power.  

Garrick Ohlsson, piano

Elegant flutist Brandon Patrick George, a “knockout musician with a gorgeous sound” (Philadelphia Inquirer) is joined by harpist Parker Ramsay, hailed as “remarkably special” (Gramophone) with an artistry that is “marked by a keen musical intelligence” (Wall Street Journal) for an unforgettable duo recital. Together they perform a lyrical program spanning centuries and continents.

Brandon Patrick George, flute (Baltimore Debut) Parker Ramsay, harp (Baltimore Debut)

University of Maryland

"A musician who delights in making her own rules" (The New Yorker), soprano Julia Bullock presents a brilliantly wide-ranging program.  She brings an arresting, often transformative emotional depth to songs both familiar and obscure with a voice that "rises with strength and focus like a cloud condensing into a thunderbolt, [breathing] both humanity and epic grace into the music" (New York Times).

Julia Bullock, soprano (Baltimore Recital Debut) Bretton Brown, piano

The Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective is a “sparky, shape-shifting ensemble of starry young musicians” (Arts Desk). The Associate Ensemble of London’s renowned Wigmore Hall, its most recent recording was praised on The Times (London)’s and Gramophone’s ‘Best of 2022’ lists. The group’s U.S. debut features major quintets from two historical American composers, Amy Beach and Florence Price, both glorious works of lyricism and virtuosity.

Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective (U.S. Debut)

The Grammy winning Takács Quartet, "simply the best I have heard in concert" (The Guardian), returns to Shriver Hall with a program inspired by the natural world. A premiere by Nokuthula Ngwenyama, an American composer of Zimbabwean-Japanese heritage, is bookended by Haydn and Beethoven's Op. 59, No. 2 Quartet, conceived as the composer gazed at the stars contemplating the harmony of the spheres.  

Takács Quartet

Enjoy an afternoon getting to know the artistry of one of Peabody Conservatory’s top talents. Pianist Yilun Zu, winner of the 2023 Yale Gordon Competition, has already performed at Beijing’s Forbidden City Concert Hall and New York’s Carnegie Hall, at numerous international music festivals, and on NPR’s prestigious From the Top program. She will dazzle with her artistry and virtuosity.

Yilun Xu, piano

Hailed as "the preeminent Bach pianist of our time" (The Guardian), Angela Hewitt is renowned for her landmark recordings of his work and for the "contrasts, clarity, and warmth she brings to [his] intellectual marvels" (The Times, London). The British-Canadian pianist returns to Shriver Hall with Bach's Goldberg Variations, the composer's crowning achievement for the keyboard, a masterpiece of deep ambition and dazzling creativity. 

Angela Hewitt, piano

Join us for an unforgettable musical journey with the acclaimed classical guitarist Raphaël Feuillâtre at the Baltimore Museum of Art on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 3:00 pm. This concert, part of the Shriver Hall Concert Series, marks Feuillâtre's Baltimore debut and promises to be a celebration of Baroque music alongside vibrant works by South American composers.

Raphaël Feuillâtre, originally from Djibouti and now based in Paris, has captivated audiences worldwide with his exceptional talent and passion for classical guitar. As a competition winner and a Deutsche Grammophon recording artist, Feuillâtre brings to the stage a repertoire that spans from J.S. Bach and his French contemporaries to exuberant pieces by composers from across South America. His performance is not just a concert but an immersive experience that brings the past to life with every note.

The concert will last approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, including an intermission, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and complexity of Feuillâtre's music. The program includes transcriptions and arrangements of works by Bach, Rameau, and others, showcasing Feuillâtre's profound affinity for Baroque music, as well as his versatility in performing compositions from various periods with clarity, grace, and emotional depth.

Feuillâtre's journey to international acclaim began with his victory at the prestigious Guitar Foundation of America GFA International Concert Artist Competition in 2018, followed by numerous awards and recognitions across Europe and beyond. His partnership with Deutsche Grammophon and his upcoming debut album further highlight his status as one of the most exciting classical guitarists of his generation.

The concert will take place at the Baltimore Museum of Art, offering a perfect backdrop for Feuillâtre's artistry. A suggested donation of $10 for general seating is encouraged, supporting the continuation of high-quality musical performances in the community.

Don't miss the opportunity to witness Raphaël Feuillâtre's mastery of the classical guitar, an event that promises to be a highlight of the Shriver Hall Concert Series season. For tickets and more information, please visit the Shriver Hall Concert Series website or contact the box office at 410-516-7164.

Raphaël Feuillâtre, guitar

Experience the enchanting debut of ACRONYM in Baltimore, presented by the Shriver Hall Concert Series. This remarkable event, part of the Paul & Barbara Krieger Early Music Concert, is set to take place on Sunday, December 08, 2024, at 5:30 pm, promising an unforgettable evening of early music mastery.

ACRONYM, an acclaimed young early-music string ensemble, will grace the stage of Shriver Hall, bringing to life the vibrant and complex sounds of the stylus phantasticus genre. This genre, flourishing a century before the likes of Mozart and Beethoven, combines the dramatic flair of Italian music with the intricate formal complexity of Northern European traditions. The ensemble's 11 members, playing on a variety of instruments including strings, violas da gamba, theorbo, and keyboards, are set to deliver a performance that The New Yorker praises for its gutsy, fresh explorations of early music.

The concert will feature a rich program including works by Giovanni Valentini, Antonio Bertali, Georg Piscator, Adam Drese, Johann Heinrich Schmelzer, Marc'Antonio Ziani, Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber, and Alessandro Poglietti, showcasing the ensemble's dedication to reviving nearly-lost treasures of the seventeenth century. This performance not only highlights ACRONYM's consummate style and grace but also their unity of spirit, as noted by The New York Times.

Before the concert, attendees are invited to a Pre-Concert Talk at 4:30 pm, offering insights into the evening's program and the opportunity to deepen their appreciation of the music. The concert itself will last approximately 2 hours, including an intermission, ensuring a comprehensive immersion into the world of early music.

This event is made possible through the generous support of Paul and Barbara Krieger, passionate advocates and players of early music, whose dedication to the arts has enriched the cultural landscape. Their endowment of this concert series underscores their commitment to fostering musical excellence and education.

Join us at Shriver Hall for an evening that promises to be a feast of musical delights, as ACRONYM makes its Baltimore debut. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the thrilling, red-blooded immediacy of early music, performed with a spirit of spontaneous adventure. Purchase your tickets now and be part of a memorable journey through the rich tapestry of early music history.

ACRONYM, Baroque ensemble (Baltimore Debut)

Join us for an unforgettable evening as Spanish cellist Pablo Ferrández makes his Baltimore recital debut at Shriver Hall, accompanied by the talented pianist Julio Elizalde. This special performance, part of the esteemed Shriver Hall Concert Series, is scheduled for Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 5:30 pm. The concert, known as The Piatigorsky Memorial Concert, promises an exquisite program featuring expressive pieces inspired by the voice alongside cello sonatas by Beethoven and Brahms, showcasing a blend of boldness and emotional depth.

Pablo Ferrández, celebrated worldwide for his superb technique and exhilarating musicality, has been hailed as a new cello genius by Le Figaro. His performances are marked by a captivating presence and a profound musical intelligence. Joining him on stage, Julio Elizalde, praised for his compelling artistry and power by The Seattle Times, will bring his virtuosic piano skills to the collaboration, making it an evening of unforgettable musical partnership.

The concert will include a Pre-Concert Talk at 4:30 pm, offering insights into the evening's program, and is expected to last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, including an intermission. This event not only marks a significant debut but also celebrates the legacy of Gregor Piatigorsky, dedicated to nurturing talented young musicians and promoting exceptional cellists with promising solo careers.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness two of the most in-demand instrumentalists of their generation perform in a concert that promises to be a highlight of the musical season. Tickets are available for purchase, ensuring your seat at what promises to be a deeply moving and memorable musical experience at Shriver Hall.

Pablo Ferrández, cello (Baltimore Recital Debut) Julio Elizalde, piano

Join us for an unforgettable evening of chamber music as the Grammy-nominated Dover Quartet returns to Shriver Hall, accompanied by the formidable pianist Michelle Cann. This special concert, part of the Shriver Hall Concert Series, is set to take place on Sunday, February 02, 2025, at 5:30 pm. The event celebrates the legacy of Florence Clarke Gann and the David & Barbara Kornblatt Commissioning Fund, showcasing the pinnacle of chamber music repertoire with Dvořák’s colorful, folk-inflected quintet and expansive sounds from American composers.

The Dover Quartet, hailed as one of the greatest string quartets of the last 100 years by BBC Music Magazine, will be joined by Michelle Cann, a pianist of sterling artistry recognized for her exquisite performances and leading interpretations of Florence Price's music. Together, they promise an evening of expert musicianship, deep musical feeling, and a palpable commitment to communication.

Before the performance, attendees are invited to a Pre-Concert Talk at 4:30 pm in Shriver Hall, offering insights into the evening's program. The concert will last approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, ensuring an evening filled with beautiful music and lasting memories.

This event is a testament to the passion and generosity of music lovers like Florence Clarke Gann and Barbara and David Kornblatt, whose contributions have enriched the cultural landscape and continue to inspire new generations of musicians and audiences alike.

Tickets are available for purchase, and all are welcome to experience this remarkable collaboration in the intimate setting of Shriver Hall. Don't miss this opportunity to witness the Dover Quartet and Michelle Cann bring to life a program that spans the breadth of chamber music, from its historical roots to contemporary compositions.

Dover Quartet Michelle Cann, piano

Join us for an extraordinary afternoon of music at the Baltimore Museum of Art on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 3:00 pm, featuring the remarkable talents of violinist Wei Zhu. Celebrated as the winner of the prestigious 2024 Yale Gordon Concerto Competition, Zhu brings his exceptional artistry and virtuosity to the Shriver Hall Concert Series for a performance not to be missed.

Wei Zhu's journey in music began at an early age, leading him from the school affiliated with the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing to the hallowed halls of The Juilliard School, Yale School of Music, and most recently, the Peabody Institute of John Hopkins University. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors such as Hyo Kang, Adele Anthony, Augustin Hadelich, and Vadim Gluzman, Zhu has honed his craft to perfection. His academic and professional career is adorned with collaborations with renowned musicians and performances in some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts, Seoul Arts Center, and New York’s Carnegie Hall.

This concert promises to be a showcase of Zhu's incredible talent, with a program that will highlight his versatility and depth as a musician. The performance is expected to last approximately 2 hours, including an intermission, offering audiences a comprehensive experience of Zhu's musical prowess.

The event will take place at the Baltimore Museum of Art, known for its stunning architecture and acoustics that perfectly complement the beauty of classical music. A suggested donation of $10 for general seating is encouraged, supporting the continuation of high-quality performances in the series.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Shriver Hall Concert Series office at 3400 N. Charles St, Shriver Hall, Ste 14, Baltimore, MD 21218-2698, call 410-516-7164, or email infoshriverconcerts.org. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, and on concert days from noon until the concert start time.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness the artistry of Wei Zhu, a violinist whose career is rapidly ascending to international acclaim.

Wei Zhu, violin (Winner of the 2024 Yale Gordon Concerto Competition)

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music at Shriver Hall as we present the acclaimed tenor Ian Bostridge, accompanied by the masterful pianist Julius Drake, in a performance that promises to be a highlight of the Shriver Hall Concert Series. This special event, part of The Helen Coplan Harrison Concert, will take place on Sunday, March 09, 2025, at 5:30 pm.

Ian Bostridge, renowned for his expressive performances and unique ability to convey emotion and meaning, will bring to life a program rich in literary and musical significance. Featuring a selection of music set to the profound texts of William Shakespeare and the transcendent Holy Sonnets by Britten, with texts by poet John Donne, this concert is a celebration of English lyricism and composition. Julius Drake, celebrated for his partnership with leading artists, will join Bostridge, bringing his exceptional pianism to this imaginative collection.

Before the performance, attendees are invited to a Pre-Concert Talk at 4:30 pm in Shriver Hall, offering insights into the evening's program and enhancing the concert experience. The concert itself will last approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, including an intermission, ensuring an evening filled with beautiful music and compelling interpretations.

This concert is endowed by the sons of Dr. Helen Harrison, a long-time Shriver Hall Concert Series Board member, in her honor. It reflects the series' commitment to presenting performances of the highest caliber in a venue known for its acoustics and intimate setting.

Ian Bostridge's international career has taken him to the world's leading concert halls, and his recordings have received numerous awards. Julius Drake, known as the "collaborative pianist nonpareil," brings his extensive experience and artistry to this collaboration. Together, they promise an evening of unforgettable musicality and emotional depth.

Tickets are available for purchase, and we encourage early booking to secure your place at this not-to-be-missed event. Join us at Shriver Hall for a performance that celebrates the power of music and poetry, performed by artists at the pinnacle of their craft.

Ian Bostridge, tenor Julius Drake, piano

Join us for an unforgettable evening of piano mastery with Leif Ove Andsnes at the Shriver Hall Concert Series. This highly anticipated performance, part of The Sidney & Charlton Friedberg Concert, is set to take place on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 5:30 pm in the prestigious Shriver Hall.

Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes, celebrated for his extraordinary talent and hailed as one of the most gifted musicians of his generation by the Wall Street Journal, returns to Baltimore after 25 years. The New York Times praises Andsnes for the extraordinary happenings when he sits in front of the keyboard, bringing his brilliance to a program that includes Chopin’s cycle of Preludes and Grieg’s contemplative piano sonata, showcasing his dazzling talent and passion.

The evening promises to be a journey through the emotive and technical landscapes of classical piano, with a performance length of approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including an intermission. Attendees are also invited to a Pre-Concert Talk at 4:30 pm in Shriver Hall, offering deeper insights into the program and the opportunity to engage with the music on a more intimate level.

Leif Ove Andsnes has entered an elite circle of pianistic stardom, with a career that spans performances in the world’s leading concert halls and collaborations with foremost orchestras. His return to Baltimore is not just a concert but a celebration of musical excellence, supported by the legacy of Charlton Friedberg, a lifelong music lover whose gift endows this annual concert in memory of her and her late husband, Sidney.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magisterial elegance, power, and insight of Leif Ove Andsnes in a performance that promises to be a highlight of the Shriver Hall Concert Series season. Tickets are available for purchase now. Join us for an evening that celebrates the transformative power of music.

Leif Ove Andsnes, piano

Join us for an unforgettable musical journey with the Ivalas Quartet at the Shriver Hall Concert Series on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 3:00 pm. This performance, set to take place at the University of Maryland Baltimore County's Linehan Hall, promises an afternoon of exquisite music and captivating artistry.

The Ivalas Quartet, currently the Graduate Resident String Quartet at Juilliard, is renowned for their charismatic performances and dedication to showcasing BIPOC composers. Their program for this concert is a celestial exploration of musical compositions, featuring Osvaldo Golijov's "Tenebrae," inspired by a planetarium visit; Eleanor Alberga's "String Quartet No. 1," a piece that delves into the mysteries of the cosmos; and Ludwig van Beethoven's "String Quartet in B-flat major, Op. 130," a profound expression of beauty and emotion.

The quartet, composed of Reuben Kebede and Tiani Butts on violin, Marcus Stevenson on viola, and Pedro Sanchez on cello, has been praised for their "tremendous heart and beauty" by The Strad. Since their formation at the University of Michigan in 2017, they have been changing the face of classical music, performing at prestigious venues and winning numerous competitions.

This concert will last approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, including an intermission, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the talent and passion of the Ivalas Quartet. A suggested donation of $10 for general seating is encouraged, supporting the continuation of high-quality musical presentations.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the Ivalas Quartet's transformative performance. For tickets and more information, visit the Shriver Hall Concert Series website or contact the box office at 3400 N. Charles St, Shriver Hall, Ste 14, Baltimore, MD 21218-2698, phone: 410-516-7164, email: infoshriverconcerts.org.

Ivalas Quartet

University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Join us for an unforgettable evening of classical music as the Shriver Hall Concert Series presents "Richard Goode, piano: The Zarelda Fambrough Memorial Concert" on Sunday, June 01, 2025, at 5:30 pm. This concert, held in the prestigious Shriver Hall, promises to be a highlight of the season, showcasing the extraordinary talents of Richard Goode, a pianist renowned for his emotional power, depth, and expressiveness.

The evening will begin with a Pre-Concert Talk at 4:30 pm, offering insights and enriching the concert experience. The performance itself will last approximately 2 hours, including an intermission, featuring a program that spans the vast emotional landscape of Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations, Mozart’s Sonata in F major, and the Fantasia in C minor. These pieces, known for their technical command and interpretive insight, will be brought to life under the deft fingers of Richard Goode, whose interpretations have been celebrated worldwide.

This concert is not only a musical feast but also a tribute to Zarelda Fambrough, remembered for her enthusiastic support of the arts and her work with adult literacy. Endowed by her husband, Dr. Douglas Fambrough, in her memory, this annual concert inspires others to support the Shriver Hall Concert Series through major donations and planned gifts.

Richard Goode, an exclusive Nonesuch recording artist, has been acknowledged worldwide as one of today’s leading interpreters of Classical and Romantic music. With a career spanning decades, his performances, recordings, and masterclasses have garnered a large and devoted following. This concert offers a rare opportunity to experience his artistry live, as he brings his interpretive insight and emotional commitment to the music of Mozart and Beethoven.

Tickets are available for purchase, and attendees are encouraged to join the Pre-Concert Talk for a deeper understanding of the evening's program. Don't miss this exceptional evening of music that promises not only to entertain but to inspire.

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Shriver Hall Concert Series website or contact the box office at 410-516-7164.

Shriver Hall Concert Series

Nov 16, 2024

Raphaël Feuillâtre, guitar

Dec 8, 2024

ACRONYM, Baroque ensemble (Baltimore Debut)

Jan 19, 2025

Pablo Ferrández, cello (Baltimore Recital Debut) Julio Elizalde, piano

Feb 2, 2025

Dover Quartet Michelle Cann, piano

Feb 8, 2025

Wei Zhu, violin (Winner of the 2024 Yale Gordon Concerto Competition)

Oct 27, 2024

Escher Quartet

Oct 6, 2024

Isata Kanneh-Mason, piano

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Shriver Hall Concert Series