Next Concerts in ‘Musical Masterworks’ 25th Season Dec. 5 & 6

Musical Masterworks is celebrating a quarter century of magnificent chamber music at Old Lyme’s First Congregational Church, beginning with the first concerts of their season on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 25, at 3 p.m.

This concert will feature two of chamber music’s rising stars: violinist Bella Hristova and, in her Musical Masterworks debut, pianist Anna Polonsky. They will join with one of Musical Masterworks’ favorite horn players, Eric Ruske, and Musical Masterworks’ Artistic Director and cellist Edward Arron, for a program including trios by Schubert and Brahms, Schumann’s Three Fantasy Pieces for horn and piano, and a work by contemporary composer David Ludwig.

Musical Masterworks has prepared a very special 25th Anniversary Season of chamber music.  “This anniversary season, we will celebrate with masterworks of Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann,  Brahms, Dvorák, Ravel and Bartók, alongside vibrant and transporting works by some of the most dynamic composers of our time,” said Edward Arron, Artistic Director of Musical Masterworks.

In a bold break from their traditional programming of repeat concerts on Saturday and Sunday, on Feb. 13 and 14, 2016, Arron and pianist Jeewon Park will play the entire cycle of Beethoven’s works for piano and cello, providing a fascinating window into the arc of Beethoven’s career.

In celebration of this milestone anniversary, Lee Pritchard and Jamie Murphy, Musical Masterworks’ Honorary Director and Founder, respectively, have embarked on an exciting project to chronicle Musical Masterworks’ 25-year journey.  Assembling treasured photos and recounting the memories and milestones shared by its audience, musicians, volunteers and staff over the years, Pritchard and Murphy have compiled a commemorative book that will be available for purchase beginning with Musical Masterworks’ October concerts.

“This keepsake book relates fascinating facts and memorable moments that have brought us to where we are today,” said Alden Rockwell Murphy, President of Musical Masterworks.  “The photos capture the energy and excitement of our journey, as well as the array of magnificent musicians who have been with us over the years; we are thrilled to be able to share our story with the community that has nurtured us.”

“Our special season will culminate with Mendelssohn’s glorious Octet for Strings, led by Musical Masterworks’ veteran violinist, Chee-Yun,” said Arron.  “I feel extraordinarily privileged to be the curator of this unique concert series. As the years go by, I continue to be inspired by the beauty of the Congregational Church, the art of chamber music, the artistry of my colleagues and the warmth of our audience.”

The anniversary season will be celebrated with a free gala party after the final concert on May 1, 2016 to which all ticket buyers will be invited.

To purchase a series subscription ($150 each) or individual tickets ($35 individual; $5 student) to this 25th season, visit Musical Masterworks’ new website at www.musicalmasterworks.org or call 860.434.2252.