Abiquiu Chamber Music

Featuring Works of Libby Larsen and Brahms Trio, Op. 114 - 2 p.m.

Trio Lux unites three highly acclaimed interrnational artists in an exciting collaboration in recent works of one of America's most prolific, most-performed composers, Libby Larsen. In particular, Libby Larsen's Black Birds, Red Hills,is significantly unique for ACMF as it is an homage to artist Georgia O’Keeffe. Referred to by Ms. Larsen as "BBRH", the trio is an evocative musical portrait of six of O’Keeffe’s most well-known paintings: Pedernal Hills; Black Rock; Red Hills and Sky; A Black Bird with Snow-Covered Red Hills;and Looking. The second half of the program features one of the greatest of all piano trios, Brahms' mellow---but austerely beautiful--Op. 114 in A minor. Clarinetist Caroline Hartig has premiered and recorded works of Pulitzer Prize Winners William Bolcom and Donald Martino and was the artist in the original recording of Libby Larsen's BBRH (above). She has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia, and has appeared as soloist with orchestras in major concert venues, including Carnegie and Weill Recital Halls. Ms. Hartig is Artist/Teacher at Michigan State University. Cellist Bongshin Ko has appeared world wide as soloist and chamber artist. She was the first Korean artist to be permitted to tour throughout China. As a recipient of more than 30 international prizes and awards, she has been featured artist on numerous television and radio stations in Asia and Europe and New Zealand. Currently, she is serving on the faculty of California State at Fullerton. Israeli pianist Baruch Meir was solo artist at ACMF in 2010. He has performed extensively in Austria, China, England, France, Israel, Portugal, Serbia, and throughout the U.S. Currently an artist/teacher of piano at Arizona State University, he keeps a busy teaching schedule and is demand as an International Adjudicator and for his Master Classes as well as his international concert career. Dr. Meir is one of only 65 artists worldwide named Bösendorfer Concert Artist since the founding of the company in 1828.

Featuring Ginastera's First Sonata and the NM Premiere of Alfred Fisher's "Six Aphorisms" - 2 p.m.

Beginning her piano studies at age two, Canadian pianist Christine Yoshikawa has established herself as one of Canada’s most exciting young pianists of her generation. Her performances have garnered international acclaim and critics have praised her as a pianist of "pure power” (South Bend Tribune), "remarkable endurance, refinement, precision and authority", and "radiant lyricism, elegance and warmth" (The Observer). In recent seasons her wide ranging recital and concerto repertoire from Bach to Xenakis has been highly applauded, and her international career includes performances in major cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Madrid, Paris, Munich, Prague, Sofia, and Tokyo. After making her concerto debut with the London Westminster Philharmonic at the age of 9, Dr. Yoshikawa has since appeared as soloist with major orchestras including the Orchestre Philharmonie d'Avignon, Pazardjik National Symphony of Bulgaria, Sydney Chamber Orchestra, Kammerorchester Dusseldorf, Olympia Symphony, Elkhart Symphony, Tokyo Youth Symphony, and Nagoya Gakuen Philharmonic among others.  She was First Prize Winner of many national and international competitions including the Canadian Music Competitions, Young Concert Artist Guild, Kromeriz Czech Republic International Piano Competition, Ehrhart International Chamber Music Competition, and Second-Prize Winner of the Yakov Flier International Piano Competition among others. Solo highlights of recent seasons include concerts in Spain, Olomouc Philharmonic Hall, Grand Théâtre de Québec, the Steinway Festival, and performances of concerti by Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Chausson, Mendelssohn, and Rachmaninoff with orchestras in London, Chicago, Paris, and throughout Canada, Bulgaria, Indiana and Florida. The remainder of the artist’s program will include works of Haydn, Brahms, Barcarolles of Ned Rorem, and the incomparable Jeux d’eau a la Villa d’Este of Franz Liszt. The artist is on the roster of Recording Artists for Eroica Classical Recordings and performances are archived at the Canadian Music Centres across Canada and at Amsterdam’s Muziekgebouw and then broadcast on national radio across North America and abroad.

Featuring Opera Arias and Duets from Handel to Bizet, Introducing Excerpts from Daniel Steven Crafts' new-concept "Gonzo" Operas - 2 p.m.

Two of today’s brightest shining stars in the opera firmament are surely Mezzo-Soprano Deborah Domanski and Tenor Brian Cheney who have formed a touring Opera-Duo team, making their debut in this new capacity at the Abiquiu Chamber Music Festival.  “Magnificent!” is the word former Santa Fe Opera General Director Richard Gaddes used to describe Domanski’s performance in the role of Zenobia in the SFO’s 2008 production of Handel’s Radamisto. NY Times reviewer Anthony Tommasini added that “The lovely mezzo-soprano Deborah Domanski sings the courageous Zenobia with luscious sound and lyrical refinement.” In addition to other roles with the Santa Fe Opera, Ms. Domanski has sung roles with the Austin Lyric Opera; Opera Southwest; the American Symphony Orchestra at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center; Opera Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Philharmonic; Opera Santa Barbara; Tulsa Opera; and the Pittsburgh Opera.  She made her Los Angeles Philharmonic debut  under Maestro Esa-Pekka Salonen in Mozart’s Requiem.  Ms. Domanski became the Marilyn Horne Foundation Awardee and was presented in recital, and on national radio and in World Wide Web broadcast in October 2002.  Tenor Brian Cheney was a protégé of the late Met Opera tenor Jerry Hadley, giving his NYC solo debut in 2008. Subsequently, he has emerged as one of the most unique and thrilling American tenors of his generation. He has received acclaim for his interpretation of operatic roles such as Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, Nemorino in L'Elisir D'Amore, Rodolfo in La Boheme, the Duke in Rigoletto, Don Jose in Carmen, Tom Rakewell in The Rake's Progress, Alfredo in La Traviata, and Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly. The New York Sun declared that “Cheney exhibited such control, expressiveness and pure vocal beauty that he certainly had the full house at Weill Recital Hall in the palm of his hand all evening.” He was finalist in the Opera Competition in Zseged, Hungary; sang the roles of Cortez in the world premier of Daniel Steven Crafts’ opera La Llorona; the Duke in the Asheville Lyric Opera’s production of Rigoletto. Mr. Cheney’s nuance and stylistic ease of singing many different operatic styles-- Viennese and American operetta, Musical Theater, as well as American popular song and art song---make him one of today’s most versatile young artists. In addition to some of the best loved, most thrilling arias/duets of the standard opera repertoire, excerpts from NM Composer Daniel Steven Crafts' new-concept "Gonzo" operas (Too Much Coffee Man Opera, librettist, Shannon Wheeler, as well as And the Winner is..., librettist, Tom Woodward) will greatly enliven the second half of the concert. Ms. Domanski and Mr. Cheney are joined at the piano by ACMF Artistic Director/Co-Founder Madeline Williamson.

Featuring Premieres for Viola/Computer and Viola/Percussion with Sonatas by J.S. Bach and Rebecca Clarke - 2 p.m.

John Graham is considered a truly iconic performer of the Viola. His distinguished career has taken him throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan, China and Korea giving performances with the American, Ying, Guarneri, Mendelssohn, Juilliard, and Tokyo String Quartets, and the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio. He has performerd at prestigious music festivals in the U.S., France, and Finland, making his first appearance at ACMF in the 2011 season. Mr. Graham was principal violist of the American Symphony with Leopold Stokowski and played in chamber orchestras with Pablo Casals. He has recorded a four volume CD Series, Music for the Viola, and many CDs of viola quintets and string quartets. Mr. Graham taught for nineteen years at the Eastman School of Music and spent summers as an artist at the Aspen Music Festival. Many young, exciting composers are writing works for the artist, and new pieces by Andrew Nishikawa, Kevin Ernste, and Mikel Kuehen will be included on this program. Pianist Janet Guggenheim has given recitals throughout the world both as soloist and collaborative artist, performing with illustrious violinist Itzhak Perlman, including their duo tours throughout Europe and Asia, a recital at Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow, and at the Istanbul International Festival. Ms. Guggenheim is also recorded on the Naxos label and is pianist in the Florestan Piano Trio, Portland, Oregon. Percussionist Scott Ney has been part of the ACMF Roster of Artists since 2010. After relocating to Albuquerque from Seattle, he has become prominent in the region’s musical life performing with the NM Symphony Orchestra, Santa Fe Symphony,  Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, Opera Southwest, and is a member of the Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra in Nevada City, CA. Mr. Ney gives performances and clinics throughout the U.S. and Europe, and has been invited to music festivals in Poland, Germany, and the U.S. He is Artist/Teacher at the University of New Mexico.

Featuring Composer Ruth Lomon's "Soundings" for Piano Quartet, Arvo Part, Astor Piazzolla, Devienne, and Dohnyani - 2 p.m.

Founded in 2008, Hall Ensemble made its very first appearance outside their Ft. Worth, TX, region with their debut performance at Abiquiu Chamber Music Festival, 2009. A unique chamber music group whose core members include musicians of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra--bassoonist Kevin Hall, violinist Pei-Ju Wu, violist Daniel Sigale and cellist Karen Hall--Hall Ensemble is well known for its in-home concert subscription series,where chamber music is returned to its roots as “music among friends”. In addition to their own chamber music series, the group has performed as part of the Basically Beethoven Festival of the Fine Arts Chamber Players, the Blanco Performing Arts Chamber Music subscription series, The Spectrum Chamber Music Society, and to great acclaim in Santa Fe, 2011,as part of the Santa Fe Concert Association's roster of outstanding chamber artists. For ACMF's Fifth Anniversary Season, Hall Ensemble will also be the featured Youth Outreach Artists, presenting a FREE program for local area youth with their magical musical story for children, Leopoldo the Frog. The Youth Outreach Concert  (with attending artist Leopoldo Frog), will take place on Saturday, August 4th, 2 p.m. at Abiquiu's Rising Moon Gallery. Their educational outreach has received rave reviews. Likewise, their adult education concerts, The 60-Minute Music History: A Brief Romp through Classical Music, has delighted adults with its humorous take on chamber music throughout the ages. Hall Ensemble will be joined at the piano by ACMF Artistic Director and Co-Founder, Madeline Williamson, in a piano quartet (Soundings) by renowned contemporary composer Ruth Loman, as well as a lyrical piano trio Arvo Part, which is based on a Mozart Adagio. Bassoonist Kevin Hall's artistry is featured in both Francois Devienne's Quartet for Bassoon and Strings, Op. 73, No.3. and in Astor Piazzolla's  La merte del Angel. Hungarian composer Ernst Dohnyani's sprightly Serenade for String Trio,Op. 10, rounds out the programming. Hall Ensemble's acclaim has spread throughout the U.S. since their debut only four years ago, and Abiquiu Chamber Music Festival is not only proud to present them for their third appearance here, but to also have played a role in their formation and discovery for the world of chamber music lovers. 

Featuring Works by R. Carlos Nakai, Jared Tate, James DeMars, and ACMF's Commissioned Composer Michael Mauldin - 2 p.m.

Bridging two worlds, R. Carlos Nakai of Navajo-Ute heritage is the world’s premiere performer of the Native American Flute. His appearance here features the second ACMF World Premiere written for Mr. Nakai and ACMF Ensemble Players by award-winning NM Composer, Michael Mauldin. As an artist, R. Carlos Nakai is an iconoclastic traditionalist who views his cultural heritage not only as a source and inspiration, but also as a dynamic continuum of natural change, growth and adaptation subject to unique interpretation of the individual. Since 1983 Nakai has released 38 albums with Canyon Records plus additional albums and guest appearances with other labels. Nakai has developed a career as a classical soloist performing over twenty-five times with symphony orchestras. He joined opera veterans Isola Jones and Robert Breault as a lead soloist in a concert-opera, Guadalupe, Our Lady of the Roses by James DeMars which was recently released by Canyon Records. Nakai has sold over four million albums in the course of his career, and earned two gold records (500,000 units sold) for Canyon Trilogy and Earth Spirit. He has received eight Grammy® nominations and won eight Native American Music Awards. Unique to this concert, R. Carlos Nakai is joined by pre-eminent Italian Pianist, Emanuele Arciuli, who has been referred to as at the forefront of "a new generation of master pianists." Critic Anthony Tommasini declares that "his playing is as compelling as his program is adventurous." The sheer vastness of Mr. Arciuli's repertoire is truly daunting: nearly everything from Dowland to Radiohead, with everyone "in between". Here is a pianist who is equally at home with Schoenberg/Ives/Feldman and with Haydn/Schumann/Liszt. Mr. Arciuli has commissioned a new collection of pieces inspiried by Native American Culture and Art by a variety of composers, including Santa Fe Chamber Music's Marc Neikrug. Mr. Arciuli will present a work from that collection as well as joining Mr. Nakai in free improvisation. The remainder of the program will feature various instrumental combinations of works with the ACMF Ensemble Players of cello, piano, clarinet, percussion, with Native Flute. R. Carlos Nakai first appeared in the ACMF season in 2010.  

Featuring New Works for Viola, Electronics, and Percussion; Heinrich Biber, Bernstein, and DeFalla - 2 p.m.

John Graham has performed as soloist and in chamber music ensembles in the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, China and Korea, being considered one of the preiminent violists of the U.S. He has appeared as concerto soloist with the Radio Orchestra of Berlin, the Bamberg Symphony  in Germany, the Hilversun Radio Orchestra in Holland, the Orchestre Colonne in Paris, and the Central Philharmonic Orchestra -Beijing, China. Mr. Graham has also performed as guest artist with the American, Ying, Mendelssohn, Juilliard, Tokyo, and Guarneri String Quartets, and the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio.  He has participated in the Marlboro Music Festival, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, Musicorda Festival and the Heifetz Institute. He has also performed for the Kuhmo Festival in Finland and Les Semaines Musicales in France and was a long-time member of the Artist Faculty of the Aspen Music Festival and School. From 1962 until 1989 he was based in NYC where he was also active as a top free-lance musician in symphonic, chamber, opera, ballet and music theater orchestras, in many contemporary music concert series, and in recording for television and motion pictures. He was principal violist of the American Symphony under legendary Leopold Stokowski and in chamber orchestras with Pablo Casals. Mr. Graham has recorded a four volume CD Series, Music for the Viola, as well as the complete viola quintets of Mozart with the Juilliard Quartet, the string quartets of Debussy, Ravel and Berg with the Galimir Quartet, the complete Divertimenti of Mozart with the New York Philomusica  and many works of 20th-century American composers with Speculum Musicae. Mr. Graham also taught for nineteen years at the Eastman School of Music and is now Professor Emeritus of Viola. He has been a guest-professor at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, the Shanghai Conservatory, Kunitachi College in Tokyo, the Eastman Seminar in Hamamatsu Japan and the Kumho Winter Festival in Korea. He has also been on the faculties of the Mannes College of Music in New York City and the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Join ACMF's post-concert "Meet the Artist Tapas"with the artist immediately following at the Abiquiu Inn's Galeria Arriba. Special additional reservation is required 24 hours in advance for $12 per person at 505.685.4378 or at abiquiuinn@zianet.com. This will be ACMF's gala closing event of the 2011 season.

Featuring Ginastera's First String Quartet, Op. 20, with Schumann's Piano Quintet in Eb, Op. 44, and Mozart's Piano Quartet in Gm, KV 478 - 2 p.m.

UNFORTUNATELY, THIS CONCERT IS SOLD OUT.  PLEASE CALL US AT (505) 685.0076 TO BE WAIT-LISTED FOR POSSIBLE TICKETS. (6/20/11)

The young Latino artists of La Catrina Quartet have been hailed by Yo Yo Ma as "wonderful ambassadors for music," and are rapidly becoming one ofthe most sought after ensembles today. Their unique blend of Latin-American and standard repertoire has proved enormously energizing for its diverse audiences, catering to more traditional concertgoers while still attracting new generation listeners. Their infectious personalities infuse their playing, creating truly compelling performances. The quartet's triple mission is: to perform  masterworks of the string quartet repertoire, to promote Mexican and Latin American art music worldwide, and to work closely with current generation composers. Currently Faculty Quartet-in-Residence at New Mexico State University, La Catrina Quartet tours regularly throughout the US and Mexico, having received important awards and recognitions, including their participation in the highly competitive Association of Performing Arts Presenters’ Young Performers Career Advancement program in New York City. They were featured in a showcase performance of “the next generation’s classical music star performers” in NYC's Carnegie Hall and had a two year residency with the Western Piedmont Symphony in North Carolina. La Catrina Quartet was also in residence at the Chamber Music Festival of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where they collaborated with the Cyprus, the Brentano, and the Miami Quartets. Last season they were featured in concerts throughout the US, including a concert at NYC's Merkin Hall. Their frequent piano collaborator Jacquelyn Helin is a Steinway Artist who has performed in recital and with orchestras in the major music capitals of Europe and the United States, including London, Paris, Nice, Zurich, New York, Washington, Chicago, and San Francisco. Winner of the Artists International Competition, Jacquelyn Helin played her New York debut to a sold-out audience in Carnegie Recital Hall and made her European debut in London’s Wigmore Hall.  Recent appearances have included concertos with the New Mexico, Richmond, Greenwich, Santa Fe, Mesa, and Redwood Symphonies, and solo recitals in California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Maryland. Dr. Helin was a student of Victor Steinhardt, studied with Adolph Baller during her Master's degree at Stanford, and received her doctorate as a student of John Perry at the University of Texas at Austin. She recently joined the faculty of the New Mexico School for the Arts and maintains a large private studio in Santa Fe, with many of her students winning top prizes throughout the district and state.  She has recorded for New World and Musical Heritage and is recognized as the major interpreter of the piano music of American composer, Virgil Thompson. Join ACMF's post-concert "Meet the Artist Tapas"with the artists immediately following at the Abiquiu Inn's Galeria Arriba. Special additional reservation is required 24 hours in advance for $12 per person at 505.685.4378 or at abiquiuinn@zianet.com.

An American Songbook - 2 p.m.

UNFORTUNATELY, ALL TICKETS ARE SOLD OUT FOR THIS PERFORMANCE. TO BE WAIT-LISTED CALL (505) 685.0076.  WE DO USUALLY RECEIVE TICKETS BACK FOR EACH PERFORMANCE. (6.21.11)

Virginia Dupuy has earned a reputation as one of the finest recital and concert singers in the U.S. by having championed American Music in recordings such as the Grammy nominated Voces Americanas and premiering the role of “Crone” in Conrad Susa’s opera Wise Women.  Fanfare magazine hailed Dupuy's recording of Pulitzer Prize Winner Dominick Argento’s From the Diary of Virginia Woolf as one of the top classical recordings of the year.  Ms. Dupuy made her Lincoln Center debut with the American Symphony Orchestra at Avery Fisher Hall and has appeared with the Orchestras of Pittsburgh, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, Eugene, and Honolulu. Gasparo Records, Inc. released Dwell in Possibility, a CD featuring Ms. Dupuy with her frequent collaborator, Shields-Collins Bray, performing twenty-four Emily Dickinson poems and one letter set to music by her composers including Jake Heggie, Lee Hoiby, Dan Welcher, Richard Hundley, Simon Sargon, and William Jordan. Ms. Dupuy continued her performances of contemporary composers in 2007-2009 with concerts of Golijov, Danielpour, Heggie, Higdon and Bolcom with the composers present. Her frequent collaborator, Shields-Collins Bray, is principal keyboardist of the Ft. Worth Symphony Orchestra, appearing numerous times as soloist with the orchestra, most recently in works by Liszt, Janacek, and Britten. He has appeared also as soloist with symphony orchestras of Dallas, Jacksonville, and New Orleans, and with the Buffalo Philharmonic. A student of International Van Cliburn Gold Medalist Stephen DeGroote, Mr. Bray was recently pianist in Miguel Harth-Bedoya's The Passion of Tango with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl and also has recorded with premiere tenor, Juan Diego Florez. Performed among the natural setting of the Rio Chama, this will be a mesmerizing performance. Join ACMF's post-concert "Meet the Artist Tapas"with the artists immediately following at the Abiquiu Inn's Galeria Arriba. Special additional reservation is required 24 hours in advance for $12 per person at 505.685.4378 or at abiquiuinn@zianet.com.

Performing Bach, Schubert, Paganini, and his own compositions and arrangements - 2 p.m.

UNFORTUNATELY:  THIS CONCERT IS SOLD OUT. CALL US AT (505) 685.0076 TO BE WAIT-LISTED FOR ANY POSSIBLE TICKETS. (6.21.11)

The refined artistry of David Leisner is recognized throughout the U.S. and abroad for his prolific recording, distinguished compositions, concertizing, and master teaching. Mr. Leisner's recent performing seasons have taken him around the U.S., including his solo debut with the Atlanta Symphony, a major tour of Australia and New Zealand, and debuts and reappearances in Japan, the Philippines, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Ireland, the U.K., Italy, Czech Republic, Greece, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Considered one of the world's leading classical guitarists, his superb musicianship and provocative programming have been applauded by critics and audiences around the world. His artistry has been acclaimed by The New York Times and hailed as a "serious, exploratory and imaginative musician" by The Boston Globe. Mr. Leisner's career as a guitarist began auspiciously, winning top prizes in both the Toronto and Geneva International Guitar Competitions. Mr. Leisner brings an intriguing program for his second consecutive season with ACMF, including his own newest compositions and arrangements of four popular songs. Join ACMF's post-concert "Meet the Artist Tapas" with the artist immediately following at the Abiquiu Inn's Galeria Arriba. Special additional reservation is required 24 hours in advance for $12 per person at 505.685.4378 or at abiquiuinn@zianet.com .

Performing Debussy, Chopin, and Samuel Barber - 2 p.m.

Please Note:  Unfortunately, this concert is SOLD OUT. 6/07/11

Cellist Sally Guenther enjoys a flourishing career as soloist, chamber artist, and orchestral musician throughout the U.S. and abroad. After engagements with numerous U.S. orchestras, including the Cincinnati, Fort Worth, Syracuse (principal), and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Ms. Guenther became alternating solo cellist of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in Norway, a position she held for twenty years.  She was active throughout Norway as a pedagogue, teaching at the Grieg Academy of Music, and was a member of the chamber ensemble, BIT-20, an internationally recognized group which records and travels extensively in Europe and Asia. She continues to tour in Europe with the ensemble. Since returning to the U.S., Sally has made Taos, NM her performance base as well as her home.  Ms. Guenther has performed with the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, the New Mexico Symphony, Santa Fe Pro Musica, Santa Fe New Music, Serenata of Santa Fe, and the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, as well as twice during the 2010 ACMF season. She received Bachelors and Masters of Music degrees at Indiana University and The Juilliard School, as well as having attended the Taos School of Music, Music Academy of the West, and International Congress of Strings. Ms. Guenther was a student of the renowned cellists János Starker and Harvey Shapiro. Now one of New Mexico’s most sought-after cellists, she performs throughout the year with Taos Chamber Music, maintains a private cello studio, and continues her association with chamber music and musicians in Norway. American pianist Robert McDonald has performed throughout the United States, Europe, Latin America, and the Far East both as solo recitalist and as recital partner to Isaac Stern, Midori, and many others. He has appeared with the San Francisco, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Omaha, and Curtis symphony orchestras, with the Orquesta Sinfonica, Nacional in Costa Rica, and with the Orchestra Sinfonica Haydn de Bolzano e Trento in Italy. As a chamber musician, he has also performed with the Juilliard, American, Takacs, Muir, Brentano, Fine Arts, Vermeer, and Borromeo string quartets, as well as with Musicians from Marlboro. In addition, he has given concerts for the Lincoln Center Chamber Music Society, the Chicago Chamber Musicians, NHK and BBC television Worldwide. Dr. McDonald is a member of the piano faculties at both the Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music. For the past twenty-six summers, he has directed the keyboard program at the Taos School of Music and Chamber Music Festival in New Mexico. Other summer teaching and festival activities include the Bergen, Besancon, Lucerne, Montreux, Salzburg, Aldeburgh, and Schleswig-Holstein festivals in Europe, as well as the Marlboro, Brevard and Caramoor festivals in the United States, and the International School of Musical and Arts in Canada. Among his many awards, prizes and grants, McDonald has won the Gold Metal at the Busoni international competition in Italy, and the top prize at both the William Kapell and the Washington International competitions. Ms. Guenther and Mr. McDonald bring the perfect beauty of the iconic Debussy and Chopin duo sonatas, culminating in a 100th anniversary celebration of Samuel Barber with his Sonata for Violoncello and Piano, Op. 6, composed in 1932 and premiered a year later by the composer himself and cellist Orlando Cole. Join ACMF's post-concert "Meet the Artist Tapas"with the artists immediately following at the Abiquiu Inn's Galeria Arriba. Special additional reservation is required 24 hours in advance for $12 per person at 505.685.4378 or at abiquiuinn@zianet.com.

Featuring Music of Brazil - 2 p.m.

Brazilian Pianist Hamilton Tescarollo has performed as a soloist and collaborative artist in the United States, Canada, Europe, and throughout South America. Venues where he has performed include the Museo dos Condes de Castro Guimarães in Portugal, the Orford Festival in Canada, the Phoenix Art Museum, Boston University, and the Teatro São Pedro in Brazil. His programs include both the mainstream and the avant-garde repertory, and frequently feature the music of Brazil and other South American countries. His CD with Venezuelan clarinetist Jorge Montilla, entitled La Revoltosa, was released in 2009 by London-based label Clarinet Classics. Among Dr. Tescarollo's many distinctions are sponsorships by the Secretary of Culture of São Paulo and the Vitae Foundation, two First Prizes at the Escola Municipal de Música of São Paulo’s piano competition, and Second Prize at the National Mozart Competition in São Paulo.  Also a dedicated teacher, he is a professor and Director of Keyboard Studies at Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne. During the summer, he is also affiliated with the Saarburg International Music Festival in Germany. His main teachers include Gilberto Tinetti (a pupil of Magda Tagliaferro, Alfred Cortot, and Friedrich Wuehrer) and Caio Pagano.  Additionally, he has studied with Sandra Abrão and Paulo Bergamo, and has coached with Menahem Pressler, Paul Badura-Skoda, Lazar Berman, Barbara Hesse-Bukowska, Helena Sá e Costa, and Maria João Pires, among others. In addition to works of noted Brazilian composers, Dr. Tescarollo's opening festival concert will include performances of Bach-Busoni, Mozart, Chopin, and a tribute to Franz Liszt's 200th anniversary. The artist's concert is underwritten by PianoWerkes of Albuquerque. Join ACMF's post-concert "Meet the Artist Tapas" with the artist immediately following at the Abiquiu Inn's Galeria Arriba. Special additional reservation is required 24 hours in advance at $12 per person at 505.685.4378 or at abiquiuinn@zianet.com .

TWO Performances, SATURDAY and Sunday, August 21 and 22 at 2pm

Bridging two worlds, R. Carlos Nakai of Navajo-Ute heritage is the world’s premiere performer of the Native American flute. His appearance here features the World Premiere of ReWeaving(s) for Native Flute, Chant, Clarinet, Cello, Piano and Percussion by award-winning composer Ruth Lomon. Multi-Media Artist Mary Hamill has created a special installation Abiquiu Blanket based on Native American natural fibers for the performances. Sculptor Andrew Hamill has conceived of his Abiquiu Carpet as on "outstallation" which is site-specific. As an artist, R. Carlos Nakai is an iconoclastic traditionalist who views his cultural heritage not only as a source and inspiration, but also as a dynamic continuum of natural change, growth and adaptation subject to unique interpretation of the individual. Since 1983 Nakai has released 38 albums with Canyon Records plus additional albums and guest appearances with other labels. Nakai has developed a career as a classical soloist performing over twenty-five times with symphony orchestras. He joined opera veterans Isola Jones and Robert Breault as a lead soloist in a concert-opera, Guadalupe, Our Lady of the Roses by James DeMars which was recently released by Canyon Records. Nakai has sold over four million albums in the course of his career, and earned two gold records (500,000 units sold) for Canyon Trilogy and Earth Spirit.  He has received eight Grammy® nominations and won eight Native American Music Awards. Join the festival's closing "Meet the Artists" post-concert dinner with Mr. Nakai, Ms. Lomon, Ms. Hamill, and musicians on SUNDAY by special additional reservation of $18 in the intimacy of the Abiquiu Inn's Galeria Arriba at 505.685.4378 or at abiquiuinn@zianet.com .

Remembering Robert Schumann's 200th Birthday - 2 p.m.

Back by popular audience demand after their SOLD OUT Abiquiu Chamber Music Festival 2009 debut, the return of the Hall Ensemble with pianist Shields-Collins Bray will prove to be a program for the long-term musical memory. The centerpiece of their program features one of chamber music's most incomparable works: Schumann's Piano Quartet in Eb, a tribute to this great composer's 200th birthday. All five of the ensemble are members of the Ft. Worth Symphony and love the symphonic repertoire but cherish their opportunities to explore the more personal, intimate expression afforded through chamber music. The artists hail from throughout the U.S. prior to their professional relocations to Ft. Worth and have solo and recital accomplishments as well as their symphonic careers. Don't miss their exhilarating, vibrant interpretation of the Schumann masterpiece. The other half of the program perfectly balances the Schumann and includes Beethoven's String Trio in G, Op. 9, No 1; modernist Bernhard Heiden's Serenade for Bassoon, Violin, and Cello; the flair and passion of Pablo Sarasate's Habanera from his Danzas Espanolas for Violin and Piano; and an unforgettable work for Viola and Bassoon, Gernot Wolfgang's Uncle Bebop. Join the Festival's "Meet the Artists" post-concert dinner with the Hall Ensemble and Mr. Bray by special additional reservation of $18 in the intimacy of the Abiquiu Inn's Galeria Arriba at 505.685.4378 or abiquiuinn@zianet.com .

Masterpieces of the Russian Moderns - 2 p.m.

When one has the artistic opportunity to form both a "dream program" and mesh it with a "dream team" of musicians, the combination can be nothing short of musically combustible. Returning from two stunning performances in the ACMF 2009 season, pianist Natalya Shkoda has formed her "heart's desire" in the Trio Arriba with violinist David Felberg and cellist Sally Guenther, two other remarkable artists. Trio Arriba makes its formal concert debut here at the festival with a program of masterpieces from the Russian classical repertoire. In addition to solo piano works with Ms. Shkoda, the program includes Prokofiev's Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 in D Major, Op. 94b, the Rachmaninoff Trio Elegiac No. 1 in G Minor, and concludes with the electrifying Shostakovich Trio in E Minor, Op. 67. Natalya Shkoda is one of the most dynamic and exciting young piano artists today. Natalya has performed widely in Ukraine, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, France, and throughout the U.S. Natalya was both solo and chamber collaborator during the 2009 ACMF. Violinist David Felberg is Associate Concertmaster of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and has performed as concerto soloist with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, Albuquerque Philharmonic, Noisy Neighbors Chamber Orchestra, Tucson Symphony, Santa Fe Symphony, and Chautauqua Festival Orchestra. David made his New York City debut in Merkin Hall and was a member of the Helios String Quartet for four years. Sally Guenther, cellist, is a worldwide artist of extensive orchestral, chamber, and solo experience throughout Europe, Asia, and the U.S. After working in numerous U.S. orchestras--including the Met Opera Orchestra--Sally served as cellist with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra in Norway for twenty years and was also a member of the contemporary ensemble, BIT 20, an internationally recognized group which records and travels extensively in Europe and Asia. Sally was on tour for six weeks this spring throughout Europe with the ensemble. With these three dynamic collaborators performing the best of the Russian chamber repertoire, this is a "must hear" concert. Join the festival's "Meet the Artists" post-concert dinner with Trio Arriba in the intimacy of the Abiquiu Inn's Galeria Arriba by special additional reservation of $18 at 505.685.4378 or at abiquiuinn@zianet.com .

Chopin 200th Birthday Tribute - 2 p.m.

This concert is underwritten through the generosity of PianoWerkes of Albuquerque and Portland, OR, dealers in fine pianos of Bosendorfer, Schimmel, and Yamaha. Baruch Meir is an International Bösendorfer Concert Artist of major stature, among only 65 artists worldwide holding that distinction since the founding of the company in 1828. Performing frequently in his native Israel, in Austria, England, France, Portugal, Korea, China, and most recently, Italy and Serbia, Baruch Meir is a new generation artist following in the line of the great Romantic tradition teachers. Those teachers include Pnina Salzman (Israel’s first lady of the piano and the only child prodigy taught by Alfred Cortot), Michael Bugoslavsky, Irina Zaritskaya (A winner of the Chopin competition in Warsaw), Rachel Gordon, and Valter Aufheuser. His many distinctions include the American-Israeli Cultural Foundation Awards and the British Council Fellowship. In demand as both artist and master teacher, Dr. Meir also teaches at summer music festivals in Europe including Musicfest Perugia in Italy and the Vianden International Festival in Luxembourg. Baruch Meir brings his dazzling virtuosity, romanticism, and abundant lyricism in a memorable festival tribute to this true poet of the piano. He will perform the great late works of Chopin, including the Barcarolle, Berceuse, Fourth Ballade, and Nocturnes and Mazurkas. Join the gala festival opening "Meet the Artist" post-concert dinner with Dr. Meir by special additional reservation of $18 in the intimacy of the Abiquiu Inn's Galeria Arriba at 505.685.4378 or at abiquiuinn@zianet.com .  

2 p.m.

Catch the magic of this vibrant Trio of flute, cello, and piano as they return by special invitation as an "Audience Favorite" from the 2008 inaugural season. Following the 2009 release of a new CD, they will be bringing a totally fresh program of varied classical works as well as including new contemporary gems. The program includes trios by Haydn, Elisandra Fabregas, Weber, and Paradisa's commission of Gary Schocker's delightful "My Summer Vacation." In addition, Sidney Tretick's tribute to his cellist daughter of the ensemble and Debussy's intoxicating "Syrinx" for solo flute will round out the program. You'll find that Paradisa! is breathing new life into the standard piano trio repertoire for flute, cello and piano with their sassy, bold performances. What a way to end the festival's Second Season! JOIN THE CLOSING FESTIVAL "MEET THE ARTISTS" POST-CONCERT DINNER by ADDITIONAL RESERVATION/FEE the WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO THE CONCERT @ (505) 583.2545.

2 p.m.

CARMELO de los SANTOS is one of the most respected and sought after young Brazilian violinists on today's concert stage. He delights audiences internationally with his passionate and refined performances and has been praised by numerous critics for his "brilliance and overwhelming virtuosity." He performs regularly as guest soloist with major orchestras in Brazil and in the Americas. Cármelo made his NY debut in 2002 at Carnegie Hall with the ARCO Chamber Orchestra, as both soloist and conductor. He will soon release two CDs, one with sonatas by Villa-Lobos, Guarnieri, and Santoro and the second with shorter Brazilian pieces for violin. After joining the Artist Faculty at the University of New Mexico in 2004, Carmelo began performing with renowned pianist, MICHAEL ZENGE (the festival's marvelous solo pianist for the inaugural season) and since then, they have given numerous invited performances to great acclaim as a celebrated collaborative duo. Carmelo and Michael bring both a poetic and dazzling program to the Festival: Schubert's Rondo, D. 438, the formidable third Sonata, Op. 25 by Rumanian George Enescu; the elegaic Brahms Sonata in D minor, Op. 108; and the delightful Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28 of Saint-Saens. The combination of Carmelo and Michael for our second season should be nothing short of musically explosive! JOIN OUR "MEET THE ARTISTS" POST-CONCERT DINNER BY ADDITIONAL RESERVATION/FEE the WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO A CONCERT @ (505) 583.2545.

2 p.m.

A native of Kharkiv, Ukraine, NATALYA SHKODA is one of the most dynamic and exciting young piano artists today. Natalya began her piano study at the age of 6 in the famed Conservatory that also produced the legendary Sviatislov Richter. Natalya has performed widely in Ukraine, Russia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, France, and throughout the U.S. Natalya brings a truly virtuosic program to the festival, performing solo works of Rachmaninoff, Scarlatti, Villa-Lobos, Scriabin, and Viktor Kosenko. Currently Dr. Shkoda is engaged in recording the complete works of Ukranian Viktor Kosenko and is a member of the Artist Faculty at California State at Chico. JOIN OUR "MEET THE ARTIST" POST-CONCERT DINNER BY ADDITIONAL RESERVATION/FEE by Wednesday prior to the concert @ (505) 583.2545.

Piano Four-Hands - 2 p.m.

Pianists EDWIN LIGHT and MADELINE WILLIAMSON perform the unique and engaging repertoire of this refined genre. Their program will captivate listeners with works of exceptional beauty by Schubert (Fm Variations, D. 813) and Mozart's four hand masterpiece, the Sonata in FM, K. 497. Additionally, Edwin and Madeline will perform two tours de force of the late 20th c. by Joseph Fennimore ("Crystal Stairs") and the virtuosic and daunting "Concerto for Piano Four Hands" by Vincent Persichetti. As a seasoned out-of-state concert goer wrote of their inaugural season performance, "You and Edwin made stunning music together! I have heard the Schubert [Fantasy] on a number of recordings and yours stirred me at least as much as any other version I have ever heard...what an auspicious beginning for the Festival." JOIN OUR "MEET THE ARTISTS" POST-CONCERT DINNER BY ADDITIONAL RESERVATION @ (505) 583.2545.

Poets on the Edge - 2 p.m.

VALERIAN RUMINSKI has made debuts with the Metropolitan Opera, NYC Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Dallas Opera, Seattle Opera and numerous other renowned companies in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Valerian has also sung at Carnegie Hall with the Opera Orchestra of NY. A dedicated champion of new American song, Valerian has commissioned the work of PERSIS VEHAR to produce songs based on the poetry of Charles Bukowski, which they will premiere together at the festival. This exciting opening concert will also feature Lieder of the Romantic era with Valerian bringing his artistry to the Four Serious Songs, Op. 121 of Johannes Brahms as well as Gustav Mahler's revered Ruckert Songs. Collaborating will be pianist Madeline Williamson as well as Composer-Pianist Persis Vehar performing in the song cycles of her own works. A GALA FESTIVAL OPENING "MEET THE ARTISTS" DINNER FOLLOWS by ADDITIONAL RESERVATION @ (505) 583.2545.