The National Chamber Ensemble is thrilled to announce the return to live performances for the 2021-2022 season. The season opens on Saturday November 6 at 7:30 PM with Enchanting Elgar, The English Romantic. NCE is programming the music of Great Britain for the first time, and will pay tribute to the most famous English composer with a premiere of one of his most famous compositions in a chamber ensemble setting.
Sir Edward Elgar was one the leading European composers of his generation. Elgar’s music still has a resonance which chimes precisely with the difficult times and challenges we now face. It is inspirational, and speaks of courage, determination, fair play, and high moral purpose, things we need today. The uplifting program will bring comfort and joy, including favorite works by Edward Elgar and a charming work by Arthur Sullivan. NCE is excited to offer both in-person performances and a high-quality video recording, so that those unable to attend can share from the comfort of home.
The concert will feature the premiere of a string sextet arrangement of Elgar’s famous Enigma Variations, the gorgeous String Serenade, and more. Gilbert and Sullivan’s lively Overture to The Mikado opens the sparkling British program. The NCE artists performing on opening night are: (from left to right) Leo Sushansky (artistic director/violin), Steven Honigberg (cello) , Jennifer Ries (viola), Uri Wassertzug (viola), Vasily Popov (cello), Jorge Orozco (violin).
For bios: Musicians – National Chamber Ensemble
The rest of the season will bring thrills with familiar and lesser known masterpieces. NCE continues to distinguish itself by inviting acclaimed international figures to perform and host alongside us as they share in our humor, anecdotes, and experiences to enrich the intimate atmosphere of our performances. ‘Reuniting With The Masters, Live!’ promises to delight newcomers and connoisseurs alike. Performances include:
Holiday Cheer! – Sat December 18, 2021 7:30 PM
NCE’s Holiday Cheer concert will bring the finest classical and contemporary masterpieces and holiday favorites together for the whole family. The festivities include “Sleigh Ride”, “Chanukkah Festival” and “Rejoice” from Handel’s “Messiah.” Star soprano Sharon Christman and Piano Young Artist Competition winners will join the ensemble to perform. A Carols Sing-Along concludes the program to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Beguiling Brahms and Schumann (Valentine’s Concert) – Sat, February 12, 2022 7:30 PM
February’s Valentine’s Concert will present two great Brahms Sonatas for Violin and Piano – exciting, moving, superb and deeply passionate works reflecting Brahms’ wonderous lyricism and romantic flair. These works will be paired with Robert Schumann’s riveting Sonata in A Minor. Schumann, another great composer, was a personal friend of Brahms, and his music will provide the perfect addition. An exquisite program featuring romantic music for violin and piano with the artistry of pianist Carlos Cesar Rodriguez and violinist Leonid Sushansky.
Beloved Baroque Masters – Sat, March 19, 2022 7:30 PM
The Baroque period saw the creation of tonality. Enjoy the greatest music from the period that spotlighted elaborate musical ornamentation, changes in musical notation, and new exciting instrumental playing techniques. The concert features works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Tartini and more.
Marvelous Mozart and Mendelssohn – Sat May 22, 2022 7:30 PM
The Season concludes with Mozart and Mendelssohn – both child prodigies, pianists, musical conductors, and teachers and two of the most-celebrated musical figures of all time. Mendelssohn was the only musical prodigy of the 19th century whose stature could rival that of Mozart. Enjoy the thrilling favorite chamber works of M&M’s, the perfect Season Finale to a Reunion With The Masters.
In addition, The Annual Outstanding Young Artist Competition will take place in November and is open to pianists ages 12-18. To take advantage of this opportunity, first-round auditions consist of a video recording format. The competition finals will take place live before a distinguished panel of judges in Arlington, VA. Three Winner(s) will receive scholarships and earn the opportunity to perform with NCE on December 18, 2021. For further details, please visit the NCE website.
About National Chamber Ensemble: The Mission of the National Chamber Ensemble (NCE) is to entertain as well as provide opportunities to appreciate and enjoy the art of chamber music, bringing together performers, audiences and composers. The NCE produces high quality chamber music performances for the general public at a reasonable cost. Through our performances and commissions of original musical works we present a full range of chamber music repertoire from the classics to the contemporary. The most important goal of the NCE is to build a sense of closeness between performers and audience that enhances the feeling of community and a deeper musical experience.
