The National Chamber Ensemble is thrilled to introduce its 16th season. The 2022/23 NCE Season of Cultural Expressions is an inspiring collection of outstanding artists, beloved masterworks, and thrilling discoveries. There’s something for everyone in this new season, from internationally renowned performers to inspirational programs. The Young Artist String Competition Winners will add an exciting surprise in December! We are excited to share the live music, the energy, humor, a welcoming atmosphere, and the fine musicianship of National Chamber Ensemble.
The NCE artists for this season are Aundi Marie Moore (soprano), Lowell Liebermann (pianist/composer), Julian Milkis (clarinet), Geoffrey Pilkington (french horn), Carlos Cesar Rodriguez (piano), Cantor Arianne Brown (soprano), Jorge Orozco (violin), Vasily Popov (cello), Uri Wassertzug (viola), Nancy Peery Marriott (soprano), Steven Honigberg (cello), Natasha Dukan (piano ), Jenifer Ries (viola), Leonid Sushansky (violin/artistic director). Noted public figures will also join NCE as guest hosts.
The NCE plans to do LIVE performances, but rest assured that we will continue to provide a superb-quality view-at-home option. A week after the concert, ticket holders will receive a link to the high-quality video they can enjoy anywhere.
As we continue with live performances, the National Chamber Ensemble has planned an exceptional 16th season with the following five performances:
Concert 1: Jewish Musical Treasures – Saturday, November 5, 2022, 7:30 PM
The NCE Season opening marks Kristallnacht, a tragic event in history, and celebrates the extraordinary music and resilience of Jewish Culture. On the program: “Trio on the Roof” for violin, clarinet, and piano, by acclaimed composer Alexander Goldstein, a remarkable composition based on the musical Fiddler On the Roof. Also works by Ernest Bloch, George Gershwin, John Williams, Jewish/Polish composer Roman Ryterband, and more. Internationally acclaimed clarinetist Julian Milkis, the only student of Benny Goodman, and Cantor Arianne Brown will captivate the audience as well as some special guests. A very moving performance not to be missed. Proudly presented with the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia.
Location: Gunston Arts Center Theatre 1
Concert 2: Holiday Cheer! – Saturday, December 10, 2022, 7:30 PM
NCE’s Holiday Concert will bring the finest classical masterpieces and holiday favorites together for the whole family. The festivities begin with Leroy Anderson‘s classic “Sleigh Ride” and “Chanukkah Festival.” Outstanding Young Artist Award string competition winners will join the ensemble to perform. Soprano Nancy Peery Marriott will delight with holiday selections and lead the Carols Sing Along to get everyone in the holiday spirit!
Location:Â Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington
Concert 3: Broadway, Spirituals, and More – Saturday, February 11, 2023, 7:30 PM
For the February Valentine’s Concert we are joined by Metropolitan Opera soprano Aundie Marie Moore for an extraordinary evening of selections by African American composers plus songs from Broadway musicals and more. NCE pays homage to two truly American genres, Spirituals and Broadway. A perfect program to make your heartstrings sing or to share with a loved one.
Location: Gunston Arts Center Theatre 1
Concert 4: Liebermann Live and Brahms! – Saturday, March 18, 2023, 7:30 PM
In March, the National Chamber Ensemble is joined by acclaimed pianist and composer Lowell Liebermann. One of America’s most frequently performed and recorded living composers, Liebermann will perform his own works, the Piano Trio for Violin, French Horn and Piano, the Sonata for Violin and Piano Op.46 and the gorgeous Trio for Violin, French Horn and Piano by Johannes Brahms. A rare opportunity to experience incredible music straight from the master.
Location: Gunston Arts Center Theatre 1
Concert 5: Marvelous European Masters – Saturday, May 27, 2023, 7:30 PM
The season concludes with a concert of masterworks by the great European composers. The featured work will be the sublime Piano Quintet in A Major by Antonin Dvorak, a composition that features a string quartet paired with a grand piano. The Dvorak Quintet is one of the greatest examples of late Romantic chamber music and the perfect conclusion to NCE’s Sweet 16 Season!
Location: Gunston Arts Center Theatre 1
The Annual Outstanding Young Artist Competition will take place in November and is open to string players 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 winners will receive scholarships and earn the opportunity to perform with NCE on December 10, 2021.
TICKETS and LOCATIONS
General admission tickets are $38 and student tickets are $19. Individual tickets will go on sale on September 16. Season tickets for all five concerts are available now for $139. All concerts will take place at Gunston Arts Center Theater 1, 2700 South Lang Street, Arlington, VA, with the exception of the Holiday Concert (December 10), which will take place at the Unitarian Church of Arlington, 4444 Arlington Boulevard, Arlington, VA. Parking at each venue is convenient and free of charge. for ticket information, call (703)685-7590 or go to nationalchamberensemble.org/tickets.htmÂ
ATTENDANCE OPTIONS
Each ticket comes with the (unlimited) ability to stream the concert one week after the concert date. It’s such a gift that we can all partake in these performances in person, but also a gift that we can watch these wonderful performers in our pajamas! There’s something for everyone in the National Chamber Ensemble’s latest season.
SAFETY GUIDELINES*Â
To maximize the safety and comfort of our wonderful arts patrons, the National Chamber Ensemble will implement the CDC-recommended guidelines for those attending our concerts in person. These currently include the following:
• The NCE will limit in-person attendance to allow patrons to spread out and feel comfortable.
• Patrons must wear face masks at all times.
We currently do not plan to implement vaccination requirements for the 2022-2023 season.
(*subject to change as CDC guidelines may change)
From classical to contemporary compositions, the National Chamber Ensemble’s internationally-acclaimed musicians provide outstanding performances of chamber music in an intimate setting. The NCE brings together composers, musicians, performers, and audiences to create an environment that is fun, welcoming, and engaging and offers the connoisseur, as well as the first-time concertgoer, an exciting musical experience
For more information about the National Chamber Ensemble go to NationalChamberEnsemble.org
