Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center returns to Union Theater

Having played to a full house several times in the past, an audience favorite, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, returns to the Wisconsin Union Theater on Friday, Feb. 13, at 8 p.m. with a program of music by Ravel, Adolphe and Haydn.

Presenting the finest performers and playing the greatest repertory with the most thorough preparation, the group was declared the 1999 Ensemble of the Year by Musical America. It performs an extraordinary body of repertoire, including new works it has commissioned. Enthusiasts the world over recognize its repertory as classical music at its most eloquent, expressive and intense.

“Delicate and fresh, versatile, sure and impressive … everything chamber musicians should be,” raves the New York Times. “Unforgettably spectacular and intense,” says the Los Angeles Times.

Unlike most chamber music ensembles, the Chamber Music Society focuses not only on quartets or trios, but also on works for strings and winds of all possible combinations.

“Because there are countless full-time string quartets, piano trios and wind quintets, it comes as no surprise that the society’s long suit is playing the oddly configured chamber works for which few standing chamber ensembles have the proper players,” says the Buffalo News.

The Madison concert will be no exception, featuring superb musicians Ida Kavafian on the violin, cellist Fred Sherry, Anne-Marie McDermott on piano and guest artist Lauren Skuce, soprano. “Ensemble at the top of its form,” says the Chicago Tribune. “Unforgettably spectacular and intense,” declares the Los Angeles Times.

The show is sponsored by the Wisconsin Union Directorate with additional support from WERN, 88.7 FM. Tickets are $30 for the general public; $28 for Union members, or seven or more vouchers at $27 each. Tickets for UW–Madison students are $14, or five or more vouchers for $10 each. For more information, call the box office at (608) 262-2201.