Spanish Brass

This dynamic quintet is one of the music world’s most admired ensembles, clearly at the top of the brass genre. Come marvel at its many musical styles and moods—you’ll see why its admirers liken the sounds of Spanish Brass to “sheer poetry”!

Opera Highlights

Responding to last year’s requests for a vocal performance encore, this afternoon of opera highlights will feature Dísella Làrusdóttir, a “reliably breathtaking” soprano (The New York Times); the “simply ravishing” mezzo-soprano Christine Antenbring (The Washington Post); and Christopher Magiera, a tenor known for his “distinctive tone and natural dramatic ability.” Mikhail Hallak will join them to provide “sophisticated piano partnership” (The Washington Post).

Xiayin Wang, pianist

Since appearing in our 2009 series, Xiayin Wang has delighted audiences from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center to South America, Europe, and Asia. Critics have praised her keen musicality and sweeping artistry, along with the lyrical grace, brilliance, and refinement that make her very much at home in the Romantic tradition.

A Far Cry, with winds

This conductor-less, classical string ensemble is orchestra-in-residence at Boston’s fabled Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. With their wide-ranging repertoire, the Grammy® Award-nominated “Criers” are committed to introducing new listeners to the concept of collaboratively-empowered music. Come hear these “imagination-grabbing, trail-blazing artists” on the VPAC stage!

Sophie Shao & Friends
Cello, Violin, and Piano

Sophie Shao, a sensitive, stylistic cellist and popular chamber musician, will come to Danbury with violinist David McCarroll and pianist Ieva Jokubaviciute in what promises to be a memorable program.

String Orchestra of New York City
String Orchestra

This high-energy, conductorless young chamber ensemble has been called “a composer’s dream,” with a clean, radiantly sweet sound. (As its dedicated chamber musicians and soloists say, “No conductor, no bow ties, just strings.”)

Roman Rabinovich
Piano

Winner of the 2008 Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition, Roman Rabinovich has been praised by critics for his “vivacity” his “sizzling virtuosity,” and his “impeccable clarity of execution.”

Prima
Clarinet, violin, piano trio, with guest cellist Adrian Duarov

This talented trio captured the National Chamber Music Competition’s grand prize in 2007 and has since toured to critical acclaim, sharing its music and experiences with audiences around the world. Joining them for this concert will be Adrian Daurov, a “dazzling cellist with soul and technique to burn.”

Weiss, Kaplan, Newman Trio
Yael Weiss, piano; Mark Kaplan, violin; Clancy Newman, cello

Three award-winning soloists have created one of today’s most exciting piano trios, known for its energy, passion, and distinctive ensemble sound. Critics have praised Clancy Newman’s “magnificently resonant cello,” Mark Kaplan’s “soaring violin,” and Yael Weiss’ “consummate artistry,” which imbue their music with “a special bloom— exquisite, ardent, and fresh.

Michael Brown
Piano

This unique talent, endowed with “streamlined, powerful technique and a vivid imagination, ” is an equally committed pianist and composer. The energy and clarity he brings to the keyboard have impressed competition juries, and his “great confidence and rhythmic flair” have won over reviewers at Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, and numerous festivals.

Danielle Talamantes, soprano
Brian Cheney, tenor

Soprano Danielle Talamantes, a rapidly rising vocal star who is equally at home in concert, recital, or on the operatic stage, returns to the Metropolitan Opera this spring for the Baroque fantasy The Enchanted Island. In Danbury, she will be joined by tenor Brian Cheney, one of opera’s most versatile and exciting tenors, who is quickly gaining national acclaim for his portrayal of a wide range of characters.