**Discover the Power of Classical Music Through Chamber Music**
Join us for a captivating journey into the world of chamber music, where we’ll begin by immersing ourselves in the masterful works of composers from Bach to Mozart. As we trace the evolution of chamber music, you’ll see how classical and contemporary styles continue to challenge and expand our understanding of music today.
Starting on May 7 and running through May 28, our sessions will take place at 11:00 AM in Blackmer. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your appreciation for music—space is limited, so be sure to register and secure your spot!
Class 1 (Wed, May 7): Setting the Stage For Chamber Music: From Bach to Mozart.
It is commonly thought that the tradition of chamber music was first established in the late 1700s and early 1800s by such well-known composers as Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven…but we would not have been able to enjoy such an art form if it wasn’t for the music of the Baroque masters, such as Johann Sebastian Bach. This class will explore the origins of the Chamber Music medium.
Class 2 (Wed, May 14): From the Private Salons to the Concert Hall: The Evolution of Chamber Music between the Classical and Romantic Periods.
Chamber Music was originally created as a way to enjoy classical music in the private homes or in the royal courts, among friends. As the caliber of performers increased – and the quality of the music began to equal that of great symphonies and operas – chamber music began to appear in the great concert halls. This class will show this transition with interesting anecdotes and descriptions of chamber music performances as it moved from a private to a more public art form.
Class 3 (Wed, May 21): Pushing the Limits of Music: Audience Reaction to Music of the 20th and 21st Century.
The Classical Music world went through great change at the end of the Romantic Period, as it started to truly push the boundaries of tonality, rhythm, and structure. This change has continued to today, as we find ourselves in an era where there is so much diversity and styles to either enjoy…or run away from! This class will explore various performances with extreme audience reactions and provide a reflection on current chamber music concert offerings.
Class 4 (Wed, May 28) at *11:30: The Role of Classical Music and Chamber Music Today.
What does historical context mean for the enjoyment of “Classical” chamber music today?
*(note time change)
This four part series is led with Sandra Nikolajevs, President and Artistic Director of Chamber Music Charleston.
About Sandra Nikolajevs
Born and raised in central Massachusetts, bassoonist Sandra Nikolajevs began her formal musical education at the Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music in Ohio and received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Juilliard School in New York City. She furthered her education at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris, as the first American in the German Bassoon Studio of acclaimed solo bassoonist Pascal Gallois. An avid chamber musician, Ms. Nikolajevs has performed chamber music in Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall and with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Ms. Nikolajevs is currently Principal Bassoonist of the Savannah Philharmonic and has held the same position with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, South Carolina Philharmonic and Augusta Symphony. She is Founder, President and Artistic Director of Chamber Music Charleston. She is also the wind department and chamber music coordinator for the Luzerne Music Center in the NY Adirondacks during the summer.