It’s a Friday evening in February, and Hagopian World of Rugs in Birmingham glows softly under amber lights, its luxurious carpets providing an unexpectedly rich backdrop for the sound of orchestral instruments. As the first notes of a wind quintet fill the room, it becomes clear: this is not your average night out. It’s Nightnotes, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings’ intimate concert series—and it’s a sonic journey unlike any other.
For lovers of classical music and the simply curious alike, Nightnotes offers an experience that defies the conventions of the concert hall. The 43rd season of Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings is built around the theme Sonic Journeys, a fitting title for an exploration of chamber music that feels as much like an adventure as it does a performance. Each of the Nightnotes concerts invites you to step off the beaten path and into a realm where artistry and intimacy collide.
Consider the opening winter concert on February 7, featuring the brilliant flutist Amanda Blaikie, a member of both the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and DCWS. Blaikie’s reputation precedes her: she’s known for her shimmering tone and expressive interpretations. But it’s not just her mastery of the instrument that makes this concert a standout. Blaikie will be premiering Protect Your Peace, a new wind quintet by Michigan native Jordyn Davis, commissioned as part of the Resonate project. The work’s connection to the African Diaspora brings a rich narrative dimension to the evening, offering a reminder that chamber music—often associated with centuries-old European composers—is a living, evolving art form.
The Resonate project, launched in 2020, underscores the collaborative ethos of Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings. By bringing together the resources of institutions like Oberlin Conservatory, the Carr Center, Bowling Green State University, Western Michigan University, Michigan State University, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and the University of Michigan, Resonate doesn’t just create music; it creates community. It’s fitting, then, that the second Nightnotes concert on February 28 will feature another Resonate premiere: a string quartet by Brian Raphael Nabors. Led by Detroit Symphony Orchestra concertmaster Robyn Bollinger, this performance promises to be a showcase of virtuosity and camaraderie, with the added thrill of discovering a brand-new work.
The final winter concert, on March 21, turns the spotlight on James Vaughen, a young trumpeter with a growing reputation for his bold, lyrical style. Vaughen, who recently joined the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as assistant principal trumpet, brings an electric energy to the stage. His program—a mix of works for trumpet and piano—is a reminder of the versatility of brass instruments. Vaughen’s artistry is sure to leave audiences marveling at the colors and textures that a trumpet can bring to life.
But it’s not just the music that sets Nightnotes apart. The setting—Hagopian World of Rugs—is as much a character as the musicians. Imagine the plush textures of Persian carpets beneath your feet, the warm glow of lamplight illuminating the performers, and the acoustics of a space designed to wrap sound around you like a fine fabric. The ambiance is intimate and a pre-concert reception fosters a connection between audience and artist that’s impossible to achieve in a cavernous concert hall.
General admission is just $30, with discounted tickets for seniors and students, making it possible for music lovers of all stripes to attend. For anyone looking to escape the predictable routine of dinner-and-a-movie, Nightnotes offers an alternative that’s both sophisticated and deeply human.
Ultimately, Nightnotes is about more than the music. It’s about what happens when great art meets a welcoming community. It’s about discovery—of new works, of new settings, of new connections. Whether you’re a longtime fan of chamber music or a newcomer looking for something different, DCWS invites you to sit back, listen, and let the journey unfold. This season’s theme may be Sonic Journeys, but the destination is something even more profound: an evening that stays with you long after the final note has been played.