FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings Presents Two Exquisite Fall Concerts Featuring Grammy-Winning Artists and World-Class Musicians

Southfield, MI – Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings (DCWS) is delighted to announce two upcoming fall concerts that will captivate chamber music enthusiasts and newcomers alike. As part of the organization’s 43rd season, titled Sonic Journeys, these concerts will showcase some of the finest classical musicians performing innovative and engaging repertoire, blending contemporary works and classical masterpieces in intimate Metro Detroit venues. The first concert, part of the Nightnotes series, will feature bassoonist Cornelia Sommer on October 25 at Hagopian World of Rugs in Birmingham. The second, part of the Signature Series, will take place on Sunday, November 10, featuring Grammy-winning saxophonist Tim McAllister and guitarist Jason Vieaux at Royal Oak First United Methodist Church.

Nightnotes with Cornelia Sommer – October 25, 2024

On October 25, DCWS will present an enchanting evening of fairy tale-inspired music, performed by Cornelia Sommer, the newest member of the DCWS core musicians and second bassoonist with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Cornelia will perform a program based on her debut album New Enchantments: Fairy Tale Music for Bassoon, blending classic works by Schumann and Rossini with newly commissioned pieces by contemporary composers, each inspired by fairy tales from around the world.

“I’ve long been fascinated by fairy tale music, and these pieces explore both the quirkiness of these stories and the universal human experiences they tell,” says Sommer. The program will include her own arrangement of Rossini’s *La Cenerentola* (Cinderella), a special fantasy piece for bassoon and piano that brings the story of Cinderella to life through whimsical and virtuosic melodies.

In addition to Sommer’s artistry, the Nightnotes series offers a unique concert experience in an intimate, cozy setting. The venue for this performance, Hagopian World of Rugs, will provide an intimate and acoustically rich environment that allows the audience to experience the full range of the bassoon’s tonal colors up close. 

Signature Series: Tim McAllister & Jason Vieaux – November 10, 2024

On Sunday, November 10, DCWS will present an extraordinary concert featuring two Grammy-winning artists: saxophonist Tim McAllister and guitarist Jason Vieaux. This concert will highlight the remarkable versatility of these two instruments in a program that spans over four centuries of musical history, from the baroque elegance of Johann Sebastian Bach to the passionate rhythms of Astor Piazzolla’s tango.

Jason Vieaux, one of today’s most celebrated classical guitarists and a Grammy winner for his album Play, will be making his DCWS debut. Vieaux’s extensive career has seen him perform with renowned orchestras around the world, and he has premiered works by some of the most exciting contemporary composers, including Pat Metheny and Jeff Beal. His performance with DCWS will highlight both his technical mastery and his emotional depth, bringing each piece of music to life.

Vieaux will be joined by Tim McAllister, one of the world’s leading classical saxophonists and a member of the renowned PRISM Quartet. McAllister has performed on Grammy-winning albums and in prestigious venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, and the Sydney Opera House. His versatility and skill have made him one of the most sought-after saxophonists of his generation.

The program for this concert will include:

• Histoire du Tango by Astor Piazzolla, a piece that traces the evolution of tango music from its origins in the streets of Buenos Aires to its more modern interpretations.
• Sweet and Doleful Timbres by Pierre Jalbert, a contemporary work that juxtaposes rich, lyrical melodies with more angular, modern sounds.
• Lute Suite No. 4 in E Major by Johann Sebastian Bach, arranged for guitar, showcasing the timeless beauty and elegance of Bach’s baroque compositions.
• Sextuor Mystique, Op. A.131 by Heitor Villa-Lobos, a rarely performed chamber work that combines the expressive capabilities of multiple instruments.

McAllister and Vieaux will be joined by DCWS musicians Amanda Blaikie (flute), Alex Kinmonth (oboe), and Maurice Draughn (harp), creating a richly textured and deeply engaging ensemble that will take the audience on a sonic journey through time and musical traditions.

This concert, part of the *Signature Series*, will take place at the Royal Oak First United Methodist Church, a venue known for its beautiful acoustics and grand architecture. The setting will provide the perfect backdrop for the powerful and evocative sounds of this world-class ensemble.

Sonic Journeys: Exploring Music in Metro Detroit

These two concerts are part of DCWS’s 43rd season, Sonic Journeys, which invites audiences on an immersive exploration of chamber music’s past, present, and future. Through its three concert series—Nightnotes, Structurally Sound,and Signature—DCWS brings chamber music to distinctive venues across metro Detroit, offering audiences the chance to interact with musicians and experience the dynamic evolution of the genre in intimate settings. From the contemporary storytelling of Cornelia Sommer’s fairy tale-inspired program to the timeless brilliance of Tim McAllister and Jason Vieaux, Sonic Journeys celebrates the creative spirit of chamber music and its continued relevance today.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the 2024-2025 season are now on sale and can be purchased at detroitchamberwinds.org. General admission tickets are $30, with discounted rates of $25 for seniors and $15 for students. Tickets may be purchased online or by calling 248-559-2095, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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About Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings:

Since its founding in 1982, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings has been a trailblazer in bringing chamber music to Metro Detroit. The organization has premiered over 30 new works, toured internationally, and has been a leader in exploring the intersection of classical music with contemporary innovation. Through its concerts, DCWS creates opportunities for audiences to engage directly with musicians and experience the beauty of chamber music in new and unexpected ways.