DCWS Presents Trios & Trombones in Nightnotes Series Performance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings
Jainelle Robinson: Robinson@art-ops.org | (248) 559-2095
www.detroitchamberwinds.org
DCWS Presents Trios & Trombones in Nightnotes Series Performance
An Evening of Chamber Music Featuring the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Trombone Section
Friday, November 21, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Hagopian World of Rugs, Birmingham
Birmingham, MI — Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings (DCWS) continues its 44th season, Hear • Here, with the second installment of its acclaimed Nightnotes series. On Friday, November 21 at 7:30 p.m., the spotlight turns to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s trombone section—Gracie Potter, David Binder, and Adam Rainey—joined by pianist Liz Ames and Young Artist Isabelle Binder for an evening that showcases the expressive depth and surprising lyricism of the trombone.
Set in the unique and inviting space of Hagopian World of Rugs in Birmingham, this concert invites audiences to experience chamber music at its most personal—up close, conversational, and full of warmth.
The program features a diverse range of works including Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s Trio Sonata in G Major, Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune (transcribed for trombone and piano), and contemporary selections such as David Faleris’s A Liminal Space and Brian Pappal’s In Memoriam: A Chorale After Bruckner. Together, these works illuminate the versatility and expressive power of the trombone across centuries and styles.
The evening will open with a short performance by pianist Isabelle Binder, the concert’s featured young artist. The Young Artist Feature, sponsored by Myrna Hitchman, is a program that supports the art form through performance opportunities for the next generation.
“Our Nightnotes concerts are designed to surprise and delight,” said Maury Okun, DCWS President. “This program shows the trombone in a completely new light—its elegance, humor, and emotional depth.”
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Giovanni Battista Pergolesi – Trio Sonata in G Major, P. 12
David Binder, trombone | Gracie Potter, trombone | Adam Rainey, bass trombone
David Faleris – A Liminal Space
Gracie Potter, trombone | Liz Ames, piano
Raymond Premru – Two Pieces for Three Trombones
Gracie Potter, trombone | David Binder, trombone | Adam Rainey, bass trombone
Claude Debussy – Clair de Lune (transcribed for trombone and piano)
David Binder, trombone | Liz Ames, piano
Brian Pappal – In Memoriam: A Chorale After Bruckner
David Binder, trombone | Gracie Potter, trombone | Adam Rainey, bass trombone
Aleksei Lebedev – Concerto in One Movement
Adam Rainey, bass trombone | Liz Ames, piano
Steven Verhelst – Fire Horse for two trombones and bass trombone
Gracie Potter, trombone | David Binder, trombone | Adam Rainey, bass trombone
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Gracie Potter is Principal Trombone of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and former Principal Trombone of the Richmond Symphony. She has performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, LA Phil, Phoenix Symphony, and London Symphony Orchestra, and is a prizewinner of multiple international competitions. Potter has attended world-class festivals including Tanglewood and Aspen Music Festival and recently made her solo debut with the Whittier Regional Symphony.
David Binder has been with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra since 2015 and frequently appears as Guest Principal Trombone with leading orchestras in the U.S. and abroad. A prizewinner of numerous solo competitions, Binder also teaches privately and leads rehearsals for the DSO Civic Youth Ensembles program.
Adam Rainey, bass trombone, joined the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 2022. Previously bass trombone with the Kansas City Symphony, he has performed with the Boston, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh Symphonies and trained at the New England Conservatory and Tanglewood Music Center.
Liz Ames, piano, is an internationally recognized collaborative pianist specializing in wind and chamber repertoire. She has performed worldwide, contributed to over 50 world premieres, recorded critically acclaimed albums, and serves on the collaborative piano faculty at the University of Michigan.
This performance is generously underwritten by Kathleen Wendler. The Nightnotes series is sponsored by Hagopian and presented in loving memory of Lurline Sears.
Tickets are available at detroitchamberwinds.org or by calling (248) 559-2095.
General Admission $32 | Senior $27 | Student $10
About Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings
Founded in 1982, Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings (DCWS) is a musician-driven nonprofit that showcases the premier musical talent of our region through innovative and exceptional performances of chamber music in unique venues. With a mission to deepen audience connections and community impact, DCWS fosters collaboration, education, and artistic excellence across Metro Detroit.
Now in its 44th season, DCWS continues to explore the intersection of sound and place through the season theme Hear • Here, which invites audiences to be fully present, to listen deeply, and to experience the power of chamber music in community.