By Jane Fox
New Canaan Chamber Music invites audiences to “Anticipate the Unexpected” as they conclude their phenomenal Concert Season with exuberant matinee and evening concerts, plus the always popular annual Children’s Concert.
The May 15-16 concert grand finale entitled “Roll Over Three B’s” features returning world-class favorite musicians, Amy Schwartz Moretti, violin, and Edward Arron, cello, who join Andrew Armstrong, virtuoso pianist and Artistic Director of New Canaan Chamber Music. They will perform one of Johannes Brahms’ most beloved chamber music pieces, “Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Opus 8.”
Concerts will be Thursday, May 15 at 3 pm and Friday, May 16 at 7:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in New Canaan at 173 Oenoke Ridge. Tickets are available at www.newcanaanchambermusic.org.
The Children’s Concert will be a vibrant “listen and learn” experience onSunday, May 18, 3 to 4 pm at the New Canaan Library. With mesmerizing charm and wit, Armstrong will introduce children to classical music from Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons.” The music evokes the sounds of nature from murmuring streams and birdsong to thunderstorms and hunting horns and will be performed by Music Conservatory students. Free for Children with an adult ticket holder. Children are free with an adult ticket holder. Please register at www.newcanaanchambermusic.org/tickets.
In the two adult concerts, the “Unexpected” promised will be the introduction of composer Arno Babajanian’s “Piano Trio in F-sharp minor,” Performed exquisitely by Moretti, Arron, and Armstrong. Babajanian is known for blending Armenian folk music with the virtuosic styles of composers like Sergei Rachmaninoff. “Everyone is going to love it!” commented Armstrong.
Violinist Moretti is equally versatile as chamber musician, concertmaster, soloist, and educator, performing around the world and throughout the United States. She returns as a favorite of New Canaan Chamber Music, with whom she performed at the May 20, 2022, and March 2, 2023, concerts.
Cellist Arron is recognized worldwide for his elegant musicianship, impassioned performances and has appeared as a soloist with major orchestras, and as a chamber musician, throughout North America, Europe and Asia. He returns as a favorite of New Canaan Chamber Music, with whom he performed at the May 22, 2021, and December 4, 2022, concerts
Armstrong, Artistic Director of New Canaan Chamber Music, is praised by critics for his passionate expression and dazzling technique. He has delighted audiences worldwide, performing at Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, London’s Wigmore Hall, the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, and Warsaw’s National Philharmonic.
In just four years, New Canaan Chamber Music has become a thriving new addition to the concert scene. It also provides growing and inclusive programs of outreach with the Children’s Concerts and programs during the year that bring great music to seniors, youth orchestras, and local schools in New Canaan, Stamford, and Norwalk. NCCM is a 501c3 non-profit organization.
May 15th and 16th 2025 Program
Amy Schwartz Moretti, violin
Edward Arron, cello
Andrew Armstrong, piano
Sonata in D Major, arr. for violin and cello by Paul Bazelaire. Luigi Boccherini (1743-1805)
Allegretto spiritoso
Vivace
Grave
Allegro assai
Piano Trio in F-sharp minor (1952) Arno Babajanian (1921-1983)
Largo – Allegro espressivo
Andante
Allegro vivace
**** Intermission ****
Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Opus 8 (1854/1889). Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Allegro con brio
Scherzo. Allegro molto
Adagio
Finale. Allegro
