Andrew Armstrong, founder and artistic director of New Canaan Chamber Music, will speak to the New Canaan Men’s Club Friday, April 17, previewing that evening’s highly-anticipated concert, “Clarinet Meets Classical Accordion!” and describing the chamber organization’s growth in its five years of presenting outstanding, internationally known musicians in a series of concerts.
Recognizing the widespread interest in Armstrong’s musical presentations, the Men’s Club is opening this meeting to spouses and significant others. The meeting in Morrill Hall at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 111 Oenoke Ridge, will begin at 10 a.m., with Armstrong’s presentation slated to begin at 10:40 a.m.
Raised in New Canaan, Armstrong’s career as a classical pianist, has taken him to Asia, Europe, Latin America, Canada and the United States, appearing in such prestigious venues 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.
The Friday night performance at the First Presbyterian Church, 178 Oenoke Ridge, will feature Yoonah Kim, on clarinet; Ryan Corbett, on accordion; and Armstrong.
Kim who was praised by The New York Times for her “inexhaustible virtuosity,” went on to win the Concert Artists Guild International Competition in 2016 and the gold medal at the Vienna International Competition in 2020.
Accordionist Corbett, also with international music awards to his credit, was named a Classic FM Rising Star and a medalist by the Royal Over-Seas League. He has performed in recitals at the Berlin Philharmonie and across Europe, and has performed in the United States, Mexico and China. He has frequently performed on BBC symphonic programs and will be making his debut at Wigmore Hall later this year.
Five years ago, Armstrong launched New Canaan Chamber Music, bringing outstanding musicians to perform up to four chamber music concerts a season in town. Since then, he has established chamber programs in South Carolina and, last fall, a music festival in Tuscany, Italy.
The New Canaan Men’s Club, which meets most Fridays throughout the year, has openings for new members, men 55-years old and above. For information about joining email ncmens@ncmens.org.
