Join us for our 37th season! During the two-week festival we bring renowned musicians together with young, rising artists to perform six exciting concerts in Edwards Auditorium at the University of Rhode Island.

Schedule of Events:

7:30 pm - 8:45 pm: Concert 5 highlights a few favorites of Artistic Director Natalie Zhu. "Robert Schumann's Fantasiestucke, Op.73 is a set of three fantasies that come from one of the happier periods in his career," Zhu says. "Ysaÿe's solo violin sonata Ballade is a tribute to friendship; he dedicated the work to pianist George Enesco, writing: ‘I have let my imagination wander at will. The memory of my friendship and admiration for George Enesco and the performances we gave together has done the rest.' I recently heard Karel Husa's Evocations of Slovakia in a live concert, and I was blown away by this compelling work that captures the essence of Slovakian folk music while also incorporating modernist elements. And lastly, my all-time favorite is the last piece on this program, Beethoven;s Piano Trio Op.70 no.2. Beethoven's use of thematic development in this trio is truly remarkable. The main themes introduced in the first movement are developed and transformed throughout the piece, creating a sense of unity and coherence. Beethoven's personal struggles and triumphs are reflected in the music, as he explores themes of love, loss, and resilience." Among other highlights, this concert presents Ricardo Morales, principal clarinetist of the Philadelphia Orchestra and one of the most sought after clarinets of today.

Robert Schumann - Fantasiestucke, Op.73
Ricardo Morales, clarinet; Natalie Zhu, piano

Eugène Ysaÿe - Solo Violin Sonata No.3
Amy Oshiro, violin

Karel Husa - "Evocations of Slovakia" for Clarinet, Viola, and Cello
Ricardo Morales, clarinet; Che-Hung Chen, viola; Clancy Newman, cello