Annual MSU festival showcases dynamic chamber music in intimate settings with international talent

Additional guests featured in the Chamber Music Festival include pianist Yuri Kim and tenor Nils Neubert, pianist Margarita Shevchenko, a Piano Quartet consisting of Stanford University musicians Owen Dalby, violin and Stephen Prutsman, piano joined by Michigan State University musicians Suren Bagratuni, cello and Yvonne Lam, viola.

The 2024 Ken and Sandy Beall Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival returns this October, bringing an exciting blend of international talent, Romantic-era masterpieces, and innovative collaborations to East Lansing. Held in the intimate settings of Fairchild Theatre and Cook Recital Hall, the festival, directed by MSU Professor of Cello Suren Bagratuni, promises a diverse and captivating series of performances.

Thanks to the generous support of Ken and Sandy Beall, the festival runs from October 6-10, bringing together a carefully curated mix of chamber music performed by accomplished artists. Highlights of the week include the anticipated return of the Hearts of Vision Chamber Orchestra from South Korea, renowned pianist Margarita Shevchenko, the uplifting voice of tenor Nils Neubert accompanied by pianist Yuri Kim, and a Piano Quartet uniting the musical prowess of artists from Michigan State and Stanford Universities.

Additional guests featured in the Chamber Music Festival include pianist Yuri Kim and tenor Nils Neubert, pianist Margarita Shevchenko, a Piano Quartet consisting of Stanford University musicians Owen Dalby, violin and Stephen Prutsman, piano joined by Michigan State University musicians Suren Bagratuni, cello and Yvonne Lam, viola.

“We’re excited to bring the 2024 Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival back this October,” said Bagratuni. “With incredible talent and a diverse program, this year’s festival promises to be a remarkable celebration of chamber music. I’m eager to share the stage with such talented musicians and bring these performances to the MSU community once again.”

Three concerts over five days offer concertgoers a unique cross section of chamber music:

• Hearts of Vision Chamber Orchestra- Sunday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. Fairchild Theatre, MSU Auditorium Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 featuring Margarita Shevchenko, alongside awe-inspiring performances by the visually impaired South Korean chamber orchestra, presenting works by John Williams, George Gershwin, The Beatles, Freddie Mercury, and more.
• Echoes of Romance: A Voice and Instrumental Journey- Tuesday, Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m. Fairchild Theatre, MSU Auditorium Presents an enchanting evening of Romantic era works by Schumann, Brahms and Grieg with invigorating performances by tenor Niles Neubert and pianist Yuri Kim.
• MSU-Stanford Piano Quartet- Thursday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. Cook Recital Hall, MusicBuilding This uniquely formed quartet presents a compelling evening of chamber music, with works by Beethoven and Fauré offering timeless brilliance in an unforgettable collaboration.

The Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival is generously sponsored by Ken and Sandy Beall, with additional support from concert sponsors Nancy and Charlie Seebeck.

This story originally appeared on the College of Music website.