InConcert Sierra launches an exciting new season

NAYSAYERS SAID MANY THINGS WOULD “kill classical music”: In 1324, it was “popular music.” In 1827, it was Beethoven himself; “The writings of Beethoven on the art must, I fear, be considered injurious,” wrote a London reviewer. In 1906, it was the player piano; in 2013, it was YouTube; and in 2014, it is an aging audience.

So far, however, none of them have. Next year, the Boston Handel and Haydn Society— which helped launch American classical music on Christmas Day of 1815—will celebrate its 200th anniversary. “How many other American phenomena have endured for two centuries?” writes The New Yorker.

In the foothills, InConcert Sierra (once called Twin Cities Concert Association) has been offering classical music performances for 68 years. The first concert was held on October 10, 1946, featuring Charles Kull- man, tenor, of the S.F. Metropolitan Opera.

Since then, the Grass Valley nonprofit’s lineup has included the Vienna Boys Choir, Grammy-winning American classical pianist Emanuel Ax, the Harvard Glee Club and Russian pianist Nikolai Lugansky, among others.

“Not surprisingly most of the audience is 55 years and older,” says one local classical music enthusiast. “But I notice more young concert-goers at your performances than anywhere else.”

InConcert’s 2014-15 program will appeal to all ages. It is innovative, eclectic and rich with world-class talent.

ISRAELI CHAMBER PROJECT, OCTOBER 19
The Project includes top young performers who are the winners of prestigious international competitions.

PIANIST CHRISTOPHER TAYLOR, NOVEMBER 16
American Pianists Association fellowship winner Christopher “Kit” Taylor will perform on the only ‘two keyboard’ Steinway in existence.

SIERRA MASTER CHORALE & ORCHESTRA, DECEMBER 20, 21
There’s no better way to close out 2014 than by enjoying holiday favorites with the Sierra Master Chorale and Orchestra with conductor Ken Hardin and assistant conductor Toon Vandevorst.

VIOLIST JENNIFER STUMM, JANUARY 18
Stumm is the winner of three international competitions. She has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and Wigmore Hall in London.

(Photo: Jeff Miller)