OU launches Chamber Music Society of Detroit

We have always had wonderful chamber music at Oakland University, with concerts given by faculty and by guest performers, but in fall 2013 we entered a new era as the music program began a partnership with one of the world's premier chamber music presenting organizations. The Chamber Music Society of Detroit (CMSD) at Oakland University series was launched in October.

The series came about after CMSD President Steve Wogaman approached OU Music, Theatre and Dance chair, Professor Jackie Wiggins and asked if the university might be interested in a collaboration. Steve said, "Oakland University has one of the fastest growing performing arts programs in the country and we are thrilled to bring our concerts to its campus. We look forward to meeting new listeners and sharing our passion for chamber music with them."

Jackie Wiggins said, "We are just so excited about our new partnership with the Chamber Music Society of Detroit. It is absolutely a win/win situation for all! The Chamber Music Society has been looking to expand its audience and reach in the region. OU Music, Theatre and Dance has always wanted to expand our offerings to include world class performers. This partnership enables both to achieve these goals."

There are educational components to the CMSD@OU partnership as well. Many of the CMSD ensembles that perform at OU will also provide workshops and master classes for OU music students and for K-12 students in the region. Further, Professor Jackie Wiggins will serve as a member of the CMSD board of directors, acting in the capacity of educational adviser for the organization's outreach programs.

The performance series has been designed to offer programming that is fresh, rich in cultural diversity and appealing to people new to classical music, as well as to established concert goers. We invite you to follow the links listed below to preview the upcoming artists.

There are two concerts scheduled for the winter semester. On Sunday, February 9 at 3 p.m. the Kyōdai Brass Quinet will perform. Kyōdai ("Brothers") Brass was formed at the Cleveland Institute of Music by two sets of musical brothers: Conrad, Gary and Douglas Jones playing trumpet, trombone and tuba, and Hayato and Hirofumi Tanaka, playing trumpet and horn.

The ensemble is known for its electric programming and exciting performances. Their program for this concert will be Dance Suite from "Terpsichore" by Michael Praetorius; Dances with Shadows (1989) by Jacob Druckman; Quintet No. 2 in E-flat major, Op. 6 by Viktor Ewald; Four Movements for Five Brass by Collier Jones and Rounds 1 & 2 in SnakeTime by Moondog.

You can see and hear them playing a clip from SnakeTime on their Facebook page and then follow the links to read more about them.

On Sunday, March 16, at 3 p.m., Duo Sonidos will perform. This guitar and violin duo of William Knuth and Adam Levin has performed throughout the United States and Europe, and both artists have been honored as Fulbright Scholars in the field of music performance. Their program selections feature music rooted in the song and dance traditions of various cultures. The audience will enjoy Béla Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances, Sz. 56; Manuel de Falla’s Canciones Populares Españolas; Karol Szymanowski’s The Dawn, Wild Dance; Jorge Muñiz’s Funk; Lukas Foss’ Three American Pieces and selections from Porgy and Bess by George Gershwin.

Click here to see and hear Duo Sonidos playing Funk and read more about them on their Website.

These two concerts represent some of the finest chamber music and both will be in the very accessible Varner Hall, for the modest ticket price of $20,  $10 for students. And don't forget our free parking! Complete ticket information here.

Speaking of the new partnership with CMSD Jackie Wiggins said, "Our joint efforts in this 2013-2014 season are just the beginning. There are many exciting opportunities yet to come! See you at CMSD@OU Sundays."