Mill Valley Chamber Music Society
celebrates 40th Anniversary Season
Despite all the odds, the Mill Valley Chamber Music Society continues to thrive and celebrates its 40th Anniversary presenting its 2013-2014 season of chamber music concerts at its original Mill Valley venue, the Mount Tamalpais Methodist Church.
In 1999, the Mill Valley Chamber Music Society celebrated its 25th Anniversary with some trepidation.
In a timeline piece written in January 1999, by then president Nelson Foote, there was concern about the future of the organization. "In view of the shaky world economy, it would be rash to presume no more crises lie ahead for the Society. It's not been an easy thing to keep thriving," wrote Foote.
The organization debuted its first official season in 1974 featuring six concerts including string and woodwind ensembles directed by David Subke, a Mill Valley resident and flutist with the Oakland Symphony; and also presented concerts featuring pianist Paul Hersh; cellist Laszlo Varga; and soprano Carol Dudley.
In the last 40 years, Mill Valley Chamber Music Society has strived to engage emerging talents for its annual concert series and has succeeded in presenting many ensembles and soloists who went on to achieve international recognition and acclaim.
After relocating to San Francisco, Kronos Quartet first performed for MVCMS in 1978 and returned for several concert performances from 1979 to 1985.
Another San Francisco-based ensemble, Chanticleer, performed for the Mill Valley Chamber Music Society during its 1986-1987 season.
After violinist Joshua Bell made his 1985 Carnegie Hall debut with the St. Louis Symphony at the age of 17, Mill Valley Chamber Music Society brought Bell to Mill Valley to perform for its 1987-1988 season.
World renowned British Canadian pianist Angela Hewitt also performed for the Mill Valley Chamber Music Society during its 1991-1992 and 1994-1995 concert series.
Other notable artists presented by the MVCMS include pianist Jon Nakamatsu, the 1997 Van Cliburn Gold Medal Winner, Takacs Quartet, Trio Solisti, Emerson Quartet, Peterson Quartet, Pacifica Quartet, Prague Quartet and Assad Brothers Guitar Ensemble.
The non-profit, all volunteer organization continues its legacy bringing outstanding artists to Mill Valley and offers classical music workshops and performances for Marin County schools each season through its community outreach program.
The MVCMS also presents the annual "Marin Music Chest Young Performers Concert," providing the opportunity for its subscribers and Marin music supporters to experience performances by talented young Marin musicians.
Having overcome the economy, technology and other diversions - the Mill Valley Chamber Music Society plays on and proudly presents its 40th Anniversary season.
Mill Valley Chamber Music Society 2013-2014 Season concerts are:
Parker Quartet - Oct. 6, 2013
Morgenstern Trio - Nov. 17, 2013
Cellist Emilio Colon and pianist Sarkis Baltaian - Jan. 26, 2014
Escher Quartet - Feb. 23, 2014
Zofo Duet - March 23, 2014
Marin Music Chest Young Artists Concert - May 18, 2014
All Mill Valley Chamber Music Society concerts are presented at 5 p.m. Sundays at the Mount Tamalpais United Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore Avenue, Mill Valley.
To order season subscriptions or for more information call 415-381-4453 or visit www.chambermusicmillvalley.org
