Princeton ChamberFest will present a five-event run of concerts and talks from March 29 through April 2 at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 50 Cherry Hill Road, with pianist and artistic director Per Tengstrand joined by a roster of guest artists for programs centered on Bach, Mozart, Schubert and other composers.
The festival opens Saturday, March 29, with “We Got Your Bach,” an inaugural concert at 4 and 7 p.m. in Channing Hall featuring Tengstrand, piano, and Robin Park, cello. The program includes Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C-sharp minor, Busoni’s transcription of the “Chaconne” from Bach’s Violin Partita in D minor, Thomas Demenga’s “EFEU” for solo cello and Bach’s Suite in G Major for solo cello. A reception with drinks and chocolates will follow the performance.
On Sunday, March 30, Tengstrand will lead “Music Appreciation: Mozart — The Man and the Music” at 4 and 7 p.m. in the Piano Studio. The program is billed as a talk on Mozart’s life and music, illustrated at the piano, with limited seating available.
The festival continues Monday, March 31, with “Schubertiade” at 4 and 7 p.m. in Channing Hall. Performers will include Julia Hwang, violin; Katie Liu, viola; Park, cello; and Tengstrand, piano. The program features Schubert’s Sonata for Arpeggione and Piano in A minor, presented in a viola version, the Impromptu in G-flat Major, Op. 90, No. 3, and the Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major. Intermission refreshments will include drinks and chocolates.
On Tuesday, April 1, the festival shifts to a more informal atmosphere with the “Swedish FIKA Concert” at 2 p.m. in Channing Hall and Robinson Lounge. Tengstrand will perform a solo piano program including Mozart’s variations on “Ah! vous dirai-je, maman,” Grieg’s “Lyric Pieces” and Liszt’s “Vallée d’Obermann.” Coffee, tea and Scandinavian pastries will be served after the concert.
The festival concludes Wednesday, April 2, with “Mozartiana” at 4 and 7 p.m. in Channing Hall. The finale will feature Julia Hwang and Kelly Kim, violin; Katie Liu and Georgia Post, viola; Robin Park, cello; Tendekai Mawokamatanda, double bass; and Tengstrand, piano. The program includes Mozart’s “Sinfonia Concertante” in E-flat major, Schubert’s “Trout Quintet” theme and variations, and the Larghetto from Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2, along with additional works as part of the closing celebration.
Ticket prices are $30 for “We Got Your Bach,” “Schubertiade” and “Mozartiana,” with $14 tickets for students and those under 18; $20 for the music appreciation program; and $25 for the Swedish FIKA concert. Tickets are available at princetonchambermusic.org.
