Friends of Music
Season Schedule 2011–2012
Upcoming Events
Cuarteto Latinoamericano with Daniel Binelli
February 12 & 13, 2012
This brilliant Mexican ensemble presents a two-part evening that begins with rarely heard string quartets from Mexico, Brazil, and Uruguay, and ends with sensuous tangos from Argentina, when the quartet is joined by Daniel Binelli, a master of the bandoneón. Binelli worked closely with the celebrated composer Astor Piazzolla (1921–1992), and was a member of the composer's New Tango Sextet. The evening offers music by Heitor Villa-Lobos, Javier Alvarez, Miguel del Aguila, Astor Piazzolla, and Binelli.
Fine Arts Quartet
March 11 & 12, 2012
Celebrating its 65th anniversary year, this distinguished ensemble has toured regularly worldwide and recorded more than two hundred works, which have garnered numerous awards. The ensemble performs a stunning program of beloved classics from the string quartet repertoire, including works by Mozart, Saint-Saëns, and Schumann.
A Far Cry
April 22 & 23, 2012
This self-conducted group of seventeen young musicians made its Washington, DC debut last season right here at Dumbarton Oaks. We were so impressed by their musicianship, energy, and freshness, that we immediately invited them to play for us again this season. Their stunning performances of music by Heinrich Biber, Ludwig van Beethoven, Osvaldo Golijov, and Benjamin Britten promise to delight even the most seasoned concertgoer.
Recent Events
Duo Stephanie and Saar
January 22 & 23, 2012
The young artists Stephanie Ho and Saar Ahuvia share the Music Room piano bench to offer a memorable evening of virtuosic piano four-hands music by J.S. Bach, Johann Christoph Friedrich Bach, and Igor Stravinsky, concluding with a spectacular rendition of selections from Felix Mendelssohn’s own transcription of his delightful Midsummer Night’s Dream. Program
The Boston Camerata
December 4 & 5, 2011
This popular ensemble returns to the Music Room with a holiday program unlike any other: The Sacred Bridge: Music of Three Faiths; Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Medieval Europe. Through music, the common roots of the great monotheistic religions are revealed in an evening that includes elements of Jewish liturgy, Gregorian chant, song and texts of Jewish minstrels, Sephardic folksong, medieval Spanish Cantigas, and Judaeo-Arabic music from the ancient Andalusian tradition. The Boston Camerata musicians are joined by members of the Sharq Arabic Music Ensemble. Program
Amit Peled and Noreen Cassidy-Polera
November 6 & 7, 2011
The gifted Israeli cellist, who has moved audiences worldwide with his profound artistry and the tonal beauty of his playing, collaborates with the critically acclaimed pianist Noreen Cassidy-Polera in a program of works by Robert Schumann, Frederic Chopin, François Couperin, and Mark Kopytman. Program
Ensemble Caprice
October 16 & 17, 2011
Under the artistic direction of Matthias Maute and Sophie Larivière, this award-winning ensemble of strings, flutes, recorders, guitar, percussion, and double bass has crafted a unique program called Vivaldi and the Baroque Gypsies. Dazzling concertos by Vivaldi are interspersed with freshly realized selections from an 18th-century Eastern European collection of tuneful gypsy music that was likely known to, and may have influenced, the popular Italian composer. Program
Further Information
Visitor Information
Performance Times
Performances take place on Sunday nights at 7pm and Monday nights at 8pm. Children must be at least ten years old for admittance to the concerts. Programs are subject to change.
Tickets by Subscription
Tickets are available by subscription only. When available, additional tickets may be purchased the week before the concert. If you wish to subscribe to the Friends of Music, please contact Cindy Greene, Concert Coordinator, at the Friends of Music office, 202-339-6436.
Performing at Dumbarton Oaks
For information about performing at Dumbarton Oaks, or to be considered for the series, please contact Valerie Stains, Artistic Director and Music Advisor (202-339-6468).
Accessibility
For information on accessibility, please call 202-339-6410 during business hours.