The Washington Arts Ensemble Presents:

A Romance for Two

Friday, February 17, 2023

6:30 pm  -  10:00 pm

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Public (non-members) tickets: Buy Now!

Celebrate a Second Valentine's Day with the lush warmth of the cello nestled in the piano's loving embrace. The triumphant resonance and heartfelt yearning of Brahms' second cello sonata pairs beautifully with Francis Poulenc's juxtapositions of delicate French effervescence, satirical intensity, and luxurious lyricism. Cofounder and pianist Christopher Schmitt will be joined by series regular, cellist Loewi Lin of the National Symphony.

Washington Classical Review:

"Washington Arts Ensemble flourishes with new downtown series

While some established arts organizations struggled to survive the coronavirus lockdowns, other new ones found their niche. Washington Arts Ensemble, founded in 2021 just before the Omicron wave of the pandemic, took a gamble on live performance and continues to thrive. The latest in its series of monthly concerts took place Thursday night in the intimate performance space of the Arts Club of Washington.

Anecdotal reports from presenters and listeners around the Washington area indicate that attendance at classical music events has still not returned to pre-pandemic levels. It seems likely that a small series may have an edge over its larger competitors, by keeping costs low and operations flexible. The venue’s parlor, named after the building’s most famous occupant, President James Monroe, seats only about 90 people.

The group’s founders, pianists Natalia Kazaryan and Christopher Schmitt, each presided over a program half. The ensemble’s events feature receptions with wine and food before and after the performance. This was a controversial choice when the group launched, just as some organizations were canceling live events again, but the audience was primed and enthusiastic, especially when given spoken program notes about the pieces by both pianists."

Reception begins at 6:30, followed by the concert at 7:15.

6:30 - wine and hors d'oeuvres

7:15 - concert followed by reception

Discounted parking after 6 pm at 2001 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.