The Washington Arts Ensemble Presents:

Pride and Prejudice

Saturday, May 13, 2023

6:30 pm  -  10:00 pm

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Public (non-members) tickets: Buy Now!

Amy Beach is not an especially well-known composer today; an utter tragedy considering her prodigious output, impeccable craftsmanship and expression, and considerable abilities as a concert pianist. The work of Johannes Brahms remains, deservedly so, one of the pillars of the classical music canon, but the cross-influence he shared with composers such as Beach is less often explored. In this concert of both composer's piano quintets side by side, one can hear that which is shared, and that which is unique; that which was steeped in the musical culture of the time, and that which represents the pinnacle of sovereign, subjective, self-expression. Cofounders and pianists Natalia Kazaryan and Christopher Schmitt will be joined by violinists Marta Krechkovsky and Elizabeth Fayette, violist Erika Gray, and cellist Joseph Gotoff.

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.