Mendelssohn's Magnificent Octet Pre-Concert Letter

Our 40th anniversary season opens with one of the greatest chamber music works ever written - Mendelssohn’s youthful, exuberant and life affirming String Octet.  We can’t wait for you to experience this bright and sunny work while taking in the stunning 360 degree views of Rochester from the Strathallan Hotel’s top floor Cityview Ballroom.  This season celebrates the idea of ‘Tradition Meets Innovation’; to this end, the beloved Mendelssohn will be preceded by three gems of the repertoire that have never been performed on our series: Johan Halvorsen - Passacaglia on a Theme by Handel, Friedrich Hermann - Capriccio for Three Violins, and David Popper - Suite for Two Cellos.  Throughout our season, we will showcase treasured chamber music works alongside SCMR premieres of both contemporary and long-standing works.

In our first performance, we are delighted to feature the talents of violinists Juliana Athayde, Shannon Nance, Thomas Rodgers, and Aika Ito, violists Carol Rodland and Marc Anderson, and cellists Ahrim Kim and Keiko Ying.

We hope that you will enjoy not only the beautiful views from the top of the Strathallan but also the hotel’s other amenities, including two spectacular restaurants (SCMR patrons will receive a 10% discount at both Hattie’s and Char) and complimentary valet parking. Pre-concert chat is at 3:30pm and the performance begins at 4pm.

Warmly,

Erik and Juliana