Outdoor Socially-Distance Music for the Holidays
One-hour concerts with limited tickets for socially distanced audiences
Presented in solidarity with musicians who are eager to perform live concerts
Since Classical Movements became the first to present live classical music in a socially distanced, outdoor setting for three sold-out concerts of chamber music, featuring musicians from the National Symphony and other local ensembles– described by the Washington Post as “a major achievement” – Classical Movements has presented 23 concerts for 926 audience members in the Secret Garden at The Rectory, our home in Old Town Alexandria. Over the course of this series of 9 chamber music concerts, 6 recitals of opera and art song, 2 choral concerts and 2 cabaret concerts, Classical Movements engaged 74 performers, of which 31 were women and 21 performers of color, and programmed 94 different works by 88 composers including 33 living composers.
Due to popular demand and following this model of outdoor, socially-distanced performance, Classical Movements is delighted to announce its new series “Sounds of Joy and Light,” featuring 22 exceptional outdoor programs celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving and the winter season. With a continued commitment to thoughtful programming, excellent musicianship and comprehensive safety, Classical Movements will transform the Secret Garden into a wonderland of light for holiday programs in December, offering complimentary photo opportunities and hot beverages upon exiting.
Now introducing A Savory Soiree in the Secret Garden
Classical Movements is proud to introduce a new opportunity to experience the Secret Garden as never before, in collaboration with Seasons Culinary Services: an exquisite socially-distanced dining experience complemented by live music performed by internationally acclaimed pianist Marianna Prjevalskaya.
SATURDAY, OCT. 31, 2020:
1:00 PM | 2:30 PM
Drew Owen, magician and cellist | Elizabeth Pulju-Owen, special guest violist
Fun for the whole family when musical wizard Musico the Magnificent and special guest astonish and amuse with stunning feats of magic and phenomenal music for cello; also featuring costume prizes, socially distanced photo station, and sanitized, no-contact treats.
As a special MAGIC TRICK AND TREAT, we have now cut ticket prices for adults and children through the generosity of our Halloween Fairy Godparents Tara Hardiman and Roger Jackson
Program & Tickets
SATURDAY, OCT. 31, 2020:
5:00 PM | 6:30 PM
Members of the National Symphony Orchestra
Marissa Regni, violin
Peiming Lin, violin | Derek Powell, violin | Allyson Goodman, guest viola | Loewi Lin, cello
The Secret Garden travels to Venice for a spellbinding program by string players from the National Symphony Orchestra; add a Carnival masque to your face covering for an elegant Halloween with gorgeous music, including the “Autumn” Concerto from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Puccini’s “Crisantemi” and other Italian composers
Program & Tickets
SATURDAY, NOV. 7, 2020:
3:30 PM
Eclipse Chamber Orchestra – Beau Soir Ensemble
Eclipse Chamber Orchestra is comprised of the Washington DC area’s finest musicians, many of whom are members of the National Symphony Orchestra. Known as “An Orchestra of Soloists”, Eclipse presents world-class performances in concert venues, schools, and community centers to make classical music more accessible to all. The Beau Soir Ensemble is a flute, viola, and harp trio dedicated to the performance of standard and contemporary repertoire spanning a variety of musical genres.
Program & Tickets Visit their Website
SATURDAY, Nov. 14, 2020:
5:00 PM (SOLD OUT) | 8:00 PM
Savory Soiree – An Elegant 4-Course Musical Dining Experience
Marianna Prjevalskaya, piano
In collaboration with Seasons Culinary Services and featuring a stunning performance by internationally acclaimed pianist Marianna Prjevalskaya, join us for a “Savory Soiree” in the Secret Garden for an elegant evening of gourmet food paired with wine and live music by composers sharing a birthday on November 14th: Johann Nepomuk Hummel, Fanny Mendelssohn, Aaron Copland and Buckwheat Zydeco.
“Music and food are two of the greatest forces of unity. In that spirit, we look forward to creating a meal to remember!”
To join the waitlist for the 5pm dinner please email Alessandra@ClassicalMovements.com
Book your table More info Listen
SATURDAY, NOV. 21, 2020:
2:00 PM | 3:30 PM
Ken Kolodner, hammered dulcimer | Brad Kolodner, banjo | Alex Lacquement, bass
Welcome Thanksgiving with a uniquely American program that celebrates the traditions of American music and crosses the boundaries of Old-Time, Bluegrass and American Roots music, featuring distinctive songs by Ola Belle Reed, Kate Wolf, Walt Aldridge, traditional folk songs and original music by Ken and Brad Kolodner
“…exceptionally talented musicians and they have created a tight, top-notch sound.” (Bluegrass Today)
“The Kolodners and their collaborators play with impeccable chops and with great feeling.” (Bluegrass Unlimited)
Program & Tickets Listen
SUNDAY, DEC. 6, 2020:
11:30 AM | 1:00 PM
Members of the National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and guests
William Gerlach, trumpet | Amy McCabe, guest trumpet | Alex Kovling, guest horn | Kevin Carlson, trombone | Seth Cook, guest tuba
A quintessential holiday experience, as you’ve never seen it before; great music inspired by the rich tradition of British holiday music for brass quintet, including such familiar Christmas songs as “We Wish you a Merry Christmas,” “The Holly and the Ivy,” “Here We Come A-Wassailing,” “Greensleeves,” the Pifa from Handel’s Messiah and more!
Presented with the generous support of:
Fitness Together: Private, Personalized, Training & Nutrition in Alexandria, VA
SUNDAY, DEC. 6, 2020:
5:00 PM | 6:30 PM
Grace Srinivasan, soprano | Julie Bosworth, soprano | Janna Critz, mezzo-soprano | Benjamin Hawker, tenor | Corbin Phillips, baritone
A sublime selection of Renaissance music from the New and Old Worlds by composers including Leonora d’Este, Juan Gutiérrez de Padilla, Gaspar Fernandes and William Byrd, in addition to arrangements of classic English, French, Spanish and German carols, performed by an intimate ensemble of professional singers
Presented with the generous support of:
Fitness Together: Private, Personalized, Training & Nutrition in Alexandria, VA
SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2020:
1:00 PM | 2:30 PM
Camerata Baltimore | James Mayo III, Artistic Director
A wide-ranging chamber program by singers of the Camerata Baltimore performing gospel, spirituals and classical repertoire to celebrate Hannukah, Kwanzaa and Christmas, including highlights from Handel’s Messiah and Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio
Presented with the generous support of:
Fitness Together: Private, Personalized, Training & Nutrition in Alexandria, VA
SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2020:
5pm | 6:30pm
SOLD OUT – Please email Alessandra@ClassicalMovements.com to be added to the wait-list
Members of the National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra and guests
William Gerlach, trumpet | Amy McCabe, guest trumpet | Robert Rearden, horn | Kevin Carlson, trombone | Seth Cook, guest tuba
Raise your holiday spirits when members of the NSO and special guests return for a joyous program of international holiday favorites, including “I wonder as I wander,” “O come, o come Emmanuel,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” “Pat-a-pan” and selections from Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in powerful arrangements for brass quintet.
Presented with the generous support of:
Fitness Together: Private, Personalized, Training & Nutrition in Alexandria, VA
“The presenter took every possible precaution…the dangers posed by the coronavirus felt about as mitigated as they could possibly be.”
– Charles T. Downey, Washington Classical Review
“Sounds of Joy & Light” Concerts will be presented on Tuesday and Saturday evenings at 6:30pm, or on Saturday afternoons at 1pm and 2:30pm. In case of severe weather, the rain date will be the following day at the same times, Wednesday or Sunday respectively.
Understanding that music lovers are eager for live performances, but also that the current situation demands we find new ways to experience live music, Classical Movements has invited musicians from some of our hometown orchestras as well as choral and rising opera and jazz musicians to join a meaningful and joyous celebration of the illuminating power of music during this period of so much uncertainty and tension.
Classical Movements will take precautions to limit the risk as much as within our power and requests the cooperation of the audience in these preventative measures so that we can again enjoy live music and support musicians in our community.
These measures will include, among others:
- Audience members will be required to bring and wear face coverings; Classical Movements staff will wear masks as well, as will musicians when not performing.
- Seating will be provided for concerts, with chairs wiped down and disinfected between performances.
- Chairs will have at least six feet between individual or family pairs. Wheelchair accessible.
- To maximize social distancing, seating will be assigned by the presenters
- Tickets and programs will be distributed digitally to minimize the need for physical proximity.
- The stage and musicians will be at least 10 feet from the front row.
- Hand-sanitization stations will be available for audiences as they arrive and exit
Additional measures and instructions will be provided to audience members the week of the concert. Be on the lookout for important updates via email and or text.
