“…A stunning, majestic resolution, a brilliant ending to an unforgettable encounter with music.  Bravi!”

--The Berkshire Edge

2019-2020 kicks off with the much anticipated American premiere of Andre Hajdu’s Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) for four cellos, narrated by Sam Waterston. We celebrate Beethoven at 250, introduce the renowned Borromeo String Quartet and present a work melding the music of tabla and cello with the vocals of a rap artist. Boston’s Grammy-nominated a cappella group Skylark will take us on an adventure through the hidden symbols, secret codes, and long-forgotten historical connections buried in manuscripts of choral music over the centuries; and, we see the return of favorite artists in programs featuring Arensky, Saint-Saëns, Debussy, Schubert and Brahms! We also offer two superstar speakers to complement the musical offerings (see Conversations Withl).

Bringing to life the music selected this season are acknowledged masters of their instruments: pianists Inna Faliks, Max Levinson, and Michael Chertock; violinists Irina Muresanu, Peter Zazofsky and Xiao Dong Wang; We introduce tabla player Avirodh Sharma, the outstanding Skylark vocalists, many more CEWM returning favorites, as well as brilliant performers making their debuts.  From October to June, it’s a season you cannot miss!

“...To experience the finest music ever written, presented by leading musicians of the day, in the inviting atmosphere of the Berkshires, is the best of all possible worlds. . . The quality of Lincoln Center with an intimacy that exceeds it....”

Yehuda Hanani
--ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH MUSIC stands at the intersection of music, art, and the vast richness of Western culture. Entertaining, erudite, lively commentary puts the composers and their times in perspective to enrich and enlighten your concert experience.

Join our community of friends and patrons as we celebrate our 28th season of bringing together sublime chamber music, distinguished performers, and musical commentary, all in convivial settings. 

Whether it is commissions of major works by famous composers, children’s educational projects, an international summer festival and residency, a weekly radio show on WAMC-FM designed to attract new classical music listeners, collaborations with prominent arts organizations including Jacob’s Pillow, Norman Rockwell Museum, The Mount, Olana, The Frick, The Clark, Hudson Opera House and many more, we look back at past accomplishments with pride and pleasure and forward to the next round of cultural adventures.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH MUSIC presents six concerts this season at the landmark Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington and a seventh at the newly renovated Saint James Place.

Join the growing number of culture enthusiasts who converge from the Berkshires, Hudson Valley, Northwest Connecticut, New York City, and Boston for each Close Encounters event! We are pleased to invite all ticket holders to an “Afterglow” reception following every performance December through May. 

Contributing Benefactors and Endowers are invited to a special Gala reception following the June concert (see Ticket Order Form). 

Close Encounters With Music - PO Box 34  Great Barrington, MA  01230 - Toll-free 800-843-0778 / email: cewmusic@aol.com

Close Encounters With Music is a non-profit organization. Your contributions are tax exempt to the amount permitted by law.