In April 2020, clarinetist Graeme Steele Johnson uncovered an unpublished manuscript of the long-forgotten octet by Berlin-born, Boston-based composer Charles Martin Loeffler (1861–1935) in the Library of Congress. Unheard since 1897, Graeme embarked on a year-long reconstruction, resulting in the first critical edition and subsequent recording of this expansive, kaleidoscopic work. Graeme is joined by American violinist Stella Chen, first prize winner of the 2019 Queen Elisabeth Competition and 2020 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient, and members of Chamber Music Charleston for this program, which sheds new light on Loeffler’s influential role at the dawn of American music.

Special Event

Friday, Nov. 6 at 7pm | Echoes of the Saint Cecilia Society: Concert Lecture
The Echoes of the Saint Cecilia Society Concert Lecture series returns to the Old Exchange Building with a program exploring the historical basset clarinet. Guest clarinetist Graeme Steele Johnson will introduce audiences to the instrument and demonstrate its use in Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet.

This event is free with advance reservation, as seating is limited. Reservations will open at 9am on Wednesday, October 7, for existing ticket holders to the November 8 Ovation Concert. Remaining tickets will be made available to the general public beginning Thursday, October 15.

Special Event

Saturday, Nov. 7 at 5pm | CMC TWO Masterclass with Stella Chen
CMC TWO students will perform in a masterclass with guest violinist Stella Chen at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 405 King Street. Featuring repertoire ranging from solo Bach to string quartets by Haydn and Shostakovich, this event offers audiences an opportunity to observe the masterclass process firsthand as students work with an acclaimed guest artist.

Admission is free, with donations gratefully accepted at the door.

STELLA CHEN

FRANCES HSIEH

BEN WEISS

TIMOTHY O’MALLEY

ZACH HOBIN

GRAEME STEELE JOHNSON

CHARLES MESSERSMITH

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION