The table is set, and you are invited to the feast. Come hungry… for great music. Founder and Artistic Director, Timothy Christie, will be joined by Festival Artists Maria Sampen, Meta Weiss, and special guests, Third Coast Percussion for an evening of unparalleled variety.

Beethoven headlines the first half with his ingenious String Trio in G Major, Op. 9, No. 1. Among Beethoven’s many musical innovations is the ability to transform a persistent rhythm into a musical theme. Just think of the Fifth Symphony, side 1, track 1.

What better way to celebrate rhythmic innovation than to welcome Third Coast Percussion to the stage. Called “sonically spectacular” by the Chicago Tribune, Third Coast Percussion champions the awe-inspiring music of John Cage, Steve Reich, George Crumb, Arvo Pärt, Gérard Grisey, Philippe Manoury, Wolfgang Rihm, Louis Andriessen, Toru Takemitsu, and Tan Dun, among others. Their set on the 2015 January Festival Series will rock the rafters of the Gesa Power House Theatre, and change the way you see chamber music forever.

The Tasting Music Series invites you deeper into the music. Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival Founder and Artistic Director, Timothy Christie, leads the exploration of a single great chamber work through witty, insightful, sometimes irreverent, yet always accessible demonstrations. Festival musicians also share their unique perspectives. Set in some of Walla Walla's finest wineries, the atmosphere is intimate, social and refreshingly informal. All performances are one hour in length.

BEETHOVEN STRING TRIO IN G MAJOR, OP. 9, NO. 1

I. Adagio – Allegro con brio

II. Adagio ma non tanto and cantabile

III. Scherzo – Allegro

IV. Presto

Artists: Maria Sampen, Violin; Timothy Christie, Viola; Meta Weiss, Cello

The annual January Special Event performance at Charles Smith Wines has become must-see programming in Walla Walla. The 2015 installment will not disappoint.

From PROJECT Trio to Sybarite5 to the Harlem Quartet, WWCMF’s January Special event has become must-see programming in Walla Walla. 2015’s event will be no exception. Third Coast Percussion takes the stage at Charles Smith Wines downtown tasting room to perform original compositions and masterworks by giants of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. You don’t want to miss this incredible performance.

The Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival is proud to present Portrait of an Artist. About 27 different artists perform at the WWCMF annually. These artists, whether composer, string player, wind player, or vocalist, etc., participate in the democratic process of working within a chamber ensemble. However, individually each musician brings a unique perspective and a level of personal artistry that sometimes goes unheralded. Portrait of an Artist gives the audience the opportunity to forge connections with an individual musician.

This interactive event will give you a window into the life and experiences of one of the talented artists who visits Walla Walla for the Festival. Join us for this special recital, and meet your music maker!

Artist: Meta Weiss, Cello