Falls Village, CT - America’s oldest continuing summer chamber music festival, Music Mountain continues their 83rd anniversary season celebration with an unforgettable weekend of chamber music. The weekend begins with one of the most acclaimed ensembles of its generation, Amernet String Quartet with guest artist Yizhak Schotten, viola performing an all-Dvorak program on Saturday, August 4th (6:30PM) —and come to Falls Village early and enjoy a pre-concert Czech inspired dinner (5PM) at the Falls Village Inn! The weekend continues with the Hausmann String Quartet in their Music Mountain debut with guest artist Lydia Artymiw, piano on Sunday, August 5th (3PM). These concerts are just a snippet of what Music Mountain patrons have enjoyed this summer with chamber, jazz, and country concerts at Gordon Hall continuing through September 9th.

The Amernet String Quartet

The Amernet String Quartet, one of the most praised ensembles of its generation, will delight audiences with a special Saturday program devoted to the Czech composer, Dvorak. In this unique evening, the Amernet String Quartet will play three Dvorak pieces rarely performed at Music Mountain: String Quartet in E Flat Major, Opus 51; String Quartet in A Flat Major, Opus 105; and Viola Quintet in E Flat Major, Opus 97 with guest artist Yizhak Schotten, viola. For the second time this summer, concert-goers will have the opportunity to dine before the performance at a special pre-concert Czech dinner at The Falls Village Inn. Feast on home-style cooking — dumplings and boiled beef and plenty of Pilsner on tap! Seating is limited and reservations must be received by August 3rd (860-824-7126) .

The Hausmann String Quartet

The Hausmann String Quartet makes their first appearance at Music Mountain with a program highlighting the works of Beethoven, Haydn, and Schumann – the afternoon will include Haydn: String Quartet in F Major, Opus 50 #4 “The Dream” – a Music Mountain premiere!; Beethoven: String Quartet in E Minor, Opus 59 #2; and Schumann: Piano Quartet in E Flat Major, Opus 47 — this piece is the only piano quartet that Schumann ever wrote. Joining the Hausmann String Quartet will be guest artist The Hausmann String Quartet.

The Amernet String Quartet has been praised for its intelligence, ravishing sound, and commitment since its inception in 1991. A major force on the chamber music scene, the quartet regularly travels and performs all over the world, and currently serves as Ensemble-in-Residence at Florida International University.

Referred to as one of America’s finest viola players, Yizhak Scotten has performed all over the world with some of the finest orchestras including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Houston Symphony Orchestra. He is currently on faculty at the University of Michigan School of Music.

Formed in the summer of 2004, the Hausmann String Quartet has steadily become one of the great young quartets performing today. As advocates for the advancement of new music with a strong commitment to community outreach, the quartet has worked closely with student composers, grade school children, and organizations such at the International Music Foundation and the Tuesday Musical Association. They are currently in resident at San Diego State University as the 2010-2012 Joseph Fisch/Joyce Axelrod Resident String Quartet.

For nearly three decades pianist Lydia Artymiw has earned rave reviews for her compelling artistry and unique and highly original interpretations. Her distinctive sound has earned her Gramophone’s “Best of the Year” and Ovation’s “Recording of Distinction” award. Artymiw is currently the Distinguished McKnight Professor of Piano at the University of Minnesota.

The Festival

Located in Falls Village, Connecticut, Music Mountain is located on Music Mountain Road, where a short scenic drive will bring music lovers to Gordon Hall with ample & free parking. Beer and wine are available and, as is the Music Mountain custom, audience members are invited to picnic before the concerts on the scenic grounds.

Tickets: Saturday Dinner & Concert $60; 6:30PM concert – $35 at the door/$30 in advance; Sunday (3PM) – $35 at the door/$30 in advance. Discounts available. Admission is FREE for those 18 and under when accompanied by ticket holder. Group rates and pre season ticket vouchers are available. Discounts apply through participating organizations. For a complete summer schedule, special ticket prices, and to download a ticket order form visit www.musicmountain.org or call 860-824-7126.