Special event/ Festival Opening Night Concert In collaboration with the Harpers Ferry Historical National Park, Harpers Ferry Park Association, and the Howard Burns Quartet Join us for this one-hour sunset concert on the lawn of historic Storer College in Harpers Ferry for the music of jazz legend and Storer College alumnus, Don Redman. Back by popular request, ACMF String musicians are delighted to collaborate with the Howard Burns jazz quartet. Featuring original arrangements by ACMF artist Chris Jusell of some of Redman’s most celebrated jazz works. Bring the family or friends and a picnic, kick off your shoes and unwind into a relaxing summer weekend in arguably one of the most beautiful settings in Harpers Ferry! Folding chairs will be available, patrons are welcome to bring their own comfy seating as well. Only outdoor portajohn facilities are available at this venue, accessible parking available on site. Register early to guarantee your spot indoors in case of rain.

Back by popular demand! Join us for a one-hour late morning "coffee concert" filled with delectable miniature works for two players. This concert will feature the coming together of our talented wind and string players in a delightfully causal and intimate experience. Coffee and treats will be provided. Not to be missed! Due to the intimate venue, limited seating is available for this event. Be sure to get your ticket in advance - this venue is almost always sold out! Program will be announced from the stage.

Opening weekend highlight event, featuring world-premiere by composer Dr. Karen Walwyn 5pm- Exhibit and discussion, poetry reading: Dr. Jordan Burke and Dr. Karen Walwyn in conversation with Artistic Director, Katie Tertell 6pm- Concert The highlight event of our opening weekend will celebrate all aspects of ACMF’s tagline: history, nature and culture in a special evening that remembers the extraordinary life of artist and poet, Patty Willis (1879-1953), who grew up and lived in Jefferson Co. WV. The concert will culminate in a world-premiere String Quartet by Karen Walwyn, commissioned specifically for this event and taking direct inspiration from Patty Willis’s life in Charles Town. Willis was an accomplished artist and poet who drew much inspiration from her locale of Charles Town and from her family life. This is a special opportunity to discover Willis’ art and poetry, hear music that might have inspired Willis during her lifetime as well as works we feel remind us of her, and experience an enlightening conversation about the intersection of Willis’ work with Jefferson County, music, poetry and art with leading historians and specialists. This is a once in a generation opportunity for the public to see her artwork in person, all of which is currently held in private collection and is being generously loaned for the event. A collection of works by Willis will be on display on Aug. 9 at Charles Washington Hall. The afternoon and evening event will begin with a discussion lecture with preeminent scholars on WV Art. Additionally, Dr. Jordan Burke will lead a discussion on Willis’s poetry and art, and composer Karen Walwyn will discuss her newly commissioned musical work and its relation to Willis’ life. After the discussion there will be a short break before a one-hour concert program where musicians will contextualize the relationship of musical works to Willis’ life, including the world premiere by Karen Walwyn. After the event, there will be a reception and “Meet & Greet” with ACMF artists where attendees at the event can mingle and relax with performers. A full biography on Patty Willis can be found at https://www.pattywillisartist.com/. Program Trad. arr Coltman - Shenandoah Debussy arr. Suggs - “Beau Soir” Karen Walwyn - New Work (tba) - world premiere Puccini - I Crisantemi Caroline Shaw - Entr’acte Mozart - “Mentre ti lascio, oh figlia” (As I leave you, oh Daughter) Kenji Bunch - String Circle (one mvt)

5:30pm - Pre-concert talk with Dr. Jordan Burke 6 pm - Concert Art curation by Dr. Jordan Burke Following last year's resounding success, our Art and Music concert returns – bigger and better! This year, experience a captivating double bill featuring the interplay of Art, Music, and Film. This hour-long concert of chamber masterpieces, both classic and contemporary have been chosen for their evocative imagery. These sonic landscapes will be amplified by powerful artwork displayed on the big screen, expertly curated by Dr. Jordan Burke. Arrive early to hear Jordan's insightful pre-concert talk, exploring the visual selections and their connection to the music. A highlight of the concert will be the premiere of Karen Walwyn’s new string quartet, commissioned by ACMF 2025 and inspired by the life and art of Jefferson County native, Patty Willis. Her stunning paintings will be uniquely integrated into this performance. From Saariaho’s shimmering "Changing Light" to Beethoven's iconic B-flat major quartet, prepare to be immersed in a world where music and art converge. Enhance your evening with a special prix-fixe three-course private ticketed dinner at Bistro 112, available exclusively for ACMF patrons after the show. Choose to attend the concert individually or as part of the expanded double bill - return at 8:30 pm for "Film & Music" featuring the 1911 Italian silent film "L'Inferno" with an original score for violin and bass by composer and violinist Dominic Salerni with Sam Suggs. Program Saariaho - Changing Light Beethoven - String Quartet No. 6 in B-flat major, Op. 18, No. 6 (1st mvt) Allegro con brio Rufus Reid - String Quartet No. 1 Adagio Animated Adagio Karen Walwyn - New Work, world-premiere, second performance Kenji Bunch - String Circle I. Lowdown

Join us for a truly special evening at the Barns of Rose Hill as we celebrate ACMF's 5th season with a program deeply rooted in both tradition and innovation. This concert marks a poignant return to our origins, as our very first opening night in the midst of the pandemic became an unexpected beacon of community at the Barns. This year, we bring you a work particularly close to our hearts: Copland’s iconic "Appalachian Spring." The emotional resonance of this piece, with its tender embrace of the Shaker melody "Simple Gifts," was palpable when we performed it at ACMF 2022, leaving both musicians and audience members deeply moved. Experiencing this quintessential American sound in the very foothills of Appalachia creates an undeniable and unforgettable connection. Continuing our commitment to new music, we are thrilled to present the world premiere of a work by Richmond native Benjamin Broening, commissioned especially for ACMF’s 5th season and performed by two talented Virginia artists, Schuyler Slack and Audrey Gray. To complete this celebratory program, we'll also share the passionate and beloved Brahms Piano Quintet. Join us for what promises to be an emotionally rich and musically stunning evening, a true testament to the journey of ACMF and the enduring power of music in Appalachia.

Program Schoenberg - Verklärte Nacht – Intermission – Kenji Bunch - String Circle Lowdown Shuffle Step Ballad Porch Picking Overdrive Copland - Appalachian Spring Suite, version for 13 instruments

Start off your weekend with the hottest ticket in town! Back by popular demand, we’re giving you an opportunity to hear the solo voices of our ACMF artists in works by Bach and his friends. By friends, we don’t only mean Bach’s contemporaries, but all the composers who were inspired by his incredible solo works for stringed instruments. Grab some coffee and a donut and sit back and take in the one-hour program formt which is a regular sell-out event at ACMF since year one. You’ll get to hear some music that Bach might have heard in his day, as well as some duos that take inspiration from the great German master. Right across the street from the beloved Shepherdstown Train station, the former Christ Reformed Church on German Street offers an exquisite and unique acoustic perfect for solo Bach performances… as well as a little more space. See you there! Program annouced from the stage. Limited parking available on site, or park at The Station at Shepherdstown

Program Mozart - Per questa Bella mano (By This Fair Hand) Beethoven - String Quartet No. 6 in B-flat major, Op. 18, No. 6 Allegro con brio Adagio ma non troppo Scherzo: Allegro - Trio La Malinconia -intermission- Schoenberg - Verklärte Nacht

Unwind and celebrate the magic of music together at ACMF's vibrant outdoor finale in a stunning historic setting! Bring your family and friends and join us on the back lawn of Happy Retreat to celebrate the end of our 5th season! This casual, family-friendly, one-hour concert has something for everyone and is the perfect way relax and enjoy a summer afternoon. Spread out your picnic blankets, grab your lawn chairs, and get ready for an afternoon filled with uplifting music. The program is a joyful culmination of the ACMF season, featuring a mix of highlights from our 5th season from Beethoven to Kenji Bunch as well as the only performance at ACMF of Thomas’ Coltman’s take on traditional Welsh folk melodies. Expect playful melodies, heartwarming classics, and everything in between! It's the perfect opportunity to relax under the sun with your loved ones and experience the beauty of music in a relaxed, outdoor setting. We thank Friends of Happy Retreat for helping make this event possible! Rain venue: Zion methodist church Program Beethoven - String Quartet No. 6 in B-flat major, Op. 18, No. 6 I. Allegro con brio Ben Broening - New Work, world premiere, second performance Traditional, Arr. Coltman - Welsh Songs Kenji Bunch - String Circle Lowdown Shuffle Step Ballad Porch Picking Overdrive Selections from the Danish String Quartet

Anfang Oktober gastiert das hr-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt im Rahmen des Jubiläums »50 Jahre Diplomatische Beziehungen Deutschland – Vietnam« mit zwei Gastkonzerten in Vietnam. Bei dem offiziellen Beitrag des Landes Hessen zu den Jubiläumsfeierlichkeiten wird in der vietnamesischen Hauptstadt Hanoi und in Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt je ein groß besetztes Kammerkonzert mit Werken deutscher Komponisten präsentiert. Auf dem Programm steht ein Doppelquartett des lange in Hessen wirkenden Operndramatikers Louis Spohr sowie Ludwig van Beethovens Sextett für zwei Hörner und Streichquartett und das Oktett für vier Violinen, zwei Violen und zwei Violoncelli von Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. Hessen und Vietnam verbindet seit 2012 eine privilegierte Partnerschaft. Das südostasiatische Land ist ein bedeutender Partner in Bildung, Forschung und Technologie. ----- At the beginning of October, the Frankfurt Radio Symphony will perform two guest concerts in Vietnam as part of the anniversary celebrations »50 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Germany and Vietnam«. As part of the state of Hesse's official contribution to the anniversary celebrations, a large-scale chamber concert with works by German composers will be presented in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi and in Ho Chi Minh City. The program includes a double quartet by the opera dramatist Louis Spohr, who worked in Hesse for many years, as well as Ludwig van Beethoven's Sextet for two horns and string quartet and the Octet for four violins, two violas and two cellos by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. Hesse and Vietnam have enjoyed a privileged partnership since 2012. The Southeast Asian country is an important partner in education, research and technology. SHA KATSOURIS / RACHELLE HUNT / | Violine GRACE LEE / STEFANIE PFAFFENZELLER | Violine LIISA RANDALU / STEFFEN WEISE | Viola BARBARA PETIT / ULRICH HORN | Violoncello MARC GRUBER / MICHAEL ARMBRUSTER | Horn Louis Spohr | Doppelquartett Nr. 4 g-Moll op. 136 Ludwig van Beethoven | Sextett für zwei Hörner und Streichquartett Es-Dur op. 81b Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy | Oktett Es-Dur op. 20

Anfang Oktober gastiert das hr-Sinfonieorchester Frankfurt im Rahmen des Jubiläums »50 Jahre Diplomatische Beziehungen Deutschland – Vietnam« mit zwei Gastkonzerten in Vietnam. Bei dem offiziellen Beitrag des Landes Hessen zu den Jubiläumsfeierlichkeiten wird in der vietnamesischen Hauptstadt Hanoi und in Ho-Chi-Minh-Stadt je ein groß besetztes Kammerkonzert mit Werken deutscher Komponisten präsentiert. Auf dem Programm steht ein Doppelquartett des lange in Hessen wirkenden Operndramatikers Louis Spohr sowie Ludwig van Beethovens Sextett für zwei Hörner und Streichquartett und das Oktett für vier Violinen, zwei Violen und zwei Violoncelli von Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. Hessen und Vietnam verbindet seit 2012 eine privilegierte Partnerschaft. Das südostasiatische Land ist ein bedeutender Partner in Bildung, Forschung und Technologie. ----- At the beginning of October, the Frankfurt Radio Symphony will perform two guest concerts in Vietnam as part of the anniversary celebrations »50 Years of Diplomatic Relations between Germany and Vietnam«. As part of the state of Hesse's official contribution to the anniversary celebrations, a large-scale chamber concert with works by German composers will be presented in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi and in Ho Chi Minh City. The program includes a double quartet by the opera dramatist Louis Spohr, who worked in Hesse for many years, as well as Ludwig van Beethoven's Sextet for two horns and string quartet and the Octet for four violins, two violas and two cellos by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. Hesse and Vietnam have enjoyed a privileged partnership since 2012. The Southeast Asian country is an important partner in education, research and technology. SHA KATSOURIS / RACHELLE HUNT / | Violine GRACE LEE / STEFANIE PFAFFENZELLER | Violine LIISA RANDALU / STEFFEN WEISE | Viola BARBARA PETIT / ULRICH HORN | Violoncello MARC GRUBER / MICHAEL ARMBRUSTER | Horn Louis Spohr | Doppelquartett Nr. 4 g-Moll op. 136 Ludwig van Beethoven | Sextett für zwei Hörner und Streichquartett Es-Dur op. 81b Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy | Oktett Es-Dur op. 20

With members of the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington Dmitri Shostakovich: String Quartet Nr. 8 Arvo Pärt: "Da pacem Domine" Felix Mendelssohn: String Quartet No. 3 in D Major, Op. 44 No. 1

Experience ACMF’s beloved Duo Delights as our Winter Residency returns to the charming Shepherdstown Train Station for an early-afternoon musical treat! Enjoy a unique “round robin” of festive duets as our stellar string musicians pair off in ever-changing combinations, offering a delightful sampler of musical morsels in an intimate setting. Tickets include a hot chocolate and a sweet seasonal treat from our friends at Bolivar Bread Bakery.​

Bring your loved ones and celebrate the season with this joyful, family-friendly concert in the beautiful Camp Hill-Wesley United Methodist Church in Harpers Ferry. ​ Holiday Highlights offers something for everyone, a one-hour festive program filled with cheerful and uplifting music. Hear inspired arrangements of beloved holiday classics, sparkling selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, spirited works by Mozart, and Peter Warlock’s lively Capriol Suite to get you in the dancing mood. Including special arrangements of seasonal works by our very own ACMF musicians, Chris Jusell and Sinéad Frost.

Join us for a dazzling evening of chamber music to warm your heart this holiday season, set in the golden acoustics of historic Zion Episcopal Church in Charles Town, WV. This heartwarming one-hour performance features pianist Ellen Hwangbo and ensemble in an evocative version of Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata, featuring Hwangbo and a heartwarming string version of the profoundly beautiful Adagio Cantabile, Reena Esmail’s haunting trio of the Appalachian Christmas Carol I Wonder as I Wander, and the richly expressive Piano Quintet by Ralph Vaughan Williams. PROGRAM Reena Esmail: I wonder as I wander Beethoven: Grande Sonate Pathétique I. Grave – Allegro di molto e con brio (piano) II. Adagio cantabile (for String Quintet, arr. Craig West) III. Rondo: Allegro (piano) Vaughan Williams: Piano Quintet I. Allegro con fuoco II. Andante III. Fantasia (quasi variazioni)

Welcome the New Year with ACMF’s festive finale, Celebration of Togetherness, hosted in the historic War Memorial Building, Charles Town. This special New Year’s Eve program reflects on five years of music, friendship, and community, and looks ahead with joy, energy, and hope. Experience a vibrant mix of music spanning centuries and styles, from the elegance of Mozart’s Divertimento in D major and the charm of Warlock’s Capriol Suite, to the beauty of Golijov’s Tenebrae and the expressive power of today’s American composers Rhiannon Giddens and Paul Wiancko, and ever-popular works by the Danish String Quartet. A specially created arrangement of Beethoven’s beloved Pathétique Sonata offers a moment of lyrical reflection before we join together to celebrate the end of 2025 with a sparkling toast.

Streichquartett in einer Kunstinstallation // String Quartet in an art installation Musical interventions by Philipp Glass, Justė Janulytė, György Ligeti, Ludwig van Beethoven, among others, curated and composed by Hermann Kretzschmar and Uwe Dierksen. In Justine Emard’s artistic installations, a perambulatory concert with music from three centuries awaits the visitors. Members of Ensemble Modern, the Frankfurt Radio Symphony and the Frankfurt Radio Big Band engage in an artistic dialogue with the French artist’s two light and sound installations ›Supraorganism‹ and ›Intraorganism‹. The large church organ of the KunstKulturKirche will also become part of this evening, amalgamating art, technolog, nature and music. Music will be played continuously from 20.00–23.30 as part of the art installation. The programme will be played twice during this period. With the kind support of the Adolf and Luisa Haeuser Foundation for Art and Culture.