Phoenix Park-Kim (Indiana Wesleyan University), piano
Parker String Quartet, September 18, 2008
American Piano Trio, October 7, 2008
Merwin Siu, violin and Phoenix Park-Kim, piano, April 7 – 8, 2009
Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Indiana
This Chamber Music Series was presented to an audience of college students and community members in the community of Marion, Indiana.
The concerts consisted of evening performances and conversations with the performers and were presented in an area where chamber music concerts are rare. Each recital program was carefully selected to demonstrate diverse cultural and ethnic elements and included lesser known composers. Performers were prepared to discuss the pieces and composers. They also welcomed questions and comments from audience members in between pieces. Through the Chamber Music Series, the audience not only had opportunities to listen to live performances, but also to engage in conversations with a variety of musicians in a casual atmosphere. Many questions pertained to specific details about repertoire and composers. Other subjects were discussed included how performers got together, how often they rehearsed, and the cost of their instruments. The project was well received. It resulted in changing the misconceptions that some have about classical musicians. Listeners were able to experience diverse ethnic musical elements within a classical style. Audience members shared that their understanding and appreciation of the music was deepened through the performers' explanations and interactions.
