Hosted by FMU, the twelfth edition of the South Carolina Chamber Music Festival was held from Feb. 26 through Feb. 29 at the FMU Performing Arts Center (PAC) Black Box Theater.
The annual celebration of classical music has been an integral part of the PAC’s programming for several years. Founded over a decade ago by professor of music industry Paolo André Gualdi, the festival has become a cultural staple in the region.
“It is so special and exciting to host musicians of such a high caliber at our university,” Gualdi said.
The festival boasted a stellar cast of internationally acclaimed artists, promising a week filled with musical virtuosity. The performances showcased a diverse range of chamber music, blending classical masterpieces with contemporary compositions.
Greg Jowers Greenville, South Carolina, travels to the Pee Dee for the festival every year.
“The chamber festival is an annual dose of high society culture for me and my family,” Jowers said.
The opening act on Feb. 26 was a riveting display of skill in “Dueling Violins,” featuring the talents of Susanna Klein, Micah Gangwer and the festival’s creator, Gualdi. On Feb. 27, the audience was treated to “Memos of Heritage: from Schumann to Rachmaninoff and Beyond.” Cellist Eunice Koh and pianist Chee-Hang See took center stage, weaving a musical tapestry that transcended time and tradition.
On Feb. 28, a unique event was the Balkan Quartet recording a live performance of a new work by FMU professor of music industry Brandon Goff. This special session invited the audience to witness the creative process. The festival culminated in its grand finale on Feb. 29. The Balkan Quartet returned to the stage for a recital titled “Music of Serbia and the Balkans,” transforming the Black Box Theater into a stage for an original take on several traditional Eurasian pieces.
These performances didn’t merely offer an auditory delight; they also showcased the vibrant cultural exchange at the heart of chamber music. The intimately small setting of the Black Box Theater provided a unique opportunity for the audience to immerse themselves in the artistry and passion of these exceptional musicians.
In a world often filled with hustle and bustle, the South Carolina Chamber Music Festival stands as a testament to the enduring power of classical music to captivate, inspire and transport us to realms of beauty and emotion. As the festival unfolded in the heart of Florence, it invited people from all over to partake in an unforgettable celebration of beautiful, well-composed harmonies.