There is something inherently magical about summer in the Black Mountain and Swannanoa Valley area. The morning mist clearing off the Blue Ridge peaks, the slow-paced charm of our mountain towns, and the cool evening breezes that make July feel like a world away from the humid lowlands.
But this summer, there is another reason to plan a weekend getaway or a special night out.
The Chamber Music Society of the Carolinas is returning for its 57th season, bringing a world-class classical concert festival right to our doorstep. This year’s theme, “The Great Experiment,” is a four-weekend musical exploration of democracy, equality, and the human voice.
For local residents and visitors to Black Mountain, the regional performances take place just minutes away on Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM at the historic Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church in neighboring Swannanoa.
What is “The Great Experiment”?
Chamber music is often described as a conversation among friends. Unlike a massive orchestra led by a single conductor, a chamber ensemble relies on a handful of musicians where every part is essential, and no single voice dominates. It is the ultimate artistic democracy.
This season’s programs challenge both musicians and audiences to think about what it means to build something beautiful together. Every performance features world-class virtuosos who pull back the curtain on the music using spoken introductions, creating an intimate, welcoming experience whether you are a lifelong classical listener or attending your very first concert.
The Summer Lineup: Saturdays at 7:30 PM – Mark your calendars! The festival spans four distinct consecutive Saturdays, each tackling a different angle of “The Great Experiment”:
Week 1: Ripples (Saturday, July 11 at 7:30 PM) – The season opens with a look at how ideas spread outward from a single point of origin, touching everything they reach.
- The Music: Features the regional premiere of Karen Sunabacka’s Ripples, alongside Antonín Dvořák’s beloved “American” Quartet (Quartet in F major, Op. 96) and Johannes Brahms’ lush Sextet No. 2 in G major, Op. 18.
Week 2: Parlor to Pub (Saturday, July 18 at 7:30 PM) – Step back into the 18th century—the precise era when the modern democratic experiment was born—complete with historic period instruments.
- The Music: Featuring Handel’s Suite from Music for the Royal Fireworks and Trio Sonata in G minor, alongside a Geminiani Violin Sonata and lively period dance music including Minuets, Scottish Reels, and Country Dances.
Week 3: Today’s Voices (Saturday, July 25 at 7:30 PM) – A celebration of living composers whose works refuse easy categorization and insist on being heard entirely on their own terms.
- The Music: Caroline Shaw’s Entr’acte, Edgar Meyer’s Duet No. 2 for Cello and Bass, and Dvořák’s String Quintet No. 2 in G major. The evening is anchored by composer Reinaldo Moya, who will join the ensemble in person to discuss his evocative piece Yara for String Quartet.
Week 4: Clara and Robert (Saturday, August 1 at 7:30 PM) – The grand finale explores equality through history, highlighting brilliant minds whose work was long overshadowed by the men around them.
- The Music: A powerful pairing of Clara Schumann’s Piano Trio in G Minor, Op. 17 and Rebecca Clarke’s Sonata for Viola and Piano, alongside Robert Schumann’s masterwork, the Piano Quartet in E-flat major, Op. 47.
Make a Weekend of It in the Valley
Because chamber music is so uniquely intimate, it demands a setting to match. The historic stone and timber architecture of Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church provides the perfect acoustic and aesthetic backdrop to experience these living conversations. Pair a Saturday evening concert with a weekend of exploring Black Mountain’s local art galleries, hiking the pristine trails around Montreat, or dining at our fantastic independent restaurants downtown before heading over to the show.
Plan Your Visit: Single tickets and full 4-concert season passes for the Saturday night series are available now. Because these performances are held in an intimate venue, seats fill quickly. Head over to cms-carolinas.org to secure your tickets and view full artist details!