FAQs

A few things people usually ask

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  • Aspect is, first and foremost, a chamber music concert series of the highest artistic caliber, presenting internationally renowned musicians performing some of the greatest works in the classical repertoire.

    But Aspect offers more than a concert. Short illustrated talks are interwoven with the performances, placing the music within its human and cultural context and exploring connections with art, literature, poetry, biography and history.

    The music comes first. The context opens a door into it. Together, they create the Aspect experience.

  • Not at all. Aspect is designed to be equally rewarding for lifelong classical-music listeners and complete newcomers.

    No specialist knowledge is necessary. The contextual material gives you a point of entry into the music—an image, story, personality or idea to carry with you when the performance begins.

  • “Music in Context” is the subtitle of Aspect Chamber Music Series and the idea at the heart of its programming.

    Music does not exist in isolation. A composer may have been shaped by a personal loss, a love affair, a writer or poet, a work of art, a philosophical idea or the cultural world around him.

    Aspect gives you a glimpse into these connections, allowing you to enter the music with a richer sense of the world from which it emerged.

  • Aspect combines world-class chamber music with short illustrated talks, visual material and cultural connections, all within an elegant and welcoming social experience.

    It is sophisticated but never intimidating; elevated, yet welcoming and nonchalant.

ABOUT ASPECT

  • Chamber music is classical music written for and performed by a small number of musicians. Historically, it was intended for intimate spaces—literally, a chamber—rather than a large concert hall.

    It is commonly performed by duos, trios, quartets and quintets.

  • Aspect generally presents chamber ensembles of approximately two to six musicians, rather than solo recitals.

  • Aspect presents internationally renowned soloists and chamber musicians with successful international careers.

    Its artists include winners and laureates of some of the world's most prestigious international music competitions, including Tchaikovsky Competition Gold Medalists, Queen Elisabeth Competition winners and prize-winning ensembles from major international string quartet competitions.

CHAMBER MUSIC & THE ARTISTS

  • An Aspect illustrated talk is a glimpse, not a lecture.

    Instead of a conventional pre-concert lecture, short talks are interwoven with the concert, usually before individual works. They introduce some of the stories, people and ideas surrounding the music you are about to hear.

    Images are projected onto a large screen behind the speaker on stage and, when appropriate, may be supplemented by animation or film.

  • No. There is no separate pre-concert lecture that you can attend or skip. The talks are part of the concert itself, with music and context forming one continuous experience.

  • Sometimes an invited speaker provides the cultural and historical context. At other times, the musicians themselves speak, sharing their personal perceptions and insights into the works they are about to perform.

    Aspect's speakers are chosen not only for their expertise but for their ability to communicate with imagination, personality and humor.

  • The concert is generally divided into two parts of approximately 45 minutes each, with a 20-minute intermission, and usually finishes at around 9:30 PM.

  • Yes. There is normally a 20-minute intermission, during which complimentary wine is offered.

THE CONCERT