Coastal Concerts 25th season continues with crowd pleaser

The main attraction of a kaleidoscope is, while one can never be quite certain what the next twist of the lens will bring, all the different colors and shapes will combine pleasingly in some new and unexpected way. Such was the case Dec. 9 when Coastal Concerts brought the renowned Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective to the Cape Henlopen High School stage.

The ensemble, featuring a piano as well as traditional chamber quartet string instruments, performed a lovely and energetic selection of works by Schubert, Dohnanyi, Montgomery and Price. The performances of these lesser-known but nonetheless beautifully composed works thoroughly pleased the large audience.

Kaleidoscope is in the midst of its first American tour after enjoying much success in Europe. Known for flexible programming, the ensemble treated the audience to a violin and cello duet, and for an encore, a lighthearted rendition of Gershwin’s, “You Can’t Take That Away From Me,” complete with vocals by the violist.

In addition to the concert series, Coastal Concerts supports a variety of community-based initiatives to advance appreciation for classical music and support developing young talent. Its music scholarship program for middle and high school students is one such effort. Daniel Qi, violinist, is the recipient of the 2023 Dorothy and Elizabeth Music Scholarship Award, which is the highest award of the five given this year. A sophomore at Archmere Academy in Claymont, Qi was present Dec. 9 to open the concert with a beautifully performed solo. Also as part of the Dec. 9 program, Gary and Betty Grunder, members of the original Coastal Concerts founders committee, accepted a Sussex County proclamation from County Councilman Mark Schaefer in recognition of Coastal Concerts’ work with music education for youngsters in the county.

The next concert will feature the American String Quartet with harpist Mariko Anraku at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes. The American String Quartet is recognized internationally as one of the world’s finest quartets and has received numerous awards. Anraku has performed throughout the world and is also a member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.  A presentation of Performance Insights by Lani Spahr will precede the concert, beginning at 1 p.m. To purchase tickets, go to coastalconcerts.org or buy at the door.