Sunday Music Series | "We the People: American Immigrant Stories in Music"

"We the People: American Immigrant Stories in Music"

The Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra is pleased to announce its new concert series, We The People, funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. Featuring the music of Italian-American composer Ernesto Ferreri and Jewish-Russian-American composer and Jazz musician Alex Nakhimovsky, the series will explore how music connects cultures, languages, and people. Join us in appreciating the diverse and wonderful culture and art that immigrants have introduced us to.

Part I 

The first concert in the series, on April 10, 2022 at 3 p.m., will feature music of Italian-American composer Ernesto Ferreri. The program also includes works by Paganini and Respighi. Premieres: String Symphony, Octet for Chamber Orchestra.

Italian-American composer Ernesto Ferreri recounts his arrival in America: “As fantastic an experience as Italy was, I will never forget my return to America. We had taken the SS Olympia. It was December 24, 1962. We were all on deck watching the ship pull into New York City with its mesmerizing skyline. It was snowing and we saw the Statue of Liberty proudly bearing her torch. As I shivered in the cold an older woman, a stranger actually, placed her mink stole on my shoulders. Seeing Manhattan, and so glad to be home I thought ‘I love America!’ I still do.”

Part II

The second concert, on June 12, will feature music of Jewish/Russian/ American composer and jazz pianist Alex Nakhimovsky, including the world premiere of a new composition by Nakhimovsky. The program also includes Symphony No.l op . 25 "Classical" by Prokofiev, Mahler's Adagio from Symph. 2, "Vocalise" by Rachmaninoff, and Shostakovich's Chamber Symphony op . 83a

Pianist Alex Nakhimovsky enjoys a versatile career as a performer, recording artist, producer, composer, and educator. His musical accomplishments as a jazz and classical artist include musical direction, arranging, solo and ensemble performances, including Carnegie Hall, Town Hall, Steinway Hall, Village Gate, and other jazz clubs in NYC.

All shows begin at 3 p.m. in the Stanley Works Center. 

Concert seating is first come, first served on day of show (effective June 1, 2022), and seating capacity is limited to 120. Pre-registration will no longer be available. Concert attendees MUST register at front desk upon arrival. Museum Members are free, and Museum guests are welcome with purchase of admission ticket.

Doors to event space will open at 2:30 p.m., not before.