40 One-Hour Live Concerts in the Secret Garden
Opera | Choir | Jazz | Chamber Music | Early Music | Cabaret | Tango | Flamenco
Spring Concerts
Thursday, May 26 | 5pm, 6:30pm
The Golden Age of Gypsy Jazz
Nuage Rhythm: Myriam Phiro, vocals | Matvei Sigelav, violin | Lisa Liu, guitar | Elias Bailey, upright bass
Sip a French Martini while Chanteuse Myriam Phiro and her band Nuage Rhythm celebrate the golden age of jazz across the Atlantic, from the salons of Manhattan to Paris and the Mediterranean with a transatlantic flair and distinctive blend of Parisian and American Jazz from New York City to the Secret Garden. Inspired by the stylings of Edith Piaf and Nat King Cole, experience your favorite jazz classics in French, English, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, reimagined through the unmistakable flavor of gypsy jazz.
“…deep, powerful, fun and sexy all at once.” –NYC Culture & Style Magazine
This concert has been generously sponsored by Cheryl Amyx
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June 2, 3, & 4
Le nozze di Figaro
Musicians from the Prague Summer Nights Young Artists Music Program & Washington National Opera Cafritz Young Artists
Opera returns to the Secret Garden with Mozart’s beloved comedy in a delightful, immersive staging featuring a talented cast of young musicians. An audience favorite since 1786, discover the madcap comedy and radiant score as never before.
This concert is part of the Prague Summer Nights 2022 Washington D.C. Residency, which is generously sponsored by John H. Hart, and George & Patti White.
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Thursday, June 16 | 5pm, 6:30pm
Steps Towards Freedom: A Juneteenth Remembrance
With the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts
Ayana Freelon, soprano | Carl Dupont, baritone | Shawna Williams, dancer | Dr. Lester Green, piano | Pamela Simonson, narrator
After presenting its first Juneteenth concert just a day after Congress voted to make Juneteenth a national holiday, Classical Movements and CAAPA partner once again to celebrate this day of joy and liberation. Discover the power and significance of this celebration from a new perspective through the combination of narration and chamber music. A “Juneteenth cocktail” will be provided for your enjoyment during this program.
“A timely celebration in jubilation of the abolishment of enslavement and involuntary servitude.” The Zebra
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Thursday, June 23 | 5pm, 6:30pm
Cuban: A Night in Havana
Luis Faife & Cuban Roots Featuring Manuel “Memo” Pelayo
Enjoy a mojito during this exuberant celebration of the golden age of Cuban music in the secret garden including favorite songs of the Buena Vista Social Club like Chan Chan, Guantanamera, Lágrimas Negras, El Cuarto de Tula, Que le den Candela and more.
Tickets & Program2021 Past Concerts
Friday, September 24 | 5pm, 7pm (Standing Room Only)
A Spanish September: An Evening of Flamenco and Moroccan Music
Wadih Ettabbakh, guitar and voice | Coco Barez, percussion | Mariana Gatto, dance
Don your finery for an elegant and festive season-opening, infused with the distinctive music of Andalusia and Morocco. Dance returns to the Secret Garden as the fiery rhythms and passionate melodies of flamenco take you on a musical journey to Southern Spain – then across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco for a fusion with Arabic musical traditions. After the performance, join Classical Movements for a 30-minute celebratory toast to the beginning of the season.
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Wednesday, September 29 | 6pm
Afghanistan: A Conversation with Musicians and Journalists
Join us in conversation with four female and male musicians and journalists from Afghanistan, newly arrived to the USA in August 2021, as they describe their alternately inspiring and harrowing experiences.
Many musicians and their families are in hiding in Afghanistan. Those that have been given refuge in the United States are in need of support not only for housing and basic expenses, but also for music lessons, instruments, rehearsal spaces, and much more to continue their musical pursuits and education.
To protect participants’ families, friends, and colleagues still in Afghanistan, we are not publishing names or identifying biographical details before the event.
A portion of proceeds from the event will be directed to support musicians in Afghanistan and their families, as well as those who recently arrived in the United States. This event is presented by Musical Movements for Change, a nonprofit organization associated with Classical Movements.
Thursday, October 7 | 5pm, 6:30pm
An October Opus: The Brahms Clarinet Quintet
Principal Musicians of the Washington National Opera/Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra:
David Jones, principal clarinet | Oleg Rylatko, concertmaster | Ko Sugiyama, assistant concertmaster | Allyson Goodman, principal viola | Amy Frost Baumgarten, principal cello
Principal musicians from the Kennedy Center Opera House play one of the most gorgeous works of chamber music in their return to Secret Garden, following sold-out concerts in spring 2021. Composed in a fit of creativity that drew Johannes Brahms out of retirement, the haunting character of the quintet for clarinet and strings is interrupted by moments of intense inner warmth, this is one of the most ravishing works of chamber music. Then enjoy the lighthearted and enjoyable George Gershwin piece “Promenade – Walking The Dog” from the famed movie “Shall we Dance?” which featured Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers – and a perfect complement to an autumn evening.
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Friday, October 22 | 6:30pm
Savory Soiree: Japanese Garden Gala Dinner and Concert
Concert with Musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra
Marina Aikawa, violin | Tsuna Sakamoto, viola | Mahoko Eguchi, viola | Ryo Yanagitani, guest piano
Sumptuous Multi-Course Japanese Cuisine, Green Tea, Sake & Whiskey
Experience Ikebana, Koto, Origami & more
Don your silks and pearls for a benefit concert and a cocktail attire gala celebration in support of concerts and artists in the transformed Secret Garden.
Join Classical Movements and Japanese musicians from the National Symphony and acclaimed pianist Ryo Yanagitani – for an unforgettable fundraising events inspired by the art, culture, and cuisine of Japan.
The Gala Dinner & Concert begins with illuminating demonstrations of ikebana flower arrangement, the traditional koto musical instrument, and origami. Then enjoy a beautifully curated musical program and memorable Japanese menu.
If you are unable to attend our event in person you can also support us through our online auction.
A significant portion of your ticket cost will be tax-deductible through Musical Movements for Change, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Saturday, October 30 | 5pm, 6:30pm
Violin Masterworks: David Kim plays Handel, Prokofiev & Kreisler
David Kim, violin | Jeffrey DeVault, piano
David Kim was sensational in May of 2021 and is now back by popular demand. The Philadelphia Orchestra concertmaster makes a second appearance in the Secret Garden with a program of gorgeous, virtuosic showcases for the violin by Handel, Prokofiev, & Kreisler – and also featuring John Williams’ heartbreaking violin theme from the film “Schindler’s List.” Don’t miss the opportunity to hear one of the world’s great violinists in a program that will take your breath away and move your soul in equal measure.
“Style and buoyance” The Philadelphia Inquirer
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Tuesday, November 9 | 5pm, 6:30pm
Blow Those Horns: Music for Horn Quartet
French Horns from the National Symphony Orchestra:
Abel Pereira | Markus Osterlund | James Nickel | Robert Rearden
Don’t miss a remarkable opportunity to hear a quartet of the regal French Horns playing brilliant music you should know – by composers you have likely never heard of. Members of the NSO horn section lend their refulgent tone to majestic, moving, and delightful rarities by American, German, and Russian composers.
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Sunday, February 27 | 5pm, 7:30pm
Savory Soiree: “A Chopin Salon at the Rectory”
Thomas Pandolfi, concert pianist
This event has been rescheduled due to weather and will now be on February 27th.
Enjoy 3-courses of culinary delights from Poland accompanied by French champagne and wine during this evening of Chopin in the Atrium. Thomas Pandolfi joins us for the second time at The Rectory on Princess Street. He will debut our 1928 Grand Haines Piano in our beautiful glass-enclosed atrium!
Masks will be required indoors at all times and seats socially distanced.
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Friday & Saturday, March 25-26
Philadelphia Tour: See Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conduct Philadelphia Orchestra
Join Classical Movements and the Friends of Sounds of Hope & Harmony just up the road in Philadelphia! This special tour will give you an insider view on the world-class Philadelphia Orchestra. Meet concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, David Kim, over a champagne toast after a concert by the orchestra conducted by the electric Yannick Nézet-Séguin with Venezuelan-Argentine classical pianist Sergio Tiempo. A fabulous dinner with wine and a visit to one of Philadelphia’s historic museums rounds out this weekend jaunt to this dynamic city. We have enough sign-ups, but still welcome a few more participants until March 1.
Thursday, March 10 | 7pm, 8:30pm
Flamenco Guitar Meets Tabla
Wadih Ettabbakh, guitar and voice | Hamid Habib Zada, tabla
Sip Spanish wine as you journey from Southern Spain, through North Africa, all the way to Afghanistan. Join us in the Atrium for a dazzling pre-season display of improvisation, virtuosity, and an unforgettable exchange between cultures. Guitarist Wadih Ettabbakh returns after opening our autumn season with his distinctive blend of flamenco and Moroccan music, joined by newly arrived Afghan musician Hamid Habib Zada playing the tabla, the ancient hand drums central to musical traditions across South Asia.
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Tuesday, March 22 | 5pm, 6:30pm
Spring Season Opener: Concert for Ukraine
Smetana, Skoryk, Bogachek
Musicians from the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera/Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra
Zino Bogachek, violin | Natasha Bogachek, violin | Eric DeWaardt, viola | Loewi Lin, cello
The spring season opens with the 100th and 101st concerts in the Secret Garden, offered in solidarity with the courage and resistance of the people of Ukraine. An international tribute featuring Ukrainian, Russian, Dutch and Taiwanese-Canadian musicians performing powerful, inspiring repertoire by Bedřich Smetana and Ukrainian composers.
A portion of proceeds from ticket sales and the entirety of additional donations will be donated to Doctors Without Borders in support of their relief efforts in Ukraine.
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Thursday, March 31 | 6:30pm
MOZART | TCHAIKOVSKY | MASSENET
PRICE | HEGGIE | BARNES
Shana Oshiro, soprano | Dr. Brian Bartoldus, piano | Jodi Beder, cello
Join us at 6pm for a reception in the Atrium and enjoy a “Maya Angelou” cocktail before the concert.
Shana Oshiro combines her radiant voice with exquisite poise and beauty and offers a program of Mozart’s rarely heard Abendemfindung (“Evening Sentiment”) with the unforgettable Dans un bois solitaire (“Alone in a Forest”), and on to Tchaikovsky’s well known Serenade and Massenet’s soulful On Dit (“One Says”). The program continues with a powerful story of transformation, feminism, equality, and Justice with songs by the extremely popular Florence Price, Jake Heggie (Dead Man Walking), and Jasmine Barnes. Accompanied by pianist, conductor, and composer Brian Bartoldus and cellist Jodi Beder.
This concert has been generously sponsored by Louise Meng
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Thursday, April 7 | 5pm, 6:30pm
The Immortal Beloved: Love Through the Sound of the Cello – Beethoven & Brahms
Amit Peled, cello | Allison Freeman, piano
After a breathtaking debut with sold-out performances in the Secret Garden in April 2021, internationally renowned Israeli-American cellist Amit Peled and his 1695 instrument by the Italian master Giovanni Grancino make a return appearance for a program built around the passion, seduction, longing, and despair of Beethoven and Brahms’s hidden love affairs. A glass of Riesling will be served
“A glowing tone, a seductive timbre and an emotionally pointed approach to phrasing that made you want to hear him again” The New York Times
“Fiery and intelligent, Peled really shone in a bold and dramatically conceived interpretation” The Strad Magazine
The event is made possible with the support of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Washington DC
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Thursday, April 14 | 5pm, 6:30pm
Bolero, Zarzuela & Arias
Co-Presented with IN Series:
Timothy Nelson, Artistic Director | Judy Yannini, soprano | Emily Baltzer, piano
Sip a virgin margarita while you listen to an artist fast on the rise, Mexican soprano Judy Yannini makes her Secret Garden debut in an incandescent program of selections from vibrant zarzuelas and beloved operas, presented in partnership with IN Series.
“Yannini displayed a warm, maternal tone at both top and bottom, easily negotiating the distances between them” Washington Classical Review
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Thursday, April 21 | 5pm, 6:30pm
Old Time Roots: Bluegrass and Americana
Ken Kolodner, hammered dulcimer, hammered mbira & fiddle | Brad Kolodner, banjo, gourd banjo & fiddle | Rachel Eddy, fiddle & guitar
The father-son team Ken & Brad Kolodner crosses the boundaries of Old-Time, Bluegrass and American Roots music in a transfixing, elegant program played in sophisticated arrangements for banjo, hammered dulcimer and fiddle featuring distinctive songs, traditional pieces and original music. Enjoy a virgin “Coal Miner’s Daughter” cocktail during the performance.
“…exceptionally talented musicians and they have created a tight, top-notch sound.” Bluegrass Today
“The Kolodners and their collaborators play with impeccable chops and with great feeling.” Bluegrass Unlimited
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Concert Postponed due to Illness
Haydn’s “Joke” for Strings
Musicians from the National Symphony
Marissa Regni, violin | Marina Aikawa, violin | Tsuna Sakamoto, viola | Eugena Chang, cello
“The String Thing” – Heather LeDoux Green, violin | Paul DeNola, bass | Jeffrey Weisner, bass
Musical laughs meet exquisite harmony when musicians from the National Symphony play Haydn’s witty String Quartet in E-flat – nicknamed “The Joke,” appropriately for a composer noted for his sense of humor as well as for being the “Father of the String Quartet.” The program also features Pulitzer Prize-winning Jennifer Higdon’s gentle musical portrait, “Southern Harmony.” Then hilarious duo “The String Thing” (Heather LeDoux Green, Paul DeNola) leads a Guess the Composer Challenge. Test your knowledge of the great works of classical music – and see if special guest Jeff Weisner can keep his NSO colleagues on their best behavior!
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Thursday, May 12 | 5pm, 6:30pm
Early Music for Lute and Viola da Gamba
Ronn McFarlane, lute | Carolyn Surrick, viola da gamba
BACH, DOWLAND, PICCININI HASSLER, ORTIZ
And new music for the Lute by Mcfarlane and Surrick
The refined splendor of Grammy Award-winning lutist Ronn McFarlane returns to the Secret Garden, joined by Carolyn Surrick for an imaginative, wide-ranging program of early music for the captivating combination of lute and viola da gamba, the Renaissance precursor to the modern cello, including iconic works by Dowland, Telemann and Bach. Enjoy a glass of English Ale during the performance.
“Here there is a genuine feeling of engagement and enjoyment here, a sense of sharing material with each other, the idea that after each tune someone says ‘if that then this’, or ‘do listen to this’.” Planet Hugill
This concert has been generously sponsored by Diana Garcia
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Thursday, May 19 | 5pm, 6:30pm
The Romantics in the Secret Garden: Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata
Vijay Venkatesh, piano
Hailed for “effortless technical command and authority with a sense of poetry,” award-winning pianist Vijay Venkatesh plays a program of Romantic piano music by Clara Schumann, Johannes Brahms, Frederic Chopin and Beethoven’s famous “Moonlight” Sonata. A glass of Spätburgunder wine will be served during the performance.
“Vijay Venkatesh is blessed with it all: transcendent technique, unbridled passion, and irresistible charisma. He breathes with an oxygen of imagination.” The Washington Post
The event is made possible with the support of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Washington DC.
The Lead sponsor for this concert is Anne Carlucci & Mitchell Hertz.
This series is presented with the generous support of:
John H. Hart | George & Patti White | Carolyn Fuller | Linda Bunce | Cheryl Amyx | Louise Meng
Mitchell Hertz & Anne Carlucci | Karin and Keneth Gross | Gail Melick | Raymond S Eresman and Diana E Garcia
Elizabeth & Jan Lodal | Joan A Dempsey Charitable Fund | Morris Deutsch | Letitia Long
Tara Hardiman & Roger Jackson | Norma Dugger | Douglas Gill | Suzanne Brock
Admiral James G. Foggo & Cynthia Foggo | Jurgen and Susan Gobien | Allister Nelson
Susan McAnney | Stephanie Kanwit | Musical Movements for Change
For more details about sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Alessandra@ClassicalMovements.com
“The presenter took every possible precaution…the dangers posed by the coronavirus felt about as mitigated as they could possibly be.”
– Charles T. Downey, Washington Classical Review
During COVID when all concerts and venues were shut down, Classical Movements decided to present an outdoor, live concert series “Sounds of Hope & Harmony” in solidarity with our clients and friends in the local music community and specially designed to accommodate safe social distancing for performers, audience and staff. Concerts usually take place on Thursdays and Saturdays (with some Tuesdays and here and there, other days of the week), with different start times and rain dates for many performances.
This has turned out to be s silver lining of COVID and the artists and the community overwhelmingly want them to continue. Thousands of members of the DMV area come to these no-fuss, casual concerts, set amongst our beautiful garden, featuring world-class concerts, celebrating the illuminating power of music during this period of so much uncertainty and tension.