‘Breathtaking
Musicianship’

On Saturday, March 15 people from all over central Vermont and beyond had the great privilege of hearing the internationally renowned Chiara String Quartet play once again in Randolph’s own Chandler Music Hall. This group of young players is extraordinarily skilled and emotionally attuned to one another.

It was an absolute joy to hear and to watch them, especially during the great Schubert String Quintet in C when first violinist Rebecca Fischer’s father, cellist Norman Fischer, joined her and the others on stage.

All good musicians watch each other for cues, but this was special, for he positively beamed at his colleagues and made all the instruments sing and move as in a dance. It was an exhibit of breathtaking musicianship.

Another treat on that same evening was the world premiere of String Quartet # 2 by Vermont’s own composer, Erik Nielsen of Brookfield, who was present to receive a standing ovation. Commissioned especially for the Chiara by Chandler and supported through a wide variety of enthusiastic funding sources, this exquisite and often tender piece showed off Chandler’s pure acoustics and inspired a deservedly warm reception.

Supporting local composers by commissioning new pieces is one of the most important things Chandler does for them and for our community. We’re all beneficiaries, and I hope you’ll join me in giving three cheers for Chandler, our own local patron of the arts!

Jean Mallary

Brookfield