Kingston Notes

Internationally acclaimed pianist Kate Liu joins Kingston Notes to discuss artistic voice, authenticity, the magic of live performance, and why classical music remains an essential part of modern life. From her earliest experiences at the piano to her reflections on chamber music, collaboration, and emotional connection, Kate offers an inspiring perspective on the power of music to help us better...

Olympic medalist, musician, creator, and Rhode Island native Elizabeth Beisel joins Kingston Notes for a conversation about identity, creativity, and the courage to evolve. Reflecting on art, reinvention, and the many roles we inhabit throughout our lives, Elizabeth shares how powerful it can be to embrace the many layers of who we are—and the freedom that comes from pursuing multiple passions. At...

Violinist Julian Rhee joins us for a thoughtful conversation about artistry, curiosity, and the enduring power of live music. A recipient of the 2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant, Julian has emerged as one of the most exciting young musicians of his generation, earning acclaim for performances that combine technical brilliance with remarkable emotional depth. This summer, he makes his Kingston Chambe...

In the second installment of a two-part conversation, violinist Harriet Langley and cellist Audrey Chen of the Terra String Quartet reflect on the deeper purpose behind their work as an ensemble. They discuss the importance of being fully present in each performance, allowing space for listeners to form their own personal connections to the music. Harriet and Audrey also share how they are expandi...

In this first part of a two-part conversation, host Anna Gray speaks with violinist Harriet Langley and cellist Audrey Chen of the Terra String Quartet. They share the story of how the quartet came together, the meaning behind their name, and what it takes to build an ensemble rooted in communication, trust, and collaboration. The conversation also explores their approach to storytelling in chambe...

Host Anna Gray talks with pianist and Artistic Director Natalie Zhu about the 2026 Kingston Chamber Music Festival and its theme, Life, Liberty & Music . They explore how a festival season is shaped--from concept to stage--and how chamber music can spark dialogue, connect cultures, and bring people together in meaningful ways. As the festival enters its 38th season alongside the nation’s 250th...

On August 3, the Dover Quartet returns to the Kingston Chamber Music Festival (KCMF) to perform Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate (Chickasaw)'s Rattle Songs, a classical transcription of a piece originally written by Purá Fe and performed by Ulali, a trio who combined Native roots and contemporary styles with vocals, stomping, and rattling turtle shells. In this episode, Camden Shaw, cellist of the Dov...

In this episode Natalie Zhu, Artistic Director of the Kingston Chamber Music Festival , and Allison Lacasse, Artistic Director of the URI Summer Music Academy , a camp for string, woodwind, brass, piano, and percussion students in the 7th through 12th grades, discuss the growing relationship between these two musical initiatives. This year, the GRAMMY-nominated Dover Quartet, acclaimed clarinetist...

Violinist Amy Oshiro-Morales will perform in the Kingston Chamber Music Festiva l in Kingston, Rhode Island, on July 30th, August 1st, and August 3rd. In this episode, she shares insights into the music she'll perform in Kingston -- including the only solo violin piece of the entire festival, Eugène Ysaÿe's Solo Violin Sonata No.3 -- as well as her thoughts on the privilege of working int he arts,...

In Triplicate is a trio of internationally acclaimed musicians — violinist Jasmine Lin , cellist Clancy Newman , and bassist Nate Farrington. Celebrated for being “dazzling, profound, and highly entertaining” by the San Diego Story , the trio composes, arranges, and performs their own music. In this episode, they discuss the trio's origin story, their exhilarating musical expression that dances wi...

Pianist Henry Kramer will perform in the Kingston Chamber Music Festiva l in Kingston, Rhode Island, on July 23rd and July 27th. In this episode, he discusses his background, inspirations, insights into this season's repertoire, how chamber music can help us process the world, and more. Watch Kramer's incredible performances at last year's festival on our YouTube page , including Camille Saint-Saë...

Violinist Elissa Lee Koljonen will perform during the Kingston Chamber Music Festival's 37th season on July 25th as part of Curtis-on-Tour. The full program is available here. Recognized as one of the most celebrated violinists of her generation, Koljonen has thrilled audiences and critics in more than one hundred cities throughout the world. She has received international acclaim and has performe...

The Kingston Chamber Music Festival (KCMF) will present its 37th season July 23-August 3, 2025 in Edwards Hall at the University of Rhode Island. In this episode, you'll hear from William Ge, Clara Chen, and Julie Chen, three teenagers who have been involved with KCMF in various capacities. Pianist William Ge was featured in our first annual Young Artist Mini Recital in 2023. Cellist Julie Chen wi...

The Kingston Chamber Music Festival will present its 37th season July 23-August 3, 2025 in Edwards Hall at the University of Rhode Island (URI). In this episode, you'll hear from pianist Moé Takamatsu and classical guitarist Adrián Montero . They play together as Hashi Duo and will perform Marvin Camacho 's 7 Haikus on July 23. You'll also hear from Dr. Eliane Aberdam, a composer and professor of...

The Kingston Chamber Music Festival (KCMF) has proudly presented extraordinary chamber music concerts in Kingston, RI, since 1989. In this episode, you'll hear from KCMF Artistic Director and pianist Natalie Zhu and longtime patron Dr. David Fastovsky. Our 37th season will be held July 23-August 3, 2025 in Edwards Hall at the University of Rhode Island. For more information and to purchase tickets...