Close Conversations - The (He)Art of Chamber Music
Join RIAM Director Deborah Kelleher as she discovers the delights of one of classical music's greatest forms - Chamber Music. (Choose from "In Person" or "Live Online" (ZOOM) attendance.)
Description
Following her previous acclaimed music appreciation talks, Join RIAM Director Deborah Kelleher as she discovers the delights of one of classical music's greatest forms - Chamber Music.
This lively series will explore why this music, beyond solo repertoire, opera or even the mighty orchestra, is regarded as the essence of true musicianship.
Participants will learn, enjoy and be inspired by these great works in the company of fellow music lovers for one magical morning per week.
This series is suitable for both music aficionados and beginners alike and will entitle registrants to a subsequent 'access all areas' free pass to RIAM's ChamberFest (April 2026).
This Music Appreciation course will offer registrants to book a place for either "In-person" or Live Online" participation. When enrolling in the course, you will be prompted to select your preferred mode of participation.
Please note that participants who register for online participation will not be able to switch to in-person attendance at a later stage, as in-person capacity is limited to a maximum of 50 participants (due to venue limitations).
For participants who choose the online option, please note that a Zoom link will be provided through email, prior to the course start date.
Course Program:
Session 1: (23rd January 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM)
Origins of Elegance: the birth of chamber music
From courtly salons to Beethoven's powerhouse string quartets - tracing the roots of chamber music in the Classical era.
Session 2: (30th January 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM)
Romantic Conversations: up close and personal
Exploring Schubert, Brahms, and Mendelssohn - how chamber music became a vessel for deep personal expression
Session 3: (6th February 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM)
Modern Voices: innovation and intimacy in the 20th Century
Debussy, Bartók, Shostakovich - redefining chamber music in times of upheaval.
Session 4: (13th February 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM)
Beyond borders: Folk, Jazz, and Global Influences
How chamber music absorbed and reflected diverse musical traditions - from Dvořák to Piazzolla.
Session 5: (20th February 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM)
Living dialogues: chamber music today
Contemporary composers and ensembles — where is chamber music headed in the 21st century?
Please also check out the link to our other Music Appreciation Course Option next term:
Prerequisites
Participants must be 18+
For Online Attendance Only: Participants need to have access to internet with a stable connection and a Zoom enabled device (such as Smart Phone, iPad, Table or Laptop)
Tutors
Deborah Kelleher (Director, RIAM)