AMFS Artist-Faculty, all top musicians from renowned orchestras, opera companies, and conservatories, come together to play their favorite chamber music works.

The Iranian American composer Gity Razaz was first inspired to write Metamorphosis of Narcissus by an encounter with the myth in Paulo Coelho’s novel The Alchemist and later by a viewing of Salvador Dali’s painting “The Metamorphosis of Narcissus.” The New York Times describes the nine-minute work as “ravishing and engulfing… [a] narcotic mix of dreamy French horn and clarinet calls, limpid Impressionist timbres and electronically induced expanse.”

Bartok’s Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion was one of the composer’s own favorite works. Since the piano is technically a percussion instrument, the work can be experienced as a percussion quartet, especially since Bartok emphasizes the piano’s percussive rather than lyrical personality here.

Dvořák’s String Quintet, op. 97 is a beautiful souvenir of his time in Spillville, Iowa. It exudes the composer’s warmth and benevolence as well as the influence of Native American tribes. 

Also featured on the program is the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble, comprising emerging young artists who perform music by prominent living composers and twentieth-century classics, as well as new works by the Festival’s student composers. Always a joyful and creative 75 minutes of music-making.

Summer 2026 Chamber Music Dates:
- Monday, July 6
- Saturday, July 11
- Saturday, July 18
- Saturday, July 25
- Sunday, August 2 (at 2:00 PM)
- Saturday, August 8
- Saturday, August 15
- Saturday, August 22