Music at St. Paul’s announces its 2017-18 Artist Series season presenting five concerts featuring renowned chamber vocal, and chamber ensembles, many performing in Chattanooga for the first time. Season subscriptions and single tickets may be purchased in advance through the St. Paul’s website. Tickets for each concert will also be sold at the door. For tickets and more information, visit: http://www.stpaulschatt.org/concert-season/ 

Keith Reas, director of Music at St. Paul’s, said, “The 2017-18 Artist Series includes world-class instrumental and vocal ensembles from Europe and the United States. Our season begins with the acclaimed Auryn Quartet from Germany, who bring their captivating interpretations of the string quartet repertoire. Two unique vocal ensembles – Heinevanker from Estonia and the American trio, Tapestry – perform a wide range of choral music from medieval chant to modern compositions. Period instrument ensembles round out our presentations: the Washington Cornett & Sackbutt ensemble collaborates with St. Paul’s Choir for an evening of festive works from the early Baroque. Concluding our season, Sonare returns with Chattanooga native flutist Janelle Anderson West, for a program of elegant music from the French Baroque. We are delighted to bring this diverse selection of outstanding musicians to our beautiful and historic nave, the perfect setting for experiencing sublime music that elevates the spirit.” 

Review for the performers: 

The Auryn Quartet performs string quartets by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (B-flat major, K. 458); Claude Debussy (G minor, Op. 10); and Edvard Grieg (G minor, Op. 27) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The internationally renowned Auryn Quartet (named after the amulet that grants intuition in Michael Ende’s novel, The Neverending Story) has been performing together for over 35 years, maintaining the same roster of players since its founding in 1981. Regarded as one of the foremost string quartets performing today, the Auryn’s signature qualities are interpretive mastery, individuality, and intensity of expression. Their program at St. Paul’s traverses the breadth of the string quartet repertoire from Mozart’s classical beauty to Debussy’s sensuous harmonies and Grieg’s soulful passion.

Tapestry (Cristi Catt, soprano; Laurie Monahan, mezzosoprano; Daniela Tošic, alto with guest artist James Falzone, clarinet) performs their acclaimed program Starry Night: A Candlelight Holiday Celebration on Friday, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m.

The Washington Cornett & Sackbutt Ensemble joins with the St. Paul’s Choir for an evening of Festive Music for Early Brass and Voices on Friday, Feb. 9, at 7:30 p.m.

The world-renowned a cappella vocal ensemble Heinevanker from the Republic of Estonia performs Ancient Songs, Chants and Hymns: celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Estonian Independence performs Friday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m.

Returning by popular demand, the Baroque ensemble Sonare (James Andrewes and Marie-Élise McNeeley, violins; Eric Smith, cello; Lenora McCroskey, harpsichord and organ; Jenelle Anderson West, traverso flute) celebrates The Glory of France in a dazzling program of elegant music from the French Baroque on Sunday, April 29, at 4 p.m. 

Music at St. Paul's 2017-18 Artists Series Concerts will be at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 305 W. Seventh Street at Pine Street.  Series subscriptions are $125, $90; $75 seniors.  Single tickets are $30, $20; $15 seniors. For more information and tickets visit www.stpaulschatt.org/concert-season/ or call 266-8195.