Carrie Hennessey is a wayfinder through the deep, spiritual and technical discoveries of the voice.
Early success in the Metropolitan Opera Auditions led to high expectations, but singing after trauma in her early 20s dismantled the ease in her voice and presence. A top artistic mentor once reviewed, ‘This is not the same singer I heard 2 years ago. Go back home’, and a famous singer/coach exclaimed, ‘If you’d just sing like Renata Tebaldi…’ Hennessey left, losing her identity and voice.
Ms. Hennessey has since found her true voice and created a wildly unique and energized career path in theater, opera, symphony work, recital, and education, wearing with pride the hats of trauma-informed teacher and facilitator, producer, singer, actor, innovator and writer.
Season 2023-2024
Musical Celebrations Concert
NOVEMBER 2023
MozartJoaquin Rodrigo
Samuel Barber
Jeff Ives
Mozart
Musical Mavericks Concert
As a soloist, Amy is addicted to the thrill of performing with orchestra. Since 2016, concerto repertoire, similar to chamber music but on steroids, has forced her to push her limits, helping make her into the confident and electrifying player she always hoped to be. She has appeared as soloist with the Symphony of the Kootenays, the Russian Chamber Orchestra and the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. Her intense love of chamber music has led her to more fully admire and explore her favorite composers while sharing the experience with countless inspiring, dedicated players and appreciative audiences.
As a soloist, Amy is addicted to the thrill of performing with orchestra. Since 2016, concerto repertoire, similar to chamber music but on steroids, has forced her to push her limits, helping make her into the confident and electrifying player she always hoped to be. She has appeared as soloist with the Symphony of the Kootenays, the Russian Chamber Orchestra and the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. Her intense love of chamber music has led her to more fully admire and explore her favorite composers while sharing the experience with countless inspiring, dedicated players and appreciative audiences.
JANUARY 2024
PoulencBeethoven
Musical Journeys Concert
American violinist ANDREW SORDS has a celebrated career as a soloist, recitalist, and in performances with his trio. Having appeared with nearly 300 orchestras on 4 continents, Sords has been cited for combining visceral virtuosity with a ravishing tone, while international critics endorse Sords as “a fully formed artist” (Kalisz-Poland News), “utterly radiant” (Canada’s Arts Forum), and “exceptionally heartfelt and soulful” (St. Maarten’s Daily Herald). Closer to home, ClevelandClassical.com gushed: “the stunner of the afternoon was a breathless but magnificently controlled performance of Beethoven’s “Kreutzer” sonata, which Sords charged through with giddy aplomb.
American violinist ANDREW SORDS has a celebrated career as a soloist, recitalist, and in performances with his trio. Having appeared with nearly 300 orchestras on 4 continents, Sords has been cited for combining visceral virtuosity with a ravishing tone, while international critics endorse Sords as “a fully formed artist” (Kalisz-Poland News), “utterly radiant” (Canada’s Arts Forum), and “exceptionally heartfelt and soulful” (St. Maarten’s Daily Herald). Closer to home, ClevelandClassical.com gushed: “the stunner of the afternoon was a breathless but magnificently controlled performance of Beethoven’s “Kreutzer” sonata, which Sords charged through with giddy aplomb. Sords impressed with his total command of technique, consummate musicianship and bravura as he tossed off scads of notes and sang out like a diva - he and Eriko Izumida kept the audience in the palm of their hands all afternoon.” A 2022 début for Palms Springs Concerts elicited the Desert Sun to enthuse: “The Sords-Walz-Durkovic Trio’s] playing was not just technically superb; it was melodious, resonant, expressive, and passionate. The audience could not stop applauding.”
MARCH 2024
BruchVictor Bendix
Borodin
23-24 Season Opus Concerts
September 24th
The Sor Quartet
The Sor Quartet will perform a program that travels the world, from Brazil to Azerbaijan, from Austria to the United States. Composers include V. Lobos and P. Glass among others. These are works will dig deep into memory and emotion, that will transport the listener to places far and near. The members of the Sor Quartet; Rick Shinozaki, Karen Shinozaki Sor, Elizabeth Prior, and Eugene Sor are based in the Bay Area and frequent chamber music performers on the Mendocino Coast.
October 15th
Robert Howard and Friends
Acclaimed cellists Tanya Tomkins and Robert Howard join forces with guitarist/lutenist Richard Savino for a diverse exploration of this unique string trio. The program will explore the breadth of Baroque styles, from the intricacies of French ornamentation, through the stark contrast of the Italians, landing with the unrivaled structural mastery of J.S. Bach. Additional Works by M. Marais, E. Cervetto.
November 12th
Konrad Binienda
Pianist
The Polish-American pianist, acclaimed for his poetic sense of romantic music and moving performances, will present the works of F. Chopin and I. Paderewski as well as his own compositions. In his program, Dr. Binienda will present the historical background of F. Chopin’s works and discuss the impact of F. Chopin’s genius on the subsequent generations of musicians.
January 21st
Kacey Link
Tango Scholar and Pianist
Experience the captivating beauty of tango music like never before with Kacey Link, a pianist and scholar who brings her extensive knowledge and passion to her performance. With a program featuring classic and contemporary tango pieces, Link's virtuosic playing will take you on a journey to the heart of Buenos Aires, the birthplace of the tango. Her unique perspective and authentic interpretation of the music will leave you feeling inspired and moved.
February 18th
Noyo Consort
Noyo Consort is Don Benham, and pianist Jason Kirkman, together with various guest musicians. This season Don and Jason are joined by Scott Macomber, trumpet, Meredith Brown, horn, and Sharon Lee Kim, piano, for a brass and piano extravaganza. Pieces for various combinations of the four instruments will complete what promises to be a captivating program.
March 24th
Alex de Grassi and The Real Sarahs
Grammy nominated guitarist Alex de Grassi teams up with songwriters and mesmerizing vocal duo, The Real Sarahs, to create a moving and memorable musical collaboration. The concert features originals by Larkin and Ryan, traditional songs and arrangements of pieces by well-known songwriters. The group is celebrating the release of their new album “Everything’s Changed” which will be available at the concert.
*The originally planned performance has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
April 21st
The Cayanan Duo Ensemble
Long time friends and chamber partners Alison Lee, piano, and William Cayanan, cello, from the Bay Area, but both with national and international repute, will present a program of “B’s and Beyond”, playing works by L. van Beethoven, J. Brahms, W. Bolcom, and more. The duo is excited to perform pieces spanning the long partnership of cello and piano chamber music.
