Chamber Music Outside the Box
Director and Artistic Director, Aileen Chanco
Co-Artistic Director, Bill Everett
Board President, Vicky Santos
Treasurer, Larry Matteucig
Secretary, Frances Martin
Board Members, Harriet Whitney, Yu-Ping Li, Bill Everett, Amy Cho, Aileen Chanco
Music at the Mission is dedicated to celebrating classical chamber music in the historic setting of Old Mission San Jose in Fremont. Our mission is to Provide Artistic Excellence by presenting innovative, engaging and high-caliber programs and artists, Provide Widespread Accessibility through our Outreach Performances and pre-concert talks, and to Create a Support System for talented young musicians through the development of our Chamber Music Festival. We are committed to increasing the cultural vitality of the Tri-City communities of Fremont, Newark and Union City,
The historic Old Mission San Jose in Fremont was a major center of music during the early 19th century. MUSIC AT THE MISSION grew out of the desire of local community members to help develop the Old Mission as a cultural center. Founding Director and pianist Aileen Chanco tested audience demand by presenting a concert of both classical chamber music and solo works in February 2005. All the performing artists and a volunteer staff joined together to donate their time to get the series off the ground.
Inspired by the success of the first concert, Aileen presented a new group, the Adorno Ensemble that spring. Her artistic vision was to present "a new type of chamber music series for the new century" in order to stimulate greater interest in classical music among the next generation. With the intention of creating engaging programs built around themes that provoke critical thought and continued exploration from the audience, Aileen brought in Bill Everett to give educational pre-concert talks, brought visiting artists to schools and included "Meet and Greet the Artist" receptions to enhance the concert going experience.
For the first 4 seasons, MUSIC AT THE MISSION partnered with Music@Market in San Jose for marketing and shared artistic programming. Since then, the series has grown to be an important part of the Tri-Cities arts scene and draws audience members Bay Area-wide. Acclaimed artists presented include Ethel (string quartet), Quinteto Quilombo, soprano Lucy Shelton, pianist Stephen Gosling, actors David Ogden Stiers and Roscoe Lee Browne. New and newly commissioned works by American, Latin American, Chinese, Azerbaijani and Georgian composers have been part of each seasons programming in addition to traditional chamber music programs. Looking forward to its 5th season in 2009-2010, MUSIC AT THE MISSION is continuing to develop and enhance its programs and role in the community in which it lives, namely the Outreach Performances Program and a new Chamber Music Festival for students. Owing to a vibrant board, group of volunteers and growing staff, the coming seasons look to be as excit ing as the first 5 years.
Educational Outreach Coordinator
and House Manager: Larry Matteucig
Stage Manager: Tony Stockalis
Box Office and Ticketing: Harriet Whitney and Frances Martin
Volunteer Coordinator: Yu-Ping Li
Senior Citizens Outreach Coordinator: Amy Cho
