One thing COVID-19 taught us all was the need to be flexible; and one challenge arts venues had was the need to book performances well in advance, not only so they could do publicity but also so the performers could create a logical schedule for themselves.
But the best-laid plans etc. and etc., and so Music Mountain in Falls Village, Conn., home to world-class chamber music concerts in an intimate setting, had a significant change to its schedule on the eve of its season opener on July 4 weekend.
The Juilliard Quartet, one of America’s most famous and most venerable chamber music groups, was originally scheduled for Sunday, July 11. The personnel in the quartet is now all young musicians; none of the original quartet members is still touring. But accidents can happen, even with young folks, and one member of the quartet has had one that will cancel the group’s engagement here in the Northwest Corner.
Music Mountain is putting a positive spin on the change, with its June 29 announcement: “Thirty-two years ago, when the renowned Juilliard String Quartet had a last-minute cancellation at Music Mountain, a young, unknown quartet took the stage. Their performance was a riveting success, and the quartet has returned to Music Mountain every summer since by popular demand. They were the Shanghai Quartet, now performing at Music Mountain’s 92nd Season Opening Concert on July 4, a not-to-be-missed event.
“On July 11, history may be about to repeat itself. A dramatic event has forced the Juilliard String Quartet to cancel at the last minute, and a young quartet, the Balourdet String Quartet, will take the stage.”
The Balourdet quartet is based in Boston, Mass., and has won numerous grands prix this year in competitions around the world.
They will present a crowd-pleasing menu of music by Mozart, Debussy and Brahms.
The July 11 concert will be a benefit for the Music Mountain Academy, a training and mentorship program for young chamber ensembles.
Tickets are $60; children 5-18 are admitted free to all concerts when accompanied by a ticket holder.
Sunday afternoon Chamber Music concerts start at 3 p.m. and last approximately two hours, with a 20-minute intermission. Ticket holders are welcome to bring a picnic and dine on the lawn before the concert.
For more information, go to www.musicmountain.org or call 860-824-7126.
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
A ceramic vase by Kathleen Heidemann.Provided 
Joy Brown’s delightful ceramic sculptures.Provided 
Hundreds of items at Stateline Auctions, including a candy-apple-red Crosley pickup truck.D.H. Callahan
