The Los Angeles classical music scene is set to experience a rich tapestry of sound as Chamber Music Palisades (CMP) proudly unveils its 29th season, commencing on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. The highly anticipated opening concert will feature the esteemed New Hollywood String Quartet, with a special appearance by renowned flutist Susan Greenberg, and insightful commentary from veteran broadcaster Alan Chapman. This event marks the beginning of a new season of captivating performances, reinforcing CMP’s commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of the region.
Chamber Music Palisades: A Pillar of Los Angeles Classical Music
Founded in 1997 by a group of Pacific Palisades residents, including two professional musicians, Chamber Music Palisades has established itself as a vital non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and support of classical music. Over its nearly three decades, CMP has consistently delivered professional chamber music concerts, commissioned new works, and fostered a love for classical music through educational outreach programs, including free concerts for young people in local schools and community venues. Guest artists are typically drawn from the ranks of premier Los Angeles institutions, such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, alongside faculty from regional universities and professionals from the Hollywood recording industry. This tradition of excellence continues as CMP opens its 29th season, promising another year of high-caliber musical experiences for the Los Angeles community.
The New Hollywood String Quartet: A Legacy of Artistry
Headlining the October 8th concert is the New Hollywood String Quartet, an ensemble celebrated for its dedication to sophisticated musical interpretation and its connection to a storied past. Formed in 2001, the quartet draws inspiration from the legendary Hollywood String Quartet of the 1940s and ’50s, a group renowned for its sublime sound and dramatic depth, often comprised of highly skilled studio musicians. The current iteration features violinists Tereza Stanislav and Rafael Rishik, violist Robert Brophy, and cellist Andrew Shulman. Individually and collectively, these musicians are highly sought-after performers, many holding principal positions or performing regularly with major ensembles like the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and their collective experience includes contributions to hundreds of film scores. Their performances are noted for their elegant musicality and insightful approach to both classic and contemporary repertoire.
A Virtuoso Flute and an Informed Voice
Adding a unique dimension to the evening will be flutist Susan Greenberg, who also serves as the Artistic Director and a co-founder of Chamber Music Palisades. Greenberg boasts an illustrious career, described by the Los Angeles Times as “brilliant,” “elegant,” and “supple.” She was a long-standing member and frequent soloist with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and is currently the principal flutist for the Santa Monica Symphony. Her extensive experience extends to performances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and numerous recording sessions for motion pictures. Providing context and engaging insights throughout the concert will be Alan Chapman, a familiar and respected voice in the Los Angeles classical music world. Chapman, a Yale-educated music theorist, popular radio host for KUSC Classical, and accomplished composer, has served as Chamber Music Palisades’ commentator for 29 years, enriching the audience’s understanding and appreciation of the music presented.
Program Highlights and Practical Information
The program for this special opening night is set to include a varied selection of compelling works. Audiences can anticipate a flute and string quartet piece by composer Arthur Foote, Haydn’s well-loved Symphony No. 101, nicknamed “The Clock,” and Maurice Ravel’s masterful String Quartet. This curated selection promises to showcase the diverse talents of the New Hollywood String Quartet and Susan Greenberg, guided by Chapman’s knowledgeable narration.
The concert will take place at the organization’s new venue, the Brentwood Presbyterian Church, located at 12000 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049. Performances begin promptly at 7:30 p.m., with free parking available off Bundy Drive. Tickets for individual concerts are priced at $35 and can be purchased online at cmpalisades.org or at the door. Students with valid identification are admitted free of charge, underscoring CMP’s commitment to accessibility in music education and appreciation. Season subscriptions for the four-concert series are also available for $120.
This performance not only launches Chamber Music Palisades’ 29th season but also offers a compelling glimpse into the vibrant and trending classical music news making waves in Los Angeles. It presents an opportunity to experience world-class musicianship in an intimate setting, celebrating both a rich musical heritage and the continuing evolution of chamber music in Southern California.
