concertnova, the Cutting-edge Collaborative of Musicians and Artists, Names New Executive Director; Announces New Season
Brianna Matzke Steps into New Role; 
Season 18 Promises Unique, Immersive Happenings


CINCINNATI, OH (August 14, 2024) — 


concertnova is excited to announce its 18th season, a year dedicated to radical collaboration. This season marks a significant milestone as they embark under new branding, a new website, and also new leadership; after 17 seasons, Ixi Chen and Ted Nelson are stepping into new roles at CN and welcoming Brianna Matzke as their newest Executive Director. concertnova will always continue to bring together world-class artists to redefine the boundaries of classical music and offer Cincinnati unique, immersive cultural happenings. 


Says longtime co-artistic director and CSO clarinetist, Ixi Chen “It’s with incredible excitement that we pass concertnova’s directorship on to a dynamic new leader, Brianna Matzke. An extraordinary artist, organizer, visionary, and community leader, Brianna shares so much of ConcertNova’s artistic DNA. Her proven record of bringing fearless, inspiring, creative, and innovative new programming to life here in Cincinnati and around the world makes her the perfect successor to lead ConcertNova into its next chapter.  I’m thrilled to see Brianna’s energetic vision guide this ensemble that’s so dear to my heart.”


Ted Nelson, who in s18 transitions from co-artistic director to board member, says, “We are thrilled to be announcing that Brianna is the new executive Director of concertnova. She is a true kindred spirit in her vision for how the arts can serve our communities, she understands the power of innovation in chamber music, and she has an incredible track record of groundbreaking projects. I look forward to working with her as a board member and performer for many years to come.”


With four mainstage concerts and two interactive "play-with-us" style events, CN continues its long history of presenting profound musical experiences, this year with the exciting addition of the Concert Artists Guild prize-winning Poeisis Quartet as their resident ensemble.


concertnova opens on September 29th at Rhinegeist Brewing with "Music for the Soul," a play-with-us event featuring an hour-long guided mindfulness session with NFL legend Soul Cole. This innovative concert invites attendees to co-create a new musical work, blending meditation, creativity, and community. 


In October, members of the Poiesis Quartet team up with Columbus-based visual artist XUAN for concertnova’s first mainstage event, "Echo Play," a mesmerizing fusion of contemporary violin music and 360-degree visual projections, presented during the BLINK festival at ALICE in Over-The-Rhine. 


March 18 brings "Memory Box" to their mainstage series at the Contemporary Arts Center, curated by renowned composer Sarah Hennies, featuring three new works that explore LGBTQ+ voices and identities. 


In April, they delve into Black Midwestern identity through music and photography with Asa Featherstone IV at Somerhaus in “Meet in the Middle”.  Guests at this mainstage event will also receive a custom commemorative photo book with the price of their ticket.


The season continues on May 9 with their final mainstage event, "Ysaÿe in Cincinnati," where violinist Benjamin Beilman and pianist Gloria Chien join the Poiesis Quartet to celebrate Ysaÿe's legacy with historically significant performances on Ysaÿe’s own Guarneri “del Gesù” violin (1740). 


Finally, in June, they invite you for a unique play-with-us event exploring Ohio's newly-legalized recreational cannabis use. This immersive experience will feature surround-sound musical performance, a nature walk, and a new participatory version of John Cage's "Child of Tree," celebrating the work's 50th anniversary by making music by and with the plants themselves. 


Executive Director Brianna Matzke says, “concertnova is Cincinnati’s chamber music playground, and I am honored to take on this new role with such a wonderful organization. We love our community because they are willing to push the boundaries of what’s artistically possible, and know that our audiences come to our events with a spirit of adventure and playfulness. We hope to see you there - please come play with us!”


Season passes are now available for $150 each, and include the entire season along with additional perks.  Single tickets go on sale at the end of the month, with the exception of Music for the Soul, which is on sale now.  See the website for more details.


WHO: concertnova


EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Brianna Matzke


ARTISTIC DIRECTORS
Joseph Bricker (lead artistic director)
Ixi Chen
Hiro Matsuo
Joseph Morris


WHAT: concertnova’s 18 season + new Executive Director, Brianna Matzke


WHEN/WHERE:
Music for the Soul w/NFL Legend Soul Cole
September 29, 2024 at 2:00 PM
Rhinegeist Event Space


Echo Play
October 17-20, 2024
BLINK Festival (@ Alice)


Memory Box w/Sarah Hennies
March 18, 2025 at 7:30 pm
Contemporary Arts Center


Meet in the Middle: 
Black Midwest Music and Photography
April 14 at 7:30 PM
Somerhaus


Ysaÿe in Cincinnati w/ Ben Beilman
May 9, 2025 at 7:30 pm


High Notes: A Nature Walk Celebration of Cannabis Music
June 22, 2025


DIGITAL PRESS KIT: click here for bios, photos, and press release


TICKETS/MORE INFO: www.concertnova.com


CONTACT: Brianna Matzke, executive director (info@concertnova.com) or Sara Danner Dukic (sara@maiarts.it)


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