Grass Valley, CA: InConcert Sierra’s tagline for years has been “Classical Music to Rock Your World,” and that is exactly their plan. ICS’s lineup for the 2025-26 season features exceptional concerts with inspiring collaborations designed to intensify the musical experience.
The season launches on October 19, 2025, with the Third Sunday Chamber Series, opening with the internationally renowned American Brass Quintet. Celebrated for their virtuosity and mentorship, the ABQ has spent over 65 years redefining the brass quintet sound and earning recognition as the most distinguished of brass quintets.
On November 16, the virtuosic Cuarteto Latinoamericano will perform one of their final appearances before retirement. This remarkable string quartet has performed together for over 40 years without any changes in players. Since their founding in 1982, the ensemble has included brothers Saúl, Arón, and Álvaro Bitrán, along with violist Javier Montiel. Celebrated as one of the premier Latin American string quartets, they have earned two Latin Grammys and are renowned for premiering more than 100 works across five continents.
When the holiday season approaches, the Sierra Master Chorale & Orchestra will present its festive concert on both December 20 and 21, conducted by Alison Skinner. The joyful performances will feature soaring choral works and beloved holiday favorites, creating a warm, uplifting atmosphere perfect for celebrating the season.
Two years ago, ICS formed a collaboration with the famed Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in New York and its co-artistic directors, Wu Han and David Finckel. An exciting aspect of the collaboration is having ICS become one of only 12 CMS residencies across the United States, and the only one on the West Coast. CMS is celebrated world-wide for its high-quality performances, innovative programming, and international roster of artists. They have been influencing and shaping the chamber music world for over 50 years.
January’s third Sunday concert features the first of two residency concerts during this season. On January 18, “CMS: Beethoven Journey” will explore Beethoven’s transformative evolution and features an all-Beethoven program performed by world-class artists, promising a compelling blend of history, virtuosity, and innovation.
Another prestigious collaboration for ICS is with the American Piano Awards, formerly the American Pianist Association. Since 2007, ICS has featured the most recent APA winner, as well as former winners. On February 15, audiences will be treated to a recital by Michael Davidman, the recipient of the 2025 American Piano Awards Christel DeHaan Fellowship. At just 28, Davidman has already captivated audiences with his dazzling talent, marking a highlight of the season.
Sunday March 15 brings the return of the acclaimed Frisson Ensemble, one of America’s most dynamic and diverse chamber groups. Known for their versatility and energetic programming, Frisson will perform a diverse repertoire, with a special presentation of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, narrated by actor and ICS production manager Micah Cone — a favorite certain to delight audiences of every age.
The next third Sunday, April 19, features the second CMS residency concert, showcasing performances of the passionate and varied piano quintet repertoire by artists including pianist WuHan, violinists Chad Hoopes, and Richard Lin, violist Milena Pájaro-Van de Stadt, and cellist Dmitri Atapine. Framed by vibrant works for two violins, the program centers on two Romantic masterpieces: the richly textured “Quintet in D major” by Anton Arensky, mentor to Rachmaninoff, and the youthful yet commanding “Quintet in A minor” by Camille Saint-Saëns, brimming with drama and lyricism.
The season concludes with two inspiring concerts by the Sierra Master Chorale and Orchestra on May 17 and 19. Audiences will experience a powerful array of choral and orchestral masterworks, performed by the local auditioned, community chorale and professional orchestra—providing an uplifting end to another extraordinary season.
Until InConcert Sierra’s new Hardin Hall at Crown Point Venues opens, all concerts will remain at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Grass Valley. “We’ve enjoyed performing at the SDA church since the early 2000s,” says ICS Artistic Director Ken Hardin, “While we will be thrilled to have our own home, it’s bittersweet—our long-standing relationship with the church and its community has been wonderful, and we deeply appreciate their support and embrace of our performances over the years.”
ICS has vibrant education programs for all ages that will expand when Hardin Hall and the Crown Point Venues open.
For further details and ticket information, visit inconcertsierra.org.