Oliver Art Center SUMMER CHAMBER SERIES
We are proud to announce our 2026 Summer Chamber Series at Oliver Art Center! Join us for compelling performances from world-class musicians this season, and enjoy our affordable ticket prices thanks to support from our Chamber Music Series Founders’ Circle donors and a grant from Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. Founder’s Circle members support this important programming and receive benefits in return! Learn more at this link.
Please welcome our Oliver Art Center Ensemble in Residence: Viridian Strings
The Oliver Art Center is proud to name Viridian Strings as our Ensemble in Residence, honoring a distinguished history of performance within our building and beyond. Over many seasons, their artistry has become an integral part of OAC’s cultural identity, enriching our center with compelling programs and unforgettable musical experiences. Their enduring presence reflects a shared commitment to artistic excellence and meaningful community connection. Each summer, Viridian Strings brings world–class musicians to Frankfort, transforming our community into a vibrant hub for chamber music. Their dedication to presenting performances of the highest caliber, while remaining deeply rooted in the spirit of northern Michigan, embodies the mission of OAC. We are honored to continue this valued partnership and to welcome audiences to experience the extraordinary musicianship and artistic vision that define Viridian Strings. Learn more about Virdian Strings at www.viridianstrings.com.
VIRIDIAN STRINGS at OAC
Undercurrents August 1, 7:00 pm
Join us for a pre-concert talk with the performers at approximately 6:10!
Doors open at 6:00 pm.
Performers: Claire Wells: violin, Joe Skerik: viola, Kyle Stachnik: cello, Umi Garrett: piano
Program:
Johannes Brahms – Scherzo from F-A-E Sonata
Robert Schumann – Piano Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 47
Johannes Brahms – Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor
Undercurrents explores the emotional intensity and inner turbulence of the Romantic piano quartet tradition. From Brahms’ fiery F–A–E Scherzo to Schumann’s radiant Op. 47, the program builds to the dramatic sweep of Brahms’ G Minor Piano Quartet, brimming with passion, rhythmic drive, and Hungarian–inspired flair.
LEARN MORE AND RESERVE TICKETS NOW
SOLSTICE ENSEMBLE at OAC
July 16, 7:00 pm
Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Performers: Ruth van Baak Griffioen: recorder, Carolyn Edwards: violin and viola, Carole Scott: flute, Pater Paolini: cello, Douglas Scott: piano
Solstice Ensemble plays everything from romantic baroque to lively tango for the unusual combination of flute, violin, recorder, cello, and piano. These musicians initially connected as members of the Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra, and now perform together as a chamber group.
July 16th: LEARN MORE AND RESERVE TICKETS NOW
SIX MILE STRINGS at OAC
September 5, 6:30 pm
Doors open at 6:00 pm.
Performers: Yuri Popowycz, Natalie Frakes, Alycia Wilder, and Tom Sullivan
Lauded as “the most fun string quartet in the world” by IPR’s Kate Botello, Six Mile Strings blends classical repertoire with new sounds and genres. This Detroit–based string quartet have performed across Michigan, and bring their energetic repertoire to OAC for the first time this season. As educators and advocates, Six Mile Strings is dedicated to breaking boundaries and creating access to music, music–making and learning.
LEARN MORE AND RESERVE TICKETS NOW
This project is funded in part by Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.
