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Kingston Notes

by Kingston Chamber Music Festival

Performing Arts Music Interviews

Season 2

Music Is Medicine

What happens in your brain when you listen to music? Why can a favorite song lower stress, trigger vivid memories, or even help people cope with grief? In this episode, Anna Gray sits down with Diana Wang, a medical student at Brown University, neuroscientist, and trained violinist, to explore what researchers are learning about music as a health behavior. From dopamine and neurotransmitters to the emerging field of arts prescribing, Diana explains how music affects the brain and body—and why scientists are increasingly studying music alongside sleep, exercise, and nutrition as a contributor to health and well-being. The conversation also explores the role of music in grief, what makes certain pieces so emotionally powerful, and how understanding the science behind music can deepen our experience of listening. This episode offers a new way to think about every concert you attend this year at the Kingston Chamber Music Festival!

Finding Your Voice: Kate Liu on Music, Meaning, and Connection

Internationally acclaimed pianist Kate Liu joins Kingston Notes to discuss artistic voice, authenticity, the magic of live performance, and why classical music remains an essential part of modern life. From her earliest experiences at the piano to her reflections on chamber music, collaboration, and emotional connection, Kate offers an inspiring perspective on the power of music to help us better understand ourselves and one another. The Kingston Chamber Music Festival's two-week festival will be held July 22-August 2, 2026 in Kingston, Rhode Island. More information and tickets: https://kingstonchambermusic.org/

Elizabeth Beisel on the Courage to Evolve

Olympic medalist, musician, creator, and Rhode Island native Elizabeth Beisel joins Kingston Notes for a conversation about identity, creativity, and the courage to evolve. Reflecting on art, reinvention, and the many roles we inhabit throughout our lives, Elizabeth shares how powerful it can be to embrace the many layers of who we are—and the freedom that comes from pursuing multiple passions. At the heart of our conversation is a powerful idea: whether in music, sports, or any creative endeavor, the goal is not simply to perform but to create experiences that allow people to connect with something genuine and meaningful. This summer, Elizabeth makes her Kingston Chamber Music Festival debut in a special July 31 performance celebrating the rich intersections of classical, folk, bluegrass, jazz, and contemporary American music. Performing alongside violinist Zachary DePue, the program reimagines the traditional American fiddle contest through a vibrant mix of hoedowns, waltzes, and genre-crossing collaborations. More information and tickets are available here!

Julian Rhee on Tradition, Discovery, and Connection

Violinist Julian Rhee joins us for a thoughtful conversation about artistry, curiosity, and the enduring power of live music. A recipient of the 2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant, Julian has emerged as one of the most exciting young musicians of his generation, earning acclaim for performances that combine technical brilliance with remarkable emotional depth. This summer, he makes his Kingston Chamber Music Festival debut on July 31st, August 1st, and August 2nd. In this conversation, Julian reflects on the importance of balancing intention with openness in music-making and shares how discovery continues to shape his artistic journey. We discuss the relationship between tradition and innovation, the unique connection created between performers and audiences, and why live performance remains such a vital experience in today's increasingly digital world. Julian also offers insightful perspectives on creativity, collaboration, community, and the responsibilities artists have — not only to the music itself, but to the people who come together to experience it. The Kingston Chamber Music Festival's two-week festival will be held July 22-August 2, 2026 in Kingston, Rhode Island. More information and tickets are available here.

Terra String Quartet: The Art of Making Meaning (Part II)

In the second installment of a two-part conversation, violinist Harriet Langley and cellist Audrey Chen of the Terra String Quartet reflect on the deeper purpose behind their work as an ensemble. They discuss the importance of being fully present in each performance, allowing space for listeners to form their own personal connections to the music. Harriet and Audrey also share how they are expanding the reach of chamber music through social media, collaboration, and a commitment to making the art form more open and human. They reflect on future projects, the importance of working with living composers, and the evolving role of classical music in today’s world. The Terra String Quartet will make their Rhode Island debut at the Kingston Chamber Music Festival this summer, performing on July 24, 25, and 26.

Terra String Quartet: The Art of Listening Together (Part I)

In this first part of a two-part conversation, host Anna Gray speaks with violinist Harriet Langley and cellist Audrey Chen of the Terra String Quartet. They share the story of how the quartet came together, the meaning behind their name, and what it takes to build an ensemble rooted in communication, trust, and collaboration. The conversation also explores their approach to storytelling in chamber music, both on stage and in the programs they create. Looking beyond the music itself, they reflect on what chamber music can offer in today’s world, and how it can foster connection, empathy, and shared understanding. The Terra String Quartet will make their Rhode Island debut at the Kingston Chamber Music Festival this summer, performing July 24–26. Learn more and purchase tickets here!

Life, Liberty & Music

Host Anna Gray talks with pianist and Artistic Director Natalie Zhu about the 2026 Kingston Chamber Music Festival and its theme, Life, Liberty & Music. They explore how a festival season is shaped--from concept to stage--and how chamber music can spark dialogue, connect cultures, and bring people together in meaningful ways. As the festival enters its 38th season alongside the nation’s 250th anniversary, this conversation reflects on music as a living, evolving art form how music that carries history and opens space for conversation in uncertain times. The Kingston Chamber Music Festival's two-week festival will be held July 22-August 2, 2026 in Kingston, Rhode Island. More information and tickets: kingstonchambermusic.org/

Season 1

A Classical Orchestration of Rattle Songs

On August 3, the Dover Quartet returns to the Kingston Chamber Music Festival (KCMF) to perform Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate (Chickasaw)'s Rattle Songs, a classical transcription of a piece originally written by Purá Fe and performed by Ulali, a trio who combined Native roots and contemporary styles with vocals, stomping, and rattling turtle shells. In this episode, Camden Shaw, cellist of the Dover Quartet, and Tate discuss the piece. Listen to a panel conversation with Tate, Shaw, and others here. KCMF's 37th season will be held July 23-August 3 in Edwards Hall at the University of Rhode Island. Learn more and purchase tickets on our website! See the full list of repertoire for the August 3rd concert here. Thank you to our podcast sponsor, the Matunuck Oyster Bar, and our recording engineer, Ethan Hicks.

Intergenerational Collaboration through Music

In this episode Natalie Zhu, Artistic Director of the Kingston Chamber Music Festival, and Allison Lacasse, Artistic Director of the URI Summer Music Academy, a camp for string, woodwind, brass, piano, and percussion students in the 7th through 12th grades, discuss the growing relationship between these two musical initiatives. This year, the GRAMMY-nominated Dover Quartet, acclaimed clarinetist Ricardo Morales, and other artists will provide masterclasses to campers, and the students will have free showcase performances on August 1st and 3rd in Edwards Hall prior to festival concerts. In the second half of the episode, KCMF Social Media Intern Sophia Rousseau speaks with Carleton Fisher, the 2025 KCMF scholarship recipient. KCMF's 37th season will be held July 23-August 3 in Edwards Hall at the University of Rhode Island. Learn more and purchase tickets on our website! Thank you to our podcast sponsor, the Matunuck Oyster Bar, and our recording engineer, Ethan Hicks.

Creating Beauty with Amy Oshiro-Morales

Violinist Amy Oshiro-Morales will perform in the Kingston Chamber Music Festival in Kingston, Rhode Island, on July 30th, August 1st, and August 3rd. In this episode, she shares insights into the music she'll perform in Kingston -- including the only solo violin piece of the entire festival, Eugène Ysaÿe's Solo Violin Sonata No.3 -- as well as her thoughts on the privilege of working int he arts, how music helps us pause and appreciate beauty, and why chamber music offers a rare opportunity for authentic connection between musicians and audiences. She also reflects on balancing professional performance with personal inspiration--and what continues to draw her back to the Kingston stage. KCMF's 37th season will be held July 23-August 3 in Edwards Hall at the University of Rhode Island. Learn more and purchase tickets on our website! Thank you to our podcast sponsor, the Matunuck Oyster Bar, and our recording engineer, Ethan Hicks.

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