The end of our 15th season signifies the beginning of a new phase for the ensemble under the leadership of a new Artistic Director. After 15 years as the Artistic Director I felt that it was time for someone with fresh energy and creative "fervor" to take the helm. Walden is extremely lucky to have found that person in WCP's cellist and former Associate Artistic Director Ashima Scripp. The transition in leadership was particularly smooth since Ashima had been an integral part of running the organization with me for several years already. Personally, I am very curious to watch where Ashima will take the group now and I stand ready to give advice, but only if asked (wouldn't want to hover...).

Serving as Walden's AD has been a key element of my career and I have nothing but the greatest admiration and gratitude for the wonderful musicians who have been part of this incredibly fulfilling journey - whether they be founding members or musicians who came on board at a later point. I am also incredibly grateful to our board members who have so faithfully worked behind the scenes all these years to support my artistic vision and, last but not least, our many incredibly generous supporters. I will continue to serve as a member of the ensemble, as its violist and very much look forward to experiencing being a part of the group from a slightly different perspective. I had always envisioned that Walden would continue its journey after my tenure as Artistic Director would end and I am very excited that this goal is well on its way to being accomplished.

All of us at WCP have pledged our full support to Ashima and I plan to do my utmost to help her succeed in her new role. All that is left for me to say is - Hail to the new Chief!

Christof Huebner

From Ashima Scripp, Artistic Director  

When Walden comes to a concert hall, a university or an elementary school, we always bring sincere enthusiasm, expert knowledge and open minds. We know that as we ask our audiences and our students to be open to new music, new ideas and new experiences, we too must remain open to change. Unlike many classical music organizations we love change. It provides us with new opportunities to learn, to meet new people, to perform new repertoire and to create engaging new programs.

Looking ahead we are tasked with a difficult but exciting mission: to continue to expand our concert and educational programs to reach diverse audiences nationwide, to support and advocate for the creation of new works of chamber music which keep our art form alive and exciting, to stay relevant and active in our ever-changing high-paced society and to build deep community connections which allow people of all ages and abilities to have meaningful exchange with artists. I believe we will accomplish these goals by providing an unparalleled creative musical experience for every community and audience we visit.

I want to thank every musician, every board member, every presenter, every education partner and each and every supporter for sharing in our vision. Each one of you has played an important role in creating and sustaining this amazing group of artists and I look forward to the our next 15 years of making music meaningful!

Ashima Scripp

Walden Chamber Players have been enthusiastic advocates of Austrian composer Gerhard Schedl's music ever since we first encountered it, performing many of his works in concerts all over the country to resounding response from the listeners.  

Although relatively unknown in America, Mr. Schedl was one of the stars the European modern music scene until his premature death in 2000 at the age of 44.

Although many of Mr. Schedl's orchestral works have been recorded much of his chamber music still remains undocumented. We have long hoped to remedy this situation and we are thrilled to finally be able to plan for the recording sessions in October 2012. In February of this year we launched our first ever Kickstarter.com campaign (a crowd funding site) to fund this important project - not only did we reach our goal of $5000 - we exceeded it! We want to thank all our supporters for their help achieving this amazing goal!  

To read more about our experience with Kickstarter visit: http://tinyurl.com/7lndbgj

We recently celebrated our 15th anniversary with a swanky gala at the gorgeous home of Carol and Roger Johnson in Newton, MA. Roger and Carol are the owners of Johnson String Instrument in Newton, MA, and JSI has been a sponsor of the Walden Chamber Players Young Artist Competition for several years. More importantly still they have become dear friends of Walden as well!

There were many highlights at the gala but one of the standouts was the food catered by Season to Taste, a catering company based in Somerville, MA. Everybody was simply blown away by the quality and variety of the culinary delights catered by Season to Taste. Give them a try and we are certain you will not be disappointed!

Another stand out this season was Latino's Restaurant in Erie, PA. I know you might be thinking: Mexican food in western Pennsylvania? This place was fantastic! The owner, Julio, made the whole ensemble feel like part of his family and he even came to our concert the next day! The ceviche is to-die-for, the fresh guacamole was one of best we've ever tasted (which is saying something after our many trips to San Antonio!) and meeting Julio's mother, (who does all the cooking!) was an absolute treat.

We are pleased to announce that 18 year-old bassoonist Jake Thonis was the winner of the 2012 Walden Chamber Players Young Artist Competition which was held on May 12, 2012 in Newton, MA. The Walden Chamber Players Young Artist Competition is uniquely designed to encourage young musicians with an interest in chamber music. The competition consists of two rounds. Contestants who advance to the final round play an assigned chamber music work with members of the Walden Chamber Players. The contestants are not judged only on their technical and musical ability but also on their ability to play and work within a chamber music group. As the winner of the competition, Jake will receive a $500 cash prize and join the Walden Chamber Players in a performance of the Quartet in C Major for Bassoon and strings by François Devienne in a public concert at the Andover Newton Theological School in the fall of 2012. For more information on the Young Artist Competition click here. (http://www.waldenchamberplayers.org/yac.html).