Sunday Strings

Musicians from West Michigan will gather at Meijer Gardens this summer to present the Sunday Strings live classical chamber music concert series.

Sunday Strings was conceived and created by Haijin Choi, Grand Rapids Symphony section violinist, to provide an opportunity in summer months for chamber music fans to experience unique and compelling musical selections – from classical to contemporary – performed by local musicians.

Throughout the fall, winter and spring, the Grand Rapids community supports live classical chamber music by attending recitals in several premier venues. There was no such programming for the summer months in Grand Rapids until Meijer Gardens presented the first season of Sunday Strings in 2020. This performance series was specifically designed to fill the summer gap and work with an already established fanbase. The attendance and enthusiasm from the audience, even during the initial outdoor small performances during the pandemic, proved that there was a desire for chamber music during the typical off-season.

Jim and Marie Preston asked to become involved in this effort and generously offered their support.
“Marie and I are just delighted to sponsor this series. We are long-time supporters of the arts in Grand Rapids and this series really speaks to us.” said Jim Preston.

Mark your calendar for these performances, which run from 2–3 pm in the Huizenga Grand Room on select Sundays in July and August.

July 9 Featuring “Song of the Lark” by Charles Young which is written from the perspective of the bird.
Performers: Beth Colpean (harp), Chris Kantner (flute), Haijin Choi (violin).

July 16 “Intimacy from Baroque and Now” Selections of Baroque era chamber music and Gabriel Kahane’s Come On All You Ghosts that shares the similar intimacy of Baroque music.
Performers: Gregory Crowell (harpsichord), Audrey Pride (violin), Arturo Ziraldo (viola), Andrew Plaisier (cello), Haijin Choi (violin), Kohl Weisman (baritone).

July 23 “English Landscape with Oboe” Oboe quintet music by Bliss and Finzi painting a luscious English landscape.
Performers: Gabe Renteria (oboe), Letitia Jap (violin), Paul Swantek (viola), Jinn Shin (cello), Haijin Choi (violin).

July 30 “So Human” Music inspired by fascinating human nature - Jealousy, fall-out from friendship, affair, nostalgia.
- String Quartet
- Kreutzer by Janacek, Punctum by Caroline Shaw, Prussian string quartet by Mozart.
Performers: Letitia Jap (violin), Barb Corbato (viola), Jinn Shin (cello), Haijin Choi (violin).

August 6 "Children’s Concert" Family friendly concert with sing-a-longs and Ferdinand the Bull narrated by vocalist Alyssa Bauer.
- Violin, Narrator
- Ferdinand the Bull, a selection of family friendly songs
Performers: Alyssa Bauer (voice), Haijin Choi (violin), Gwen Varineau (piano).

August 13 “Home Is Where Your Heart Is” Dvorak’s Dumky, which he wrote from homesickness while staying in the United States, Esmail’s Saans, which she wrote for her best friend’s wedding, will lead us to where our heart is.
- Piano trio
- Dvorak’s Dumky, Saans by Esmail
Performers: Emily Grabinski (piano), Andrew Plaisier (piano), Haijin Choi (violin).

These pop-up performances are free for members and included in general admission for other guests.

All Sunday Strings performances begin at 2 pm and take place in the Huizenga Grand Room.

Chairs are not permitted and these performances do not occur on the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater stage.

• Jim & Marie Preston
• Dick & Samantha Gauthier
• Ping & Tim Liang
• Todd Oleson & Sarah Ash