On April 14, 2026, Elfers Hall came alive with chamber music, as an ensemble of internationally acclaimed musicians joined the Witkowskis on stage. Chamber music, a form of classical music composed for a small group of instruments, is named for the intimate venues in which it was originally performed (in contrast to music composed for large concert halls). Cellist Robert deMaine and clarinetist Darko Brlek were featured performers. DeMaine, a principal cellist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has performed in some of the world’s most famous venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw. Brlek, executive director of the Ljubljana Festival—one of Europe’s top cultural festivals—has served as chair of the Council for Culture of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia.

The ensemble was completed by pianists Fabio Witkowski, director of music, and Gisele Nacif Witkowski, instructor in piano. The Witkowskis have performed internationally at sites including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.

The ensemble’s performance highlighted pieces from different eras, each with their own personality. Beethoven’s music combined elements of elegance, power, and emotion. Schumann’s reflected the Romantic era’s focus on lyricism and personal expression. Villa-Lobos introduced the sounds and rhythms of Brazil, blending European techniques with lively Brazilian rhythms. Piazzolla’s passionate tango-inspired works gave the program a lively and dramatic finish.

Students will perform in a voice recital on Tuesday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m., which is open to all members of the school and local community.