Free Chamber Music Concert at Historic Walnut St. Chapel

Photo by Kim McKinney

The beautiful historic Chapel on Walnut, also known as the Friends Meeting House, will be the site of an afternoon of melodious chamber music on Sunday April 3, 2022, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event is a free event and a gift of the Western Piedmont Symphony’s outreach program, which is committed to bring music to all people regardless of circumstances or ability to pay, and Statesville’s Historic Sharpe House.

The Kontras Quartet, based in Chicago, will be performing. Their name “Kontras” means “contrasts” in Afrikaans, and the four members of the string ensemble play music that spans time, place, and classification. You may recognize the Kontras Quartet from performances they have done in collaboration with the Kruger Brothers at Merlefest and other festivals and concerts. They collaborated on an album Roan Mountain Suite. The Kontras performance will delight music lovers of all ages.

The historic venue, which is located at 441 Walnut St., was built around 1876. Its charm and warmth make for a beautiful setting for relaxing afternoon of music.

There is limited seating, therefore tickets are required. These tickets can be obtained from Eventbrite. (There will be no charge.) You can link to them here.

“We’re thrilled that we have the relationship with Western Piedmont Symphony that gives Statesville the privilege to have them visit and share their talents and the beauty of their art,” said Keith Rhyne, site manager of the Historic Sharpe House, who also books small weddings and other events for the Chapel on Walnut.

The Western Piedmont Symphony has been around since 1964, when it was called the Hickory Symphony Society. Since the beginning they have prided themselves on creating music for the young and young at heart. Besides chamber music events, they also have a Masterworks Symphony series, as well as pops and other musical performances. Check their website for other events they sponsor.

The Historic Sharpe House is the former home of former Statesville Mayor Silas Sharpe. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and can be found just a few blocks away from the Chapel on Walnut.