Already recognized as one of Europe's top young quartets, the English-Irish Carducci String Quartet's North American career began auspiciously with a win at the 2007 Concert Artists Guild International Competition. Also prizewinners at multiple international competitions including Finland, France, England and Japan, the Carducci tours worldwide, and is in residence at the Aldeburgh Festival and recently launched its own festival in Gloucestershire, UK. Carducci is this season's Music at Kohl Discovery Artist. Artist Link

The Ying Quartet occupies a position of unique prominence in the classical music world, combining brilliantly communicative performances with a fearlessly imaginative view of chamber music in today's world. Active in touring, commissioning and recording, the Ying enjoys a busy teaching schedule as quartet- in-residence at the Eastman School of Music. New first violinist Ayano Ninomiya joined the Quartet in 2010. Artist Link

Back by popular demand, New York's distinguished early-instrument ensemble celebrates the holidays with a program that might have been enjoyed in a salon concert at the Bach home, featuring music by Vivaldi, Johann Sebastian Bach, C.P.E. Bach and Johann Christian Bach. Artist Link

Hailed "The most exciting piano trio in America" by The New Yorker Magazine, violinist Maria Bachmann, cellist Alexis Pia Gerlach and pianist Jon Klibonoff return exactly seven years after their last Kohl Mansion appearance. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this season, Trio Solisti has earned a reputation for soulful and passionate performances marked by soloistic virtuosity, electric energy, seamless ensemble playing and thrilling abandon. Based in New York City, the trio is founding ensemble of Colorado's Telluride MusicFest. Artist Link

Honorary Chairs of Music at Kohl's 30th Anniversary Season and having just concluded its own 30th Season, the Alexander String Quartet has performed in the major music capitals of five continents, securing its standing among the world's premiere ensembles. A major artistic presence in its home base of San Francisco, the ASQ serves as directors of the Morrison Chamber Music Center at San Francisco State University and Ensemble in Residence of San Francisco Performances. Distinguished Juilliard violist Toby Appel joins the ASQ to perform both of Brahms's monumental String Quintets. Artist Link

Two of America's most distinguished concert artists join forces on the Kohl stage for a Gala duo-recital featuring music by masters of the classical repertoire, including the superb Brahms Sonata in E-flat Major, No. 2, as well as works composed especially for the duo.

" Manasse and Nakamatsu dazzled the audience with their seamless, hand-in-glove combination of technical wizardry, refined musicianship and the poetic level of their interpretations." -- Cape Cod Times

An elegant champagne reception and buffet with the artists follows the concert.

This non-subscription Gala supports Music at Kohl Mansion's Kohl for Kids programs.

Known for charismatic and extroverted performances, the Amelia Piano Trio, formed in 1999, was mentored by Isaac Stern and went on to win the Concert Artists Guild competition and an ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming. While busy on American concert stages, the trio dedicates a substantial amount of time to educational projects, master classes, and coaching children and adults. Amelia returns to Kohl after four years' absence to introduce its much-hailed new pianist, Andrew Armstrong. Artist Link

Versatile American pianist Anne-Marie McDermott has performed in hundreds of cities throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia over more than twenty-five years. She performs and tours extensively with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, enjoys a long-standing duo collaboration with highly acclaimed violinist Nadja Salerno Sonnenberg, is a member of the renowned piano quartet, Opus One, and of the McDermott Trio, with her two sisters. Ms. McDermott regularly performs at Festivals across the country including Spoleto, Mainly Mozart, Sante Fe, La Jolla Summerfest, Mostly Mozart, Newport, Caramoor, Bravo, Chamber Music Northwest, Aspen, Music from Angelfire, and the Festival Casals in Puerto Rico. A testimony to her stature and curatorial imagination, she was made Artistic Director of the Vail Music Festival in 2011. She is also Artistic Director of the Ocean Reef Chamber Music Festival (FL) and The Avila Chamber Music Celebration in Curacao. Most recently, she was appointed Curator for Chamber Music at the Mainly Mozart Festival in San Diego. Ms. McDermott is joined by the Alexander String Quartet for a program that includes works by Mozart, Haydn and Schumann. Artist Link