concerts + events.
Memory Box: featuring Sarah Hennies
Memory Box: Featuring Sarah Hennies
March 18 @ Contemporary Arts Center - Black Box Theater
concertnova presents Sarah Hennies as we explore queer & trans identity, psychoacoustics, and the social and neurological conditions underlying creative thought with an immersive installation from local artist Lizzy Duquette.
#mainstage concerts are large-scale events that put classical music front and center. Expect to hear amazing musical performances and explore new ideas from an interdisciplinary lens.
Meet in the Middle: Black Midwest Music and Photography w/Asa Featherstone
Meet in the Middle: Black Midwest Music and Photography w/Asa Featherstone
April 14 @ Somerhaus
Explore the meeting point between music and photography through an examination of Black midwestern identity with photographer Asa Featherstone IV. Bring home your own unique photo book with your ticket. How do we find the middle?
Presented in partnership with Asa's new magazine, MIDTONES, the musical program highlights Black and Brown composers with ties to the Midwest.
#mainstage concerts are large-scale events that put classical music front and center. Expect to hear amazing musical performances and explore new ideas from an interdisciplinary lens.
Ysaÿe in Cincinnati w/Ben Beilman
Ysaÿe in Cincinnati w/Ben Beilman
May 9 @ 7:30 pm
Renowned violinist Benjamin Beilman joins concertnova for a celebration of Ysaÿe's legacy in Cincinnati. Experience Beilman performing on the same legendary Giuseppe "del Gesù" Guarneri violin played by Ysaÿe, who was Music Director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra just more than 100 years ago. Pianist Gloria Chien and the Poiesis Quartet join Beilman for works of Ysaÿe and Chausson's Concerto for Violin, Piano, and String Quartet.
Performers: Ben Beilman; Poiesis Quartet; Gloria Chien
#mainstage concerts are large-scale events that put classical music front and center. Expect to hear amazing musical performances and explore new ideas from an interdisciplinary lens.
High Notes: A Nature Walk Celebration of Cannabis Music
High Notes: A Nature Walk Celebration of Cannabis Music
June 22, 2025
Join concertnova for a first-of-its-kind concert experience. BYOC (Cannabis!) and meet us for a guided sonic nature walk. Walk and listen to musicians performing around you, connect to nature in a new way, as you are guided through performing new music on and with the trees themselves.
#play-with-us events are interactive unexpected (in a good way) hands-on experiences. Join in with concertnova musicians to make music and see the world creatively.
Echo Play
Echo Play
October 17-20 @ Alice OTR
Performances at 3pm, 4pm + 5pm each day
TICKETS $5
Don't blink! Kick off your BLINK Festival evening with Echo Play, a captivating fusion of live music and visual art that serves as the perfect prelude to a night out! Enter the sanctuary of light and sound as Jasper de Boor and Max Ball of the Poiesis Quartet play hypnotizing music to a new video projection by XUAN.
Program: Bobby Ge - A Mere Breath, Philip Glass - Knee Play 2
Performance duration: 15 minutes
#mainstage concerts are large-scale events that put classical music front and center. Expect to hear amazing musical performances and explore new ideas from an interdisciplinary lens.
Concert Sponsorship – $225
Become a sponsor of Echo Play and make a lasting impact! Your $225 sponsorship covers ticket costs for an entire performance, allowing the audience to attend free of charge. This option is perfect for those who believe in the power of accessible art and want to help share this immersive experience with the community. Click “Single Tickets” below to offer your support, and thank you!
#mainstage concerts are large-scale events that put classical music front and center. Expect to hear amazing musical performances and explore new ideas from an interdisciplinary lens.
Watch: XUAN’s Art on the Mart:
Music for the Soul w/Soul Cole
Music for the Soul w/NFL Legend Soul Cole
September 29 @ Rhinegeist Event Space
Join us for a one-of-a-kind guided mindfulness session led by NFL icon and Flow Facilitator, SOUL COLE In this unique experience, you’ll be part of an immersive journey that blends the power of breathwork and guided meditation with the live musical artistry of concertnova.
As you breathe and meditate, you’ll contribute to a brand-new musical creation, woven together by the serene sounds that surround you. This is more than just an event; it’s a co-creation where your presence becomes an essential part of the music.
Expect to feel grounded, serene, and deeply connected as you experience the healing power of sound in a safe and sacred space. On this Sunday afternoon, come with an open mind and heart as we blend mindfulness with the transformative energy of live music.
This is a truly unique experience you won’t want to miss—a chance to reset, recharge, and reclaim your inner peace through the symphony of sonic sounds.
What to Bring: An open mind, open heart, and a willingness to co-create a peaceful space together. This event is best experienced lying down on a yoga mat. Feel free to bring your own, or use one of the 20 generously loaned/provided by The Well. Other things that you might want to bring: a cushion, blanket, or both. Chairs will also be provided if that's more comfortable for you. Or, you can move between the chair and floor too, if you wish.
What to Wear: Comfortable and cozy clothing that you feel free to relax in.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early so you don’t feel rushed to set up and make yourself comfortable.
Don’t miss this chance to be part of something truly special.
FREE MERCH ALERT
We’re running a special giveaway of Lululemon belt bags to the first 30 ticketholders as part of this event, and you and your guest are eligible to claim one each by doing the following:
1. Purchase a ticket to the event.
2. Follow @concertnova on Instagram and/or Facebook
3. Post/share about the event and tag us in the post
ALSO:
🌱 There will be tropical plants for sale at the event as a fundraiser for future concertnova productions.
Following the event there will be a 30 minute meet-and-greet with Soul. We will provide cucumber water, and people are also free to go down to the taproom to get a beer to bring back up to our private space.
#play-with-us events are interactive unexpected (in a good way) hands-on experiences. Join in with concertnova musicians to make music and see the world creatively.
Kickoff Party
We're throwing a party to celebrate the kickoff of our 18th season, and we would love to see you there!
Please join us for some good times at Homemakers Bar in OTR from 5:00-7:00 PM on Friday September 20th. We will say hello to new and old friends while enjoying creative cocktails from the bar. Check out their amazing menu here (the no-proof drinks look so good!) and plan to join us.
As part of the celebration, anyone who purchases a season pass at the party will receive $20 off the regular subscription price!
RSVP for this free event to save your spot, and please bring a friend or two or three! Cheers!
Tremor: Concert
Tremor
May 5 @ the American Sign Museum
Doors: 5:30 pm
Music: 6:00 pm
FREE VALET PARKING: To ensure a stress-free arrival, take advantage of our complimentary valet parking service. Please arrive early to allow ample time for parking, as both street parking and the parking lot are limited.
Dr. Brianna Matzke, pianist and founder of The Response Project, takes center stage at the American Sign Museum on May 5. This intimate concert experience, starting at 6pm, will showcase Brianna's solo piano performance, demonstrating the creativity that has arisen from her essential tremor diagnosis.This evening features a solo piano performance of five newly commissioned compositions by Molly Joyce, Hanna Benn, Matthew Evan Taylor, Adeliia Faizullina, and Forrest Pierce, followed by a panel discussion exploring the project's themes of inclusion, accessibility, and personal expression.
Each composer has their own unique connection to the project, which will be explored throughout the evening.Free Valet Parking: To ensure a stress-free arrival, take advantage of our complimentary valet parking service. Please arrive early to allow ample time for parking, as both street parking and the parking lot are limited.
About The Response Project
Established in 2014, the Response Project is a commissioning initiative that asks composers and artists to create new music, usually for the piano, and new works, of many disciplines, in response to a preexisting artwork or idea.About Brianna Matzke
Artistic director and founder of The Response Project, Dr. Brianna Matzke is a multi hyphenate creative based in Cincinnati. She is the producing artistic director for concert:nova, a new music ensemble, overseeing the production of five mainstage productions each season, as well as other community outreach and educational events. She is a dedicated music educator and pedagogue; a Nationally-Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM), she serves as Associate Professor of Music at Wilmington College. Matzke is an acclaimed performer, commissioner and collaborator of new music, and has appeared in concert performances around the globe and in Cincinnati. In 2021, she was named CEO and President of the International Foundation for Contemporary Music, and appointed Executive Director of the Cortona Sessions for New Music.
Bonus: Don't miss the TREMOR art exhibition opening on 4/28 and running through May, featuring artwork and sound installation by Britni Bicknaver and five artists from Visionaries + Voices.
CONCERT TICKETS: pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $20
Tremor: Exhibition
Tremor: Exhibition
April 28 at 4:00 pm, The Well
This unique exhibition, presented by The Response Project and concert:nova in collaboration with Visionaries + Voices, explores the intersections of ability, disability, and personal expression through the lenses of six talented artists. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with groundbreaking artwork, experience live musical responses, and be part of a transformative dialogue on inclusion and diversity in the arts.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own headphones for an immersive audio experience with these placards. However, headphones will be available on-site if needed. Additional accommodations can be arranged upon request.
Music Performances: At 5:30pm, concert:nova musicians will perform solos in response to the artwork, creating a dynamic connection between visual and auditory experiences. One of these performances features a newly composed piece by a student from the Ben Carlson-Berne Scholarship program.Visionaries + Voices Artists:
- Nick Kraft
- Rosalind Bush
- Milo Gleich
- Vince Cole
- Linda KunickSound
Installation by Britni Bicknaver: Renowned sound artist Britni Bicknaver contributes a unique piece inspired by her own stutter, echoing the groundbreaking work of Alvin Lucier's "I Am Sitting In A Room" from 1969. Bicknaver has also created audio placards featuring interviews with the V+V artists.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own headphones for an immersive audio experience with these placards. However, headphones will be available on-site if needed. Additional accommodations can be arranged upon request.
The exhibit is open throughout May, following the opening.
Gallery Hours: Throughout the month of May, explore the exhibition at your own pace during regular hours on Fridays (5-8pm) and weekends (1-4pm). Gallery open dates are May 3-5, May 10-12, May 17-19, and May 24-26. Additional showings outside of gallery hours are available upon appointment request by contacting The Well.
TICKETS are free, but advance reservations for the 4/28 opening are required - space is limited.
Jewish Festival
Jewish Festival
March 12 at 7:30 pm, Hebrew Union College
concert:nova is thrilled for their first-ever partnership with the Cincinnati Cultural Exchange, and the Jewish Music Festival. Cincinnati Jewish Music and Culture Festival is a celebration of Jewish music through nine performances and lectures across the Cincinnati community. Various local performing groups, artists, and experts from around the world gather in Cincinnati in March 2024, presenting high quality concerts by Jewish composers and Jewish theme-related music.
For this program, concert:nova has selected Lera Auerbach’s Frozen Dreams and Cetera Desunt, and Golijov’s The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind.
For additional information on the festival, click here.
Program:
Lera Auerbach: Frozen Dreams
Lera Auerbach: Cetera Desunt
Osvaldo Golijov: The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind
Performers:
Pavel Vinnitsky, clarinet
Levi Hammer | Gershwin in Vienna: Gershwin and the Second Viennese School
concertnova presents:
LEVI HAMMER | GERSHWIN IN VIENNA: Gershwin and the Second Viennese School
February 1 at 7:30 pm, First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati
Scroll down for program
Both concerts of the Levi Hammer residency for $45. Click here for details.
Available online only, through January 29.
A bonus event to our Schoenberg Perspectives concert! We're thrilled to have Levi Hammer in Cincinnati - he arranged the new version of Pelleas und Melisande we're giving the US premiere to on January 30.
Besides his work as a conductor, Levi is also an extraordinary pianist. concert:nova is thrilled to present Levi in a program exploring the transatlantic connection of Gershwin and the composers of the Second Viennese School: Schoenberg, Berg and Webern.
“Gershwin in Vienna: Gershwin and the Second Viennese School,” is a solo piano program exploring the relationship between George Gershwin and the composers of the Second Viennese School.
Schoenberg Perspectives
Schoenberg Perspectives
January 30 at 7:30 pm, Memorial Hall
Scroll down for program
Both concerts of the Levi Hammer residency for $45. Click here for details.
Available online only, through January 29.
Dive into the rich tapestry of Schoenberg’s repertoire with concert:nova, continuing the 16-year journey we started with “Demystifying Schoenberg.”
This time, we’re deconstructing his early masterpiece, Pelleas und Melisande, through the U.S. premiere of Levi Hammer’s new arrangement. Originally scored for a grand orchestra, Hammer refashions this work for a more intimate group of thirteen (in the spirit of Schoenberg’s own Society for Private Musical Performances – a salon he created for debuting new works…no critics allowed!).
This performance pairs the lush, narrative-driven Pelleas with the stark poignancy of his String Trio. Crafted in the wake of a life-altering heart attack, the Trio is a raw, auditory journey through illness and convalescence. Complementing these are some of Schoenberg’s Cabaret Songs, gems that offer a glimpse into his Berlin days, published only after his death.
Through these diverse works, we explore Schoenberg’s unparalleled capacity to express the inexpressible, marrying the complex and the captivating, the cerebral and the sensual.
Concert:nova invites you to experience the paradoxical beauty of Schoenberg’s world. Join us in discovering the shared heartbeat within his diverse body of work, where every note promises both a challenge and a revelation.
We hope you’ll join us for this bold blend of intimacy and intensity.
PROGRAM & PERFORMERS
NOTE: tickets for this concert are being handled by Memorial Hall. For help/customer service for your purchase, please contact them directly:
Memorial Hall Box Office
513.977.8838
Tue-Fri, 1 pm - 6 pm
Eastern Echoes
Eastern Echoes - Music of the Asian North American Experience
November 6 at 7:30 pm, Woodward Theater
The Asian-North American experience is explored in a collection of stories, each told with a delectable treat evoking the favorite childhood memory of our composers. Wadaiko Japanese Drums sound a transition for us through the journey, which includes works from Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Cambodian and Japanese composers.
MAKE AN EVENING OF IT WITH OUR PRE-CONCERT EVENT!
Add on a bento box by BentOn for $12 each, then arrive early to meet the artists and eat. Doors for pre-concert open at 6 pm. Order your bento box by November 1 to participate.
Host: Simon Tam
Program:
The Ice is Talking by Vivian Fung
Zaher by Reena Esmail
Looking Up by Viet Cuong
A Sanguine Clockwork by Paul Wiancko
Seven Pillars by Andy Akiho
Concertino by Bright Sheng
Wakaido Drumming by Wakaido Gouken Japanese Drum Troupe
Performers: Wadaiko Japanese Drummers / Joe Bricker, Percussion & Ice Block / Joe Morris, Clarinet / Philip Marten, Violin / Minyoung Baik, Violin / Catie Longhi, Viola / Jonathan Lee, CelloIn partnership with Asianati, who celebrates Asian food and culture in Cincinnati through events, food trucks, markets, bakeries and more!
9-Fold Harmonies
Nine-Fold Harmonies
October 7 at 7:30 pm, Union Hall
Join us for an unforgettable multi-sensory musical experience at Union Hall in OTR Cincinnati!
Blend sound with smell as we pair the sounds of different instruments with unique essential oils. After the performance, you will get to create a custom scent based on the sounds you loved the most. See what unique scent you create alongside the artists!
The Music: the Nonets of Louis Spohr and Bohuslav Martinu
Musicians: Philip Marten - violin / Elizabeth Beilman - viola / Hiro Matsuo - cello / Boris Asafiev - bass / Henrik Heide - Flute / Emily Beare - Oboe / Joe Morris - clarinet / Marty Garcia - bassoon /
Molly Norcross - horn
Mark your calendars and get ready to be serenaded at Nine-Fold Harmonies!