Programs/Reviews

"Each of these musicians are truly of the virtuoso caliber. Their spirit was wonderful, on and off stage."
Erin Ganey Hill
Director/Instructor, Cultural Arts Program
Kirby Cultural Arts Complex

Virginia Commission for the Arts Funding:
The Classic Strings Duo and Rainier Trio are listed in the Virginia Commission for the Arts' "Performing Arts Tour Directory." Concerts in Virginia can receive matching funds from the VCA. Please click icon to view that page and find out more.

Programs available:

A Celebration of American Composers with the Rainier Trio: Featuring Heifetz’s arrangements of Gershwin’s “Three Preludes” and “An American in Paris,” Copeland’s arrangement of “Hoe-Down” from Rodeo, Perlman’s virtuoso adaptation of Joplin Rags, and Broadway songs by Rodgers & Hammerstein, Bernstein and Sondheim. The audience will be singing along and leave with a spring in their step. https://youtu.be/54LsmzYORlc

A Romantic Evening with the Rainier Trio: Favorite pieces by Kreisler, Puccini, Rachmaninoff, Elgar and Massenet that tug at your heart strings with the lush sounds of the violin and viola and will bring a nostalgic tear to your eye. https://youtu.be/PY3o5vrvRhE

A Night at the Movies with the Rainier Trio: Beautiful renditions of favorite music from the movies you love, including Fiddler on the Roof, Schindler’s List, Gabriel’s Oboe, Chariots of Fire, Memoirs of a Geisha, Lara’s Theme, Sound of Music, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. https://youtu.be/VlHjzWluQ7k

Classical Gems: The Rainier Trio plays works by Beethoven, Mozart, Mendelssohn and Milhaud.

Violin-Viola Magic with the Classic Strings Duo: An entertaining program of diverse works for the violin-viola duo including Ragtime, Celtic, Beethoven, Sibelius, Handel-Halvorsen, R&B and Peter Schickele. https://youtu.be/KUCy-Rn3lqs

The Four Seasons: Vivaldi and Piazzolla: The Rainer Trio presents the timeless music of Antonio Vivaldi paired with passionate tangos, “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires,” by Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla. Readings of the poems that inspired Vivaldi’s music help the audience hear the bird calls, thunder, insects and frigid winds.

Educational Concerts, Master Classes, Residency Programs: "Bach to Bluegrass" educational program with small-sized instrument “petting-zoo”.

Young Audiences of Virginia: The Classic Strings Duo is proud to be part of Young Audiences of Virginia to share their music with students throughout the state. Their program, "The Matheson Brothers - Appalachia to Arabia," is marketed by Young Audiences of Virginia https://youtu.be/ungjOJRyTOU

Presenters' Comments

"We loved you! Thanks and I look forward to seeing you again."

Felicia Hart, Executive Director
First Night Winchester

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“Your performance was excellent.”
Dr. Clair Myers, Executive Director
Wayne Theater Alliance

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“The group was very nice, extremely easy to work with and incredibly talented.”

Richard Koch, Performing Arts Manager
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen

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"Each of these musicians are truly of the virtuoso caliber.
Their spirit was wonderful, on and off stage."

Erin Ganey Hill, Director/Instructor,
Cultural Arts Program, Kirby Cultural Arts Complex

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“The brothers created an agreeably old-timey sound and presented very stylishly,
with real flourish and attention to detail.”

Jeffrey James, Editor
International Composer, New York City

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“The artistry and talent of these brothers touches my soul and generates wonderful response from those who share their audience…They are truly gifted and disciplined to give outstanding performances time and again.”

Richard McClure, Conductor
Valley Chamber Orchestra

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Spencer-Miller Memorial Concert Series

“The trio played very well technically and musically, with lovely tone and beautiful phrasing. They demonstrated a fine sense of ensemble, playing perfectly as a group, not as three individuals. These performers will stand up very well against any chamber music ensemble. We are fortunate to have them in Virginia and on the Touring Roster of the Virginia Commission for the Arts.”

Ben Jennings
Arts Array Coordinator
Virginia Highlands Community College

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Reynolds Homestead
Educational Concerts

"Bryan and Kevin Matheson are consummate professionals in their approach – and their love of children and desire to share their talents always shines through in their performances. They patiently explained to the children what to listen for and used musical selections that students could easily appreciate and understand. In addition, they allowed students to try instruments with their mini musical 'petting zoo.' For many, it was the highlight of the day. I highly recommend them."

Lisa S. Martin
Senior Program Manager
Reynolds Homestead / Virginia Tech