Zenith Chamber Music Festival is scheduled for Aug. 18-21 and features daily performances by international and local artists. The family-friendly festival, hosted by Drake University, will includes these free concerts:
- Tuesday, Aug. 18, 7:30 p.m.; Caspe Terrace, Waukee
- Wednesday, Aug. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Des Moines Art Center
- Thursday, Aug. 20, 5:30 p.m.: Des Moines Social Club
- Thursday, Aug. 20, 1 p.m.; Master Class, Sheslow Auditorium
- Friday, Aug. 21, 7:30 p.m; Sheslow Auditorium
Drake University music faculty members have worked alongside private philanthropists to bring Zenith to life in the Des Moines metro area. Featured musicians, most of whom will perform nightly, include Helen Hwaya Kim, violinist with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; Anna Reider, violinist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra; Arie Schacter, violist with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra; and Lei Weng, an international piano soloist and member of the faculty at University of Northern Colorado.
Drake University faculty and other local musicians will join the visiting artists for impressive displays of artistry. The festival is designed to be accessible for fans of all ages and interests—from seasoned classical aficionados to casual listeners—and each venue promises a unique atmosphere.
The festival will also serve as an educational experience for thousands of Iowa students who perform in school musical ensembles or study an instrument at home. There will be a master class for pre-college students on Aug. 21, followed by a final concert with a combination of students and Zenith featured artists that evening.