An exceptional line-up of chamber music performances by MSU artists and international guests and collaborators grace the stages of the MSU College of Music as the beloved Ken and Sandy Beall Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival marks its 21st year this Spring. 

This year’s Cello Plus series consists of three evening performances in intimate, state-of-the-art venues on the MSU campus on April 10, 12 and April 14. Guest and MSU artists join MSU Professor of Cello and Cello Plus artistic director Suren Bagratuni in multi-day performances of Baroque, Romantic and contemporary works. 

Monday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m., MSU Alumni Memorial Chapel: Dialogues  
Suren Bagratuni, cello, is joined by guest artists Jasmine Choi, flute; and Ruggero Allifranchini, violin.
•    Two Voice Inventions for Violin and Cello by Johann Sebastian Bach
•    Duo for Violin and Cello, Op. 7 by Zoltan Kodaly
•    London Trio No. 1 in C Major, Hob. IV:1 by Joseph Haydn 

Wednesday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m., Fairchild Theatre: The A, B and C of Baroque 
Suren Bagratuni, cello, and Yvonne Lam, viola, are joined by guest artists Charlotte Mattax, harpsichord; Jasmine Choi, flute; Ruggero Allifranchini, violin; Emelyn Bashour, violin, Zhen Huang, viola, and Weng Peng, bass. 
•    Duo Sonata, Op. 13 by Gagik Hovounts
•    Quartet in D Major, KV 285 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
•    Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 by Johann Sebastian Bach

Friday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m., Cook Recital Hall: Romance in the Air  
Suren Bagratuni, cello, and Dmitri Berlinsky, violin, are joined by guest artists Richard Young, viola; Ruggero Allifranchini, violin; and Boris Slutsky, piano.
•    Piano Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 47 by Robert Schumann
•    Piano Quartet No. 2 in E-flat Major, Op. 47 by Antonin Dvorak

“We are thrilled to mark the 21th anniversary of the Ken and Sandy Beall Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival with performances by exceptional artists, supported by our generous sponsors,” Bagratuni said. “We have put together three exciting days of inspired chamber music, representing the breadth and resonance of this beautiful art form.” 

Ken and Sandy Beall sponsor the Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival with support from concert sponsors Nancy and Charlie Seebeck, and the Stanley and Selma Hollander Endowment for Chamber Music. 

Reserved seating for the Cello Plus Chamber Music Festival are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (age 60 and older), and $7 for students and those under 18 with valid ID, and can be purchased online (music.msu.edu), by calling (517) 353-5340, or at the door. More information on these and other events in the 2022-23 Encore! Season can be found at music.msu.edu/events.