Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Admission: Free | Open to the Public
Watch: Livestream from Harkness Chapel
Program
Echoes of the Soul
This Camerata Chamber Orchestra program brings together three powerful twentieth-century works that explore folk tradition, personal identity, and collective memory.
- Dr. Elizabeth Hankins, director
- Christopher Gorman, graduate assistant
Béla Bartók’s Romanian Folk Dances draws on traditional Romanian melodies collected during his ethnographic fieldwork. Originally written for piano and later orchestrated, the six brief movements capture a vivid range of folk expressions—from athletic solo dances to playful children’s tunes and a whirlwind finale.
Dmitri Shostakovich’s String Quartet No. 8 in C minor, Op. 110 is one of the composer’s most enigmatic and emotionally charged works. Unified by the DSCH motif derived from his name, the five movements unfold without pause, weaving together self-quotation, stark contrasts, and a powerful sense of unrest.
The program concludes with Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings, a work of profound simplicity and emotional resonance. Adapted from the slow movement of his String Quartet, the Adagio builds from a single, arching melody to an intense climax before subsiding into a quiet, reverent close.
CWRU Music 2025–26 Concert Season
The Case Western Reserve University Department of Music presents a wide range of concerts, recitals, and special events that showcase the talents of students, faculty, and guest artists. From classical masterworks to contemporary compositions, these performances highlight the creativity and excellence within CWRU’s vibrant music community. Open to the public, the series offers opportunities for audiences of all ages to experience inspiring live music and support the next generation of musicians and scholars.
Venue Information
Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel (est. 1902) is known for its Tiffany stained-glass windows, soaring arches, and exquisite woodwork. The neo-Gothic structure, located on Mather Quad at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH), commemorates the brief life of Florence Harkness Severance. The chapel offers a warm, intimate, and acoustically resonant space for performances and special events.
Health + Safety
University Health and Counseling Services is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our campus community. Find the latest guidelines and resources on the Respiratory Viruses page.