Our Mission
New Muse Concerts exists to bring people and ideas together through music, with daring programming and vibrant performances that inspire us to hear music — and see the world — in new ways.
More About New Muse
New Muse Concerts presents classical chamber music in the context of diverse musical traditions, exploring the interplay between them, and telling stories that reveal their cultural and historical connections.
We present concerts in surprising places, with a lively, casual atmosphere, to bring together and delight both new and experienced listeners.
New Muse partners with other cultural and educational organizations in Charleston to bring music to a broad and diverse audience.
New Muse celebrates the composer, the composition, the musician and the listener — and their spirited collaboration.
Meet Lydia
Lydia Chernicoff, Artistic Director
“For me, there’s nothing more thrilling than live music performed by a small ensemble, close up. The subtle yet palpable communication between the players is what makes it so alluring. You don’t need to know anything about the music to feel the energy. It draws you right into a world of sound.
My first violin teacher had her students playing together almost as soon as we started playing — and the excitement of exploring a new piece with other musicians has never diminished. I’ve performed all over the world, often in places where I don’t speak the language, and I’ve experienced first-hand the rapport between people that only music can create.
Fabulous music in the company of good friends and interesting strangers. Lively, creative collaboration between composers, players, and listeners. Concerts that tell stories about what matters to us now, locally and globally. That’s my vision for New Muse.”
The Board
Directors
Lydia Chernicoff
Ann Marie Halleck
Abby Rosenthal
Frank Conrad Russen
Colleen Trepen
Advisors
Pam Hentges
Marianne Lockwood