SoNo Chamber Music Series Takes Place in an Antique Shop

Galina Zisk Rothschild has played the piano all over the world in some of the most respected concert halls and with some of the best musicians out there.

And after the hustle and bustle of playing Carnegie Hall, recording solo albums and teaching the music world's best and brightest, Zisk comes back to Fairfield County for the musician's delight: a collaborative effort with fellow performers.

"This is giving musicians a chance to do what they love most," Zisk said. "Playing with other people, getting together for collaboration -- it's something we all kind of crave."

The SoNo Chamber Music Series comes to Gregory Cole Antiques & Home in Norwalk April 3, April 10, June 12 and October 30, all at 3 p.m., and artistic director Zisk will play piano in the first three shows.

And although the group is considered a small chamber orchestra, the music will stray from the normal chamber repertoire, Zisk said, with some lesser known pieces.

The April shows feature Zisk on piano, Yevgeny Faniuk on flute, Cecee Pantikian on violin and Andrew Janss on cello, a "strange instrumentation," Zisk said, but an intriguing one.

"These people have incredible careers, and I've been looking to get them together," Zisk said. "The rehearsals are going well, and we're all looking forward to this."

Originally from Ukraine, Zisk is "very, very classically trained," living and breathing the music. She's performed internationally and won numerous awards. She also teaches at the master level at universities, colleges and music festivals.

Zisk moved to Ridgefield only recently, having lived in many parts of the world, and she had high praise for the antique shop venue in Norwalk -- owner Gregory Cole is, in fact, the director of the series.

Part of the reason for having the show, Zisk said, is to make classical music more accessible and to bring exposure to some of these lesser known pieces, each of which the musicians will explain during the show.

On the program are C.P.E. Bach's (Johann's relative) Trio Sonata for Flute, Violin and Cello in B minor, W. 143; Handel-Halvorsen's Passacaglia arranged for Violin and Cello; Mike Mower's Sonata Latino for Flute and Piano; and Astor Piazzolla's entire The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. 

"It's a lot of work putting this together," Zisk said, who's currently looking for a way to bring her music to Ridgefield. "But this is something we don't get to do very often, and we all jumped at the chance."

Tickets to each show are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. For more information call (203) 939-1480 or visit www.gregorycoleantiques.com.