New Prairie Camerata

Envisioned by flutist Claudia Anderson and realized through collaboration with harpist Jeanmarie Kern Chenette and violinist Nancy McFarland Gaub, New Prairie Camerata is a unique concept that brings together music, architecture, local history, and community participation. 

These three Grinnell artists with national and international careers joined talents and extensive performing experience to form the musical core of New Prairie Camerata in 2006.  With the assistance of other local and outside artists, they presented a concert series in 2006-07 that showcased some of Grinnell’s finest architectural and historical treasures.  Each program reflected its setting and included local contributions from politicians, historians, craftspeople, and displays of memorabilia.

Concert settings included the famous "jewel box" bank of architect Louis Sullivan (program called "Chamber Music Jewels"), the Old Glove Factory (home of the former Grinnell Gloves - "La Belle Epoque"), a private residence of early 1900's Arts and Crafts style ("Craft and Machine"), Grinnell College's Faulconer Gallery among a myriad of historic quilts ("Simple Gifts"), and in the atrium of the College's new Athletic and Fitness Center ("The Beat Goes On"). 

In its second season, New Prairie Camerata expands its performing base to include regional events and a recording project.  New this season as part of NPC's mission to showcase Iowa's cultural history is New Prairie2.  During the fall of 2007, Claudia Anderson and Jeanmarie Kern Chenette presented a tour of Iowa college campuses with a program of Iowa-based compositions, possible through generous support of the Iowa Composers Forum and sponsoring institutions.  In early 2008, New Prairie Camerata’s focus is on collaboration with Portuguese art exhibits at the art galleries of UNI and Grinnell College; their program in Fairfield, Iberian Impressions, initiates this regional tour with music from the Iberian peninsula, South America, and France.

For further information on concerts and booking New Prairie Camerata,  please contact Claudia Anderson at  HYPERLINK "mailto:magicflute@pcpartner.net" magicflute@pcpartner.net

Chamber Music Society Fairfield appearances:

02-10-2008 Iberian Impressions.  Fute, Violin, Harp

12-11-2008 Duos & Trios.  Flute, Violin, Viola, Piano