MACON, Ga. – Mercer University’s Robert McDuffie Center for Strings’ acclaimed Fabian Concert Series will debut at Spivey Hall in Morrow, with performances March 11 and April 22, both at 7:30 p.m., marking the first expansion of the series beyond Macon.
A world-renowned venue known for its exceptional acoustics, classical jazz and world music performances, Spivey Hall at Clayton State University has earned a national reputation while also reaching an international audience. Opened in 1991, it houses the prestigious Albert Schweitzer Memorial Organ and hosts the award-winning Spivey Hall Children’s Choir.
Curated by Amy Schwartz Moretti, artistic director of the McDuffie Center, the Fabian Concert series showcases world-class performers alongside the Center’s exceptional young artists, reflecting its mission of excellence, mentorship and collaboration.
The March 11 concert features an electrifying evening of chamber music led by the internationally renowned Ehnes Quartet and acclaimed pianist Orion Weiss. The program bridges classical mastery and passionate modern expression with a luminous work by Beethoven, the smoldering, rhythm-driven tangos of Astor Piazzolla and Brahms’ iconic Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34. Performers include James Ehnes and Amy Schwartz Moretti, violins; Che-Yen Chen, viola; Edward Arron, cello; and select students from Mercer University’s Robert McDuffie Center for Strings.
The April 22 concert opens with Beethoven’s expansive and radiant “Archduke” Trio, performed by Schwartz Moretti, violin; Raman Ramakrishnan, cello; and pianist Benjamin Hochman. The program concludes with César Franck’s Piano Quintet, a richly expressive Romantic work of dramatic intensity, performed with McDuffie Center students.
“Bringing the Fabian Concert Series to Spivey Hall feels like the perfect match,” said Schwartz Moretti, curator of the series. “Its legendary acoustics set the stage not only for our quartet and the great pianist Orion Weiss, but for the rising young artists from the McDuffie Center who bring fresh energy and talent to every concert. The audience is in for an unforgettable experience.”
Tickets are available through the Spivey Hall box office. For more information, visit spiveyhall.org.
Feature image: Amy Schwartz Moretti, violin; Raman Ramakrishnan, cello; and pianist Benjamin Hochman
