Hudson Valley Chamber Musicians
An Exceptional Ensemble!
Established in 2020, we proudly serve the vibrant communities of the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut tri-state area. With a versatile repertoire ranging from intimate duos to dynamic woodwind quintet arrangements, our ensemble is poised to elevate your next event. Whether you're planning a public concert, a memorable wedding celebration, a meaningful benefit, an engaging school workshop, or an intimate house concert, we are here to provide the perfect musical accompaniment. Contact us today to bring the magic of live music to your special occasion.
Indulge your senses and elevate your event with our ensemble's enchanting performances. From captivating public concerts, whether under the stars or within the cozy confines of concert halls, to engaging school concerts where we impart fascinating insights into our repertoire, our music is tailored to suit both the audience and the occasion. For weddings, allow us to serenade your guests during the cocktail hour and accompany your journey down the aisle with melodies that resonate with your love story. Elevate the ambiance of your intimate gatherings with the touch of class that our music brings to house concerts, whether as a delightful background or a mesmerizing feature for you and your guests.
Our versatility knows no bounds as we grace a multitude of venues, from picturesque gazebos and serene vineyards to the hallowed halls of libraries and the elegant settings of wedding venues and restaurants. In school workshops, we engage students in hands-on learning, sharing the intricacies of our craft alongside a professional music educator, enriching educational experiences with the magic of live music.
Furthermore, let us lend a melodic touch to your benefit events, keeping guests entertained and engaged during fundraising dinners. Wherever the stage may be set, our ensemble stands ready to infuse your event with the transformative power of music, leaving an indelible mark on both hearts and minds.
About The Performers In The Hudson Valley Chamber Musicians Ensemble
Norman Dee
“Refined tone and sensitive musicianship” (Washington Evening Star) have characterized the performances of Norman Dee who has appeared as soloist and chamber player here in the United States and South America. Mr. Dee is a graduate of the Juilliard School and has been on the faculties of the University of New Hampshire and the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. He has studied flute with Neal Zaslaw, James Pappoutsakis, and Julius Baker. Composition studies were with Hugo Kauder. He has given numerous recitals in New England, Boston, New York and Sao Paulo, Brazil, as well as concerto appearances with the Boston Pops, The State Orchestra of Sao Paulo, and the New York Virtuosi. He can be heard on recordings issued by the U.S. Information Service, Voice of America, Desto and RCA Records. Mr. Dee sits on the boards of the Hugo Kauder Society and Music for all Seasons.
Ann Chukurian
Ann Churukian earned an A.B. in music from Oberlin College and an M.M. in oboe performance from Southern Methodist University. She has performed as an orchestral musician in Texas, Illinois, and Indiana, and since 1989 has been a freelance musician in the Hudson Valley, where she has performed with Hudson Opera Theatre, Cappella Festival Chamber Choir, Putnam Chorale, and Orange County Classic Choral Society, among others. She is currently a member of the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra, and the Woodstock Symphony Orchestra, and she has been a frequent performer at the annual Hudson Valley BachFest. Ms. Churukian is the Assistant Music Librarian at Vassar College
Leigh Myers
Leigh Myers is an experienced orchestral and chamber music clarinettist. He was principal clarinettist of the Haifa Symphony in Israel as well as principal clarinettist of the Queensborough Orchestra, Manhasset Bay Opera, Great Neck Symphony, Great Neck Philharmonic and New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra. He was also a founding member of the Greater Newburgh Symphony. In addition, he toured with the South Florida Symphony, the Goldovsky Opera as well as Europe with the New Jersey Wind Symphony. Mr. Myers has a Master’s Degree from the Juilliard School in New York City where he studied with Leon Russianoff.
Terry Watson
Terry Watson played horn professionally after having studied horn at Manhattan School of Music and Hunter College. In 1976 she formed the Metropolitan Brass Quartet and was awarded a New York State Council on the Arts Grant where the group was artists in residence at Church of St. Mary the Virgin and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NY. In 1980 Ms. Watson received her Master’s in Music Therapy from New York University. As adjunct faculty at NYU she has enjoyed a long career as a Music Therapist. Five years ago, Ms. Watson returned to the horn and has joined several community orchestras including the UN Symphony Orchestra and chamber music ensembles. In 2018 she toured Spain and France with the New Jersey Wind Symphony. In 2020 she helped establish the Hudson Valley Chamber Musicians. She is very grateful to be able to have music in her life in so many capacities.
Donald Venezia
Donald Venezia graduated with a BM in Performance from Fredonia University and worked toward his Masters at The Manhattan School of Music. He has performed orchestrally throughout New York State, New Jersey, Western Pennsylvania and Connecticut, and also as an Opera bassoonist on tour through West Virginia. In the past he has performed with The Pittsburgh Symphony, The Buffalo Philharmonic, New York Grand Opera and Piccolo Opera Theatre of West Virginia, among others. Donald Venezia is also a former Music Director of WQXR-FM, New York City.
What Are The Critics Saying?
“If you haven't yet taken the opportunity to attend a performance by Hudson Valley Chamber Musicians, do yourself a favor and have a listen when they play in our area. As a part-time rock musician and retiree, classical music isn't typically at the top of my playlist, even though my formal piano training as a pre-teen was heavy in that genre. I truly believe, however, that "good music well-performed" is good music, regardless of the genre. From personal experience, the Hudson Valley Chamber Musicians, now a quintet, deliver an outstanding performance that will resonate with listeners of all ages and musical preferences. They are a group of well-trained and highly proficient instrumentalists, and my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed their performance at the Morton Library in Rhinecliff, NY this past summer. If you want to hear "good music well performed," treat yourself to a concert by Hudson Valley Chamber Musicians.”
-Joe Phelan, Former Rhinebeck school district Superintendent of Schools, Chair of the Village of Rhinebeck Autism Supportive Community Committee, Dutchess BOCES Center for Sustainability and Climate Education
“Each member adds a piece of their personality to their musical performance and it shows. It’s not just the music being played that makes this group so amazing but the energy in which they perform it. All members are down to earth, engaging and humorous. They are generous with their time before, during, and after each concert. It is obvious they take time and care in developing their musical program but also in connecting with audience members. Unforeseen weather conditions are no obstacle for this dynamic group. At one of their outdoor concerts, not one member missed a beat and stayed light-hearted throughout the concert, despite the wind threatening to whip away the tent they were playing under as they held tight to their music stands. The show went on and the audience loved it! The musicians arrive early for set up and stay after to connect with their audience. The concert is developed and geared to what the audience wants to hear and each piece is introduced and explained before being played. The audience is a participant and a part of the concert experience! If it wasn’t for the pandemic changing the way we do things, we would have The Hudson Valley Chamber Musicians back every month for a concert! A huge plus for me is the ease in which I can plan and coordinate a program with them. They have become family to use here at Arbor Ridge!”
-Megan Smith, Lifestyle Coordinator, The Community at Brookmeade, Meadows ~ Arbor Ridge ~ The Terraces ~ The Pavilion
“I have worked with the Hudson Valley Chamber Musicians on two occasions. It's been a pleasure. Last year I booked them to do a holiday concert in December. Unfortunately, COVID prevented us from offering an in-person program, so instead, they put together a professional video concert that we aired on our YouTube channel. The group included Jewish tunes as well as classical pieces. After that first successful collaboration, I booked them again for an in-person concert that was also well received. I highly recommend this group of talented musicians for their music and professionalism.”
-Nan Jackson, Starr Library
"Thank you for such a beautiful concert. I've been trying to put into words how special it felt to be outside in nature listening to the sweet sounds of the woodwinds. There was something profound about listening to the music, seeing the sky filled with clouds, birds flitting here and there, and trees moving gently in the breeze. For that hour I felt that I understood how humanity can co-exist in nature, contributing to it and being in harmony with it."
- Amanda S. Merk, MSLIS, Library Director, Chatham Public Library
"Caught your concert at the Chatham library last night [December 11th]. What a great program of mixed pieces. I liked it!! Thank you all. Happy holidays; all the best for the new year.”
- Concert goer in Chatham
" We all enjoyed your very thoughtful presentation. The narration before each piece was quite interesting, also. I learned a few things! It truly was music to our ears, and so uplifting. Thank you to all five of you for sharing your talents and your time. We appreciated it greatly!”
- Beth Barrett Dachs, Service Coordinator, Wells Manor