Music faculty Jennifer Weeks and Pat Nelson bring their passion for music to the community

by College of Fine and Performing Arts Staff

September 18, 2024

Music faculty members Pat Nelson, bassoon, and Jennifer Weeks, oboe, are starting their third year leading the presentation of professional chamber music at the beautiful Hotel Leo in downtown Bellingham. The Bellingham Chamber Music Society ("BCMS") concert series provides regional musicians a place to demonstrate their skills and share their love of chamber music.

Other Music Department faculty members from Western have been involved in many recent BCMS performances, and the collaborations will continue into the upcoming season.

BCMS presents works by under-represented composers, explores contemporary compositions by living composers, and classic works of the chamber music genre.

Pat and Jen are passionate about chamber music and the rich connections and experiences it offers to musicians and audiences alike.

10th anniversary Season

This 10th anniversary season features classic gems including Beethoven’s "String Quartet No. 10," Mozart’s "Clarinet Quintet," Tchaikovsky’s "String Quartet No. 1," and Dvorak’s "Piano Quintet No. 2," surrounded by inspiring works by Louise Farrenc, Ruth Gipps, Jenni Brandon and Jessie Montgomery. We will also feature the world premiere of Iranian composer Golfam Khayam, featuring her piece "Through the Window" for flute and guitar.

The four classical concerts are held on Sundays at 3 p.m. at the Hotel Leo. This season’s dates are September 22, November 17, February 23, and May 18. Doors open at 2:30 p.m.

The Hotel Leo’s in-house restaurant, Amendment 21, offers patrons an opportunity to enjoy a beverage before the show, sipped during the concert, and a post-concert reception open to all, giving a chance for the audience to socialize with the musicians.

Between Two Worlds

The BCMS "Between Two Worlds" concert showcases how a love of jazz and classical styles can meld in musical exploration. Between Two Wolds is at the Blue Room in downtown Bellingham on March 22 and offers two shows: 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Bellingham Downtown Partnership: Friday Art Walks

You can find BCMS at the Bellingham Downtown Partnership’s First Friday Art Walk on the first Friday of every month at the Hotel Leo. BCMS musicians will be playing gentle chamber music for several hours beginning at 6 p.m. Enjoy food, beverages, friends and classical music.

Blue Skies For Children

BCMS has partnered with Blue Skies for Children and will donate free tickets to each of their concerts. Blue Skies supports children experiencing homelessness, living in low-in income homes, and in the foster system of Whatcom and Skagit Counties. One of the enrichment and growth programs Blue Skies offers is access to private music lessons and BCMS hopes the ability to attend live performances can act as inspiration for young people in this program.