A recap of the 2024-2025 season,
FOCM’s 69th year!
Friends of Chamber Music of Miami (FOCM) completed our 69th season in April 2025, presenting eight world-class recitals across iconic South Florida venues including FIU’s Wertheim Performing Arts Center and Coral Gables Congregational Church. Our audiences were treated to a captivating range of programs, from solo piano brilliance to dynamic chamber ensembles, with performances that underscored both artistic excellence and emotional depth.
Remembering Julian Kreeger
Our 2024–25 season was marked by tribute and transition following the passing of Julian Kreeger, who served as our president and artistic director for 38 years. His legacy lived on through the quality and diversity of our programming, and the season served as a testament to his enduring impact on Miami's cultural life. Leadership transitioned to Daniel and Abram Kreeger alongside co-artistic director Alexander Fiterstein, ensuring continuity and fresh vision.
A Season of Transition
An outpouring of support came in from friends, performing artists and partners. In February, FOCM hosted a workshop where board, advisors, subscribers and partner organizations participated in a facilitated discussion helping us assess our strengths, identify opportunities and priorities.
While the season would carry forward with the scheduled performances, transition planning began immediately toward a dynamic 70th season and beyond.
Audience & Artist Voices
In February, artistic co-directors Abram Kreeger and Alexander Fiterstein began interviewing upcoming performers in advance of their scheduled concerts. Clips from those interviews were used to bring FOCM's presence on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to life and will be the inspiration and foundation for more online programming as FOCM heads into its 70th season.
Looking Ahead
With our 70th anniversary season on the horizon, Friends of Chamber Music of Miami remains one of South Florida's endearing and respected classical music presenters. If our 69th season is any indication, the future promises even more moments of brilliance, discovery, artistic connection and community building.
Highlights from the upcoming season will include:
8 concerts and the Julian Kreeger memorial gala;
2 new concert venues added (UM Knight Center for Music Innovation and Temple Bet Shira);
Public readings and educational programs offered by our performing artists;
Community events including special listening sessions, dinners and networking events; and
More specialized online content featuring past and future performers.
Recap of Our 69th Season
Jerusalem Quartet
October 30, 2024 at FIU
Celebrating their 30th anniversary, the Jerusalem Quartet opened our season with refined ensemble playing that honored their legacy and set the stage for a season of beautiful performances.
Simon Trpčeský (piano)
November 4, 2024 at FIU
The Macedonian pianist and icon delivered a poetic and technically assured performance that showcased his virtuosity. One guest remarked, "of course we know Simon, we are from Macedonia."
Sara Daneshpour (piano)
January 5, 2025 at FIU
In her FOCM debut, Daneshpour performed works by Bach, Debussy, and Schumann. Her interpretation was praised by critics for its depth and control: "She created a number of stunning, hold-your-breath moments" and "demonstrated a striking expressive range."
Read the Review of this Recital
Sir Stephen Hough (piano)
January 27, 2025 at FIU
Returning to Miami with a program that included his own composition, "Sonatina Nostalgica," Critics lauded his "blazing technique and insight" and a standing ovation and cheers repeatedly brought Hough back to the stage for encores that included a "wild, Lisztian ride with wit and pyrotechnics galore" as he performed “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” from the film Mary Poppins.
Read the Review of this Recital
Hermitage Piano Trio
March 4, 2025 at CCGC
The Trio's performance was preceded by the first-ever artist interview conducted and posted by FOCM in advance of a concert. The ensemble, a multi-time Grammy nominee, delivered an inspiring recital that drew high praise from the audience and provided a warmth combined with the iconic Coral Gables Congregational Church venue.
Julian Schwarz (cello) & Asiya Korepanova (piano)
March 18, 2025 at CCGC
Performing for the first time together, the cellist-pianist duo captivated our audience with their powerful interpretation and refined musicianship, highlighting their deep musical rapport. Their instant chemistry together was lauded as "ideally balanced." One critic remarks at how incredible it was that they had just practiced once together, and yet "they seemed to breathe the music together."
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Zlata Chochieva (piano)
March 25, 2025 at CCGC
Just one week before performing at Carnegie Hall for the first time, Chochieva gave the FOCM audience a preview of a "long-overdue debut" recital. Critics were effusive about Chochieva’s FOCM recital: "Every detail emerged with clarity and Chochieva’s finely varied degrees of softness enhanced this unique arrangement."
Read the Review of this Recital
Alexander Fiterstein (clarinet) & Asiya Korepanova (piano)
April 29, 2025 at CCGC
We concluded our season with clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein, who performed with Asiya Korepanova. Fiterstein's "mellow sonic palette was immediately evident" and the duo showcased exceptional chemistry performing together. offering a moving Brahms program. The standing, cheering audience brought the duo back for multiple encores.