String Theory at the Hunter, in partnership with Lee University, will open its 18th concert season in October with six performances showcasing 21 internationally acclaimed musicians and a diverse program of chamber music at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga.

“String Theory Season Eighteen promises to be a vibrant celebration of virtuosity, artistry, and imagination, bringing together extraordinary musicians and an exciting range of musical voices,” said Dr. Gloria Chien, founder and artistic director of String Theory and artist in residence at Lee. “We look forward to welcoming the community to experience this remarkable season with us.”

“The Opening” is scheduled for Oct. 13 and will feature violist Timothy Ridout, clarinetist Jose Franch-Ballester, and pianist Chien in “Romantic Reflections.” The trio will perform Horovitz’s Sonatina for clarinet and piano, Schubert’s Arpeggione Sonata, and selections from Bruch’s Eight Pieces.

On Dec. 1, “A Solo Voice” will feature cellist Zlatomir Fung in a solo recital of Bach’s Cello Suites Nos. 1, 2 & 3. Fung made history as the first American in four decades and the youngest musician ever to win first prize in the cello division of the International Tchaikovsky Competition.

The series resumes in the new year on Jan. 26, 2027, with “A Meeting of Worlds,” featuring bassist Edgar Meyer, his son, violinist George Meyer, and mandolinist Mike Marshall. The trio will bring together elements of classical, bluegrass, folk, and improvisation, drawing from their longtime collaborations and acclaimed albums such as Short Trip Home and Uncommon Ritual.

The Danish String Quartet, along with Chien, will perform Feb. 16 for “The Return,” featuring Ravel’s String Quartet in F Major and Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet. The program pairs two major works from the chamber music repertoire, showcasing contrasting approaches to harmony, texture, and musical expression.

Violinists Richard Lin and Oliver Neubauer, violist Paul Neubauer, cellist Mihai Marica, and Chien will come together March 30 for “Celebration,” an Americana-themed program marking America’s 250th anniversary. The five musicians will perform Frolov’s Fantasy on Themes from “Porgy and Bess,” American spirituals and folk songs, including Shenandoah and Deep River, and Amy Beach’s Piano Quintet.

The season will conclude April 27 with “The Finale,” featuring Grammy-nominated Sandbox Percussion performing Andy Akiho’s Seven Pillars. The 70-minute work was developed over nearly eight years through an ongoing collaboration between Akiho and the ensemble.

All concerts will begin at 6:30 p.m. The Oct. 13 concert will feature “Pregame with Bob” at 5:45 p.m., a pre-concert discussion with Chattanooga Symphony and Opera Director Emeritus Bob Bernhardt.

Season subscriptions are available now for $300 for non-members, $240 for Hunter members, and $60 for students and music teachers. A season subscription guarantees admission to all six concerts.

Individual concert tickets are $54 for non-members, $42 for Hunter members, and $10 for students and music teachers with ID. Individual tickets are available through the day of each concert.

To purchase tickets or learn more, visit stringtheorymusic.org, email [email protected], or call (423) 414-2525.