Gabriel Chamber Ensemble

The music and musicians are really wonderful. They have built a following from consistantly providing the highest quality of music. They build a strong audience-artist relationship by speaking with us. They may point out something historical or musical that enhances our listening experience. I enjoy speaking with the musicians at the post concert reception. The reception features delicious treats homemade by board members and friends.

have been listening to this great ensemble for years. I cannot understand why they do not have a greater following. Technically very skilled with a affable and amiable demeanor.

I have been attending Gabriel Chamber Ensemble concerts and events for a number of years. When I think back to those first few concerts, I remember marveling at the fact that I had experienced such a high caliper of performance here in small town USA. Some people think you can only have such a treat in a large metropolitan area. The members of this chamber orchestra are excellent, passionate, dedicated, musicians. They do more than bring sweet sounds to our ears. They care enough about the music to share their knowledge about composers and the structure of the music with their audiences making for a well rounded musical experience. These four musicians blend very well with each other and with guest musicians. I believe that guests probably jump at the chance to perform with them.

The Gabriel Chamber Ensemble brings the highest standards of musical performance in chamber music and a refined, elegant sense of programming to the area. As I look at the faces of people in the audience I realize that there is nothing like the power of classical music to lighten the burdens a daily life - especially in the current economic slump. Food for the soul, served with wit and flair. Bravo to you all. Cordially, Tony Cecere

This ensemble is a county treasure! The members of the group are top-notch musicians who speak engagingly about the music. The programming themes are always interesting and music chosen is a mix of the familiar and the new. The region is fortunate that such world-class musicians have chosen to make their home here and enrich us with their talent! I was encouraged to see such a substantial attendance at the last performance and each performance seems to draw an increasingly larger audience.

The Gabriel Chamber Ensemble has been enriching my life since the early 1990s. And this is from someone who travels to NYC for cultural enrichment (Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic...). There are many elements that make the GCE experience so enjoyable. For one thing, they frequently introduce us to music we're not already familiar with. I love that. In addition, all four musicians are adept at speaking about the music they're going to perform. This can create a handy bridge to the music, and be educational and interesting as well. Essentially, it connects the audience to what we're about to hear, even if we have heard it before. I'll never forget learning from our cellist about the tragic illness in the short life of Franz Schubert that is credited with some of the passionate highs and lows in the beloved Death and the Maiden. Another source of enjoyment in the experience with this ensemble is the evident pleasure they take in performing together. And while there has not been a lot of room for improvement, they have only gotten better as the years go by. Ensemble members are also creative in their approach to performances. For example, earlier this season each of the four poems conveyed in Vivaldi's Four Seasons were read to the audience prior to each movement. I'm a big fan of combining more than one art form in a single showcase. It was enchanting. That we have a chamber music ensemble of this caliber here in Schuylkill County is truly remarkable. We are indeed blessed.

I was first attracted to the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble by its programming. They have played music from the 17th to the 21st century, from solos to octets including instruments from piano to guitar and double bass. Before and during each concert, a member of the ensemble speaks about some aspect of a composition that helps me as a listener. The musicians play exceptionally well with technique and emotion. Though I've been to many concerts in NYC and Philadelphia, the most memorable performances have been in Schuylkill Co. by the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble.

The Gabriel Chamber Ensemble is a small group of very accomplished musicians committed to providing an exceptional level of music/culture/entertainment to the people of Schuylkill County and surrounding areas. The music is delightful. Concerts are presented in a close, comfortable surrounding that allows the audience to fully appreciate the quality of the music in each performance. It appears that their concerts are becoming increasingly popular with the public as word spreads about the group. It's an exciting and excellent opportunity for the people of our area to experience a style and quality of music not always available at venues outside the larger cities. The most recent performance (on Feb. 21, 2010) was the first opportunity my wife and I have had to attend a Gabriel Chamber Ensemble concert. We enjoyed the experience completely. The event was in every way above and beyond our expectations. I sincerely hope the concerts will continue for many years to come, exposing more people to a most pleasant and rewarding way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

I have enjoyed the warm simplicity of numerous performances over the years, i regret only that I have been unable to attend all. It is a struggle to maintain and preserve the presence of instrumental arts at this level

For the past 20 years, the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble (GCE) has provided the highest quality and the most enjoyable musical experiences to rural Schuylkill County, PA. GCE also provides awards to County graduating high school seniors, scholarships to summer music camp, outreach programs to schools. The fund-raisers and special events are great fun!

My introduction to the Ensemble in 1993 has led to an ever-deepening appreciation of the quality of the music of this extraordinarily talented group. It is unusual to find this level of musicality and passionate performance anywhere, let alone in rural northeastern Pennsylvania. The group's eclectic repertoire has sometimes challenged me to listen to music(not just theirs) in new ways and has, at other times, transported me completely with an interpretation of a piece I (thought I) already knew but whose depth I had never truly realized. The concerts (usually 4 or 5 per season) are very affordable and there is usually a post-concert reception when the audience can interact with the very approachable artists. A real gem!

I have been involved with this organization for about 10 years, first of all as a spectator and now as a board member. Each member of the organization (musicians and board members) are committed to providing the local community with exceptional chamber music. Everyone in the organization is very friendly and very easy to work with. I am very happy to be involved with this organization.