-
Mission & Vision
-
Our Board
-
Our Musicians
-
Our Staff
-
News
ABOUT US
The Florida Chamber Music Project provides live classical music in an intimate chamber music setting for residents of St. Johns County, St. Augustine, Clay County and the surrounding areas of Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.
OUR MISSION
Fostering joy, connection, and education in our community through live classical chamber music.
OUR VISION
Elevate the human spirit through the beauty of live classical chamber music.
OUR VALUES
Artistic excellence
Integrity
A welcoming environment
Enriching experiences
Inclusivity
MEET OUR BOARD
Judith Kouri, President
Susan Pardue, Artistic Director
Kenneth Hecht, Immediate Past President
Caroline Pittari, Secretary
James Stuck, Treasurer
Patrice B. Evans
Ann Marie Grymes
Sloane Wood Long
Alan Ragan
Charles Snavely
Karen Worth
Danny B. Berenberg, President Emeritus
Susan Pardue
Artistic Director
Susan Pardue is a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra in Jacksonville, Florida. Prior to moving to Jacksonville, she played with the New World Symphony in Miami. A native of North Carolina, she earned a high school diploma and bachelor of music degree from the North Carolina School of the Arts and a master of music degree from the Juilliard School. Her viola teachers have included Sally Peck in North Carolina, William Lincer at Juilliard and Piero Farulli, with whom she studied in Italy on a Fulbright scholarship.
Patrice Evans
Jacksonville Symphony violinist Patrice Evans is originally from Cleveland Ohio. She began her violin studies in the fourth grade as part of a public school music program. Upon entering high school, she became a scholarship student of Cleveland Orchestra members Richard Roberts and Steven Majeske. She won a full tuition scholarship to Florida State University where she studied with Eliot Chapo. She joined the Jacksonville Symphony in 1989. Always eager to give back in honor of the people that taught her, Patrice is very dedicated to music education, teaching in the Jump Start Strings program at S.A. Hull and Pickett Elementary Schools.
Caroline Pittari
Board Secretary
Caroline Pittari is a retired Music Therapist and Music Educator. As the former Director of Project Crescendo at the Academy of Community Music in Philadelphia, Ms. Pittari supervised the school's music therapy and music education programs for students aged 2-21 years old. Caroline holds certifications in the Suzuki Method of piano instruction, Kindermusik, and Early Childhood Music + Movement. She has worked extensively as a direct service provider in special education and Head Start classrooms with children of varying developmental levels and needs, devoted to her belief in the power of music to heal, instruct, inspire, and communicate.
A skillful pianist and accompanist, she holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Florida State University, with graduate degree studies at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. Early on in her career, Ms. Pittari resided overseas in Italy, serving as piano accompanist for a multinational choir based in Florence.
Caroline grew up in a large musical family of Italian-Irish descent and has been enlivened by folk and classical music for almost as long as she can remember! An invitation to join the board of FCMP in 2018 was welcomed, and Ms. Pittari soon found her board niche focusing on student audiences and community outreach. She and her husband Kurt Marasco have been residing on Amelia Island, Florida since 2015.
Sloane Wood Long
Sloane Wood is excited to be a part of the board! A native of North Carolina, Sloane holds degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education. Her diverse performance background spans choral and solo singing in church, musical theatre, the recording studio, and even as a singing waitress. She is currently a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus.
With over 25 years of experience teaching elementary general music, Sloane currently serves as the music educator at Doctors Inlet Elementary in Clay County. She is passionate about creating inclusive, engaging student performances that incorporate singing, drama, riser choreography, and a variety of instruments. Drawing from her Orff and World Music Drumming certifications, Sloane emphasizes collaboration and creativity in music-making for all students.
Beyond the classroom, Sloane enjoys collaborating with fellow educators. This past year, she led a Professional Learning Community of music teachers. She also contributed to the development of the elementary music curriculum guide for Clay County Schools.
Sloane has hosted the Florida Chamber Music Project in her classroom twice—an initiative that was so impactful, it will return next year and expand to another Title 1 school in the district.
Sloane’s experience extends into non-profit marketing, including social media content creation, audience surveys, and ad sales for student productions. She also brings a background in finance, having previously worked as a Senior Tax Analyst.
Sloane is thrilled to be working alongside her childhood friend Susan through the Florida Chamber Music Project and looks forward to supporting its mission as a board member.
Karen Worth
Karen Worth was born and raised in upstate New York. Her life-long love of music was nurtured from an early age by her parents and cultivated at church and in school. She started studying music at age 3, learning to play the piano, clarinet and bassoon, and was a member of the International Thespian Society. In her formative years, she also studied voice, serving as a cantor at church and performing with various choral groups throughout the years, including the Bach Festival Choir in Winter Park, Florida.
Karen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication at Florida State University and a Master of Business Administration at the University of Central Florida. During her 40-year career she served in a variety of communication, public relations and strategic marketing roles for organizations including Walt Disney Attractions, the University of Central Florida, Duke Power and Nemours Children’s Hospital. She presently enjoys working for K9s For Warriors as Manager of Major Gifts.
Throughout her career, Mrs. Worth served on numerous boards. Prior local community service in North Florida includes volunteer leadership roles with The Schultz Center, The Museum of Contemporary Art-Jacksonville, The Florida Ballet and the Jacksonville Symphony Association. Karen presently serves on the Board of the Betty Griffin Center. She and her husband Doug live in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Judy Kouri
President
Judy Kouri was raised in Gainesville and Jacksonville. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Jacksonville University and a Master of Arts in music performance from the University of Iowa. Judy played professionally for 25 years, including 14 years as a full-time member of the Jacksonville Symphony, where she and Susan Pardue were colleagues in the viola section. Her second career was with Bank of America, where she retired after 25 years of service. Judy has 3 grown children and 6 grandchildren and lives in Ponte Vedra Beach. She is active in her church at St. Paul's by the Sea and enjoys practicing yoga, tai chi and swimming laps at the Y. Judy's happy place is NYC where she can attend concerts, operas, and plays and visit museums while visiting family nearby.
Ken Hecht
Immediate Past President.
Ken Hecht graduated from the University of Hartford with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA. Early in his career he worked in business planning for Hamilton Standard, a fortune 500 company, specializing in alternate energy sources. In 1983, he joined United Speaker Systems (USS) and in 1990 became its President. After the company’s sale to MSE Audio in 2006, Ken continued as the President of USS, in addition to V. P. of Research and Development for all MSE companies.
Ken has served on the board of the Consumer Electronic Association’s (CEA) Audio Division and chaired the CEA’s International Committee. He was a member of the Audio Engineering Society’s (AES) Loudspeaker Technical Council and served on the Professional Audio/Video Retailers Association’s (PARA) Manufacturer’s Advisory Board. He served on the UNF College of Education’s Deans Education Advisory Council as a member, Vice Chair and Chair. He now serves on the Florida Chamber Music Projects board as Vice President.
During his career, Ken has designed hundreds of products in the consumer, automotive, commercial and professional sound markets. He has developed audio electronics and speakers, networked audio, wireless transmission of sound and theater audio/video; both for MSE brands and major electronics companies around the world.
James D. Stuck PhD
Treasurer
Jim Stuck joined the Board of Florida Chamber Music Project in 2016 because he recognized its potential to become a serious force in providing quality classical chamber music in his community.
He’s volunteered and/or been a Board Member at Beaches Community Kitchen, Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry, Beaches Council on Aging, Meals on Wheels, Pablo Towers and Pablo Hamlet Senior Living Communities, First Coast Foundation for Seniors, Jax Hope Inc., Florida Chamber Music Project, and St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church.
He lives in Jacksonville Beach with his wife, Beverly.
Jim is a retired Chemical and Environmental Engineering Research and Development Director. Prior to his retirement he worked at various times with Olin Corp., Union Carbide, Rhone-Poulenc and The University of Florida.
Ann Marie Grymes
Ann Marie Grymes, formerly from Princeton, New Jersey, has had a passion for music since childhood, and throughout her life has performed as a soloist, as well as performing with sacred and secular choral groups. A graduate from Jacksonville University with a degree in music education, she began her career as an elementary music teacher in Duval county providing programing for over 4500 students. Along with her music skills, additional expertise includes business liaison management, process management, project management, and vendor management as a former AT&T and Merrill Lynch executive.
Most recently she held the position of Music Administrator for Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach. This included all aspects associated with the execution and preparation of music offerings and special events. Ann Marie’s professional associations and activities include past President of Jacksonville University Fine Arts association, Leadership in the Justice Ministry network (ICARE), past President of Duval County Music Teachers, and Phi Kappa Alpha Honorary Educational Fraternity.
Alan Ragan
Alan Ragan is retired law professor, attorney, and U.S. Navy Captain. He was an attorney for the City of Jacksonville and a shareholder at one of Florida’s oldest law firms. A graduate of Salisbury University, he received his J.D. from Washington & Lee University School of Law and his LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida. Alan’s eclectic musical background includes training with advanced degree recipients from institutions such as the Juilliard School, the University of Michigan, the Salzburg Mozarteum, and Westminster Choir College. Having studied piano and oboe in high school, and oboe and voice in college, he has been a frequent accompanist for vocal and instrumental soloists and chamber ensembles. He sings with the Chancel Choir of The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd and has composed choral anthems, piano music, and works for solo voice.
Charles Snavely
Charles Snavely began playing cello when he was ten years old. In high school, he realized music would be a better avocation than a vocation for him. He graduated from George Washington University with a BBA in International Business and the University of Chicago with an MBA in Finance. During his career as a financial executive, he worked for several global manufacturing companies including Cummins and Terex. After he retired eleven years ago, he and his wife Susan moved to St. Augustine.
He always kept his hand in music, playing in community orchestras and smaller chamber ensembles wherever he and his family lived. Currently, in addition to attending FCMP concerts, he is a member of the St. Augustine Orchestra and regularly plays chamber music with friends.
Since retiring, Charles launched a career as a volunteer. He has been an active volunteer at his church. He also works as a volunteer at the GTM Reserve and served on the Board of the Friends of the GTM. When he lived in Connecticut, he was on the Board of the American Chamber Orchestra and served as its President. He is excited to serve on the Board of the FCMP.
FLORIDA CHAMBER MUSIC PROJECT
COMMITTEE ROSTER – 2025/2026
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Caroline Pittari, chair
Patty Evans
Ann Marie Grymes
Susan Pardue
Sloane Wood Long
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Judy Kouri, chair
Mariette Brodeur
Susan Pardue
Sally Pettegrew
Alan Ragan
Arden Spies*
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Jim Stuck, chair
Ken Hecht
Judy Kouri
Susan Pardue
Sally Pettegrew
Charles Snavely
Steve Wickersham*
Wendy Taylor*
MARKETING COMMITTEE
Ann Marie Grymes, chair
Sally Pettegrew
Sydney Brammer*
Peter Gladstone*
Beca Hecht
Susan Pardue
Amy Rankin
Sloane Wood Long
Karen Worth
*Denotes non-board member.
NOTE: Judy Kouri is an Ex Officio member of all committees as board president.
MEET OUR MUSICIANS
Susan Pardue — Violist and Artistic Director
Susan Pardue is a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra in Jacksonville, Florida. Prior to moving to Jacksonville, she played with the New World Symphony in Miami. A native of North Carolina, she earned a high school diploma and bachelor of music degree from the North Carolina School of the Arts and a master of music degree from the Juilliard School. Her viola teachers have included Sally Peck in North Carolina, William Lincer at Juilliard and Piero Farulli, with whom she studied in Italy on a Fulbright scholarship.
Patrice Evans — Violinist and Director of Music Education
Patrice Evans a native of Cleveland Ohio began her violin studies through a public school music program. Subsequently, she studied with Don Crossley of the Ohio Chamber Orchestra and Richard Roberts and Stephen Majeske both of the Cleveland Orchestra. She received a full scholarship from Florida State where she studied with Gerardo Ribeiro, Geoffrey Michaels and Eliot Chapo. She has enjoyed playing in ensembles, summer festivals and chamber groups across the country. Her passion for music education has helped many students enjoy the universal gift of music.
Laurie Casseday — Cellist
Cellist Laurie Davis Casseday hails from Atlanta, Georgia where she began studies at age 8 first in violin, then later in cello in the city’s public schools. She earned a Bachelor’s degree with Performers’ Certificate in Applied Music at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY and a Master’s degree in Cello Performance at Georgia State University in Atlanta before joining the Jacksonville Symphony cello section in 1986. Laurie collaborated with fellow UNF faculty in her years there from 1995-2005, and helped to found both the St Mark’s Bach Ensemble and Florida Chamber Music Project. Her tenure with JSO includes the nurture of many young cellists in the youth orchestra program both as a sectional coach and private instructor. She also concertizes with her husband Kevin, delighting audiences with their cello/double bass duos including a generous sprinkle of humorous personal reflection.
The Cassedays have two sons, both raised at home in east Arlington. Sam is currently a member of the Seattle Symphony in the double bass section, and Pete is completing his studies to become a machinist.
Ann Hertler — Violinist
Ann Hertler has been a member of the Jacksonville Symphony since 1990. Ms Hertler is honored to be the recipient of “The George V. Grune Endowed Chair”, one of only three endowed chairs in the Jacksonville Symphony. She holds a bachelor of music degree from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Charles Castleman. Prior to coming to Jacksonville, she was a fellow in the New World Symphony in Miami Beach. Annie performs regularly with the Coastal Symphony in Brunswick, GA. She is also passionately involved in a volunteer organization called Body and Soul, which brings live music into health care settings.
Igor Khukhua — Violinist
Born in Siberia in 1992, Igor Khukhua started playing violin at the age of four.
Igor is the recipient of prestigious awards from around the globe. He was only eight when he won First Prize at the Russian String Competition in Barnaul, Russia. Most recently, in 2020, he won Third Prize at Elmar Oliveira International Violin Competition in Florida. He earned First Prize at the Naftzger Artists Competition in Wichita, Kansas in 2018 and was awarded Second Prize at the Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition in New York the year prior. He was a participant of the XV International Tchaikovsky Competition in 2015 and received Second Prize at the 2nd Russian National Music Competition in Moscow, Russia in 2014. In 2012, he won Grand Prix at the 4th International Violin Competition in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.
In 2007, he was accepted into Murom Novosibirsk’s College of Music. From 2011-2016, he studied at the Moscow State Conservatory for his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music with instruction by Professor Eduard Grach. During his education, he performed in the Russian National Orchestra led by Artistic Director Michail Pletnev, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra with Artistic Director Yuri Simonov and the Moscovia Orchestra under the baton of Artistic Director Eduard Grach.
In 2016, Khukhua was employed with the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra under Artistic Director Yuri Temirkanov. He left thereafter to pursue additional music study in the United States at the International Center of Music of Park University to receive his Artist Diploma in Violin Performance under the instruction of professor Ben Sayevich. In 2019, he was granted the position as Assistant Professor in Violin Performance at Park University. During his education in the U.S., he worked with the Kansas City Symphony Orchestra.
In 2022 Igor Khukhua joined the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
Ingang Han — Violinist
Ingang Han is an award-winning violinist hailing from South Korea. He’s notable for his precise performance style, electrifying stage presence and innate ability to blend the classic sensibility of chamber music to the grandiose atmosphere of orchestral. His enchanting melodies have been capturing the hearts of audiences all over the US for some time now — bringing a level of passion and expertise that’s second to none.
Just recently he finally secured a position in a professional orchestra, a lifelong goal of his. He got his tenure for the Jacksonville Symphony in 2020 and served the Jacksonville Symphony for three years as a tenured member. In his career spanning many years he has had the blessing to play alongside some of the biggest names in the business including Riccardo Muti, Itzhak Perlman, Lang Lang, Josha Bell, Robert Chen, Marin Alsop and many more. He’s also served principal positions at many music festivals such as Eastern Music festival, Colorado College Music Festival, and Brevard Music Center. Ingang currently aims to continue his career trajectory as part of the Jacksonville Symphony.
The young musician started on the piano at the age of just five, before soon moving over to the violin when he was nine. He graduated from the prestigious Goyang High School of The Arts. Then shortly after took the leap to America to attend the University of Kentucky on a scholarship he won as part of the Lewis award. While studying at the university, he served numerous leadership positions including concertmaster, principal second as well as serving in the Niles Quartet. He is constantly looking for ways to improve his knowledge of music and is currently in a doctorate degree program.
Before joining the Jacksonville Symphony in 2019 he was a tenured member of Lexington Philharmonic, as well as a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. He also regularly performed with the Louisville Orchestra as a violinist. He won a UK concerto competition and performed Prokofiev Violin Concerto No.1 with UKSO in 2014. Not to mention also winning the Seoul National Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition 3rd prize. When he’s not busy performing he’s building his teaching career. He dreams of one day building his own school and empowering the budding violinists of today to be the best they can be. Ingang notes that music is his life and he couldn't live without it. He endeavors to get even better with every performance and believes in the healing power of music.
Victoria Stjerna — Violinist
Victoria Stjerna is a Swedish award winning concert violinist. She has won numerous awards in international competitions in Sweden, Denmark and Hungary. She is a frequently invited guest concertmaster, leader and chamber musician.
She is one of the founding members of the distinguished European Chamber Orchestra O/Modernt, touring frequently around Europe. Victoria has performed at prestigious halls such as Musikverein Vienna, Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, with orchestras like the Stockholm Philharmonic, Swedish Radio Orchestra and the Gothenburg Symphony and continues to explore a broad repertoire in chamber music which is her passion. She recently released a CD with her Piano Trio playing music by the Swedish composer Laura Netzel.
MEET OUR STAFF
Sally Pettegrew, Executive Director
Mariette Brodeur, Director of Development
Beca Hecht, Graphic Designer
Sally Pettegrew
Executive Director
Sally Pettegrew joined the Florida Chamber Music Project’s staff as Administrative Director in January 2022, and was promoted to Executive Director in March 2023. She is a native of Maryland and has lived in Jacksonville since 1983. Sally retired from The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida in July 2022 after being on their staff for over three years as Executive Assistant to the President, Nina Waters, where she worked closely with their board of directors. Prior to working with the Community Foundation, she was on the administrative staff of the Jacksonville Symphony for 35 years beginning as a Receptionist/Box Office Assistant. As she undertook increasing responsibilities, Sally established their Human Resources department, provided extensive support to the Board of Directors, and was the producer of the Symphony’s Starry Nights Series at Metropolitan Park. She has a BA in History and an MA in Speech & Drama (emphasis in Costume Design) and has designed costumes for local theatre productions since moving to Jacksonville. She has been a member of IATSE Local 115 since April 1987 and has served as their Recording Secretary since January 1993. Sally is currently serving her second three-year term as a community representative on the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville’s Grants Review Panel.

Beca Hecht
Graphic Designer
Rebeca Hecht joined Florida Chamber Music Project as a concert volunteer in 2021. She joined the staff as Graphic Designer in late 2021. Beca graduated in 2008 with a degree in Graphics Arts in South America, where she resided until 2019. Liking English from a young age, she self-taught the language to later come to the U.S., to study and improve it at Florida State College at Jacksonville in 2019.
Mariette Brodeur
Development Director
Mariette Brodeur, Esq., CAP®, Vice President & Trust Officer, Cypress Bank & Trust is the Development Director for Florida Chamber Music Project. Mariette has 25+ years of professional and community engagement experience. Mariette has worked in the private, public policy and philanthropic sectors with large organizations, government, and nonprofits. She holds a B.S. in Political Science, a J.D., and is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy. Mariette has utilized her background and skill in public policy development and consultancy, providing legal counsel and analysis, philanthropic, charitable planning, and nonprofit advisory services. Most recently she joined the Cypress Bank & Trust team to support and advise individuals, families, private foundations, not for profits and endowments regarding wealth transfer and management of trust funds. She has served as Development Director for the Florida Chamber Music Project for 2+ years. Mariette serves on the Boards of the Planning Giving Council and the Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry and is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Northeast Florida.
Watch: FCMP & First Coast Connect
Concert ReviewFCMP Showcases American Music in Performances of Walker and Puts
Through its first twelve seasons, the Florida Chamber Music Project (FCMP) has established itself as one of Jacksonville’s premiere classical music organizations. FCMP’s season opening concerts on September 7 and October 4 solidified this reputation for its thirteenth season. With plans to present music by American composers throughout the season, and to feature local performers on every program, FCMP proves the relevance of its mission for Floridians today—and the role of classical music in the first 250 years of our nation.
At the season opener, the ensemble filled the Beaches Museum Chapel with the energetic sounds of George Walker’s first string quartet, the “Lyric.” Their bold take on Walker’s balance of mid-century realism with jazz-inflected richness demonstrated a sense of purpose. The four players took turns skillfully leading jaunty phrases, answered by their colleagues with Walker’s colorful chords.
The quartet’s unflinching intensity in the “Allegro” posed a musical question that they then explored in the famous “Molto adagio.” The ensemble’s coordinated unity through the second movement’s flowing phrases heightened the impact of Walker’s interjecting punctuated phrases. The ensemble’s choice of a faster tempo—likely required by the Chapel space’s acoustics, including the motorcycles whizzing down Beach Boulevard—lended Walker’s pizzicati a playful effect. While the first movement’s questions remained open, the performers embodied Walker’s searching journey with sensitivity and surety.
Where George Walker’s first quartet posed a question at the outset that the ensemble then explored, FCMP’s October concert opened with exploration right away. The string quartet entitled “Credo” by contemporary American composer Kevin Puts had the FCMP building up to a statement of belief from almost nothing. From the undefined noises of bows lightly gliding across strings, through a series of minimalist-inspired vignettes with many, many notes, the FCMP guided the audience along Puts’s score with a refined sense of pacing.
The final movement of the quartet brought us to one of the high points of the season so far. After the wandering introspection of the “Credo” movement’s first half, the ensemble’s tone blossomed outward. Embracing listeners in an upward movement, Puts’ statement of belief arrived, before winding back to a pensive closing. While we may have expected a grand ending, the FCMP’s steadied hand embodied Puts’ masterful development—the ensemble’s sound captured the shape of hope.
Each program followed the heft of these two American classics with more traditional fare, albeit not trifles themselves. September’s performance of Schubert’s String Quartet in G Major brought the ambience of the nineteenth-century opera house to the chapel. Mendelssohn’s more serious String Quartet in E minor summoned a symphonic sensibility to October’s program. Through both, the FCMP demonstrated its range while grounding its interpretations of newer American repertoire in the classics.
Matt Bickett - Writer
Matt Bickett is a musician and scholar living in Jacksonville, FL. He is director of music at St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal Church in Jacksonville Beach and is a Corps Member with Teach for America.
Concert ReviewIt Must Be Beethoven with The Florida Chamber Music Project
As the lengthening days of spring gave way to the bright heat of summer, the Florida Chamber Music rounded out its season with a strong performance. In this early June program of the first and last string quartets of Ludwig van Beethoven, the FCMP provided a timely glimpse into the life and mind of one of classical music’s most revered composers.
Artistic Director Susan Pardue set the stage for the two monumental string quartets with historical context and with musical demonstrations from her collaborators. From here, the performers started strong with Beethoven’s balanced phrases and a clever conversation among the four parts.
First violinist Victoria Stjerna led the opening Allegro con brio with a confident voice, answered by the supportive presence of cellist Laurie Casseday’s rebuttals. The ensemble devoted the close attention to tuning and sound quality demanded by the movement’s unison phrases, with all four instrumentalists playing the same notes.
The ensemble transformed the conversational exchanges of the first movement to the tomb scene of Shakespeare’s classic “Romeo and Juliet” in the second. This scene, the inspiration for the Adagio affettuoso ed apassionato movement, was conjured in the players darkened sound and soulful phrases. Ranging from the quietest moments of the entire program to some of its most passionate expressions, their expression displayed the FCMP’s ability to invite the audience along on this not-to-be-missed journey.
The folksy Scherzo and energetic Allegro showed off the players’ technical ability. The ensemble injected energy into the fast passages. The music’s dancing themes brought out the performers’ smiles and cheerful glances, and we felt the warmth at joining in on this music among friends.
The ensemble’s reading of Beethoven’s final string quartet brought out both the score’s nostalgia and its joie de vivre. The Allegretto’s pauses highlighted the beautiful match of resonance between the instruments on stage and the chapel’s wood interior—the kind of experience that listeners only have in person.
The Vivace took a surprising turn, with an exuberant energy on the verge of frantic mania. The elderly Beethoven, weary from the political upheaval and debilitating setbacks of his long career, seemed to struggle with an authentic expression of happiness here. The ensemble’s performance conveyed the almost ironic joy with seriousness of purpose, neither shirking away from the confusion of the movement’s mood nor overplaying its misfit character.
The Vivace’s confused laughter gave way to the profound simplicity of the hymn-like Lento assai, cantabile e tranquillo. The ensemble worked together to set the foundation of four equal voices contributing to the overall sound, before first violinist Victoria Stjerna took on the role of soloist over a trio accompaniment. The aria-like effect gave voice to the individual’s journey emerging from the crowd, with Stjerna’s character emphasizing the nostalgia of this final string quartet, albeit hinting at the continued journey ahead.
The program’s finale offered some of the most heady yet approachable music of the afternoon. The question-and-answer format of Beethoven’s Grave, ma non troppo tratto—Allegro built on the development of the previous three movements to explore a simple message. In the FCMP’s hands, the question “must it be?” (in German, “muss es sein?” as Pardue helpfully explained) received the unequivocal, “it must be!”
Like the exploration of ideas around fate by Beethoven’s successors—German scholars’ interest in reincarnation and Nietzsche’s “eternal recurrence,” for example—Beethoven searched for a reason to keep going among the difficulties of life. At the close of their twelfth season, the Florida Chamber Music Project made the case for Jacksonville’s cultural scene to continue supporting audiences in that search.
Matt Bickett - Writer
Matt Bickett is a musician and scholar living in Jacksonville, FL.
Concert ReviewAmerican Music Takes Center Stage with the Florida Chamber Music Project
American music rarely makes the number one spot when thinking about classical music. We most often hear about the German symphonies of Beethoven, the Italian operas of Verdi, and the French piano music of Debussy. Yet American music stole the show in the Florida Chamber Music Project’s February 23 concert, with inspiring results. In the program, featuring two string quartets in G major, one by Florence Price and one by Antonin Dvorak (op. 106), the Florida Chamber Music Project’s four string players made a strong case for the importance of this music through their focused and energetic performance.
The FCMP’s string quartet raised the curtain with their sensitive playing of Price’s opening bars, reminiscent of songs from the early days of Broadway. The stage now set for an old American epic, the players took turns presenting characterful themes, accompanied by the dancing pizzicato (plucked) notes in one moment and sensuous bowed notes the next. Despite moments where intensity covered over subtler details in the score, the ensemble’s coordination convinced us of Price’s vision—all the way to the movement’s dramatic final flourish.
The first movement’s fireworks gave way to the mournful song of the second. Without indulging any sleepiness in the Andante moderato, the players’ singing sound portrayed the religious folksong of the African American spirituals with tenderness. We suddenly shifted back into the classical world with Susan Pardue’s expressive viola solo evoking a tenor aria, although here with the dancing pizzicato of the first movement having returned to accompany. The nostalgic return of the opening spiritual rounded out the movement’s gentle sonic world, bringing the quartet to a close like the curtain slowly falling on an old American film.
We stepped back a few decades with Dvorak’s String Quartet—from the movie theater to the opera hall. An inspiration to Price’s Symphonic music, Dvorak similarly incorporated folk elements and techniques of popular operas into his compositions. The FCMP’s ambitious performance of Dvorak’s quartet conveyed the grand sense of his operatic leanings, while pairing Dvorak’s quartet with Price’s attuned our ears to its folk elements. This bold programming paid off with an energetic account of the work.
Following the lead of first violinist Igor Khukhua, the ensemble stepped into the work with energy and excitement. The score’s fast runs and dramatic outbursts met with an earthy, raw sound that filled the space with the glimmer of the ensemble’s unique voice. Throughout the work’s four movements, the players embodied Dvorak’s operatic characters, from cheerfully energetic in the first movement to menacingly dark in the second with jovial dancing in the final; the full cast came across in the ensemble’s devoted attention to their sound.
The portrayal of Dvorak’s variety of characters by the FCMP demonstrated the beauty of diversity in music—a virtue celebrated throughout the program’s mixture of folk and classical. This timely reminder gave Sunday’s moving performance a deeper sense of urgency, and the performance’s quality gave us hope for such celebrations of diversity to continue.
Matt Bickett - Writer
Matt Bickett is a musician and scholar living in Jacksonville, FL.
Concert ReviewCelebrating Mozart's Birthday with the Florida Chamber Music Project
The Florida Chamber Music Project hosted one of Jacksonville’s finest celebrations of Mozart’s birthday on Sunday, January 19th. Perhaps the most famous composer of classical music, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s enduring popularity inspired brilliant performances by the Florida Chamber Music Project with guest pianist Hyunsoon Whang and clarinetist Giovanni Bertoni. Braving the cold and rain, the performers’ bright camaraderie shined through this celebratory program ranging from the Fantasy in D minor for solo piano to the Trio in E-flat Major and Piano Quartet in G minor.
Whang opened the program with the mysterious, searching quality of Mozart’s Fantasy. Her performance captured the improvisational spirit of the piece’s first bars, bringing a refined clarity of tone and sense of direction. In the work’s aria-like phrases and sweeping passages, Whang’s sensitive playing evoked the sets and costumes of the opera stage. Whang’s full, open sound in the cheerful ending set the stage for the chamber works to follow.
Bertoni and violist Susan Pardue then joined Whang on stage for Mozart’s playful “Kegelstatt” trio. Before the piece, Pardue, also FCMP’s Artistic Director, explained how this work reflects the FCMP’s mission of fostering joy and connection in their “Music Among Friends” series.
The Trio’s introduction showcased the play of music among friends, with the phrases energetically passed from viola to clarinet to piano. The extroverted energy of the middle movement helped to overlook tuning difficulties in some phrases, and the work’s grand finale brought the entire performance together with excitement. Throughout, the chapel space’s woody resonance complimented the blend of Bertoni’s soaring phrases with Pardue’s warm tone and Whang’s sensitively supportive sound.
The concert’s largest work, the Piano Quartet in G minor, brought violinist Victoria Stjerna and cellist Laurie Casseday to the stage. Following Pardue’s helpful pre-performance guide through the work, including a short demonstration of the first movement’s theme, the audience nodded with recognition of Mozart’s various changes to the theme throughout the movement.
The performers responded with an intensified focus on the movement’s dramatic character. With the second movement’s reprise of the operatic spirit of the concert’s opening Fantasy, the expressive quality of the string players’ vibrato brought Mozart’s creative composition to life. The dancing rhythms and sunny tone of the Quartet’s lively conclusion rounded out this musical celebration of Mozart’s life among a full house of friends.
Matt Bickett - Writer
Matt Bickett is a musician and scholar living in Jacksonville, FL.
FCMP continues its relationship with North Florida School of Special Education with performances on October 15, 2024. The students were outstanding audience members, and enjoyed the Instrument Zoo!
Florida Chamber Music Project is excited to expand our education outreach programs in the 24/25 season with performances at Doctors Inlet Elementary School on September 16, 2024.
Thank you notes from the students
Florida Chamber Music Project musicians Susan Pardue, Laurie Casseday, and Victoria Stjerna performed concerts in Oklahoma on October 10 and 11, 2024, with our good friend and frequent guest artist, pianist Hyunsoon Whang.
We’re excited to be guest performers at Cameron University on October 11th 2024

"Florida Chamber Music Project to join Hyunsoon Whang in concert"
One initiative of the Florida Chamber Music Project is our music education program with the North Florida School of Special Education. Our performances there for their middle and high school students have been very successful and enjoyable for everyone. To learn more about how our music education programs have benefitted NFSSE students, please view this video from News4Jax’s Vic Micolucci: |
Enjoy an excerpt from our September 18 concert which featured the world premiere of Piotr Szewczyk’s new work, Spring Tales.

Read the article:
" Consider supporting chamber music groups in intimate settings in Jacksonville"
By: Marcia Pledger - Florida Times-Union


September 27, 2022
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION OF PONTE VEDRA BEACH MAKES AWARD TO FLORIDA CHAMBER MUSIC PROJECT
Jacksonville Beach, FL --- The Rotary Foundation of Ponte Vedra Beach awarded the Florida Chamber Music Project (FCMP) a $1500 grant as part of the Foundation’s program to fund worthwhile projects and programs in the community that are developed by nonprofit organizations. The award was made on September 18th after FCMP’s season opening concert.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by the Ponte Vedra Beach Rotary Foundation,” said Susan Pardue, FCMP Artistic Director. “We believe that our concerts are about music among friends. This award will assist us in continuing our work of 10 years.”
“The Ponte Vedra Beach Rotary Foundation is proud to support the efforts of the Florida Chamber Music Project with this grant. We are delighted that we can help the organization and are inspired by the beautiful music it brings to the beaches community,” said Beverly Flanagan, board member of the Ponte Vedra Beach Rotary Club.
The Florida Chamber Music Project was founded 10 years ago by violist Susan Pardue. Joining her are violinists Patrice Evans, Siyu Zhang and Ann Hertler and cellist Laurie Casseday. All are members of the Jacksonville Symphony.
For advance tickets online: https://flchambermusic.org/ . Follow Florida Chamber Music Project on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@FLChamberMusic). FCMP’s next concert is November 20th.

September 27, 2022
SALLY PETTEGREW NAMED ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR OF FLORIDA CHAMBER MUSIC PROJECT
Jacksonville Beach, FL --- Sally Pettegrew, former Vice President of Administration and Human Resources of the Jacksonville Symphony, was named Administrative Director of the Florida Chamber Music Project (FCMP). Susan Pardue, Artistic Director and Founder of FCMP made the announcement.
Pettegrew most recently served as Executive Assistant to the President of The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida. She has more than 30 years of experience in the classical music world through her work with the Jacksonville Symphony. She established the Symphony’s human resources department, counseled 10 Executive Directors/Presidents on leadership transitions and oversaw the Jacksonville Symphony Starry Nights concerts at Metropolitan Park.
“We are delighted to be working with Sally again,” said Susan Pardue. “Her knowledge of presenting music and organizational skills will be of great benefit to us.”
FCMP is celebrating a decade of performances and will open its season on September 18th at the Beaches Chapel at the Jacksonville Beach Museum. Season tickets for the six concert series cost $150 and are available online at flchambermusic.org. Individual concert tickets are $27.
The Florida Chamber Music Project includes violist Susan Pardue, violinists Patrice Evans, Siyu Zhang and Ann Hertler and cellist Laurie Casseday. All are members of the Jacksonville Symphony.

September 27, 2022
EDUCATION CONCERT - SANCTUARY ON 8TH STREET
December 6, 2021.


Watch and Listen: Schubert Excerpt
Watch and Listen: Beethoven Excerpt

