“Music is a special pursuit because it allows connections between people on a deeper level, and it has the power to heal,” Vartan Arakelian ’26 said, describing his reason for organizing a partnership with Music for Food at the Upper School’s (US) Chamber Music Concert and Winter Arts Showcase. The evening of Tuesday, Jan. 28 marked the second consecutive year the Chamber Music Concert has fundraised for with Music for Food, a national charity that raises money and collects donations for local food pantries combating food insecurity.
After attending several of Music for Food’s events, Vartan presented the idea of collaborating with the charity last year, and, with the help of US Chamber Music Director Elliot Cless ’02, was able to bridge music with service at the concert.
“I was really inspired by how Music for Food’s model enables artists to dedicate their talents and time to concerts that not only bring communities together but also unite them around an important societal issue with tangible results,” Vartan said.
The founder of Music for Food and Violist at the New England Conservatory Kim Kashkashian also attended the event.
Dr. Cless was excited to see Ms. Kashkashian in attendance and to speak with her after the event, he said.
“Having her take in the whole concert and then tell me how impressed she was with the level of our students and the rich array of pieces was really fulfilling on a personal and professional level.”
Dr. Cless said he was proud of his students’ dedication in preparation for the night.
“I was really impressed and blown away by the students’ efforts,” he said. “Chamber music is really about details and nuances.”
In addition to performances from US Chamber Music groups, artwork from classes across the US Arts Department—2D art, ceramics, film, architecture, and more—were on display.
“The whole evening was really warm and just a lot of beautiful artwork being displayed, being discussed, being created in the moment.”
The night began with an art gallery viewing at 6 p.m., where family and friends walked around the US Lower Gallery and saw the students’ work as Art Teacher and Gallery Director Miyoung Lee greeted attendees. Student speakers presented on behalf of dozens of featured pieces. Yuiko Hotta’s ’27 two- story architecture model was on display.
“It was great visually seeing all of the different art BB&N offers in one room and getting to know the people that share an interest in art, although in different forms,” Yuiko said.
As many of the displayed pieces were started in the fall, the night marked the culmination of months of effort from US artists. As community members and their families toured the exhibit, chamber music students played in the background, intertwining the two art forms well, Ms. Lee noted.
“It really created a nice atmosphere and ambiance for the event. I really like how we truly integrated music with visual arts.”
Following the visual arts reception, the Chamber Music Concert began in the Chorale Room at 7 p.m. In total, the recital consisted of eight performances featuring 25 student musicians who had rehearsed for the night since September.
Keeping with the theme of combining visual and performing arts, the concert stage was decorated with student art pieces. The recital opened with “Eight Pieces” by Max Bruch. Students then performed
a variety of pieces such as “Oblivion” by Astor Piazzolla, “Suite en Trio” by Mel Bonis, and “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” by G.F. Handel. The group closed with a performance of “Piano Trio in C Major” by Mozart. Chamber Music flutist Hailey Zhao ’28 enjoyed contributing to her ensemble, she said.
“I enjoy playing with different instruments and seeing how our melodies contrast and fit together, and I think it’s just a fun experience overall.”
The event concluded with a post-concert dessert.
By the end of the night, the Arts Department had collected an estimated 40 pounds of food, which roughly equates to 80 meals for people suffering from food insecurity in the greater Boston area. They also raised $140 in monetary donations.
Dr. Cless and Ms. Lee said they hope to make the concert an annual tradition and want to partner with Music for Food again during the upcoming Spring Arts Showcases.
