Classical music, in the heart of Mason

A Message from the

Artistic Director

of the Mason Classical Music Series

Welcome to the 11th season of the Mason Chamber Music Festival….now re-branded as the MASON CLASSIC MUSIC SERIES. We have a new name but the only thing that is really changing is the fact that we now will offer world-class performances throughout the year instead of all during one weekend in the Spring.

In May 2015, the Odeon Preservation Association took a chance and presented the Artisan String Quartet, joined by Mason’s own Scott Haupert, performing the first-ever classical chamber music concert at the historic Odeon Theater. None of us knew then that the sold-out performance that evening would help launch the Mason Chamber Music Festival, now the Mason Classic Music Series. That is exactly what happened that evening, and this 11th season of world-class concerts for the people of Mason is a testament to the will of the Festival Committee and classic music lovers in the area who have helped sustain and grow this important organization. With the support of the Odeon Preservation Association, the Festival Committee, and many businesses and individuals in Mason and beyond, the Classic Music Series boldly plans for a future that promises continuing professional-level classic music concerts for years to come.

We are also delighted that the start of our 2nd decade highlights the establishment and growth of the Mason String Academy, led by our new Headmaster, Amy Harris. Amy is a force in the Austin teaching community and is all-in with her dedication to the Mason String Academy. Since the beginning of our existence, we have performed school concerts for band students almost every year at Mason High School and consider these events an essential part of our dual mission to both entertain and educate. This commitment to have a positive and lasting impact on the Mason community has now been fully realized with the creation of the Mason String Academy. Students of all ages participated in the 1st annual Mason String Academy Summer workshop in June of 2025 at the historic Seaquist House and we are now planning the 3rd annual Academy Workshop for June of 2027. Academy students of all ages performed Christmas songs along with the Artisan Chamber Players String Quartet at the “500 Years of Christmas Music” fundraiser in December 2025 to the delight of those gathered at the Library, and many of those students will again perform at the Gala Holiday Fundraiser Concert on December 8, 2026, at the Eckert Library.

The future of the Mason Classic Music Series and the Mason String Academy is bright starting with the Gala Fundraiser in December 2026, and the public concerts we have planned for the Spring and Summer of 2027. Our resident ensemble, the Artisan Chamber Players, will again anchor the lineup of great music…and musicians!

Enjoy the Experience of Live Classical Music!
Bruce Williams, Artistic Director