TAOS — The Taos Chamber Music Group has announced its 25th anniversary season of “wild and scenic” music, which will run from late September 2017 through late May 2018. What began as the dream of flutist Nancy Laupheimer for chamber music to be a year-round presence in her hometown, has taken its place among the area’s world-class summer music festivals that have made Taos a nexus for classical music.

Over the past quarter century, TCMG has presented an incredibly diverse scope of performances and has gained a reputation for artistic excellence, with its roster of talented musicians from New Mexico and around the country. As TCMG’s Artistic and Executive Director, Laupheimer is known for her creativity in coming up with compelling musical story lines, and her conversational approach with artists keeps TCMG’s vision fresh and varied. An accomplished flutist and wilderness enthusiast (despite having MS), Laupheimer often programs works that reflect the physical beauty and unique cultural diversity of the Taos area.

The 25th season at the Harwood Museum of Art, where TCMG is the Resident Chamber Music Group, will continue the series’ signature mix of chamber music classics and more contemporary compositions, and promises to take audiences on an incomparable musical journey. The American String Quartet opens on September 30 and October 1, and the fall season continues with an all-women composers program in November and virtuoso pianist Gleb Ivanov in French holiday time concerts in December.

In January, TCMG presents international flute phenom and performance artist Claire Chase in a mind-blowing show that includes works recently written for her. February’s “Storm & Stillness” program explores the power of music to depict the natural world. April’s annual “Play it Forward” concerts, in which TCMG features younger musicians, showcase the astounding abilities of 17-year old violinist and Santa Fe native Phoenix Avalon, and Memorial Day weekend brings an encore performance by multiple cellists, a TCMG favorite that this time will feature four “Cello Chicks!”

But before the new series officially launches, TCMG will present an around-the-world, mixed bag of musical styles on Sunday, August 13, at 7 p.m. performed by Laupheimer, pianist Kim Bakkum and guitarist Omar Rane. The annual Contributors Thank You Concert will be followed by a Q & A and reception, and is free for Contributors of $100 or more to the 25th Season.

Although Rane is new to performing with the group, his connection goes back over 20 years when a TCMG poster was made from a painting by his father Bill Rane. Omar will bring jazz, Brazilian and flamenco music to the show, and Laupheimer and Bakkum will perform “Mountain & Mesa” by Katherine Hoover, a set of pieces that includes Hungarian folk music, a Hopi melody and a Chinese Dizi Dance. The event will be held at the home of Suzanne and Bob Brock. Visit taoschambermusicgroup.org to contribute and learn more about the new season’s programs.