Chamber music at its best is intimate, electrifying, conversational—musicians in deep dialogue with each other and with you. At Clarion Concerts, we believe this art form belongs to everyone, and that it has the power to illuminate our shared humanity.
Clarion Concerts is dedicated to bringing world-class, live chamber music to the Hudson Valley area of New York state.
Clarion Concerts seeks to expand the chamber music repertoire through the commissioning and performance of new works by contemporary composers.
Clarion Concerts has a specific commitment to presenting, commissioning, and fostering chamber music works by Black composers and showcasing Black musicians.
Clarion Concerts seeks to promote the understanding and enjoyment of chamber music through educational and concert experiences for young people in the community.
Intimate Settings, Exceptional Artists
Experience Grammy Award-winning musicians in venues where you can see the passion in their eyes and feel every note resonate.
Living Art Form
Every season features a newly commissioned work alongside beloved masterpieces— witness music history being written..
Community & Connection
Join a vibrant community of music lovers at concerts, exclusive member events, and post-performance gatherings.
Artistic Director
A Visionary Artist Leading Clarion Forward
Grammy Award-winning violinist Melissa White brings both virtuosity and vision to her role as Clarion's Artistic Director. Known for "warmly expressive and lyrical … glittering" playing (Chicago Classical Review) and for "making her violin sing elegantly" (Aspen Times), she captivates audiences worldwide.
As a founding member of the Grammy Award-winning Harlem Quartet, Melissa understands the power of chamber music to move hearts and challenge assumptions. Her artistic leadership reflects deep commitment to excellence, equity, and expanding the chamber music canon.
Recent highlights include performances with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, and Chicago Sinfonietta, plus recitals at Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, Carnegie Hall, and the Phillips Collection.
A passionate educator, Melissa serves on faculty at NYU's Steinhardt School and as Professor of Music at the University of Buffalo. She studied at Curtis Institute of Music and New England Conservatory with Jaime Laredo, Ida Kavafian, Donald Weilerstein, and Miriam Fried.
Born and raised in Lansing, Michigan, Melissa brings Michigan warmth and world-class artistry to every Clarion performance.
Our board brings deep commitment to the arts, community leadership, and strategic vision to Clarion's mission.
Board of Trustees
Leadership
Co-President
Co-President
Vice President
Treasurer
Artistic Excellence
We bring Grammy Award-winning musicians and rising stars to Hudson Valley stages, creating performances that critics and audiences alike find unforgettable.
Living Tradition
Every season we commission new works from today's composers—ensuring chamber music remains a vital, evolving art form that speaks to contemporary life.
Equity & Representation
We are specifically committed to presenting, commissioning, and fostering chamber music by Black composers and showcasing Black musicians—addressing historical inequities in classical music.
Next Generation
Through educational concerts, mentorship, and community partnerships, we inspire young people to discover the joy and power of chamber music.
Community Connection
We create gathering spaces where music lovers connect—over shared artistic experiences, conversations with artists, and the collective thrill of live performance.
Robert S. Duncanson, born Fayette, NY 1821-died Detroit, MI 1872, Romantic Landscape, 1870s, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Smithsonian Institution. CC0.
Since 1957, Clarion has championed chamber music—from our founding by Newell Jenkins and Jack Hurley in New York City to our evolution as the Hudson Valley's premier chamber music presenter.
Robert S. Duncanson, born Fayette, NY 1821-died Detroit, MI 1872, Valley Pasture, 1850s, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Smithsonian Institution. CC0.
Our Supporters
We're honored to recognize the individuals, families, foundations, and businesses whose generosity makes Clarion's work possible. To view our remarkable donor community…