Season 2025-2026
Beautiful Dreamers
Ellis Island Vignettes
February 22, 2026 at 3pm
Our concert by Stephanie Blythe has been rescheduled to Sun, Feb 22.
January 25 tickets will be honored for the new date. Refunds are available, or you may consider your ticket a donation if you’re able. Thank you!
To receive a refund please email info@afternoonmusic.org with your request.
Stephanie Blythe is a world renowned mezzo-soprano who has performed in the great opera houses of the world and has been a beloved regular at The Met in NYC. “...one of the powerhouse voices of our time…”
Isaiah J. Thompson Trio
March 22, 2026 at 3pm
Only 28 years old, Isaiah J. Thompson has emerged as a powerful voice on the international jazz scene, praised for his “mature touch and rare combination of talent, creativity, humility, and honesty.” He performs regularly at major jazz clubs and festivals across the U.S. and around the world.
A native of West Orange, NJ, Thompson discovered jazz at an early age, studying with programs such as Jazz House Kids in Montclair and NJPAC’s Jazz for Teens. He went on to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Juilliard School and, while still a student, became an active presence in New York City’s jazz community, joining the John Pizzarelli Trio in 2019.
His mentors include Cyrus Chestnut (who co-produced his latest album), Bill Charlap and Wynton Marsalis. Thompson uses the term “Modern Jazz Ministry” to describe his compositions.
A Steinway Artist, he won the American Piano Award for Jazz in 2023 and joined the Juilliard School Jazz Studies faculty in 2024.
Tickets Coming Soon
Tickets Coming Soon
The Sounds of Romance From Brahms to Tango
May 31, 2026 at 3pm
Cellist Maria Kitsopoulos has been a member of the New York Philharmonic since 1996. She received her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor of musical arts degrees from The Juilliard School where she subsequently served on the faculty. In New York, Kitsopoulos has performed with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and the New York Chamber Symphony. Kitsopoulos performs on a 300-year-old cello made by Carlo Giuseppe Testore.
Violinist Sharon Yamada, a Los Angeles native, is a member of the New York Philharmonic and a regular performer with the New York Philharmonic Ensembles. Prior to moving to New York, Sharon was assistant concertmaster of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra for several seasons, and received her B.A. and M.M. degrees from Yale.
Pianist and fortepianist Yi-heng Yang is recognized for her “remarkable expressivity and technique (Early Music Magazine).” Her playing has been described as “impeccable (BBC Music)” and “superbly adept (Gramophone).” She is a faculty member of The Juilliard School, where she teaches in the Historical Performance, Chamber Music, Keyboard Studies, and Precollege departments.
Associate Principal Bass Max Zeugner joined the New York Philharmonic in September 2012. As a soloist, Zeugner performs frequently with his wife, pianist/fortepianist Yi-heng Yang, and they have concertized on the United States’ East and West Coasts and in Europe. In the non-classical realm, he is a former member of the Eastern Jazz Project, Charles Ketter Quartet, and Delfino Brothers Duo and has performed with such artists as Joanna Newsom, Kelly Polar, and the Pet Shop Boys.
Afternoon Music is proud to be a part of the vibrant Summit Area arts community. For more than 40 years, Afternoon Music has provided outstanding, affordable music programs. The concert series explores a wide diversity of music, showcasing classical and jazz performances. Our proximity to the New York music scene enables us to engage excellent up-and-coming musicians as well as acclaimed performers.
Afternoon Music is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, a supporting organization of Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Summit, New Jersey.
