Agarita Ensemble planning innovative Chamber Program
A new way to experience classical and contemporary music will be presented here on Sunday, Nov. 16, when the Agarita Chamber Ensemble performs for the third of eight 2025-2026 season concerts hosted by the Fredericksburg Music Club.
Featuring works by John Williams, George Gershwin and Claude Debussy among others, the program in the sanctuary of Fredericksburg United Methodist Church, 1800 North Llano, will begin at 3 p.m., with seating opening at 2:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. The performance is free, although goodwill offerings are welcome.
Rooted in San Antonio and now in its sixth year, Agarita members describe their group as an “innovative chamber ensemble dedicated to producing bold, collaborative musical events.”
Founded by Daniel Anastasio (piano), Marisa Bushman (viola), Ignacio Gallego (cello) and Sarah Silver Manzke (violin), Agarita’s members attempt to “nourish the community through artistic collaborations, education, community engagement and free, adventurous programming.”
Through efforts to deliver concise, eclectic performances that are “splendid – unified, spirited [and] well prepared” (Greenberg, Incident Light), the young chamber group attempts in its performances to offer a new, open-armed experience for listeners.
Agarita works closely with artists of various genres to weave cross-artistic narratives for each concert, all accessible and free of charge to the community, in a bi-lingual format. Every program is unique as the ensemble has worked with writers, photographers, dancers, sculptors, lighting artists, art museums and even a glassblower to pursue collaborations that challenge the concert medium to craft innovative, inspiring musical experiences.
In terms of collaboration with other musicians, Agarita has performed with internationally acclaimed artist, including guitarist Pablo Saniz Villegas, cellist Santiago Canon Valencia, bass singer Cameron Beauchamp from the Grammy Award winning group Roomful of Teeth, members of the Harlem, Parker and Escher String Quartets among others.
Between large-scale community concerts, outdoor shows with its mobile concert venue (the Humble Hall) and its new educational program (Agarita Inspires!), Agarita gives more than 50 concerts annually, including 36 educational programs for more than 15,000 young students – all free of charge. As a nonprofit organization, Agarita’s members believe that the arts should be accessible to everyone in its community.
In addition to freewill offerings given at the door on Nov. 16, that afternoon’s performance is also being partially funded by donations from members of the Fredericksburg Music Club. Membership cards for individuals and corporate sponsors wishing to join the Fredericksburg Music Club will also be available at the door.
More information about the FMC or assistance in joining the organization is also available online at fredericksburgmusicclub.com.