The Kennedy Center Arts Across America focus turns this season to the union of the ongoing Chamber Music Across America category and the Fortas Chamber Music Concert series. During the 14 years that pianist Joseph Kalichstein has been artistic director of the Fortas series, his innovative programs have drawn many first- timers who return time and again. Sometimes the lure is a striking new ensemble; other times listeners yearn to bask in the comfort of familiar favorites. As the audiences grow, so does his creativity.
| If you go The Fortas Chamber Music Series |
| Where: Kennedy Center Terrace Theater |
| When: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 to 17 |
| Info: $38; 202-467-4600 or 800-444-1324; kennedy-center.org |
For the centerpiece, Kalichstein has planned three evenings to showcase six remarkable ensembles. The first concert pairs the Emerson String Quartet, winner of nine Grammy Awards, and the Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio, the Kennedy Center chamber ensemble in residence. Both are recognized worldwide as among the finest in America.
