Rated Rookies

by Peter Burwasser

classical

When Oscar Wilde quipped that youth is wasted on the young, he could not have been speaking about music making. There is a special thrill that is conveyed by the giddy, fresh passion of newly minted Curtis, Temple and AVA grads, or by such groups as Time for Three and 9th Street Music Project. One local organization is exclusively devoted to the nurturing of new talent. Astral Artistic Services seems to know how to pick them; their callow clients regularly move on to successful careers. Their Sunday concert presents the Juilliard-trained Chiara String Quartet, with guest pianist Simone Dinnerstein, who has already dazzled Astral audiences with her smart and lively playing. They will perform music of Beethoven and Brahms, plus a world premiere of a piano quintet by Gabriela Lena Frank said to reflect her Peruvian-Jewish heritage.

Another concert series featuring performers whose median age hovers around 30 ends their regular season on a bittersweet note. Chamber Music Now! has presented the locally based Serafin Quartet for the past two seasons, but when the ensemble's violist, Anthony Simmons, was killed in a automobile accident in February, the future clouded. But the show goes on, and this vibrant group, now including violist Ruth Frazier, will play as scheduled, with the event dedicated to Tony's memory. They will also perform a rescheduled benefit for Philadelphia Music Makers, honoring the ticket holders for the original event.

Chiara String Quartet, with Simone Dinnerstein, piano, Sun., April 10, 3 p.m., Trinity Center for Urban Life, 2212 Spruce St., 215-735-6999.

Serafin String Quartet, Thu., April 7, 8 p.m., Philadelphia Ethical Society, 1906 S. Rittenhouse Square, 215-605-9988. April 20, Germantown, benefit for Philadelphia Music Makers, reservations required through 215-985-4810 or jlmusicmakers@verizon.net.