Ridout, Franch-Ballester and Chien to Open String Theory's 18th Season

by Kamea Sutherland

Cleveland, TN (10/05/2026) — An evening of chamber music featuring three acclaimed musicians will open the 18th season of String Theory at the Hunter on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga. The concert is presented in collaboration with Lee University and the Hunter Museum of American Art.

The 6:30 p.m. concert, "Romantic Reflections," will feature violist Timothy Ridout, clarinetist Jose Franch-Ballester, and pianist Dr. Gloria Chien, founder and artistic director of String Theory and an artist-in-residence at Lee University.

"These three distinct musical voices come together in a celebration of color, interplay, and poetic expression," said Chien. "The evening promises to be an intimate tapestry of Romantic lyricism."

Horovitz's "Sonatina" for clarinet and piano will open the evening, followed by Schubert's "Arpeggione Sonata." Originally written for the arpeggione (a bowed guitar-like instrument), the work has found enduring life in other configurations, including this viola arrangement. The program will conclude with all three performers joining for selections from Bruch's "Eight Pieces."

Ridout is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and Kronberg Academy and has earned accolades such as First Prize at both the Lionel Tertis and Cecil Aronowitz International Viola Competitions.

Franch-Ballester is the recipient of a 2008 Avery Fisher Career Grant and was the winner of both the Young Concert Artists and Astral Artists auditions. The New York Times has praised him for his "technical wizardry and tireless enthusiasm."

Chien, a noted performer, presenter, and educator, is currently an artist-in-residence at Lee University. She is a Steinway Artist and earned her Doctor of Musical Arts, a master's degree, and her bachelor's degree at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.

Chien founded String Theory in 2009 to expand access to chamber music, invigorate the local classical music scene, and cultivate future audiences.

Prior to the concert, "Pregame with Bob" will take place at 5:45 p.m. Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Music Director Emeritus Bob Bernhardt will discuss the evening's program and provide an in-depth look at the featured composers and works. The museum bar will open at 5 p.m.

This concert is sponsored by the Johnny Majors Memorial Foundation.

Tickets are $54 for nonmembers, $42 for Hunter Museum members, and $10 for students and music teachers with valid ID.

For tickets or more information, visit stringtheorymusic.org, email info@stringtheorymusic.org, or call 423-414-2525.

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