For the first time in years, if not decades, the Cornell Concert Series faces event cancellations and an alternate offering during the current season: both SamulNori (2/17/06) and the Mozarteum Orchestra of Salzburg (2/27/06) have cancelled their upcoming North American engagements, citing financial constraints and other difficulties back home at this time. All sales for these events have been suspended, and Yvette and I are currently organizing an exchange/refund procedure for patrons who have already purchased tickets. We expect to begin contacting ticketholders in December and to service everyone by late January. Thank you for your patience and support during this process.

CCS will be presenting one alternate concert on FEBRUARY 26, 2006. This will be an additional 'SUNDAY at STATLER' concert featuring the JERUSALEM CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL. JCMF founder and pianist Elena Bashkirova brings an ensemble of superb musicians from the Jerusalem circle, in a program of Mozart, Schoenberg, Mozart, Olivero (US premiere), and more Mozart. [Please visit www.jcmf.org.il and read about ensemble members Guy Ben-Ziony, Mathieu Dufour, Danjulo Ishizaka, Karl-Heinz Steffens, et al.]

We are very fortunate to have this extraordinary group just prior to their Carnegie Hall dates, and hope that you will choose to join us for the 4 pm performance (preceded by a hot tea reception beginning at 3 pm). Thank you for a wonderful fall season, and for passing the word along about these schedule changes. Until the next concert adventure (Alfred Brendel at the State Theatre on Groundhog Day ...), all best wishes!