Greenville’s thriving arts scene welcomes the third season of the Andy & Friends Concert Series in a larger venue. Beginning Nov. 18, the series will be held at Furman University’s Daniel Recital Hall, a space that seats 380 listeners—significantly more than the 130‑seat Fine Arts Center where the concerts began.
Local Support Fuels Growth
Founder and pianist Andy Armstrong credits the generosity of Greenville audiences and donors for the series’ rapid expansion. “Greenville is such a dynamic city that heroes stepped forward right from the start to mount a world‑class chamber music series,” Armstrong said.
World‑Class Artists on the Program
The season‑opening concert will feature a lineup of internationally recognized musicians. Alongside Armstrong on piano, the program includes New Zealand violinist Geneva Lewis, Canadian violist Emad Zolfaghari, American cellist Raphael Bell, and American bassist Marguerite Cox. Together they will perform Franz Schubert’s beloved Piano Quintet in A Major, commonly known as the “Trout” Quintet, a staple of the chamber‑music repertoire.
Additional works on the evening’s program span a range of eras and styles, with pieces by Serge Koussevitzky, Rebecca Clarke, Lili Boulanger, Nadia Boulanger, and Arvo Pärt. “I like to mix old favorites with total surprises,” Armstrong explained, underscoring the series’ commitment to both tradition and discovery.
Why the Move Matters
While the Fine Arts Center has served the series well, the partnership with Furman University offers a venue better suited to the growing audience. “The Fine Arts Center is an extraordinary place and our artists loved playing in that space,” Armstrong said. “At the same time, we could not be more excited about partnering with Furman and making ourselves available to more and more of the city of Greenville. Daniel Recital Hall seats 380 and it’s perfect for chamber music.”
Community Outreach Remains Central
Beyond performances, Armstrong emphasizes outreach as a core mission. In a separate series in Connecticut, his ensemble has visited Montessori programs, school bands, orchestras, and a program serving formerly incarcerated individuals. “It’s important to us that our artists carry a servant’s heart,” he noted. “If our growth continues as it has, all of these outreach activities could easily become integral to the Andy & Friends concert series in Greenville.”
Event Details
What: Andy & Friends Concert Series – Season Opening
When: Nov. 18, 7 p.m.
Where: Daniel Recital Hall, Furman University, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC
Tickets: $40; $5 for students
More info: greenvilleandyfriends.org
The move to Daniel Recital Hall reflects the series’ success and the community’s appetite for high‑quality classical music. With a larger venue and continued commitment to outreach, Andy & Friends aims to deepen Greenville’s cultural offerings while keeping chamber music accessible to families, students, and all music lovers.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
