The Spotlight

Chamber Project to Present 'French Diversions' in Clayton

The quartet will perform modern classical music by French composers Jan. 14 at The Chapel.

On a recent Saturday afternoon, the gentle sound of a chamber quartet drifted out from a group of gray stone buildings on Alexander Drive in Clayton. Inside, Chamber Project St. Louis was rehearsing for its upcoming performance titled French Diversions, to be held at 8:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at The Chapel, 6238 Alexander Dr. The Chapel, which bills itself as a “sanctuary for the arts,” offers a performance space to artists free of charge. It allows artists to keep any admission fees for themselves—and it has become something of a sanctuary for Chamber Project. “We think of this as our space,” said Dana Hotle, a clarinetist. “We do about four concerts a year here. It's all volunteers, and it's great for the artists and great for the community. …

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Seventeen and Soaring: Clayton Cellist Plays His Way to Top

Henry Myers, 17, plans to pursue music in college and professionally.

Not everyone is a fan of classical music, and while one might think it would take a mature adult to appreciate the complex sounds of an orchestra — let alone deliver a skilled performance in one — 17-year-old Clayton High School cellist Henry Myers is working hard to debunk that belief.            Myers was one of three winners of the Belleville Philharmonic Society's "Stars of Tomorrow" competition, which included the opportunity to perform with the orchestra in October. Just a week before the performance, Myers played with the University City Symphony Orchestra. In November, he took part in the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra's concerto competition.            Although he has enjoyed his recent musical endeavors, Myers …

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