International cellist brings 2nd Appalachian Chamber Music Festival to the region Aug.15 to 28

“This area has always been inspiring and important to me. It feels like home,” she said.

While Tertell lives in England, her family lives in the Purcellville area and she appreciates the opportunity to have a project connecting her to home.

“I had this idea about how I could create something to bring people together and play music as part of an artistic gathering,” she said.

During the pandemic, her fast-paced performance life came to a halt, so she had time to take her idea for a festival and turn it into a reality.

“We are taking inspiration in lots of different ways and exploring that through traditional classical pieces also some new commissions and working with some local bluegrass artists,” she said.

The first festival launched last year and this year promises to be even bigger and better, Tertell said.

“We felt last year it was important to get live performances happening again. We have expanded the programs even more this year. We have some wonderful talent coming and this is a unique opportunity to hear some great international performers,” she said.

There will be 15 concerts spread out over two weeks and locations for the events include Purcellville, Hillsboro, Middleburg, Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown, Charles Town and Berryville.

“We had no idea what to expect, but attendance was great last year – I was overwhelmed by the support, which is why we decided to expand this year,” Tertell said.

Tertell says that she is fortunate to make music with people from all over the world and they have become friends. She looks forward to sharing their music throughout the festival as a cultural celebration and experience.

Throughout the festival, she is joined by a variety of artists including Violinist Rachel Hunt, Violinist Audrey Pride, Violinist Domenic Salerni, Violinist Delcho Telnev, Violinist Lauren Nelson, Violist Danielle Weibe Burke, Cellist Schuyler Slack, Bassist Sam Suggs, Pianist Efi Hacmey, Clarinetist Peter Cain and Dave Asti on Banjo and Guitar.

For more information, tickets and a complete schedule, visit appalachianchamber.org.