CSM’s Benny Morgan Concert Series Features ensemble 132 March 11 in Leonardtown

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) kicks off its 2023 Benny C. Morgan Concert Series this month with a free concert by ensemble 132 at its Leonardtown Campus.

ensemble132 is an American chamber music collective of today's most distinguished young artists. On March 11, ensemble 132 ensemble presents Clara Schumann Romances, Schumann/Hong Carnaval and Brahms Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor with featured artists Stephanie Zyzak, violin; Luther Warren, viola; Zachary Mowitz, cello; and Sahun Hong, piano. A new, versatile kind of ensemble, e132’s dynamic roster of 11 like-minded musicians unite through their mission to reimagine the chamber music experience. ensemble132 stretches the boundaries of chamber music by arranging and performing the full gamut of the classic repertoire.

Every ensemble132 concert is crafted to spotlight original arrangements that deliver orchestral magnitude and a soloistic spark to the chamber music stage. At the same time, ensemble132’s musicians bring their artistry of the highest caliber to traditional masterworks as well as unearthed gems.

The March 11 two-hour concert will begin at 3 p.m. at CSM’s Leonardtown Campus, in the Building A auditorium.

Benny Carroll Morgan was a beloved music educator in St. Mary's County schools for 30 years, who served as organist and choir director at several area churches. He taught at Margaret Brent High School, Chopticon High School and Esperanza Middle School, retiring in July 1986. He was for a time the organist at Christ Church Old Durham Parish in Nanjemoy.

In January 2016, Morgan generously donated his prized Steinway grand piano to CSM's Leonardtown Campus. Sadly, Morgan, 85, of Huntersville, passed away several weeks later on Feb. 16, however, with the knowledge that his generosity would add to the musical culture of CSM's students as well as the Southern Maryland community for years to come.

Today, the Benny C. Morgan Concert Series is sponsored by the CSM Foundation, Carroll L. Alvey, Jr., and St. Mary’s County Arts Council.