Jupiter Symphony

It seems a little strange to be reviewing an organization as lovely as the Jupiter Symphony Chamber Players on Unilocal,but it’s also an important part of NYC’s cultural life, so it deserves the exposure that Unilocal can provide.
In an effort of full disclosure, I sometimes appear as a musician in Jupiter Concerts. This makes me pretty well acquainted with Jupiter, but it also might slant my opinion. Hopefully others will follow suit with reviews too!
The group is no longer a symphony, it is now a chamber music society that includes members of the old Jupiter Symphony, and honors the founder, Jens Nygaard. (It’s now lovingly run by his wife) They play concerts at the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church on W66th, the only building in the area leftover from the demolition that made way for Lincoln Center. It’s different from other groups in that it plays the music of a lot of lesser-​known classical composers, along with underplayed pieces by the great masters. It’s an interesting niche, which appeals to the curious concertgoer, because most concerts have a theme, but might be a grab-​bag — you might hear an early Tchaikovsky piece, something by Clara Schumann, or her half-​brother, and a piece we all know and love by Brahms. The programs for the whole year are listed on the website, where you can read more about the music and the players. There is a regular pool of performers, as well as musical guests from all over the place.
The atmosphere is friendly and informal, with many regulars in the audience, performers speaking from the stage, cookies and tea at intermission, and sometimes a little art exhibition to check out. As with all classical music concerts these days, new and young blood is always welcome too. If you like classical chamber music concerts, want to check out some new old-​music, and don’t like to spend a fortune, check out Jupiter!