Several University faculty members join the list of some of the finest classical musicians from around the world to perform in the 11th annual Nevada Chamber Music Festival Dec. 26-31, 2014, presented by the Reno Chamber Orchestra.

"For the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, Reno becomes the center of the chamber-music world," Karen Penner- Johnson, president of the Reno Chamber Orchestra board of directors, said. "We are able to attract world-class musicians who would not be available otherwise. The festival presents 11 concerts in six days, often featuring music that is rarely heard and performed by some of the world's best artists."

Among the 18 acclaimed musicians featured are cellist Dmitri Atapine, violinist Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio and pianist James Winn, all accomplished musicians and members of the University's School of the Arts faculty and the Argenta Trio, a well-known chamber-music ensemble.

Presented by the Reno Chamber Orchestra, the Nevada Chamber Music Festival features a series of afternoon and evening performances in Nightingale Concert Hall in the University's Church Fine Arts building and at the South Reno United Methodist Church. The festival begins Dec. 26 in Nightingale Hall with a recital by husband-and-wife pianists Robert Levin and Ya-Fei Chuang. It concludes the evening of Dec. 31 with a New Year's Eve Celebration, "A Night in Old Vienna," also in Nightingale Hall, followed by a post-concert dinner at the Grand Sierra Resort.

In between, festival highlights include "The Concertmasters of Berlin and Los Angeles" Dec. 27, four "Masterworks" concerts featuring chamber music masterpieces Dec. 28-31, a "Violin Showcase" Dec. 30 and "The Romantic Piano: Chopin and Friends" Dec. 31, highlighting the Festival's five remarkable pianists.

In addition to the Argenta Trio members, festival performers include:

• Festival artistic director and violist Theodore Kuchar, one of the most recorded musicians of his generation.
• Noah Bendix-Balgley of the Berlin Philharmonic and Martin Chalifour of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, concertmasters of two of the world's finest orchestras.
• Pianist, award-winning recording artist and Harvard professor Robert Levin.
• Grammy Award-nominated violinist James Buswell.
• Cellist Peter Wiley, a onetime member of two legendary chamber ensembles, the Guarneri String Quartet and the Beaux Arts Trio.
• Cellist Clive Greensmith of the recently retired Tokyo String Quartet.

"I am lucky to travel around the country and be part of a multitude of music festivals," said Atapine, who has been chosen as one of eight musicians for a three-year residency with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center beginning in 2015. "Without a doubt, the NCMF is one of the most successful and gratifying events I have ever seen. Both the highest level of artists that come to Reno and the special warmth that can be felt from our devoted audiences contribute to an unforgettable experience."

Discounted festival passes, which are transferable and good for all concerts, as well as individual concert tickets are available for purchase. For students, special discounted rates are available for festival passes ($55) and individual concert tickets ($5). For tickets and more information, visit Reno Chamber Orchestra or call 775-348-9413.