Close Encounters
Chamber music at its intimate best
Close Encounters celebrates the special intimacy between audience, artists, and music. With each event, you’ll enjoy an evening of live chamber music in a warm, welcoming setting—complete with a light buffet, wine, and the rare opportunity to connect directly with the musicians and fellow music lovers. This is chamber music at its most personal and inviting.
THE FIRST CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE
2025-2026 SEASON
The Guiding Light
SUNDAY ✷ OCTOBER 5 ✷ 3 PM
Seddon Recital Hall ✷ University of the Incarnate Word
This October, we welcome back the founder of Cactus Pear Music Festival violinist Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio in a duo recital with CPMF Artistic Director Jeffrey Sykes on piano. As CPMF’s guiding light, Stephanie has illuminated our stage with her artistry and vision for almost three decades, often with Jeffrey by her side. Together, they will perform a sparkling program of three sonatas spanning three centuries, chamber music that is equal parts joy, daring, and brilliance with works by Beethoven, Dvořák, and Poulenc.
2025-2026 CLOSE ENCOUNTERS DATES
Join us for unforgettable moments
of music, wine, and connection
Sunday, October 5, 2025 | 3 PM
The Guiding Light
featuring Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio, violin & Jeffrey Sykes, piano
Seddon Recital Hall | University of the Incarnate Word
4301 Broadway St, San Antonio, TX 78209
Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 7 PM
AS THE WORLD TURNS: A Candlemas Celebration
featuring Stas Venglevski, accordion & Jeffrey Sykes, piano
Maverick Carter House
119 Taylor St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 3 PM
SEARCH FOR TOMORROW: The Love Story of Peter of Provence and the Beautiful Magelone
featuring Timothy Jones, bass-baritone, Katrin Talbot, narrator and photography, & Jeffrey Sykes, piano
The Little Carver Civic Center
226 N Hackberry San Antonio, TX 78202
The Intimacy, the Artistry
When little comes between you and the music
It's all up close and personal as you sit and enjoy the music. There really is little that comes between you, the artists, and the music! The intimacy of the venue, the closeness of the performing artists, the camaraderie and the light buffet of delectable delights, included with the price of your ticket, make for a truly memorable experience.
Get your musical year off to a wonderful start.
Do check out our "Supporting CPMF" webpage to see the new donor levels and the
benefits included for you, including tickets for our Close Encounters series.
