Newport Classical will present two concerts this month as part of its 2025-2026 Chamber Series, featuring internationally acclaimed baritone Benjamin Appl and Baroque ensemble Ars Poetica at the Newport Classical Recital Hall.
Appl, accompanied by pianist James Baillieu, will perform Franz Schubert’s Die Winterreise on Friday, March 13, at 7:30 p.m. The song cycle — a harrowing journey through loneliness, memory, and the imagery of winter — is among the most celebrated works in the German lieder repertoire. Appl, who was named Gramophone Award Young Artist of the Year in 2016, has performed the work at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, and Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu.
Ars Poetica takes the stage March 27 at 7:30 p.m. with a program titled “Dance and Transfiguration.” The ensemble, which performs on period instruments including viola, lute, recorder, and voice, focuses on music from the high Renaissance to early Baroque periods. Their Newport program centers on bastarda repertoire and diminution practices — musical traditions built on reimagining and transforming previously written material.
Both concerts take place at the Newport Classical Recital Hall, 42 Dearborn St. in downtown Newport. Doors open at 7 p.m. with complimentary wine provided by Gold’s Wine and Spirits.
The Chamber Series continues into spring with violinist Yevgeny Kutik on April 10, pianist James Zijian Wei on May 8, and a season finale June 5 featuring flutist Amir Hoshang Farsi and pianist Chelsea Wang.
Tickets and information are available at newportclassical.org.