Duo F.A.E. to showcase lesser-known violin-piano works at Oct. 25 concert

On Sunday, Oct. 25, the Harmonia Concert Series opens its season with the celebrated Chicago ensemble Duo F.A.E., with violinist Charlene Kluegel and pianist Katherine Petersen.

The concert begins at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of Faith Community United Church of Christ, 192 S. Center St., Bensenville.

Founded in 2012 after Kluegel and Petersen met at the Aspen Music Festival, Duo F.A.E. has performed extensively throughout North America and Europe. The ensemble takes its name from the motto “Frei Aber Einsam” (“Free but Alone”), associated with violinist Joseph Joachim and Johannes Brahms, reflecting the duo’s vision of violin and piano as two distinct voices joined in an intimate musical partnership.

Their playing has been praised by New York Classical Review for its “singular verve, and expressive power.”

Both musicians bring distinguished careers as soloists, chamber musicians, and educators. Kluegel has appeared at venues including the Kennedy Center, Chicago Symphony Hall, Ravinia Festival, and Tonhalle Zurich, while Petersen’s performances have taken her to Carnegie Hall, Ravinia, Boston’s Jordan Hall, and the Maison Symphonique in Montreal.

In 2025, Duo F.A.E. released its debut album, “Dissidents of the Gilded Age,” on Albany Records and recently brought the project to Europe, including a sold-out performance at Vienna’s Musikverein.

Their Harmonia program features three lesser-known masterpieces for violin and piano: Grażyna Bacewicz’s Sonata No. 4, Aaron Copland’s Violin Sonata, and Alfred Schnittke’s Sonata No. 1.

The Harmonia Concert Series brings outstanding professional musicians to Bensenville in an intimate and welcoming setting, with programs designed to make exceptional live music accessible to the entire community.

There will be a free-will offering.

The series continues on Dec. 6 with Chicago jazz vocalist Abigail Riccards with pianist Tom Vaitsas in a New Orleans-themed concert paying tribute to Louis Armstrong.

On Feb. 7, pianist Michael Finlay will present “Mirrors,” a solo recital centered around Maurice Ravel’s “Miroirs” and Franz Schubert’s Sonata in B-flat Major, D. 960. The Chicago-based concert pianist and educator Michael Finlay is known for expressive programming and thoughtful storytelling.

The season closes on April 18 with the Chicago-based Kontras Quartet exploring the evolving role of chamber music through classics, contemporary works, and genre-bending collaborations.

Learn more at facebook.com/harmoniaconcerts/.