Our History

Chatter was founded in 2003 by David Felberg,violinist, and Eric Walters, cellist, to fill a void in Albuquerque – the opportunity to hear musical works for chamber ensemble and chamber orchestra composed in the 20th and 21st centuries.  Its repertoire has included influential works by Luciano Berio, Arvo Pärt, John Adams, Steve Reich, Christopher Rouse, Olivier Messiaen, Pierre Boulez, George Crumb, and Michael Torke, as well as major works by earlier composers Arnold Schönberg, Dimitri Shostakovich, Samuel Barber, Paul Hindemith, and Anton Webern.  Chatter’s season now comprises three concerts.  It has also been engaged to perform with the New Mexico Ballet and at the New Mexico Composers Forum.  Its collaborations include partnering with Hey Mozart! New Mexico in making professional recordings of student works and performing with various other non-profits that contribute to Albuquerque’s enriching quality of life.

In addition to its unique repertoire Chatter contributes to New Mexico’s cultural life by employing the area’s finest professional musicians, whose individual artistry is honored by programming solo works.  Chatter also has a commitment to young musicians, frequently featuring members of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony in side-by-side performances.  Access is promoted by performing in diverse venues, such as UNM’s Keller Hall, The Outpost, and the City of Albuquerque Open Space Visitor Center, as well as through affordable ticket prices.

Chatter’s artistic excellence has been recognized by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, New Mexico Arts and the City of Albuquerque’s Urban Enhancement Trust Fund.

Chatter is a musical entity of Ensemble Music New Mexico, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and is served by an active board of directors.