(CHATHAM, N.Y.) –  String Theory, a series of three duo performances featuring three exceptionally accomplished string players from three diverse musical and cultural traditions, will take place in June at PS21, beginning on Saturday, June 16, 2012, with cellist Yehuda Hanani, continuing on Sunday, June 24, with Alicia Svigals, the greatest living exponent of klezmer fiddle, and concluding on Saturday, June 30, with oud player Simon Shaheen, one of the most important Arab musician/composers of his generation.

The seventh annual Paul Grunberg Memorial Bach Concert on Saturday, June 16, at 7:30 pm features world-renowned cellist Yehuda Hanani, whose charismatic playing and profound interpretations bring him acclaim and reengagements throughout Europe, North and South America, Asia and his native Israel. Hanani made the first recording ever of the monumental Alkan Cello Sonata, receiving a Grand Prix du Disque nomination, and his other discs have won wide recognition. Hanani and pianist Emma Tahmizian will perform an all-Bach program of viola da gamba sonatas, French Suite and unaccompanied cello suite. The traditional annual Bach concerts are held in memory of PS21 President Judy Grunberg’s husband, who loved Bach above all other composers and who died in 1997.

Violinist composer Alicia Svigals is considered by many to be the world’s foremost klezmer fiddler. During the past two decades, she almost singlehandedly revived the klezmer fiddle, which is now being played by hundreds of her students, including most of today’s best professional players. Svigals toured with violinist Itzhak Perlman – whom she taught to play in the klezmer style – and was awarded first prize at the Safed, Israel international klezmer festival competition. Svigals will be accompanied by accordionist Patrick Farrell, in her concert on Sunday, June 24, at 2 p.m., and will be introduced by Seth Rogovoy, author of The Essential Klezmer: A Music Lover’s Guide to Jewish Roots and Soul Music, the all-time bestselling guide to klezmer. This show is co-sponsored with the Chatham Synagogue and has been supported by a grant from the Wassermann-Streit Y’DIYAH Memorial Fund (administered by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation).

Simon Shaheen, who performs on Saturday, June 30, at 7:30 pm, is one of the most important Arab musician/composers of his generation. Shaheen moves deftly from traditional Arabic sounds to jazz and Western classical styles. He will be accompanied by percussionist Dafer Tawil.

For tickets or information, visit PS21 or call 518.392.6121. The Tent at PS21 is set among the apple trees on a pristine 100+ acre site, of which only 5 acres are developed. Guests are encouraged to arrive at events early enough to enjoy the site. Bring a picnic and a blanket or just a camera.

PS21: Performance Spaces for the 21st Century is a not-for-profit organization in Chatham, New York, dedicated to the performing arts and to serving a diverse community with concerts, programs and residencies by professional artists and ensembles, youth and children’s programming and cultural education opportunities for all ages.