Pegasus Rising, a competitive mentorship program of Pegasus Early Music, provides professional
opportunities to emerging artists while simultaneously providing incredible performances
in unique spaces for our Rochester community, ADMISSION-FREE and all ages welcome!
Season 2026-2027
Quartet Novalis
October 28-November 2, 2026
Eliana Estrada, violin/viola
Ela Kodžas, violin/viola
Annemarie Schubert, violin/viola
Luka Stefanović, cello
Based in New York City, Quartet Novalis seeks to bring a fresh perspective to the string quartet repertoire by uncovering old concepts of sound and musical understanding. By performing on historically-appropriate instruments, the group is able to draw out subtle and highly nuanced textures and impressions, while breathing life into repertoire that has fallen by the wayside. Their program will include music for string quartet by Fanny Mendelssohn, Dvorak, Mozart, and Puccini, performed on period instruments.
CONCERTS:
Wednesday, October 28, 2026: 12:10-12:50pm
WXXI “Live from Hochstein”
Hochstein Performance Hall at Hochstein Music School
(50 N. Plymouth Avenue, downtown Rochester)
Interview and streamed lunch-time performance, bring your lunch and enjoy a short performance by this incredible quartet!
Live from Hochstein with host Mona Seghatoleslami is a series of midday concerts by some of the finest artists in our area broadcast live from The Hochstein Performance Hall. Each of these free concerts runs from 12:10-12:50 p.m., giving downtown business people, teachers, families, students, and friends an opportunity to enjoy classical music by outstanding musicians, including soloists, duos, and vocal and chamber ensembles. You can also hear an encore broadcast of Live from Hochstein later the same day at 10 p.m. on WXXI Classical.
Thursday, October 29, 2026: 7:30-9pm
“Cocktails & Classical” at ARTISANworks
ARTISANworks – Vertigo Heights Room
(565 Blossom Road, Suite L Rochester, NY)
A full performance of works for string quartet by Fanny Mendelssohn, Mozart, Dvorak, and Puccini on period instruments!
We’re excited to continue our partnership with ARTISANworks, where the eclectic art collection and unique atmosphere of the Vertigo Heights Room create a fitting backdrop for this intimate chamber music experience. Far from a traditional concert hall, this setting invites audiences to enjoy exceptional live music surrounded by art, in a relaxed and welcoming environment. And while you’re there, be sure to stop by the bar and try the special Pegasus cocktail!
Saturday, October 31, 2026: 10:15am-11am
“Musical Storytime” A Pegasus Kids Concert!
The Historic German House – in the South Wedge Neighborhood
(315 Gregory Street, Rochester, NY 14620)
FREE Admission | All Ages Welcome | Halloween Costumes Encouraged! 🎃
Looking for a fun, free, and family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween morning? Bring your little ones (and their costumes!) for a magical morning of music, storytelling, and imagination with Pegasus Early Music!
Join us at the Historic German House in Rochester’s South Wedge neighborhood for Musical Storytime, a lively, interactive introduction to classical music designed especially for children and families. Featuring the exceptionally talented young musicians of Quartet Novalis, this 45-minute concert invites children to discover the sounds of violins, viola, and cello through music by Fanny Mendelssohn, Dvořák, Mozart, and Puccini, performed on historical instruments.
And don’t worry about sitting perfectly still! We know little ones love to move, wiggle, giggle, and explore. The Historic German House offers a spacious, open setting where families can relax and enjoy music together without the expectations of a traditional concert hall. The venue is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it easy for families of all ages and abilities to join the fun.
Whether it’s your child’s very first concert or they’re already a budding music lover, Musical Storytime is a wonderful opportunity to experience the magic of live music together.
Monday, November 2, 2026: 7:00-9:00pm
Pegasus at Payton Violins: Quartet Novalis
Payton Violins – in the Neighborhood of the Arts
(250 Goodman St, Rochester, NY 14607)
Free Admission | Tickets Required
We are delighted to launch our new partnership with Payton Violins, whose welcoming space provides a wonderful setting for this salon-style concert by the talented Quartet Novalis. With a limited audience and an up-close performance, the evening offers a chance to experience chamber music in a relaxed and personal atmosphere. A small wine and cheese reception will follow the performance. Space is limited so registering for free tickets are required
Monday, November 2, 2026
Public School Visits
We are excited to include two public school visits during Quartet Novalis’s residency. During the visits, Quartet Novalis will give a presentation on their careers and program, perform selections from their programs, and work with students on current concepts. Partnerships for this residency include the Brighton High School orchestra and Fairport High School Orchestra classes. We would love to expand this program of bringing early music presentations into local public schools!
Interested in Applying for Pegasus Rising?
Application deadline is May 1, 2027
Email materials to info@PegasusEarlyMusic.org
Description
This is an opportunity to be professionally presented by both Pegasus Early Music and our sister organization in Syracuse and Ithaca, NYS Baroque. Ensembles are guaranteed 3 professional performances as well as additional community engagement events for extra payment. Musicians are mentored by the Directors to develop an interesting program, learn to write a press release, self promote, and discuss professional development topics of interest such as audience development, fundraising, basic finances, and creating a non-profit,
Payment
$1200 per musicians for performing 3 concerts
Additional $100 each for additional community engagement events
Up to $200 per musician for travel or up to $800 for the ensemble
Include in your application:
Name of ensemble
Group and individual bios
Proposed 1-hour program with a catchy title and theme
Program description
Group photo and any video or audio that best represents your ensemble
Eligibility:
35 years old and under
Must be able to legally work in the United States
Pursuing a professional career as a period performer
We accept solo instrument applicants but vocalists must apply as a pre-formed ensemble
Ensembles can be 2-6 members
What we are looking for:
Ensembles are chosen based on the quality of proposed program, media, and estimated budget.
