Come get in the Halloween spirit with us for a fun and eclectic concert that showcases the versatility of the guitar and violin! We’re delighted to have esteemed musicians and ACMF friends from the US Army’s “Pershing’s Own” orchestra, Sergey Prokofyev and Jan Knutson. 

The tradition of Halloween originates in Ireland, so join us in celebrating the Irish way, with jigs rooted in the Samhain tradition, then dive into a spooky mix of favorites like Michael Jackson's "Thriller," jazz standards, and some creepy movie music including KPop Demon Hunters and Ghostbusters. Music that's familiar, surprising, and sure to put a fun spirit in your October! 

Seated in the intimacy of the parlors at Happy Retreat, audiences can enjoy chamber music played in a 19th Century parlor, where the acoustics of the space are perfectly suited to experience these dynamic and engaging performances. Curated by the Appalachian Chamber Music Festival, the concerts assemble high-caliber musicians of both regional and international renown.

Program

An eclectic mix of spirited and dynamic music for violin and guitar to get you in the Halloween spirit, from “Ghostbusters” to Irish reels to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”.

Musicians

Sergey Prokofyev is a versatile violinist who enjoys performing as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician across classical, crossover, and popular styles. Based in Washington, D.C., he is a member of The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” where he regularly performs for senior government officials, diplomats, and international delegations.

Sergey has appeared as a featured soloist with the U.S. Army Strings, Arlington Philharmonic, West Point Band, and New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra. He serves as principal violinist with the New Orchestra of Washington and has performed with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, and Eclipse Chamber Orchestra. He has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Music Center at Strathmore, Wiener Konzerthaus, and Taipei National Concert Hall.

Sergey enjoys exploring different musical styles and adapting contemporary and popular music for the violin. He has performed with the Rockettes in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, as well as with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Evanescence, and Lindsey Stirling. He has also worked with jazz violinist Christian Howes, and members of the Kronos Quartet and Turtle Island Quartet.

As a chamber musician, Sergey has performed with artists such as Charles Neidich, Daniel Phillips, and Nina Beilina. His chamber music engagements include the Basilica Concert Series, WMPA’s Live at the Lyceum, and Performance Lab DC. He maintains a private teaching studio and has worked with the DC Youth Orchestra Program and the Washington Musical Pathways Initiative, coaching young musicians and performing in a side-by-side concert at the Kennedy Center.

Jan Knutson is an acclaimed guitarist and composer based in Washington, DC. His wide ranging musical knowledge of jazz, bluegrass, classical, rock, and world music have made him a sought after player in the DC musical community. He has performed with some of the world’s finest guitarists including, Frank Vignola, Martin Taylor, and Julian Lage. He has released 5 albums, three of which are of his original music.

In addition to performing at major venues in the New York City and DC area including the Kennedy Center, Birdland NYC, Strathmore, and solo shows at Blues Alley, he has been a featured artist at the Richmond Folk Festival, the True Blue Jazz Festival and the Marlow International Guitar Series. In 2018 at the age of 19, he won the guitarist/arranger position with the United States Army Orchestra and has written over 50 arrangements for the ensemble. In 2024 Jan joined the US Army Blues Jazz Ensemble.

Jan has studied under the direction of world class guitarists such as Paul Wingo, Bob Sneider, Steve Abshire and Frank Vignola. He studied for two years with Rodney Jones at the Manhattan School of Music before joining the Army Band. He completed his Bachelor’s of Music degree at the University of MD where he studied with Gerry Kunkel.