Heifetz Institute Artistic Director and violinist Nicholas Kitchen, joined by his father, keyboard veteran Joseph Kitchen, offer an alternating program of the three "Adagios and Fugues" from Bach's masterful solo violin sonatas, while Joseph explores preludes and fugues from JSB's well-loved "Well Tempered Clavier."

Violin Sonata No. 1 in G minor, BWV 1001
I. Adagio
II. Fuga (Allegro)
Nicholas Kitchen, violin

The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1, BWV 846
Prelude and Fugue No. 1 in C major

The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, BWV 871
Prelude and Fugue No. 2 in C minor
Joseph Kitchen, piano

Violin Sonata No. 2 in A minor, BWV 1003
I. Grave
II. Fuga
Nicholas Kitchen, violin

The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, BWV 884
Prelude and Fugue No. 15 in G major

The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 2, BWV 884
Prelude and Fugue No. 5 in D major
Joseph Kitchen, keyboard

Violin Sonata No. 3 in C major, BWV 1005
I. Adagio
II. Fuga. Alla breve
Nicholas Kitchen, violin

Nicholas Kitchen - Heifetz Institute Artistic Director
Born in Durham, North Carolina, Nicholas Kitchen grew up in a family deeply immersed in music. His mother, a violinist, founded the Duke University String School, while his father, a pianist, organist, and mathematics professor at Duke, played a key role in local musical life. From an early age, Nicholas performed publicly, including multiple solo appearances with the North Carolina Symphony, and was actively involved in teaching, performing, and musical preparation through his parents’ work. At sixteen, he began studying at the Curtis Institute of Music, where he worked with Heifetz Institute faculty member David Cerone and received guidance from Felix Galimir, Mieczysław Horszowski, and Otto Werner Mueller. His most significant mentorship came from the legendary violinist and conductor Szymon Goldberg, with whom he worked intensively for five years.

In recognition of this artistic lineage, Kitchen was entrusted with the "Baron Vita" Guarneri del Gesù, now housed at the Library of Congress alongside its twin, the "Kreisler" Guarneri. He continues Goldberg’s legacy as a leading faculty member at the Szymon Goldberg Seminar and Festival in Toyama, Japan.

A founding member of the Borromeo String Quartet, the Heifetz Institute’s Ensemble-in-Residence, Kitchen and his quartet quickly gained international acclaim, winning prizes at the Evian International Quartet Competition and Young Concert Artists Auditions. The ensemble has since received the Cleveland Quartet Award, the Martin S. Segal Award from Lincoln Center, and the Avery Fisher Career Grant, performing over 100 concerts annually worldwide.

A dedicated educator, Kitchen has taught at the New England Conservatory of Music since 1992, combining his teaching with extensive performances and outreach. He has conducted international tours for the U.S. Information Service, bringing performances and masterclasses to Latin America, and has collaborated with WGBH Boston and NPR. His recordings appear on labels such as Denon, Bridge, and Arabesque. Kitchen is also a pioneer in integrating technology and music. Through his Living Archive series, he has produced hundreds of live performance recordings, and his innovative animated projections, including Childsplay and Ludwig’s Wig, offer audiences a unique visual and musical experience.

Kitchen performs on the "Baron Vita" Guarneri del Gesù and previously played the A. J. Fletcher Stradivarius, now on loan to the second violinist of the Borromeo Quartet.

Joseph Kitchen