The PS 321 Neighborhood Concert Series is the ambitious brainchild of  Simone Dinnerstein, a celebrated classical pianist in her own right, who just signed with Sony Classical.

First and foremost, Dinnerstein aims to bring interesting and innovative classical programming to Park Slope. What a gift that is to the neighborhood.

Next Thursday, February 4th at 7 PM, Dinnerstein presents Beethoven and Beyond, featuring the Chiara Quartet in the PS 321 Auditorium 180 7th Ave., Park Slope. Tickets are $15.00, available at www.ps321.org

The Seattle Post calls the Chiara Quartet “vastly talented, vastly resourceful, and vastly committed to the music of their time.”

The New York Times describes them as  “luminous” and “searing.” And Strings Magazine used these words: “soulful,” “biting,” and possessing a “potent collective force.”

Dinnerstein has more than a casual connection to Park Slope’s acclaimed public elementary school. Born and bred in Park Slope, Dinnerstein was a PS 321 student, her mother was a a teacher, her son is now a student and her husband is a teacher.  The PS 321 concerts, which feature musicians Ms. Dinnerstein has admired and collaborated with during her career, are open to the public and raise funds for the school’s PTA.

Talk about giving back!