Fall 2026

142 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 6 space, called the ‘performance room’ on blueprints,” he adds. Oddly for a home, it had seven entrances to allow easy ingress and egress for gatherings. This place was intended to be a venue for musical performances. And that’s what it became. After hosting concerts in their home, in 1927 Denny and Watrous set up what Gordon says is “One of the oldest performing arts nonprofit organizations in California. They immediately set up a board and that’s why it’s endured— because it wasn’t dependent on one individual.” That was—and is—the Carmel Music Society. Early concerts were held at the Theatre of the Golden Bough in its original location on Ocean Avenue. It would be hard to underestimate the lasting influence these two women had on Monterey Peninsula arts culture. Among other endeavors, they also initiated the Carmel Bach Festival and founded TheTroupers of the Gold Coast, a group that performed old-time melodramas in California’s First Theatre in Monterey from 1937 to 1999. “All three flourished long after the women died. They intended that the orgs would out- live them,” Gordon explains. “And all my research shows that they were absolutely adored. People genuinely liked them and appreci- ated their contributions.” Architect (and classical pianist) Erik Dyar is today’s board president.“We have a long and sto- ried tradition of presenting the world’s greatest classical music and musicians. We’re continuing (Left) Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason performs in duet with pianist Benjamin Grosvenor on May 2, 2027. (Right) A local, cellist Michelle Djokic is also the proprietor of the SandBox, an intimate performance venue added to this CMS season. The Poiesis Quartet won first prize at the 2025 Banff Internation- al String Quartet Competition with their multifaceted artistry. Photo: Joe Saulenas Photography Photo: Mahaneela Photo: Grittani Creative LTD