Florida Chamber Music Project will perform pieces by George Gershwin and Felix Mendelssohn at 3 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Beaches Museum Chapel, which is part of the Beaches Museum at 505 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach. Both pieces were written by the composers during their teen years.
Gershwin’s “Lullaby” was composed in 1919 when he was a student. It wasn’t performed in public until 1967. The music was a basis for Gershwin’s opera, “Blue Monday.”
Mendelssohn’s Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20 was written in 1825 when Mendelssohn was 16. The piece features four violins, two violas and two cellos. It was dedicated as a birthday present to Mendelssohn’s violin teacher, Eduard Rietsz. Joining the Florida Chamber Music Project for this piece will be Ingang Han, violin, Romona Merritt, viola, and Brian Magnus, cello.
“The Mendelssohn octet is one of the most joyful, energetic and energizing pieces in classical music,” said Susan Pardue, artistic director. “It is a great way to kick off the New Year or beat the January blues.”
Season flex passes for Florida Chamber Music Project concerts are now available at a price of $75. With the purchase of a $75 flex pass, attendees get three concerts and can choose which of the four remaining concerts to attend. Season passes are also available for the four remaining concerts at $100 per pass, a savings over regular price of $27 per concert. Tickets to this concert will be available at the door as will $10 student tickets.
Concert attendees are invited to meet the musicians and enjoy light refreshments after the performance.
Beaches Museum Chapel is wheelchair accessible and has free parking along Pablo Avenue near 4th Street North of Beach Boulevard.
The Florida Chamber Music Project was founded 10 years ago by violist Susan Pardue. Joining her are violinists Patrice Evans, Siyu Zhang and Ann Hertler and cellist Laurie Casseday. All are members of the Jacksonville Symphony.
For advance tickets online, go to flchambermusic.org.
