QUILCENE — The concerts in the barn are back — and now with an expanded summer lineup.
Since 1984, Alan Iglitzin has offered chamber concerts in his barn in Quilcene. This year’s offerings expand three concerts to five, all at no charge.
“We began playing chamber music in the barn in 1984 and have never stopped,” Iglitzin says. “This summer, we’re delighted to welcome back many of our beloved musicians from years past as well as several exciting new chamber groups.”
The concert series kicks off Saturday and Sunday in the 100-year-old barn with Dvorak’s Terzetto in C major-Op. 74, Mozart’s String Quintet No. 4 in G minor-K. 516 and Dvorak’s String Quintet in E-flat major-Op. 97. Musicians include Brian Hong (violin), Stefan Hersh (violin), Tanner Menees (viola), Jesse Morrison (viola) and Alexander Hersh (cello).
Located at 7630 Center Road in Quilcene, the farm opens at 11 a.m., with barn doors opening at 1 p.m. and concerts beginning at 2 p.m.
Hear Mozart, Schubert, Shostakovich and Mendelssohn on Aug. 19; Arriaga, Shostakovich and Beethoven on Aug. 26; Hayden, Barber and Dvorak on Aug. 27; two Schubert selections, Prokofiev, Mozart, Bridge and Brahms on Sept. 2-3; and Pierne, Debussy and Messiaen in the finale Sept. 9.
Families are welcome. Event organizers say these concerts are a great opportunity to introduce young people to chamber music, particularly if children are playing the piano, violin or other instrument.
“It’s such a joy to perform here,” said Korine Fujiwara, violist of the Carpe Diem String Quartet. “The barn seems to attract the warmest, most appreciative audiences in the world.”
Cellist Alexander Hersh recalled often coming to the farm to hear his father, violinist Stefan Hersh, and grandfather, pianist Paul Hersh, perform in the barn.
In 2015, Alexander made his own debut here.
“I can’t wait to get back into the barn this summer to play more music with my colleagues,” he said. “The acoustics are phenomenal, and the audiences are the best.”
For more information on dates, programs and artists, visit www.ConcertsInThe Barn.org.
