By 1812Blockhouse
This October, the Mansfield Chamber Music Players will honor a long-standing tradition with the presentation of the 28th Annual Donald Bernhardt Memorial Chamber Music Concert. Scheduled for Sunday, October 6, at 4:00 PM, the concert will take place at Riedl Hall on The Ohio State University Mansfield Campus, offering a vibrant celebration of chamber music featuring a diverse range of composers and performances.
Honoring a Legacy of Music
The annual concert, organized by Carol Bernhardt in memory of her late husband, Donald Bernhardt, has been a staple in Mansfield’s cultural landscape since its inception in 1997. Donald Bernhardt, a distinguished musician and former concertmaster of both the Mansfield Symphony and the Ashland Orchestra, was a passionate advocate for chamber music. This memorial concert serves not only as a tribute to his artistic legacy but also as a continued platform for chamber music appreciation in the community.
Over the years, the Mansfield Chamber Music Players have brought more than 100 different pieces to audiences, showcasing a commitment to both variety and quality in their performances. This year’s concert promises to be no exception.
A Diverse Musical Program
The program for this year’s concert includes works from composers Denes Agay, Adolphe Blanc, Theodore Dubois, and the esteemed William Grant Still. The concert will feature a string quintet, a woodwind quintet, and a combined performance from both groups.
Among the pieces to be performed are:
- Five Easy Dances by Denes Agay, a lively and accessible set of dances played by the woodwind quintet.
- Folk Suite No. 4 by William Grant Still, also played by the woodwind quintet, bringing a soulful reflection of American folk traditions.
- Quintette #7, Op. 50 by Adolphe Blanc, performed by the string quintet, offering an intricate yet harmonious exploration of classical form.
- Dixtuor by Theodore Dubois, a dramatic and rich composition that will unite the winds and strings for a rousing conclusion to the concert.
Talented Local Musicians
This year’s ensemble showcases some of the finest local talent, bringing together musicians who share a deep connection to chamber music and to the Mansfield community. The performers include:
- Violin: Michael Sieberg and Steve Domka
- Viola: Jim Froelich
- Cello: Robert Rashid
- Bass: David Lenigan
- Flute: Katie Fanning
- Oboe: Carol Bernhardt
- Clarinet: Pamela Ellis
- French Horn: Keely Krumweide
- Bassoon: Jane Price
These skilled musicians, many of whom have performed at previous concerts, will bring to life the expressive and intricate compositions of the program.
A Community Collaboration
The concert is made possible through the Donald Bernhardt Memorial Chamber Music Fund at Chase Bank, in partnership with The Ohio State University Mansfield Campus. This collaboration not only supports the annual event but also ensures that chamber music remains accessible to the local community, honoring the artistic vision of Donald Bernhardt and continuing to enrich Mansfield’s cultural offerings.
For music lovers and those looking to experience the beauty of chamber music in a local setting, this concert promises to be a remarkable afternoon of classical performances. Attendees can look forward to a program filled with expressive works, performed by talented musicians dedicated to preserving the legacy of chamber music in Mansfield.
Image by Ri Butov from Pixabay
