The Parker Quartet saves the day

The Parker Quartet, which played here in 2013, picked up the date and will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 12, at the First Presbyterian Church.

The Parker Quartet is Blodgett Artists-in-Residence at Harvard University’s Department of Music in Boston and perform commissioned as well as a classical repertoire and draw inspiration from the members of the Cleveland Quartet who have mentored them over the years, according to Angela Brintlinger, Chamber Music publicity chair.

Quartet members include Daniel Chong and Ying Xue on violin, Jessica Bodner on viola, and Kee-Hyun Kim on cello.

Selections will start with Mendelssohn’s “String Quartet No. 1, Op. 12” and end with Shostakovich’s “Quartet No. 3 in F Major, Op. 73.” A contemporary piece by Augusta Read Thomas, “Helix Spiral for string quartet” from 2015 is a tribute to other composers.

Brintlinger said the composer explained that this collaboration between music and science demonstrates how music can be an abstract and intellectual expression of nature. Both the Thomas and the Mendelssohn pieces will be heard in Yellow Springs for the first time.

Shostakovich’s “Third Quartet” — a piece that is said to have made its composer weep when he listened to it being played — will be performed for the second time ever in the Chamber Music series, she said.

The pre-concert lecture will begin the evening at 6:45 p.m.

The Parker Quartet will stay over on Monday to work with students at Mills Lawn Elementary School in an outreach program specially arranged by Chamber Music in Yellow Springs.

Chamber Music will conclude its 2016-17 season with the 32nd Annual Competition for Emerging Professional Ensembles on Sunday, April 23.

Two chamber groups will compete for the grand prize, with a panel of guest judges presiding. More information on the groups will be available on the Chamber Music website at www.cmys.org.

How to go

What: The Parker Quartet

Where: First Presbyterian Church, 314 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs

When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 12

Admission: Adults $25; students $7

More info: 937-374-8800 or go to www.cmys.org