Devin Ossman first knew he wanted to play the flute when he was 5.

“My mother said even as an infant I loved any music with the sound of the flute,” said the musician.

He began taking lessons as soon as his fingers could reach all the keys, and through the course of his musical life he never swayed from the instrument.

Now as a flute player with 35 years’ of experience, Ossman is gathering a talented group of island artists to perform some of his favorite pieces.

“Devin Ossman and Friends, Here, There and Bach Again,” will be presented as part of the Local Artist Series at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3.

The selection of music of solo flute and classical chamber music runs the gamut from Bach — whom Ossman called “the greatest composer of all time” — to Ravel, Beethhoven and Debussy to some contemporary music, including some Ossman originals.

Ossman said he chose the music based on his passion for the flute, an instrument he’s fervent about sharing. Ossman’s selection encompasses three centuries of music with Bach as its star, though the program reaches into the realm of jazz and Celtic music as well.

“A few of the pieces are wonderful familiar melodies and all are very listenable, tuneful and approachable for any ear. But many I chose because they are rare little gems that deserve to be listened to,” Ossman said.

For example Paul Hindemith’s “Sonatine in Canon Style for Two Flutes,” is one such rare gem that blends a modern melody with an ancient form.

The canon style dates back to medieval times and uses a “follow-the-leader” playfulness for two flutes that builds tension with dissonance then finds its way back to a settled harmony again. Flutist Elizabeth Felt will be accompanying Ossman for the piece.

Cellist James Hinkley will accompany Ossman on “Assobio a Jato” (“The Jet Whistle”) by 20th century Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. The title refers to the special whistle-glissando technique on the flute near the end that reminded the composer of a jet plane.

Villa-Lobos had an interesting mix of influences from Brazilian folk music and classical European music. Ossman called it an exotic and unique blend of the two worlds, and the result is a 20th century hybrid style that is like no other composer’s. He truly did his own thing, Ossman said.

The passion that Ossman has for the flute is conveyed through a theme of love that is evident in a number of pieces in the repertoire. This theme is sung en Français in the love-infused Maurice Ravel 1926 work “Chansons Madecasses.” This piece for soprano, flute, cello and piano is based on the poems of Evariste Desire de Forges Parny, a French poet who lived in the tropics during the 18th century.

The lyrics are ripe with love and the passion that Ossman is after. In one song entitled “Il est doux” (“It is sweet”), a lover languishes over the attentions of a woman.

“Singing pleases my soul; and dancing is nearly as sweet as a kiss,” sings the soprano. “Il est doux” is a tender lyrical idyll, a prelude to a nocturne sung into the evening wind.

Ravel described his composition as “a kind of quartet in which the voice plays the part of the main instrument.” For the Ravel, soprano Gretchen d’Armand will be accompanied by Hinkley on cello, Heidi Hoelting on piano and Ossman, on flute.

Other island artists invited to play are Peggy Bardarson, Kathy Fox, Chris Harshman, Randy Hudson, Siri Bardarson, Linda Morris and Michael Nutt treating the audience to the sounds of violin, guitar, harpsichord, concertina and basoon among other intsruments.

Ossman said he is grateful to have such a talented pool of musicians to choose from on the island. Some of the artists are part of the neo-folk ensemble “No Band Is An Island” with whom Ossman has recorded two CDs. He also has been a member of the Celtic group “Indigo” and plays regularly with the Saratoga Chamber Players and the Whidbey Island Chamber Players.

When he’s not performing, Ossman shares his musical talents. He has a studio at home where he teaches young and old alike and composes music.

Johann Sebastian Bach may be the star of this concert but it is Ossman’s quiet and determined resolve to share the passion he has for this music that will truly be something to hear. Tickets for the show are available online at www.WICAonline.com or by calling 221-8268.

Patricia Duff can be reached at 221-5300 or pduff@southwhidbeyrecord.com.