Felix Mendelssohn never really got the kudos he deserved while he was alive.
But 200 years after his birth in 1809, the world is partying hardy for the fine music he created.
Three outstanding island musicians will honor this celebratory year of Mendelssohn at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation church in Freeland.
The Chaminade Trio will play “Trio No. 1 in D Minor for Violin, Cello and Piano, Opus 49” by Felix Mendelssohn, followed by “Trio No. 5 in G Major, K. 564” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Trio musicians are Peggy Bardarson, violin; Carol Graef, cello; and Nola Allen, piano.
The Chaminade Trio was formed in 1983 when the musicians, all summer residents of Whidbey Island then, began to play together for enjoyment and to prepare their repertoire for performances. Choosing to name themselves after the prolific French composer Cecile Chaminade, whose works are largely ignored today, the trio frequently played one of her piano trios in the early years.
Since then, the Chaminade Trio is something of an institution, having graced island audiences with its expert interludes for more than 25 years.
Early concerts were sponsored by what is now known as the Whidbey Island Arts Council at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. It also gave concerts in private homes to benefit various groups, including the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island.
Off-island, the trio has extended its reach far and wide, performing at the Women Composers series in Spokane, the Bloedel Conservatory Chamber series on Bainbridge Island, in various locations in Bellevue and in several major Seattle museums under the auspices of the Ladies Musical Club of Seattle.
It is not surprising such notable institutions vie to offer the music of the Chaminade Trio, as the credentials of the musicians are impressive.
Violinist Bardarson was concertmaster of the Seattle Philharmonic for 19 years and freelanced with many local orchestras playing under the batons of George Shangrow, Parke Burgess, Fred West and Richard Sparks.
Now living in Freeland, she is associate concertmaster of the Saratoga Chamber Orchestra and was featured as a soloist in January.
A summer resident of Clinton, cellist Graef played for many years with the Spokane Symphony, where she served as principal and assistant principal on her instrument.
Until her retirement, she taught privately and coached members of Spokane’s Youth Symphony. Graef is still active as a freelance player, coach and adjudicator.
Pianist Allen served for many years as music director of the Mercer Island Presbyterian Church.
Spending her summers in Langley, she has kept busy as a professional accompanist who is in demand, and has toured extensively with the Young Artist Competition of the Ladies Musical Club.
Also a gifted watercolorist, Allen’s paintings have been exhibited on Whidbey and in other northwest galleries.
The Chaminade Trio welcomes everyone to join the celebration of Mendelssohn’s birth and to hear the reason why he has come to be known as one of the great romantic composers of all time.
Tickets for the concert cost $15 per person or $25 per family, and may be reserved by calling the church office at 321-8656. All proceeds will benefit the church. A reception follows the program. The church is located on Highway 525 north of Freeland.
