The Rochester Chamber Music Society opens their 27th season with an evening concert on Thursday, July 1, at 7:30 p.m., presenting the Heliand Consort. The concert is free and will be held at the Rochester Federated Church.

The Vermont-based chamber music ensemble presents chamber music and songs inspired by the natural world. Music of Australian composer and community activist, Padma Newsome, will be featured prominently at the July concert. Newsome’s songs speak to the fragile coastal ecosystem of his hometown of Mallacoota, still healing from the devastating 2019/2020 bush fires. Thursday’s program, entitled  “Universe in a Sparkle,” will include works by Amy Beach, Jenni Brandon, Lili Boulanger, and others.

Heliand Consort’s summer series marks their return to live, in-person concerts for the first time in over 16 months. Now in their 14th season, “Universe in a Sparkle” features flutist Berta Frank, oboist Katie Oprea, bassoonist Rachael Elliott, and pianist and RCMS artistic director, Cynthia Huard. 

For more information visit rcmsvt.org or call (802) 767-9234.