Fry Street Chamber Music Festival Returns for Summer Concerts, Masterclasses, More

LOGAN — The Fry Street Quartet’s annual Chamber Music Festival, a concert series, private lessons, coaching sessions and more, is set to return this July.

Hosted by the Caine College of the Arts resident string quartet, the festival also features masterclasses, small and large chamber music rehearsals, performance opportunities, personal practice time and recreational activities. Students are assigned to a small ensemble and receive repertoire assignments to practice in advance.

The quartet had the privilege of being profoundly inspired by summer music festival experiences as students. The magic of being immersed in the world of great chamber music with the guidance of accomplished mentors — all the while making new friends who understood the indescribable passion — created memories and relationships the FSQ members treasure to this day. They hope to give back to the younger generation by cultivating an atmosphere of inspiration and learning at USU.

Part of the festival includes a series of concerts featuring the FSQ and various guest artists. The first concert features the music of Haydn, Mozart, Rolla and Shostakovich performed by William Hagen, violin; Brad Ottesen, viola; John T. Posadas, viola; and Cahill Smith, piano, on July 7 at 7:30 p.m.

The second concert features the music of Beethoven, Stravinsky, Sarasate, Gershwin and Schumann performed by William Hagen, violin; Cahill Smith, piano; Anne Francis Bayless, cello; and John T. Posadas, violin. The concert is July 8 at 7:30 p.m.

The third concert of the series features music of Taffanel, Benavides, Clarke, and Chebotaryan performed by the Logan Canyon Winds along with Anne Francis Bayless, cello; Rebecca McFaul, violin; John T. Posadas, viola; and Aleksandra Kasman Laude on piano. The concert is July 10 at 7:30 p.m.

The final concert of this year’s festival features the music of Scarlatti, Tchaikovsky, Turina, Prokofiev and Brahms performed by Brant Bayless, viola; Rebecca McFaul, violin; and Aleksandra Kasman Laude, piano, at 7:30 p.m. on July 13.

All concerts will be in the Russell/Wanlass Performance Hall.

“Whether you are an aspiring musician, dedicated teacher, enthusiastic audience member or proud music lover, we have something special to offer you,” Emily Ezola, executive director of the festival, said. “Building meaningful human connection through the power of music and mentorship is my passion, and I want you to be part of the Fry Street Chamber Music Festival magic.”

Festival attendees have the option to purchase tickets for any concert for $12 or purchase a festival all-access pass for $50. The pass includes priority seating at all concerts and admission to other festival activities, including student performances, music seminars and master classes.

There are two free student chamber music recitals included in the festival. The first is a Noon Chapel Concert on July 12, held at 89 S 200 W in Logan. The second is July 15 at 3 p.m. in the Russell/Wanlass Performance Hall.

For more information, contact the CCA Box Office in room L101 of the Chase Fine Arts Center on USU’s campus, call 435-797-8022, or go online to music.usu.edu/frystreetcmf.