The Magic of Mendelssohn

Bethel United Church of Christ is thrilled to announce a return to live, in-person performances on Sunday, March 13 at 4:00 p.m. as part of the church’s Chamber Music at Bethel concert series. The afternoon concert will feature Music at Bethel’s artistic director and pianist Jeffrey Panko, flutist Jennie Brown, and cellist Paula Kosower playing two beloved piano trios by Felix Mendelssohn.

The artists will perform Mendelssohn’s Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor and Piano Trio No. 2 in C minor. Originally scored for violin, violincello and piano, the pieces were believed to be transcribed for flute at a later date by the composer himself.

Flutist Jennie Brown is an active performer throughout Chicago in solo, chamber, contemporary, and orchestral settings. She serves as Executive and Artistic Director of the chamber ensemble Picosa, and teaches at Wheaton College and Elmhurst University.

Cellist Paula Kosower is an active performer and teacher who frequently appears with numerous ensembles. This past season she performed concerts online and in person for the Dame Myra Hess concert series, for the Driehaus Museum Chicago and for Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Pianist Jeffrey Panko is a regular performer in the Music at Bethel concert series, both as soloist and collaborator. He has been featured in performances at Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall, Lincoln Center Library, WQXR Radio (New York), and most recently has been a frequent performer at the intimate Saint James Chapel, located within the Archbishop Quigley Center in Chicago.

When asked about the Mendelssohn flute trios, Panko said, “Full of light, fleeting sparkling technical moments, beautiful melodies and passionate romantic era warm harmonies, these two trios of Mendelssohn are favorites of audiences and critics alike. I look forward to Music at Bethel finally returning to live performances with long-time friends of our series flutist Jennie Brown and cellist Paula Kosower.”

Properly worn face coverings are required at all times by all attendees.

Bethel United Church of Christ is located at 315 East St. Charles Road in Elmhurst. Tickets are available by calling 630-279-4040, or at the door. All tickets are $20 and students are free.

The church is accessible and parking is free. Enter through Sandburg Middle School from St. Charles Road, or from Huntington off Poplar Street.