Celtic to Classical ensemble features music from around the world

The sounds of music from around the world will resonate throughout venues in Southern Delaware in August when the Celtic to Classical ensemble returns for a third season of performances sure to delight audiences of all musical tastes.

Led by violinist and pianist Sheridan Seyfried, the ensemble of critically acclaimed, award-winning musicians this year will present two distinctive programs ranging from classics and bluegrass to Bach, folk music and original compositions.

Exploring the energy of dueling fiddles, the Baroque to Bluegrass program will be presented at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 7, at Georgetown Presbyterian Church in Georgetown; Wednesday, Aug. 8, at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach; Thursday, Aug. 9, at St. Martha's Episcopal Church in Bethany Beach; and Friday, Aug. 10 at Avenue United Methodist Church in Milford.

Songs and Dances, exploring the threads that run through a variety of musical styles, will be presented at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 14, at the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist in Milton; Wednesday, Aug. 15, at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach; and Thursday, Aug. 16, at St. Martha's Episcopal Church in Bethany Beach.

There is no admission charge, but a freewill offering will be accepted.

Joining Seyfried for the Baroque to Bluegrass performances are Grammy Award-winning cellist Jonah Kim; violinist Dennis Kim, a leading concertmaster of his generation; Sean Kennard, described by The Washington Post as "a strong and luminous pianist"; and violinist Alexis Meschter, a Delaware native and winner of the Peabody Institute's William Marbury Competition.

Jonah Kim, called "the next Yo-Yo Ma" by The Washington Post, will lead the Songs and Dances performances. He will be joined by Seyfried, Meschter, and flutist, pianist and composer Ya-Jhu Yang, a graduate of the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia.

Seyfried, whose parents Elise and Steve Seyfried founded the venerable Rehoboth Summer Children's Theatre in 1982, spent many summers at the beach while growing up. The Celtic to Classical summer performances are inspired by the musical eclecticism of Andrea Clearfield's Philadelphia Salon concerts and motivated by a desire to find joy in different modes of musical expression.

For more information, go to www.celtictoclassical.com.