Throughout 2009, Orcas Center will present Island Classics, a series of three matinee chamber music performances featuring players from San Juan, Orcas and Lopez Islands. The first of this series will be held on Sunday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m.

Last summer, Orcas Island musician Marilyn Parman approached Orcas Center’s Executive/Artistic Director Barbara Courtney with the idea of a classical music series.

“We loved the idea from the start. It satisfies a request from several audience members for more classical music, other opportunities to perform for our local musicians, and a very appropriate use of our secondary performance venue,” noted Courtney.

In between her off-island musical engagements, Parman quickly began contacting island musicians and creating three diverse and rich programs.

“Utilizing our own musicians is good for our community – playing locally gives these wonderful musicians work at home. It’s green too – maybe it will replace one concert that these wonderful musicians will need to perform away from home, saving fuel.”

For the first matinee performance of the Island Classics Series, Parman will be joined by Becky Johnson on piano, Celia Rosenberger (violin), Carolyn Cruso (hammered dulcimer), and Sharon Abreu and Michael Hurwicz. Works to be performed are: The Lord’s Prayer by Albert Hay Malotte, Prayer by Ernest Bloch, Sonata by Francois Duval, To Dorette and Aire by Arni Egilsson, and original works by Cruso, Abreu and Hurwicz.

Because of the intimate size of Orcas Center’s OffCenter Stage, this series offers audience members and musicians an up-close experience with chamber music. Seating is limited to 60, so all are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for students. To purchase tickets, please visit www.orcascenter.org or call or 376-2281 ext 1. The Orcas Center Box Office will re-open on Jan. 22. Box office hours are Thursday-Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.