“The Gabriel Chamber Ensemble concludes its 36th season with ‘Heartstrings of the Romantic,’ celebrating the emotional richness and expressive beauty of Romantic-inspired chamber music,” says Sara Male, Executive Director of the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble.

The Gabriel Chamber Ensemble presents “Heartstrings of the Romantic,” 3 p.m. June 14, Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County.

“The program features works by Johannes Brahms, Kenji Bunch, and George Rochberg, offering audiences a compelling blend of traditional Romantic repertoire and contemporary works rooted in lyricism, warmth, and emotional depth,” says Male, adding, “Through soaring melodies, intimate musical conversations and moments of dramatic intensity, the program explores the enduring expressive spirit of Romantic music across generations.”

The concert opens with “String Quartet No. 6: III. Variations (On Pachelbel Canon)” (1978) by American composer George Rochberg (1918-2005).

Although initially a proponent of serialism, a 12-tone technique developed by Arnold Schoenberg, the work in a neo-romantic style is a beautiful blend of dissonant sections and lush romantic passages on Johann Pachelbel’s popular “Canon in D.”

American composer Kenji Bunch (b. 1973) describes the “String Circle” as his “tribute to diverse landscapes of American string music and highlights the continuous history and tradition of string instruments.”

The five-movement work was created in the classical tradition and incorporates elements of bluegrass, folk, Americana, jazz and funk.

After intermission, the concert continues with “Sextet No. 2 in G major, Op. 36” by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897).

“Brahms represents the heart of the Romantic tradition with music celebrated for its lush textures, sweeping melodic lines and emotional sincerity,” says Male.

Published in 1866, there are four movements: I. Allegro non troppo; II. Scherzo. Allegro non troppo - Presto giocoso, III. Poco Adagio, and IV. Poco Allegro.

Although published in Germany, the first public performance of record occurred Oct.11, 1866, in Boston during a concert by the Mendelssohn Quintette Club, active from 1849 to 1895.

Says Male, “These selections create a thoughtful dialogue between past and present while highlighting the timeless human emotions at the center of Romantic music: longing, tenderness, nostalgia, joy and passion. The result is a program that feels both familiar and fresh, inviting audiences into an engaging and emotionally resonant musical experience.”

Founded by Simon and Agnès Maurer, the Gabriel Chamber Ensemble (GCE) held its first concert in July 1990 and remains devoted to presenting exceptional and unique performances of some of the world’s most revered chamber music repertoire. GCE holds community and educational outreach programs.

“Heartstrings of the Romantic,” Gabriel Chamber Ensemble, 3 p.m. June 14, Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 252 Dock St., Schuylkill Haven. Tickets: 570-943-2558; https://gabrielensemble.org/calendar/

“Classical View” is a column about classical music concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com