Return of the Master

In an epic 2019-20 campaign wherein the Musical Masterworks chamber music series will dedicate the final two concerts to the performance of the Beethoven’s Complete String Quartets, it would be easy to overlook the season’s other typically excellent programs. Don’t make that mistake.

Consider the inaugural concerts taking place this weekend, as always, in Old Lyme’s aesthetically splendid First Congregational Church. Under the direction of Musical Masterworks artistic director/resident cellist Edward Arron, the presentation will include Mozart’s Sonata in G Major for Violin and Piano, K. 379; Ravel’s Piano Trio in a minor; and Schumann’s Piano Trio in d minor, Opus 63. Joining Arron onstage for nuanced interpretations will be pianist Gilles Vonsattel and violinist Stefan Jackiw.

Longtime MM fans are almost as familiar with the popular Vonsattel, a frequently returning guest, as they are Arron. Saturday and Sunday, though, mark the Masterworks debut of Jackiw after numerous attempts to coordinate schedules in the past. All three are deeply thoughtful, elegant players — and Arron’s program was designed to maximize the possibilities.

Oh, and Arron will deliver a special pre-show talk on the program and musicians an hour before the concerts. Musical Masterworks, 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, pre-concert talks at 4 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, First Congregational Church, 2 Ferry Road, Old Lyme; $40 for adults, $5 for students; (860) 434-2252, www.musicalmasterworks.org.