Church hits the high note to wrap up its midsummer series

The Midsummer Music Festival was held at St. Armands Key Lutheran Church because many performing arts organizations go on hiatus during the summer. 

Yet the public was still in search of music on Aug. 27, when the series concluded with the "(Un)Known" performance by the Sarasota Piano Trio, to a mostly full auditorium. 

The theme of the series is classical music with a twist, and the trio of Jessé Martins on piano, Milene Moreira on violin and Nadine Trudel on cello highlighted some of the "unknowns" in the music world, focusing on lesser-known pieces and in some cases composers. 

"We really wanted to play music that you don't get to hear a lot, or often, or sometimes ever," Martins said, describing an area of emphasis for the group since it was formed. 

The program consisted of "Sonatensatz" by Franz Schubert, "Lento from Piano Trio" by Cecile Chaminade, "Suite for Piano Trio" by Paul Juon, and "Miniatures" by Frank Bridge.

The trio, comprised of three Sarasota Opera members, frequently offers free concerts in the local area. 

"It gave me chills. It was absolutely phenomenal," said attendee Jane Whittlinger. "I wasn't prepared for something this outstanding."